Healthy skin starts with moisture and a happy microbiome. Axis-y understood this task a lot by creating the 6+1+1 line first. Now Axis-y went a step further and introduced us to the line based on the user's experience: ay&me. I found two Axis-y products which I was curious about: Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence and Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence. Thanks to Axis-y, I was able to compare both products to help you choose which line is better for your skin!
I think I can already answer your question - both lines and products are amazing for your skin! But I have to admit, if I would have to choose one of these serums then I would end up thinking about my choice for a week or more.
THIS POST WAS MADE IN COLLABORATION WITH AXIS-Y
About Axis-y
Axis-y is a young K-beauty brand. According to Axis-y's Facebook page, the brand started in December 2019. The brand makes climate-inspired skincare solutions. What does that mean? Our skin has to deal with lots of dangers like pollution, UV radiation (free radicals) and change in weather and temperatures. The real challenge for the skincare brand is to make a product that will be effective, and at the same time, it'll deal with our lifestyles. All products from Axis-y contain natural plant extracts, and the brand itself believes that skincare should be personal. The company keeps a great connection with customers on Instagram. I think it's crucial for beauty brands. We might not always agree, but respecting each other is better than some companies who try to bully people for saying their honest opinion out loud. All Axis-y products contain 6-1-1 Advanced Formula which should work for problematic skin as well as for people in humid climates. In 2022, Axis-y introduced a new line - ay&me. The motto of the ay&me line is "made for me by me". Axis-y likes to listen to people using their products, that's why the ay&me line was developed with a help of the community. Ay&me influencers (which I would prefer to call ambassadors) are Claudia Christin, Mehdi the Jipdori and Ben Neiley.
Axis-y is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, the brand can be found on PETA's brand list. Before Axis-y can sell you a new product, each product goes through tests, before it can be released by Korea Dermatology Research Institute.
What's the difference between Axis-y 6+1+1 line and the ay&me line?
The 6+1+1 line and the ay&me line are different. 6+1+1 was the first line created by Axis-y. The formula is easy: 6 nutrient-rich natural ingredients, 1 functional ingredient focused on skin problems and 1 quality-producing skincare technology. Axis-y focused on all important aspects like humidity, pollution, climate change and other external factors that can make our skin suffer. Ay&me line is the voice of Axis-y clients - they took feedback and created a line based on Special Biome Blend: Bifida Ferment Lysate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Lactococcus Ferment, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Bifida Ferment Filtrate and Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate. This blend of probiotics and prebiotics is supposed to help the microbiome and strength the skin.
What's an essence?
Before we start talking about Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence and Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence, let's find out what's essence. Odile Monod, an amazing marketer working in the Korean beauty industry has a post on how essence and serum can mean the same. When we talk about essence, the majority of us think about this toner-like formula, but with one big difference - the concentration of active essences. I believe Axis-y is going to surprise you a lot since Axis-y essences might remind you more of a lightweight serum.
Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence
Let's start with the first essence - Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence. According to Axis-y, it contains 5 kinds of probiotics & prebiotics called "special blends". The base of this product is 73% Bifida Ferment Lysate.
Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence - Packaging
The ay&me line has a different design than the 6+1+1 line. Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence has a minimalistic beige design. That's the type of minimalism I like - some colours, typography and sensory experience. The white details on the packaging are not flat, you can follow the pattern with your finger. For some people, this design might be a bit too crazy since there's even a small text, but I find it informative. The top of the packaging has a sticker which can help you verify the originality of the product. The paper packaging has an FSC certificate.
The bottle inside is made in 30% of PCR PET which stands for post-consumer recycled PET, at first I thought it was a glass bottle. The bottle has a nice design too, I love the design of ay&me more since it looks so chic. The brown colour fits the aesthetic a lot. On the left side of the bottle, there's a small sticker. The pipette works with no problems.
Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence - Texture & Scent
The texture is more like a lightweight serum. It's not like watery essence. It has a delicate beige shade and herbal scent. I enjoy the scent since it's a cedar scent, but it's delicate.
Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence - Ingredients
Bifida Ferment Lysate, Polyglycerin-3, Methylpropanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Water, Glycerin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Octyldodeceth-16, Tromethamine, Fructooligosaccharides, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Adenosine, Dextrin, Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin, Ceramide NP, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Lactococcus Ferment, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Bifida Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Ethylhexylglycerin
Bifida Ferment Lysate is a probiotic and a product of the fermentation process. Bifida Ferment Lysate strengthens the skin and its natural microbiome. Bifida ferment lysate can make sensitive skin secure and less susceptible to the negative influence of external factors. This ingredient can help fix the damage caused by UV radiation or fix damaged DNA. Polyglycerin-3 is a humectant since this ingredient is made out of glycerin molecules. It helps promote active ingredients deeper. Methylpropanediol is a solvent with antimicrobial properties. Dipropylene Glycol is a solvent with moisturizing properties. 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic solvent and preservative - it protects products from microorganisms by boosting other preservatives. At the same time, it can moisturize the skin, and it has no unpleasant effects on your epidermis. Betaine is an amino acid. In skincare products, we use it for its moisturizing properties. Betaine keeps the water balance of the skin. It makes wrinkles appear less visible, and it soothes irritated skin. In hair care, betaine doesn't only moisturize the hair. It makes hair soft and shiny. Betaine in cosmetics usually comes from sweet beetroots. It naturally occurs in the skin and hair. Panthenol is a humectant. It prevents skin from TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss). Panthenol is also known as vitamin B5, and it helps with irritation. Panthenol can soothe the skin irritated by preservatives, scent ingredients, and chemical sunscreens - it might have a meaning for lipids in our skin and skin barrier. It speeds up the healing process. It's good to use it after sunbathing. In hair care, Panthenol has moisturizing properties. If you have problems detangling your hair or hair growth go for Panthenol. It is good to mix it with niacinamide and zinc oxide. You can see it in products for atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 - a vitamin soluble in water. It helps with problems like wrinkles, acne, skin texture, and enlarged pores and promotes collagen synthesis. Niacinamide makes the skin barrier stronger. It might be handy in cellulite treatments. Do you want to fight pigmentation or uneven skin? Try to mix niacinamide with Kojic Acid, Arbutin, Vitamin C, Tranexamic Acid or Retinol.
Centella Asiatica Extract is probably the most popular extract in skincare. It comes under a few names - Asiatic pennywort, tiger grass or Gotu kola. Centella Asiatica's roots are in Ayurveda. This extract is successful because it's a source of triterpene saponins - madecassoside and asiaticoside. Centella Asiatica Extract has anti-inflammatory properties. It speeds up the wound-healing process. You can use it to treat acne since it has soothing and antibacterial properties. It boosts fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin or even helps with hyaluronic acid synthesis. Centella is recommended for rosacea and cellulitis since it helps with blood microcirculation. In hair care, Centella can help with hair growth. Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract is a source of polyphenols and caffeine. It's an antioxidant that improves blood circulation. Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract is a source of vitamins C, B1, B2 and B6. It's an antioxidant and it's supposed to support collagen synthesis. Fig contains substances that might make your skin sensitive to sunlight so always remember to use sunscreen when you use Fig Fruit Extract. Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract is one of the ingredients from the Artemisia family. Artemisia Princeps is also known as Japanese mugwort, first wormwood or Yomogi. Mugwort is still a trendy ingredient in K-beauty. Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract is an anti-inflammatory ingredient and a source of phellandrenes. Juniperus Virginiana (Cedarwood) Oil is an oil popular for its typical scent. It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. In hair care, it can help with dandruff. Hydrogenated Lecithin is a version of lecithin. It works as an emollient in the formulas. Cedrus Atlantica (Atlas Cedar) Bark Oil is a source of cedrol and cedrene. This oil has antibacterial, antiseptic and perfuming ingredients. It can react to UV. Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil is a scented oil. Pogostemon Cablin Oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. In hair care, it helps with dandruff. It's popular in aromatherapy for its scent, but the beauty industry uses it for the same purpose.
Water hides in cosmetic products under names such as Aqua or Eau. It's a solvent, but it's not your regular drinking water. Water in skin care needs to fit some standards. It should be clean and free from minerals, microorganisms or other substances. Usually, water makes up the majority of the content of the product. Glycerin or Glycerol is a humectant. Its origin can be natural or synthetic - depending on the product. It protects TEWL (transepidermal water loss) and naturally occurs in the skin. It's one of the NMFs - natural moisturizing factors. It's practical in hair care. Glycerin won't clog your skin or irritate it just the opposite - it protects your skin from irritation. Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone that protects your skin from dehydration by creating a film on the skin's surface. Silicones have a positive meaning to your skin - they make products easier to spread, make the formula more elegant and even protect skin and hair. Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer and quite a large molecule. It works as a thickener and emulsion stabiliser. Octyldodeceth-16 is an emulsifier. Tromethamine is a synthetic pH adjuster. Fructooligosaccharides are prebiotics. They nourish the skin and help the microbiome. Butylene Glycol is a common ingredient in products. It's not only a solvent. We use butylene glycol because it helps with the penetration of active ingredients, protects products from drying and moisturizes skin and hair. This ingredient can prevent hair loss and make your hair stronger.
