The toner soothes and tidies up acne skin with reddish tone. 1. AC Clean Up Toner soothes and heals flushed, irritated skin. 2. It cares troubles on skin with its smooth and fast penetration without stickiness. 3. Natural moisturizing content’s mild protecting effect for healthy skin. Hello there! I’m back with another 2-in-1 skin care review; and this time I will be reviewing the AC Clean-Up Gel Lotion and the reformulated version, the AC Clean-Up Facial Fluid. The Gel Lotion is one the skin care products I keep repurchasing; and I’ll share why in this post. If you’re interested in getting these products, it would be helpful to check out my review first to see if they would work for you. 🙂 CRITERIA: PACKAGING – Is the packaging sturdy? Is it fragile? Is it too bulky? Is it travel-friendly? Does it get dirty easily? Is it hygienic? Is there enough information on the packaging about product details? Does the product dispense easily? (5 points) PERFORMANCE – Is it easy to use and/or apply? Are the instructions easy to follow? To whom do I particularly recommend this product? (dry, normal, combination, oily, sensitive, acne-prone, troubled, mature, wrinkled skin, men) (5 points) LONG TERM USE – Will I use the product continuously? Will I repurchase it once I run out? Are there long-term skin benefits? (5 points) VARIETY – Are there enough choices or variants for everyone? If it is a product for a specific skin type, does it perform well? (5 points) VALUE FOR MONEY – Is the product worth the price? Is it from an accessible brand? (In skin care, it does not matter whether the price is high or low; as long as the product works for one’s specific skin needs and/or preferences. But! Of course I prefer more affordable brands. Also, it helps if the brand offers samples or deluxe sizes of their products so people can try it first before committing on the full size.) (5 points)  Overall Ratings Gel Lotion: 4.6 Facial Fluid: 4.8 PACKAGING – Both products come in a plastic bottle packaging. Their first release of the Gel Lotion (under the AC Clinic line) came in a glass bottle; and I didn’t like that packaging because the glass is too thick and the bottle is heavy. I also had to be very careful when using the product because glass is fragile. I like that they changed the packaging; and now even the latest version (Facial Fluid) is housed in a plastic bottle packaging. The color of the bottle is the same for both the Gel Lotion and the Facial Fluid. However, their caps differ. The Gel Lotion has a lightweight plastic cap; while the Facial Fluid’s cap has more weight to it. Both caps are white but the Facial Fluid’s cap is pink on the inside. I don’t have a preference between the two because they basically do the same thing. Also, they didn’t change the product dispenser. I personally do not like the way the product dispenses; and I hope they’d change it to a pump next time. It’s also hard to get the product out when there’s not a lot of it left in the bottle. Overall, I like the simple and clean-looking packaging of their AC Clean-Up line; and I think the Etude House AC Clean-Up products would make great gifts for your friends and family who have sensitive, acne-prone and troubled skin. (and for yourself, of course) 😉 PERFORMANCE – Both the Gel Lotion and the Facial Fluid have a gel consistency. They both have a fast-absorbing and lightweight formula. Once you apply them, you immediately feel a soothing and cooling sensation on the skin. They both do not leave a sticky film or residue on the skin. I just noticed that their colors slightly differ. The Gel Lotion has a translucent white color; while the Facial Fluid’s color is more opaque. But once applied on the skin, there is no noticeable difference. Also, I also find that the Facial Fluid absorbs just slightly faster than the Gel Lotion. Again, there is not really a huge difference and they feel almost exactly the same on the skin. The biggest difference between these two products is the scent. When Etude House reformulated the Gel Lotion, they removed the scent (fragrance) completely. This is very important for a product that is made for acne-prone, sensitive and troubled skin; because you have to make sure that there would be no ingredients that might irritate the skin. Fragrance is usually the reason why some products do not work for people with sensitive skin. I personally do not have an issue with it as long as the scent is not too strong and it’s listed at the bottom of the ingredient list. Both the original and reformulated versions of the Gel Lotion have a “herbal” scent which I personally like. Meanwhile, the Facial Fluid has no scent at all. I’m actually impressed and quite amazed at how the product has NO SCENT AT ALL! Personally, I prefer the scented version; but I appreciate that they removed the fragrance so even people with hypersensitive skin can use the product. In terms of effectiveness of the products, I recommend both the Gel Lotion and the Facial Fluid for acne-prone skin. Since they are under the AC Clean-Up Line form Etude House, they are formulated specifically for acne-prone skin. However, I believe everyone experiences having skin issues, irritation and redness; so I recommend this product as a lightweight moisturizer that also helps calm and soothe the skin and helps pimples heal faster. I have been using the Gel Lotion for almost 5 years now; and it has been one of my most-repurchased skin care products. That’s why I can truly vouch for this product! ❤ As for the Facial Fluid, I have only used it for a couple of weeks; but since the formula and ingredients of this is quite similar to the Gel Lotion (except for the fragrance), I’m pretty sure it would also perform the same way on my skin in the long-run.
