My K-beauty journey started with Klairs, and a few years later I'm here as a Klairs Brand Ambassador which makes me very proud. There are two Klairs products which I always recommend - Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner and Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream.
My story with Klairs started a few years ago with Midnight Blue Cream, but Rich Moist Soothing Cream was the cream which I keep going back, even if I test many products including moisturizers there are some products which I always recommend to my friends and on Picky app, and I go back to them every time my skin freaks out.
About Klairs
Klairs is a K-beauty brand, and one of the first South Korean brands I've ever tried. The motto of the company is 'simple but enough'. Klairs is a part of Wishcompany, and its origins take us back to 2012 when Klairs officially became a part of Wishcompany. The name meaning is a bit different from other brands. According to Klairs, the name Dear, Klairs comes from the fictional character Klair, a girl with sensitive skin, the name is like a letter to her. Even if the full name of a brand is Dear, Klairs we stick to using Klairs and honestly, I barely ever see anyone using the full name of a company. Klairs notice how changing, and challenging the cosmetic market can be that's why they decided to focus on quality over quantity. 'Simple but enough' means that the brand won't create many products, instead they focus on simple solutions. The brand doesn't only listen to customers, and their ideas, but Klairs focus on the environment is a part of the brand's mission. All skin types can use Klairs products. The brand is cruelty-free, and vegetarian-friendly, the majority of products are vegan-friendly. You won't find here parabens, artificial colourants and scents. I don't think parabens are evil, but some people prefer to avoid them.
Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner - Ingredients
Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethyl Sulfone, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Disodium EDTA, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Arginine, Carbomer, Panthenol, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Beta-Glucan, Lysine HCl, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Methionine, Theanine, Proline, Natto Gum, Disodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Phosphate, Copper Tripeptide-1
Water is an ingredient that you can find in almost every product. Its purpose in products is easy - it's a solvent. Butylene Glycol is a moisturizer and solvent, but it's also alcohol. You see, not every alcohol in skincare is terrible. Some of them have positive effects on your skin - just like Butylene Glycol, which is a popular substance even in eco/green cosmetic products. Dimethyl Sulfone is a solvent. Betaine derives from sugar beets. It's an amino acid that keeps your skin moist, and you might want to use it in your haircare routine. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient. It's a combination of coconut oil and glycerin that makes mild, gentle and delicate emollients. It thickens the formula, but it also makes skin feel smooth in touch. Disodium EDTA is a synthetic stabilizer and preservative. It helps with the viscosity of the product. Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract is an ingredient that sounds a bit off. Have you ever tried Licorice candy? It was one of the worst nightmares from my childhood, but after many years I can't imagine my life without Licorice, but in skincare. Since I was taught British English, I usually go with the word Liquorice and in this version, it sounds like a great name for rice alcohol. It's a source of flavonoids, Galabridin and Glycyrrhizin. Liquorice is a herb with a long tradition of use in herbal medicine. People believe Liquorice has antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract in skincare can help you with pigmentation, and that's why I started to love Licorice. Is there anything better than the brightening effect? Centella Asiatica Extract is an ingredient that stays in the skincare trend. Lots of ingredients used in skincare have a long history of use in medicine. This ingredient isn't different because Centella is a part of Ayurveda, a traditional (or if you prefer - alternative) medicine used by people for ages. Nowadays we associate it with India. Centella is a herb primarily applied in skincare for its healing properties. It speeds up the healing process, and that's why acne-prone skin loves it. If you're pregnant or you plan pregnancy, then try to find body care products with Centella Asiatica because it can have a valuable meaning on skin elasticity as well as stretch marks.
Chlorphenesin is a preservative with antibacterial properties. Tocopheryl Acetate is a form of Vitamin E. It's an antioxidant with some moisturizing properties. It protects your skin from free radical damage. It supports UVB protection, but Vitamin E in the form of Tocopheryl Acetate is not as helpful as Tocopherol. Glycerin is one of the most popular humectants in skincare. There's a large number of myths around glycerin like it can clog your skin. It doesn't clog your pores, but too much glycerin can make a sticky layer on the epidermis and even make your skin dryer than before due to TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss). Still, it's an ingredient that we want to see in formulas. Arginine is an amino acid, a moisturizer with antioxidant properties. Carbomer is a thickener and stabilizer. You can often see it in gel formulas. Panthenol is nothing else than Pro-vitamin B5, a soothing moisturizer with positive meaning to the skin barrier. It speeds up the healing process. It feels like 1,2-Hexanediol is everywhere, and it's not a surprise. Even if it's a solvent, it's also a moisturizer.