Xanthan Gum is a polysaccharide that works as a thickener. Glyceryl Polymethacrylate makes the application process more smooth. It leaves a film on the skin. Adenosine naturally occurs in the skin. One of the adenosine's roles in our bodies is being a neurotransmitter. In skin care, we use adenosine for its anti-wrinkle properties. Adenosine is an anti-inflammatory ingredient. It can boost collagen production. At the same time, it speeds up the healing process. Adenosine can have positive effects on reducing redness. In hair care, adenosine can help with hair loss. Dextrin is an emulsifier with stabilizing properties. Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin might sound exotic. It's a resin from the tree which you can find in Brasil, Venezuela or Argentina. It might help with acne and inflammation. Ceramides naturally occur in the skin - it's like cement in the skin. Ceramide NP strengthens the skin barrier to prevent dehydration. Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate is a probiotic. A few years ago ferments became a thing in skincare because they are amazing for sensitive skin. Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate has soothing properties, it supports the microbiome of the skin. Lactococcus Ferment is a probiotic obtained from Gram-positive bacteria. It might sound scary, but probiotics in products are very useful - not only in the beauty industry. It supports your natural skin microbiome. Bifida Ferment Filtrate is a moisturizing antioxidant. It has a huge meaning for the microbiome. Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate is what you get from the yeast fermentation process. It's a moisturizing and soothing formula that you can use with sensitive skin. Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative with subtle moisturizing and antimicrobial properties.
How does Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence work?
Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence is a huge surprise for me. I love the design, but how is the formula? I was surprised by how delicate this formula is. When I applied the product on my hand for the first time, it looked like it was a thicker serum, but once you start to spread it on your hand - the serum turns into hydrating water. It leaves a delicate film that can be a bit sticky - it seems like this serum has some occlusive properties. According to Axis-y, Biome Radiating Intensified Essence should be applied after toner. Axis-y has a special toner which you can use with this essence - Biome Comforting Infused Toner.
My first impression of Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence is more positive than I expected. When you use Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence in a routine, the delicate film on the skin is not a problem at all, but if I would end my routine on this product (which I don't recommend - use at least cream and sunscreen after) then the film won't be something I choose. Thankfully, it's in the middle of the routine so it's not a problem. The skin feels more velvet-like, it's super soft in touch and it looks more resilient. I'll keep testing this serum and share my routine on Tiktok and Instagram, but my experience with Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence so far is a strong 4.5/5. I just want to add - my skin drinks this serum super fast because my skin lately is dehydrated thanks to all the stress I got lately.
Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence
The next essence, Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence is a serum recommended for all skin types, but especially dry skin types. It helps with redness. Axis-y used COOL-H formula (Veronicastrum Sibiricum Extract and Artemisia Gmelinii Extract) which gives the skin cooling and calming effects.
Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence - Packaging
Axis-y 6+1+1 line has a nice grid design. It reminds me of prescriptions, at least in Poland even a few years ago we had paper prescriptions and they had all the grids and each element had its spot. The colour palette is richer than in the ay&me line - ecru, aquamarine/green for details, black text and red detail. Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence has a sticker on the top too, which helps authenticate the product. The product is different in touch. Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence was more paper-like while Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence seems to be more soft and waxy.
Once again, I thought Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence has a glass bottle, but it's not. I love the design. The pump is easy to use, but the first pump might take a while.
Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence - Scent & Texture
Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence is not a typical water serum you might be used to. Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence reminds me more of a lightweight serum. The texture has white and it has bubbles! This texture is even more water-like after the touch. It does cool the skin so it's an ideal serum for the summer. It has almost no scent.
Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence - Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, C18-21 Alkane, Methylpropanediol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Brassica Oleracea Botrytis (Cauliflower) Extract, Mentha Aquatica Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Veronicastrum Sibiricum Extract, Artemisia Gmelinii Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Beta-Sitosterol, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Amodimethicone, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phytosterols, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglicerin
Water hides in cosmetic products under names such as Aqua or Eau. It's a solvent, but it's not your regular drinking water. Water in skin care needs to fit some standards. It should be clean and free from minerals, microorganisms or other substances. Usually, water makes up the majority of the content of the product. Glycerin or Glycerol is a humectant. Its origin can be natural or synthetic - depending on the product. It protects TEWL (transepidermal water loss) and naturally occurs in the skin. It's one of the NMFs - natural moisturizing factors. It's practical in hair care. Glycerin won't clog your skin or irritate it just the opposite - it protects your skin from irritation. C18-21 Alkane is a solvent. Methylpropanediol is a solvent with antimicrobial properties. Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil is an oily emollient. It leaves an occlusive film on the surface of the skin and hair. Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract is a soothing emollient. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with puffiness and irritation of the skin. Cucumber is a source of α-tocopherol, beta-carotene and vitamin C. Brassica Oleracea Botrytis (Cauliflower) Extract is a source of vitamin C. Mentha Aquatica Extract or water mint has a cooling effect on the skin. Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract is a source of camphor, pinene, terpineol and rosmarinic acid. It's an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It boosts hair growth and calms the scalp. Artemisia Gmelinii Extract is a type of mugwort. It's an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract is a source of eucalyptol, rutin and quercetin. Eucalyptus has antibacterial, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. It can help balance sebum production and help with dandruff. Bambusa Vulgaris Extract is a humectant. Sodium Hyaluronate or sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. It's a form of hyaluronic acid and naturally occurs in the skin. Sodium Hyaluronate has strong water-binding properties. Sodium hyaluronate combined with elastin and collagen is like a scaffolding for the skin. It has hydrating properties and leaves a hydrating film on the skin, but sodium hyaluronate prevents skincare products from drying.
