Previously, I came across a questionnaire by this brand on social media while I was scrolling aimlessly on my account. Without a second thought, I signed up for their reviewer event and kind of forgotten about it after that.
I was very surprised when I received a tailored package from the brand themselves - and let me tell you, I have never been so impressed by a PR product in so long.
💖 To-know before you read my skincare reviews 💖
- I live in Malaysia (tropical, humid and hot af climate)
- I have dry to very dry skin
- My main issues with skin revolves around closed comedones and fungal acne
Let's introduce this brand - The Potions.
Official Korean Website - http://www.thepotions.co.kr/#anchor3
According to your country, the brand has different retailers and distributers. If you're Malaysian, they are also available on Shopee, Lazada and Watsons. Check out their links [here] .
Hmm, let's just say that they're the Korean version of the Ordinary.
They have a very similar, simplistic concept that focuses on the singular ingredients of their products. Their packaging is sleek and aesthetic visually, with frosted glass bottles in matte carton boxes - rather similar to the Ordinary's overall design.
Their special concept is that they recommend you to mix their products together when applying - hence the name 'the Potions'. You get personalized potions that will help with your skin concerns by mixing their products. I find this concept very interesting and cute!
As my main concerns were acne issues and I have dry skin, the brand gave me three products to test and review -
Vitamin B12 Ampoule
Calamine Ampoule
Cream Mixer - Cica Moisturizer
The Potions - Vitamin B12 Ampoule 💸 Price - RM59.90 (20ml)
📦 Packaging – Frosted glass dropper bottle, matte unit carton box
💧 Texture – Smooth, light gel texture - just a slight pink tint
🌸 Scent – No scent
Benefits
💖 Hydration & Nourishment
💖 Anti-Aging
Helps with
✨ Uneven skin tone
✨ Skin firming
✨ Glow and hydration
✨ Repairing moisture barrier
✔️ Fragrance-free, fungal-acne safe, non-comedogenic
The Potions - Calamine Ampoule 💸 Price - RM59.90 (20ml)
📦 Packaging – Frosted glass dropper bottle, matte unit carton box
💧 Texture – Watery texture - calamine ingredient is very obvious
🌸 Scent – Natural calamine scent
Benefits
💖 Balancing, calming & soothing
Helps with
✨ Acne control
✨ Oil control
✨ Calming and soothing sensitive skin
✨ Reduces redness
✔️ Fragrance-free, fungal-acne safe, non-comedogenic
The Potions - Cream Mixer - Cica Moisturizer 💸 Price - RM89.90 (50g)
📦 Packaging – Squeezy tube, matte unit carton box
💧 Texture – Medium density cream texture
🌸 Scent – Natural scent
Benefits
💖 Moisturizing & Hydrating
💖 Calming
✔️ Fragrance-free, fungal-acne safe, non-comedogenic
Thoughts after use
I'm very impressed by the products from this brand, especially since it's a lesser-known Korean brand compared to COSRX and ISNTREE. When I received their products and read the ingredients and overall description, I already had a great feeling that I'd love their products.
For the Vitamin B12 Ampoule, it balances out my skin tone rather well, firming effects are also noticeable and it gives my skin a very healthy look overall. Smooth texture, easy absorption, no fragrance, no bullshit, just pure goodness.
While I was testing out their products, I was actually having a breakout from PMS, so it was just the right time to test the efficiency of the products. Glad to say that it worked pretty well! The Calamine Ampoule has a scent that's hard to describe that comes naturally from the calamine, but it's not a big issue for me personally. As for oil and sebum control, the effect is slightly noticeable, it helps with the T-zone shine definitely.
In Paula's Choice's ingredient dictionary, calamine is actually listed as a sensitizing ingredient and should only be used when necessary. The Potions stated that they're using an emulsion formulation of the ingredient that's suitable for daily use.
The Cream Mixer - Cica Moisturizer is available in two textures - cream and gel. Was rather surprised at this product because I'm very picky when it comes to moisturizers. In the brand's videos, they encourage users to mix the ampoules with this moisturizer, hence their name - the Potions. Get it? Mixing potions?
A little goes a loooong way for this product, and I'd compare with CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream but less heavy. It has kelp extract, nasturtium leaf extract, centella asiatica extract and ginseng fruit extract, that is said to provide nourishment and moisture to the skin.
This might be my new favorite daytime moisturizer, because it locks in moisture and doesn't feel heavy on the skin. I prefer using it compared to my CeraVe one now.
You'll be able to see the slight difference in my skin here and how it helped with my breakouts. The comedonal acne was gotten rid of with a facial session though.
For the cons, I think 20ml will only last me two months probably, priced at RM60, it's a very reasonable pricing for an ampoule. The only downside is that these are more suitable to be added on into your original skincare routine as a targeted treatment. Because they are focused on just one ingredient, but for their price point and brand philosophy, the product is still 💯💯
TL;DR - NEW HOLY GRAIL BRAND 👑
Here's my personal ratings for the experience!
(9.5/10)
I love all three products I've received! And I'll definitely repurchase after I run out. Since I have other products to try as well, I only use these products when I have breakouts or when my skin is very sensitive and needs calming.
💖 Vitamin B12 Ampoule - Brightening and firming effects are noticeable, nourishes the skin well and leaves it hydrated and glowing.
💖 Calamine Ampoule - Really good for acne breakouts and calming the skin!
💖 Cica Moisturizer (Cream Mixer) - Super good daytime moisturizer that is non-comedogenic and fits right into my routine!
I mean it when I say it's rare for me to really love products. I'm also very surprised why no one is talking about this brand. Focused on singular ingredients, the only bad thing I have to say is that they are more suitable as an addition to your original skincare routine. I feel like they still make a great choice if you get their moisturizer and just throw in their ampoules. I'm sure the results will be great!
Have you tried The Potions? Let me know your thoughts!
Disclaimer: Please note that my articles are written according to my own personal experience. All opinions stated are my own and I tend to keep things as honest as possible for my readers. There will always be varying experiences and opinions from others, what works for me may not work for you and vice versa. As a consumer, the choice is ultimately yours to make. Feel free to go ahead and test products at your nearest outlet before making a purchasing decision.