July 20, 2012

INNISFREE Green Tea Seed Serum Review (80ml)

Hi everyone! For my second review (this is T, by the way), I'll be talking about Innisfree's Green Tea Seed Serum. Innisfree is a Korean skincare brand known for using organic products (whether it's 100% organic or not, I don't know and don't really mind much XD) or products that are made from natural resources. Let's get started!


Looks very organic and tempting, no? Koreans always have great marketing/advertising!
SNSD's Yoona is the face of the brand



What INNISFREE says:
Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Serum is a moisturizing and nourishing serum with seeds harvested from the organic green tea gardens in Jeju Island. The seeds intensively hold onto skin moisture. The natural hydrating ingredient of betaine promotes moisture synthesis within skin layers. This serum creates supple skin with dewy and clear complexion.


Packaging:
The serum comes in this nifty little plastic bottle, but it doesn't feel cheap at all. It has a pump and a cover for the pump to keep things hygienic. The pump dispenses smoothly and isn't a trouble to use. I like the packaging, and if I'm being totally honest, it was 50% why I bought this product. (I know I shouldn't judge based on packaging but it's just so difficult not to! Haha) Rating: 5/5



Product:
The product is 80ml of a light, gel texture that is a little runny/watery. Serums are supposed to be more intensive and concentrated, and normally, a pea-sized amount or so will suffice. It's easy to spread, and very lightweight. This product, however, requires more to show any effect of hydration.

I've been using this for a long enough time (I'm halfway through with the bottle) to say that I'm a bit disappointed with it. All in all, yes, it IS hydrating but sadly, it doesn't last long at all. :( (note: My skin is a little dry) I do agree with other people when they say that once applied, it looks dewy, supple, fresh. I use this in the morning after cleansing and toning, and it doesn't leave a greasy feeling. But... that non-greasy feeling is short-lived because like I said, the dewy/moisturized effect of this product doesn't last as long as I would like/ as Innisfree claims. *sighs* I really, really wanted to love this because it's a bit expensive. A lot of people seem to like this, so I don't know why it's not really doing anything for me. :(

It's not a terrible product though, just mediocre. It didn't break me out in pimples, which is a good thing. 

Rating: 3.5/5 (Average)

A bit runny in texture
When spread - dewy, supple and moisturized (sadly, this effect is short-lived)

Value:
I bought this in Sasa Hong Kong for 227 HKD (roughly Php 1,220). It's expensive, for me. Sure, there's a lot of product to go around (80ML is a LOT for a serum) but then I use one pump and a half each time. A little goes a short way; you won't see any results if you scrimp on application.

Rating: (2/5)

Who would like it? 
- People with oily skin who need hydration without the greasiness
- People who.. have a lot of money and like pretty looking things 8D Haha! 
Who wouldn't like it?
- People with dry/dehydrated skin.  
- People looking to buy an inexpensive, yet hydrating product

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

If you have really dry/dehydrated skin, you should invest in a more hydrating product. If you are on a budget, there are plenty of options out there in Japanese/Korean skincare market alone for inexpensive yet hydrating products. :) Of course, everyone's skin is different though so I suggest you try out the tester if there's an Innisfree store near you :D

Overall, it was a "just okay" product.. Do I regret buying it? A little bit. I would recommend this if you have oily skin, but I wouldn't re-purchase this because my skin type is kind of dry. I still want to try the Jeju Pore Clay Mask from Innisfree though. Has anyone tried it? Is it any good? :D Don't hesitate to leave a comment below! :)

Edit (April 2013): This product was just right for the hot summer weather! It left me hydrated without feeling oily or sticky. I highly recommend this for summertime skincare (if you have dry skin) or all-year round (if you have oily skin). :)


4 comments:

  1. Was actually planning to buy it now but now when I read your review, I don't think it's worth purchasing this serum.
    Thank you for your informative review, hope you keep doing it :D!

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  2. Hi Kumiku! So sorry for the late reply, thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment! :)
    Ah, I'm so sorry Innisfree! Haha XD It's a good lightweight hydrating serum but as I said, the effects aren't long-lasting (or my skin is just really, really dry!). I still do suggest you test it out at an Innisfree counter so you can see for yourself as well ^^ :)

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  3. Did you moisturize afterwards ? its meant to be used before toner after all :P It intensively holds in moisture in your skin... but what moisture do you have until you apply some moisturizers afterwards -.-

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  4. Yup, I did! This was how I used it in my skincare regimen: 1. Skinceuticals LHA Toner --> 2. Laneige Moisture Refining Lotion --> 3. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum --> 4. Sana Namerakahonpo Cream. The SA in Hong Kong also explained how serums should be applied after toners. I do agree, it's an excellent hydrator and holds in moisture, but not for my dehydrated skin :)

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