Betaine is an amino acid. In skincare products, we use it for its moisturizing properties. Betaine keeps the water balance of the skin. It makes wrinkles appear less visible, and it soothes irritated skin. In hair care, betaine doesn't only moisturize the hair. It makes hair soft and shiny. Betaine in cosmetics usually comes from sweet beetroots. It naturally occurs in the skin and hair. Beta-Sitosterol is an oily emollient, it's a stabilizer. Carbomer is a synthetic thickener. Tromethamine is a synthetic pH adjuster. Amodimethicone is a dry emollient that leaves a film on the skin and hair. It has antistatic properties and makes your hair soft to the touch. It can help spread the product on the skin. Tocopherol is an antioxidant known as Vitamin E. It's an oil-soluble vitamin that fights free radicals and makes UVB protection and natural lipid barrier stronger. It's good to mix it with vitamin C for better effects. Oily skin might react with pore-clogging to vitamin E. It is not true that vitamin E works as a preservative or helps with scars. Butylene Glycol is a common ingredient in products. It's not only a solvent. We use butylene glycol because it helps with the penetration of active ingredients, protects products from drying and moisturizes skin and hair. This ingredient can prevent hair loss and make your hair stronger. 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic solvent and preservative - it protects products from microorganisms by boosting other preservatives. At the same time, it can moisturize the skin, and it has no unpleasant effects on your epidermis. Phytosterols are sometimes called plant-derived cholesterols. They are very similar to cholesterol, and they come from plants. They have moisturizing properties. Hydroxyacetophenone is an antioxidant that is supposed to help preservatives in the formula. Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative with subtle moisturizing and antimicrobial properties.
How does Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence work?
The second essence is an ideal choice for dry skin or dehydrated skin. Meet Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence which at first I thought I might not enjoy as much as Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence, but I'm surprised! It's a beautiful, elegant formula that changes its texture after you touch it with your hand. Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence takes a bit longer to fully absorb, but this essence leaves a less sticky film. You can't feel it on the skin, and yes it lacks this velvet finish.
I have to add that absorption of the product is an individual thing - if your skin is super dry it might take less for the skin to fully absorb the essence. My first impression of Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence is also positive and I swear that COOL-H technology is something I can get used to. It's ideal for summer and the best part of it is that it doesn't contain menthol or alcohol! I tried cooling formulas before, and my problem was menthol. So I'm glad to see cooling formula without it.
Axis-y recommends using Vita Frost Chilling Serum after toner or Axis-y Pha Resurfacing Glow Peel.
Which essence should I choose? Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence or Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence?
Both formulas are manufactured by Kolmar, a manufacturer known for many cult sunscreens - including Axis-y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen which review you can read on Kherblog. I have to admit that while working on this post, I called both products serums not essences because the texture reminds me more of serum. It's a hard choice because both essences, Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence and Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence are working well on my skin! Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence will be a better choice for acne-prone skin that needs to balance sebum production and at the same time feels dehydrated or your natural skin barrier is compromised. At the same time, Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence is a rich but lightweight serum that hydrates the skin better than many creams I tried lately. If your skin is dehydrated and sensitive then Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence will be a better choice.
Always remember to follow both essences with another step of your skincare routine - serum, moisturizer and sunscreen.
Where to buy Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence and Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence? How much do they cost?
The first serum, Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence costs $29/50ml. Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence costs $22/50ml. There's a $7 price difference. Both products are vegan-friendly. I recommend you to buy Axis-y products from Axis-y's official website - you can be sure that products ordered from Axis-y come from the legit website even if Axis-y products are sold at many K-beauty stores and even local drugstores. I found out that one big drugstore chain sells Axis-y in Poland, but I'm pretty sure I haven't seen the ay&me line anywhere else than the Axis-y website.
Overall, Axis-y Biome Radiating Intensified Essence and Axis-y Vita Frost Chilling Essence was huge but positive surprise to me. I enjoyed my first experience with both products, but honestly, Axis-y is a brand that always delivers the values they follow and that strong focus on community is visible!
Have you ever tried Axis-y before?
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