Claims: (from beautysesh.com) The AC Clean Up Gel Lotion applies smoothly on skin, absorbing easily and leaving skin feeling moisturized and refreshed. With Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree Oil combined with moisturizing properties, use of this lotion effectively helps calm and gradually treats acne while keeping your skin hydrated and blemishes soothed! Ingredients: (from beautysesh.com) Water, Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water, Propanediol, Betaine, Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Salicylic Acid, Madecassoside, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Ampelopsis Japonica Root Extract, Allium Cepa (Onion) Bulb Extract, Allium Sativum (Garlic) Bulb Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Glycoproteins, Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Octyldodecyl-16, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Polysorbate 20, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Disodium Edta, Fragrance Notes about Key Ingredients: Alcohol is listed as the second ingredient of the Etude House Gel Lotion. Alcohol in skin care sounds alarming and dangerous for the skin; but it’s important to note that only the “bad” types of alcohol should be avoided. According to paulaschoice.com, these bad alcohols which are drying on the skin are listed as SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol. For the Gel Lotion’s ingredient list, only “alcohol” is listed, so I’m not entirely sure whether such type of alcohol is the good or bad type. In my experience, the Gel Lotion did not feel drying on my skin at all. And even after continued use, (more than 4 years) my skin did not have any adverse reaction to the product. Cyclopenta- and Cyclohexasiloxane are silicone derivatives commonly used in cosmetic and skin care products. They are synthetically produced and have low viscosity. They absorb quickly in the skin because they are considered emollients that soothe and soften the skin. For more information regarding them, read https://thedermreview.com/cyclopentasiloxane/ and https://thedermreview.com/cyclohexasiloxane/. Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water is an aqueous solution of the steam distillate obtained from Chamaecyparis obtusa. (ewg.org) This ingredient is used as a masking and fragrance ingredient in skin care products. Chamaecyparis obtusa is commonly known as hinoki cypress. It is a species of cypress native to central Japan; and it is cultivated in the temperate northern hemisphere for its high quality timber and ornamental qualities. Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract also appears as one of the ingredients of this product. Betaine is a gentle ingredient that may be plant-derived or synthetic. It is also naturally-occurring in the body. Known as an osmolyte, it is an ingredient that helps balance skin’s hydration and moisture level. Salicylic Acid is one of the star ingredients of this anti-acne product. is an ingredient used to treat mild to moderate acne. When applied, it helps the skin shed dead cells from the top layer. It also decreases redness and swelling. This further decreases the number of pimples that form and speeds up the healing process. Glycoproteins are a type of protein linked to a sugar. They’re a type of peptide naturally present in the skin’s surface as well as throughout the body. When used as an ingredient in skin care, “glycoproteins work with ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acids to keep skin intact, smooth, and healthy-looking.” (paulaschoice.com) They also enhance and reinforce skin barrier strength. Moreover, glycoproteins enhance delivery and stability of the formula of skin care products. Fragrance is at the bottom of the ingredient list of this product; which means that there is very little of it found in the product. Fragrance can be natural or artificial and it is used in many consumer products to give them a distinct scent. It is used in cosmetics and personal care products because it provides certain benefits to well-being and in some cases, relieves stress. Read more about fragrance and its uses in https://cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/fragrance. However, according to paulaschoice.com, fragrance-free products are actually the best for everyone because research shows that “fragrances in skin care products are among the most common cause of sensitizing and other negative skin reactions” for all skin types, (https://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/skincare-advice/sensitive-skin/why-fragrance-free-products-are-best-for-everyone.html) I personally continue using products with fragrance/s as long as I am sure that I am not allergic or sensitive to them; and that my skin does not react negatively to such fragrances. I also do a “patch test” every time I am trying a new beauty product for the first time. Lastly, whenever I do use a product with fragrance, I make sure that it is at the bottom of the ingredient list. That way, I can be assured that the product does not contain a lot of it. -EXTRACTS- Ampelopsis Japonica Root Extract is derived from the Ampelopsis japonicashrub. The Ampelopsis plant is widely used in East Asian traditional medicine to treat wounds and infections. This root extract has anti-inflammatory and skin-conditioning properties. It hydrates and softens the skin. Allium Cepa (Onion) Bulb Extract is used in skin care products to reduce the appearance of scars and to minimize swelling and redness on the skin. It also helps draw out dirt, oil and bacteria from the skin, preventing acne and blemishes. Allium Sativum (Garlic) Bulb Extract has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties; and it works similarly with onion bulb extract. Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract is the source of the enzyme papain. This enzyme is believed to have exfoliating properties. However, papaya can be a skin sensitizer. That’s why it’s not recommended to apply it daily. Other exfoliating ingredients such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid are better for daily use. 2. Facial Fluid Claims: (from Althea Korea) Keep your skin calm and hydrated with ETUDE HOUSE AC Clean Up Facial Fluid. This non-sticky gel-type lotion is powered by Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Leaf Water, and Tea Tree Oil to heal acne-prone skin by providing anti-bacterial properties to the skin to prevent skin irritations and blemishes. It also contains Madecassoside to provide instant relief to the skin, while Niacinamide helps to brighten dark spots and acne scars. Your skin will be left feeling soothed and hydrated! Ingredients: (from Althea Korea) Water / Aqua / Eau, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water, Propanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cyclomethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Squalane, Carbomer, Glycerin, Triethylhexanoin, Diphenyl Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, THAM, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Disodium Edta, Butylene Glycol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sorbitan Oleate, Pentylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Madecassoside, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen) Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Portulaca Oleracea Extract Notes About Key Ingredients: Dicaprylyl Carbonate is a skin-conditioning agent. It also functions as an emollient and solvent in skin care products such as moisturizers and lotions. It may be synthetic or animal-derived. It is used as a skin care ingredient because it spreads easily and it leaves a velvety feel on the skin without being greasy. Niacinamide is one of the best ingredients you can find in this product. Also known as Vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, it is a powerful anti-aging ingredient. My eye cream also contains this ingredient. ❤ Cyclomethicone is a type of silicone. It is a clear, odorless liquid used in skin care products to give them a silky texture. This ingredient helps products apply evenly and smoothly to the skin. It helps improve the appearance of scarring, improve the water-resistance of products, and emulsify skin care products. Because of these functions, cyclomethicone is similar to dimethicone. However, cyclomethicone is better at delivering active ingredients to the skin. It is a great ingredient for products that need to go on smoothly but not feel sticky after application. It is still recommended to do a patch test when using products that contain this ingredient because it can cause some irritation to hypersensitive skin types. Glyceryl Stearate is a white or cream-colored wax-like solid that is made by reacting glycerin with stearic acid. It is widely used in cosmetics and personal care products as a lubricant on the skin’s surface. It gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance; and slows the loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface. It is also used to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified. Cetearyl Alcohol is an example of a good alcohol. This fatty alcohol is not drying on the skin; and it is absolutely non-irritating and beneficial for the skin. This ingredient is also good for dry skin (and for all skin types in small amounts) as they have a pleasing texture and they help keep ingredients stable in skin care products. Squalane is a moisturizing ingredient that mimics the skin’s natural oils. It is a saturated oil that is an excellent emollient and a natural anrioxidant. It also protects the skin from carcinogens. Regular use of products containing squalane can also boost collagen production, resulting in firmer skin. Glycerin is a moisturizing compound found in soaps, moisturizers and setting sprays/facial mists. I also buy pure glycerin from the drugstore to make my own facial mist. It is an ingredient commonly used in skin care products. Tocopherol is just another term for Vitamin E; and it is an excellent skin care ingredient. Vitamin E is a naturally-occurring component of the skin. It has antioxidant properties that help defend from pollution and other environmental stressors that would otherwise weaken skin. Certain forms of Vitamin E also help soothe skin. With time and sun damage, the skin’s Vitamin E decreases, depleting our natural ability to fight the signs of aging. That’s why it’s recommended to apply Vitamin E topically through skin care products containing the ingredient. -EXTRACTS- Houttuynia Cordata Extract is derived from a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia. The plant’s main active components are chemicals called flavonoids. Houttuynia cordata specifically contains polyphenolic flavonoids. These chemicals have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Some have also been shown to decrease damage from UVB rays. Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract functions as a skin-conditioning agent. It helps reduce flaking and improves the appearance of dry and damaged skin. It also restores the skin’s suppleness. Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract contains salicin, which is a substance that is converted by the digestive process to salicylic acid.It is highly unlikely and almost impossible for willow bark to mimic the effect of salicylic acid on the skin when used as an ingredient in skin care products. However, it has soothing and calming benefits for the skin. Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen) Leaf Extract has skin-conditioning and toning properties. It’s also used as a natural fragrance ingredient. Portulaca Oleracea Extract is from a plant commonly known as purslane. This ingredient has skin-soothing properties; and it is a potent antioxidant containing high amounts of vitamins A, C and E. It also contains other antioxidant compounds such as glutathione. Purslane is also a very good source of minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids. It is a true superfood. Also, ongoing research is consistently showing this plant has remarkable benefits for the skin and body. *COMMON INGREDIENTS* Water is the first ingredient of both these products; therefore it has the highest concentration. That explains why both products have a watery gel consistency. Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil is one of my favorite skin care ingredients. It is a good pimple-fighting ingredient. Tea tree oil has skin-soothing and antioxidant properties. However, this fragrant plant oil contains volatile components that can be skin-sensitizing. That’s why it’s not recommended to use or apply 100% pure tea tree oil directly on the skin. Tea tree oil concentrations of only 2.5% to 10% are recommended if you’re using it as a spot treatment. The amount present in most skincare products is usually less than 1% because higher amounts increase tea tree oil’s potential to sensitize and redden skin. Madecassoside is another key acne-fighting ingredient of both the Gel Lotion and Facial Fluid. It is one of the four main ingredients derived from the leaves of the Centella asiatica plant, which is commonly known as tiger grass. It is a plant that has been used for thousands of years for its calming properties; as well as to heal and treat wounds. Its main effects as a skin care ingredient are to reduce inflammation and heal the skin. It also helps heal acne scars. Furthermore, it stimulates the production of collagen in the skin and speeds up skin cell production. Madecassoside also reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage, leaving the skin looking and feeling smoother. Results of studies show that even small amounts of this compound (0.1% in one case) combined with Vitamin C have antioxidant benefits when applied to skin. It was also found to have antioxidant properties. Studies also show it is a non-sensitizing ingredient that helps revitalize skin’s surface. Propanediol is an ingredient similar to propylene glycol; and it is commonly found in makeup and skin care products. Derived from corn or petroleum, it is used as a moisturizing agent. It does not pose much risk as long as only a small amount of it is found in personal care products. Dimethicone is used in makeup, skin care and body care products to improve the texture of the products; but it also has other skin benefits. It protects the skin and prevents moisture loss. It does not penetrate the skin; that’s why it is commonly found in base products like primers and foundations. It also helps prevent breakouts, contrary to all the misleading articles tagging dimethicone as an ingredient which clogs pores. It is in fact, non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores) and non-acnegenic. (doesn’t worsen acne) Read more at thedermreview.com. Butylene Glycol is one controversial ingredient. Many bloggers accuse this ingredient as being bad for the skin because it is a kind of petroleum, which does not exactly sound like something you would want to put on your face regularly. Contrary to that, butylene glycol actually has many skin care benefits and uses. It increases skin penetration of other ingredients, thins the consistency of products, acts as a solvent and has humectant properties. For more information about this ingredient, read https://thedermreview.com/butylene-glycol/. Ethylhexylglycerin is a compound that binds to glycerin. This ingredient is not only used in makeup products. It is also found in skin care and body care products. It has skin-conditioning and emulsifying properties. Carbomer is frequently used as gels in cosmetics and personal care products. It helps to suspend an insoluble solid in a liquid; and “keeps emulsions from separating into their liquid and oil components”. (https://cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/carbomer-0) LONG TERM USE – This is the second time Etude House reformulated their gel lotion. I have tried all the versions and so far, I like the old version better. I appreciate that they took out the alcohol and fragrance so people with sensitive skin could also use the product. However, the consistency of the product also changed along with the scent. Now the formula is thinner (absorbs more quickly on the skin) and the white color became more opaque. I think they reformulated so it would work for all skin types. I think I already grew accustomed to the old version, especially with its scent, so I honestly prefer it to the new one. I still hope Etude House won’t discontinue the Gel Lotion; and if I still find it online after I go through both of these. But if they really discontinued the Gel Lotion, I would be okay with repurchasing the Facial Fluid. Setting all my personal feelings aside, I recommend both products and I actually think the Facial Fluid is a good anti-acne product that is affordable and effective. (and fragrance-free!) VARIETY – Etude House has a range of highly-rated acne-fighting products. From pimple patches to spot treatments and toners, people with sensitive, troubled and acne-prone skin can use these skin care products to address their skin concerns and complete their skin care routine. So far, I have only tried the Gel Lotion/Facial Fluid; but I recommend all the products in the range to anyone who wants to have a good acne-fighting regimen. In the future, I’m also interested to try the toner and the pimple patches. Aside from the AC Clean-Up Line, Etude House also offers other collections of skin care products for different skin concerns. You can check out their website at etude.com for a full list of their products. VALUE FOR MONEY – I bought the Gel Lotion for around 800 pesos in their physical store. You can buy it at a cheaper price online; (around 700 pesos) and you can even get it on sale at Shopee and Althea Korea. In fact, I got the Facial Fluid on sale for only 499 pesos! I think this product is worth your money. It helped my skin heal when I had severe breakouts; and I continue to use it because it helps heal my pimples faster and calm my irritated skin. I cannot assure that this would work the same way for everyone else but it’s one of the more affordable but effective anti-acne products out there. Overall, I highly recommend the Etude House Gel Lotion and Facial Fluid. Let me know if you have tried the AC Clean-Up line from Etude House and please comment your favorite products from them. Thank you for reading this 2-in-1 skin care review. I’ll see you in my next post. Annyeong! ❤ |
