Not sticky, not oily, lightweight, and the perfect summer beauty addition! We are crushing over Sulwhasoo's first care-activating serum.
I was introduced to the concept of K-beauty back in 2017 and the first-ever product I tried had to be a sheet mask. Post using the mask my skin instantly felt soft, supple and hydrated. And so began my love affair with K-beauty. Earlier last month, luxury Korean skincare brand, Sulwhasoo launched their iconic First Care Activating Serum Advance in India - a top-rated K-beauty serum that promises to hydrate, brighten, and revitalize skin.
The newly advanced 5th generation FCA is known to improve skin health by helping it feel more resilient on the inside and more protected on the outside. The FCA is enriched with the hero ingredient New Jaum Activator -- a golden ratio of Lotus, White Lily, Solomon's Seal, Peony, and Rehmannia. Further, it helps improve the look of hydration, brightness, radiance, resilience, transparency and visible wrinkles.
Recently, I tried the new product and was left pleasantly surprised (as expected). To be honest, even before trying it I had placed my bets on the product. Packaged in a fun-sized bottle the best part about the first care serum is that it is the first step after cleansing!
Golden in colour, the exilir is neither too thick nor too thin in consistency. With a silky smooth texture that can be seamlessly applied to the skin, my skin absorbed the product instantly looking brighter and even-toned. But I also have a pet peeve for sticky heavy products that often makes me extra cautious with my choices but this left me pleasantly surprised. The lightweight product without leaving a residue stick feeling, left my skin feeling light and breathable. What I personally loved is how I could easily apply the product during the summer months.
Although, I’m someone with acne-prone, oily skin, the beauty of the first care serum is that I didn’t have any reaction to the product. In fact, my skin felt younger, more supple, reenergized and revitalised within two weeks of using the product. Just two pumps of the serum every morning after cleansing my face is all I needed to get set for the day.
TSL's final verdict:
Lightweight and not sticky
A safe option for all skin types
Follow it up with a moisturiser for more supple skin
It has a slightly strong smell, but that isn't a concern for me. However, if you're someone who prefers subtle fragrances then you may want to reconsider.
The golden elixir is lightweight and runny; it melts quickly into the skin, dries to the touch within minutes, and leaves zero residues behind, which is a huge win.
The serum softened my skin, left it bouncy, and hydrated and it definitely improved the absorption of subsequent products.
The price point is steep but worth the splurge.
A highly recommended product for your summer skincare routine and for all skin types.