Hydroxyethylcellulose is a thickener. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is a classic moisturizer with soothing properties. Some people might be allergic to aloe. My problem with aloe is that if you prepare aloe in a "wrong" way, it can sensitize the skin. Althaea Rosea Flower Extract has soothing properties. Portulaca Oleracea is a succulent, and plant used in Korean traditional medicine. It's a source of vitamin A, C and E, omega-3 acids and calcium. Portulaca Oleracea Extract is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. It can help speed up the wound healing that's why people with acne-prone skin, sensitive skin and PIE should look up to this ingredient in products.
Polyquaternium-51 has moisturizing properties. Beta-Glucan derives from yeast, mushroom (like Chaga or shiitake), seaweed or cereals (oat, wheat, barley). I don't know why, but Beta-Glucan to me smells like wine. Beta-glucan is a stunning humectant with soothing properties. It's great for sensitive skin. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate aka SAP is a stable form of Vitamin C which I love, it doesn't need low pH, it works with higher values than pH 3. Neogen Real Vita C serum has based on this ingredient. This antioxidant helps me a lot with pigmentation - especially if you add niacinamide and use them both at the same time, even if this mix is not the best for sensitive skin. This form might also help with acne in small concentrations. Sodium Hyaluronate is a salt form of a popular Natural Moisturizing Factor - Hyaluronic Acid. Theanine is an emollient. Proline is an amino acid, it has a positive meaning to our skin. Natto Gum is a fermented ingredient derived from soy. It leaves a film on the skin. Disodium Phosphate and Sodium Phosphate are buffers. Polysorbate 60 is a surfactant. Copper Tripeptide-1 is a peptide complex made out of copper and three amino acids - glycine, histidine and lysine. This complex naturally occurs in our body - you can find it in urine and saliva. It has a beneficial meaning for our figures. It helps with wound healing, and it stimulates glycosaminoglycans, collagen and elastin production, it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. That's why companies love to use it as a firming ingredient. Klairs use Copper Tripeptide-1 in many products like Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drop which review you can find on Kherblog. I used formulas with GHK-Cu before and in my case - it helps a lot with wound healing, and from time to time I like to add Copper Peptide serums to my skincare to give my skin some healing support.
Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner - OLD INCI
Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethyl Sulfone, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Natto Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Panthenol, Arginine, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Beta-Glucan, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Lysine HCL, Proline, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Methionine, Theanine, Copper Tripeptide-1
I made a review of this toner 3 years ago. I had a scented version too, and I'm glad Klairs sent me this toner as a part of the PR box for ambassadors. The old formula had no Arginine, Disodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, so there are some changes in the product, but let's be honest - it's still the same, the best toner I've ever tried. There are toners that I would also recommend, but Klairs is like a typical intro to your K-beauty routine. It's not a typical toner you can find in Europe or the US. It's a thick toner which I enjoy using as a part of the toner mask. If my skin gets easily irritated or I use acids the day before, the next morning toner mask can calm and hydrate my skin.
Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream
Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Stearic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Microcrystalline Wax, Betaine, Sorbitan Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Arginine, Carbomer, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Citric Acid, Beta-Glucan, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-51, Apium Graveolens (Celery) Extract, Brassica Rapa (Turnip) Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract, Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Lysine HCl, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Methionine, Theanine, Proline, Palmitic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Oleic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Algin, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Natto Gum, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Water is an ingredient that you can find in almost every product. Its purpose in products is easy - it's a solvent. Glycerin is one of the most popular humectants in skincare. There's a large number of myths around glycerin like it can clog your skin. It doesn't clog your pores, but too much glycerin can make a sticky layer on the epidermis and even make your skin dryer than before due to TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss). Still, it's an ingredient that we want to see in formulas. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient. It's a combination of coconut oil and glycerin that makes mild, gentle and delicate emollients. It thickens the formula, but it also makes skin feel smooth in touch. Cyclopentasiloxane is not only an emollient but silicone. I'm aware that because of the internet, people treat silicones like the worst ingredients you can find in the product. But are they as bad as people say? No! Silicones are good for the skin since they work as occlusives - what they do is protect the skin from dehydration. Cyclopentasiloxane is a volatile silicone, which means that once you apply it to the surface of your skin, it will evaporate. It won't get absorbed by the skin, that's why you shouldn't be scared. If you're allergic then the good news is that the chance of getting allergic reactions to silicones is very rare.
Cetyl Alcohol is good alcohol and while writing that I reminded myself of an old joke about two drunk men drinking methanol and one said to the other one - we should drink faster, it's getting dark here - obviously, it's dark humour, because you are not supposed to drink methanol, so in this case, ethanol is also good alcohol. Cetyl alcohol is an oily emollient and emulsifier. It locks the water in your skin and prevents dehydration. Glyceryl Stearate is an ester of Glycerin and Stearic Acid. It's an emollient and emulsifier, and you can find it in oil in water formulas. It's a superb ingredient, but in some solutions, Glyceryl Stearate is problematic for me since it feels like it clogs my skin, but just because I'm not a fan of it, it doesn't mean your skin won't like it. Every skin is different. Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an oily emollient ester. It's a synthetic substance used in skincare and haircare products to protect both hair and skin from water loss and soften the skin. Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter has a wide range of use - people use it to prepare dishes, in medicine, but also in cosmetics. It's an emollient that all skin types should love, but oily skin might have a tiny problem with it. It has mild UV protection (around SPF 3) so it shouldn't be used as sunscreen. It's great for dry skin and during the winter to protect the skin since it leaves a film on the surface of the skin. It's also a source of vitamins such as Vitamin E and Vitamin A. Vitellaria Paradoxa trees aka shea butter trees can be found in Africa that's why it is so important to use shea butter from brands with Fairtrade certification. Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil is not an oil but a wax ester. It's an emollient and it is very similar to human sebum which makes it a great ingredient for the skin. Stearic Acid is an emollient that you can love or hate. The problem is that not every skin likes it - mine usually breaks out when you show it Stearic Acid. Butylene Glycol is a moisturizer and solvent, but it's also alcohol. You see, not every alcohol in skincare is terrible. Some of them have positive effects on your skin - just like Butylene Glycol, which is a popular substance even in eco/green cosmetic products.
Sorbitan Sesquioleate is an emulsifier.
Microcrystalline Wax stabilizes the formula. Betaine derives from sugar beets. It's an amino acid that keeps your skin moist, and you might want to use it in your haircare routine. Sorbitan Stearate is a vegan-friendly emulsifier. PEG-100 Stearate is also an emulsifier. Dimethicone is a dry emollient. Some people might find clogging, but it keeps your skin moist and protect it from dehydration. It has a positive effect on the skin barrier by creating occlusion, and it helps with scars. It can also smooth your skin visually. It's also silicone that's why some people like to talk badly about Dimethicone just because of this fact, but there's no reason to be frightened. It gives your skin an occlusive film, but it doesn't suffocate your skin. We need occlusion to prevent water from TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss) - to keep the skin moist. It protects your hair from dehydration and weather, and it makes it easier to brush your hair. Arginine is an amino acid, a moisturizer with antioxidant properties. Carbomer is a thickener and stabilizer. You can often see it in gel formulas. Chlorphenesin is a preservative with antibacterial properties. Tocopheryl Acetate is a form of Vitamin E. It's an antioxidant with some moisturizing properties. It protects your skin from free radical damage. It supports UVB protection, but Vitamin E in the form of Tocopheryl Acetate is not as helpful as Tocopherol. Paeonia Suffruticosa is a symbol of wealth and good luck. This plant is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Mu Dan Pi and it can be used to cure nosebleeds. In skincare, companies use Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract as an anti-inflammation treatment. Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract has a typical scent - like all Star Anise ingredients and products. Star Anise Seed, also called Badian is a plant that you probably know from your kitchen, but it has a long story of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It was used to treat various health problems like nausea. Some brands use Star Anise as an astringent. Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract is an exfoliant that brightens your skin. It’s popular for normal skin types and dull skin. Some companies use Grapefruit Fruit Extract in anti-ageing products. Scutellaria Baicalensis - we know this herb from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Skullcap Root Extract is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can brighten your skin a bit. Scutellaria hides under the name Huang Qin and it helps with inflammation and allergy. Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) - a chemical exfoliant. It's derived from fruits like lemon. It's a weak acid and usually weaker AHA acids act like moisturizers. In this case, Citric Acid helps with the pH level of the formula.
Beta-Glucan derives from yeast, mushroom (like Chaga or shiitake), seaweed or cereals (oat, wheat, barley). I don't know why, but Beta-Glucan to me smells like wine. Beta-glucan is a stunning humectant with soothing properties. It's great for sensitive skin. Hydrogenated Lecithin is lecithin after surgery - it works as an emollient, but it is also used to encapsulate the active substance in liposomes (since they are supposed to help the active substance penetrate the skin deeper). Portulaca Oleracea is a succulent, and plant used in Korean traditional medicine. It's a source of vitamin A, C and E, omega-3 acids and calcium. Portulaca Oleracea Extract is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. It can help speed up the wound healing that's why people with acne-prone skin, sensitive skin and PIE should look up to this ingredient in products. It feels like 1,2-Hexanediol is everywhere, and it's not a surprise. Even if it's a solvent, it's also a moisturizer. Centella Asiatica Extract is an ingredient that stays in the skincare trend. Lots of ingredients used in skincare have a long history of use in medicine. This ingredient isn't different because Centella is a part of Ayurveda, a traditional (or if you prefer - alternative) medicine used by people for ages. Nowadays we associate it with India. Centella is a herb primarily applied in skincare for its healing properties. It speeds up the healing process, and that's why acne-prone skin loves it. If you're pregnant or you plan pregnancy, then try to find body care products with Centella Asiatica because it can have a valuable meaning on skin elasticity as well as stretch marks. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is a hydrosol distilled from Aloe Vera leaves. It is used to calm the skin. Althaea Rosea Flower Extract has soothing properties.
Sodium Hyaluronate is a salt form of a popular Natural Moisturizing Factor - Hyaluronic Acid. Ceramide NP or Ceramide 3 is an ingredient that we want to see in our products. Ceramides naturally occur in human skin, and they have a dominant role. You can find them in the lipid barrier of the skin along with cholesterol and fatty acids. Ceramide is like a cement of the skin. It makes sure that your skin won't get dehydrated. Disodium EDTA is a synthetic stabilizer and preservative. It helps with the viscosity of the product. Polyquaternium-51 has moisturizing properties. Apium Graveolens (Celery) Extract is a source of vitamins. Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, a source of Vitamin E. It's an excellent absorbent. Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract helps with inflammation and wrinkles. Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract is an antioxidant. Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract is supposed to be an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Broccoli is a source of vitamins K and C. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate aka SAP is a stable form of Vitamin C which I love, it doesn't need low pH, it works with higher values than pH 3. Neogen Real Vita C serum has based on this ingredient. This antioxidant helps me a lot with pigmentation - especially if you add niacinamide and use them both at the same time, even if this mix is not the best for sensitive skin. This form might also help with acne in small concentrations. Theanine is an emollient. Proline is an amino acid. Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid, which you can find as a compound of many oils. It's an oily emollient, but sometimes oily skin might not enjoy it. Arachidic Acid is an emulsifier. Oleic Acid or Omega-9 is a fatty acid, it can be derived from olive oil, but also marula or avocado oil. It's an emollient with emulsifying properties. It's good for dry skin, while oily skin might not be a fan of it. Sodium Hydroxide helps with the pH of the product. Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract is an emolliet. Natto Gum is a fermented ingredient derived from soy. It leaves a film on the skin. Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil and Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil are essential oils, not a fan of them since they can be sensitizing. Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil is an essential oil. It gives a pleasant scent to the product. Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil or Rose Geranium Flower Essential Oil is an essential oil, which means it might be sensitizing for your skin. Pelargonium graveolens is a flower typical for South Africa. You can usually find it in perfumes, aromatherapy or skincare, as a scent ingredient. Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil is an essential oil with positive effects on acne-prone skin since it has antibacterial properties.
Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream - OLD INCI
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Stearic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Beta-Glucan, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Microcrystalline Wax, Betaine, Peg-100 Stearate, Ceramide 3, Polyquaternium-51, Sorbitan Stearate, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Arginine, Illicium Verum(Anise) Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi(Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Chlorphenesin, Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate, Algin, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Natto Gum, Centella Asiatica Extract, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Disodium Edta, Apium Graveolens (Celery) Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Brassica Rapa (Turnip) Leaf Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Lysine Hcl, Proline, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Methionine, Theanine, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
Another product from Klairs which I enjoy. I tried this one 4 years ago, and I'm not joking - a photo of this cream and the toner above are one of the most stolen photos I've ever taken (PS. I do not recommend stealing photos - I work with a company that would love to sue everyone who steals my work since they got some nice cash from stolen copyrights). This cream is ideal for all year, I even find it better for winter since it contains ceramides. It does have essential oils which might be a bit annoying but on the other hand, I never had issues with this formula. Even though there have been some changes in the formula, for example, Arachidic Acid is a new ingredient in the Klairs Soothing Moist Cream. I'm not sure how I feel about it since my skin can be sometimes a bit annoyed by Arachidic Acid. If I go somewhere and I have no hand cream, Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream can be a universal cream for your elbows, hands and face.
Where to buy Klairs?
Both Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner and Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream can be found on Wishtrend*. Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner* costs $22 for 180 ml and its PAO date is 12 months, and Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream* costs $26 for 80 ml, the PAO date is 12 months.
Have you ever tried Klairs before?
**This post was made in a collaboration with Klairs even though it still shows my personal opinion on the topic and product. This post contains affiliate links - you don't have to use them, but I would be thankful if you can use my links and promocodes - they help me pay for domain and all cost related to blogging and sharing posts and photos with you. ***
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