I was going to say it hasn’t been long since I wrote about my first impression of Innisfree. However, looking at the date—published in November—we’re already a few months away from it being a year ago! In that post, I wrote an in-depth review of the Innisfree Perfect 9 Eye Cream and provided first-impression reviews of samples of the Green Tea Seed Serum, their then-new Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule, and the Bija Cica Balm EX. Since then, on my second trip to Malaysia, I picked up a larger trial kit of their best-selling serums. Considering how small the samples I reviewed before were, I’d like to expand on my original review and share my updated thoughts on their trio of serums.
Innisfree Super Hero Serums For Healthy Skin
This was a special holiday set that I couldn’t resist! I originally wanted to purchase their Vitamin C Brightening Serum, but I didn’t have much room left in my budget to splurge on a full-size product. So when I came across this cute little travel set, I got excited! It not only included the Vitamin C Serum, but also deluxe travel sizes of the two serums I had already tested!
Green Tea Seed Serum
James Welsh recently did a reel on “Forgotten Viral K-Beauty Products” where he mentioned the Green Tea Seed Serum. Despite this, Innisfree remains a low-key brand that I still don’t hear many in the West talking about. Owned by Amorepacific, you can expect a high-quality formulation from this brand.
What it is: A hydrating serum that tackles dehydrated skin by delivering intensive moisture through its Green Tea+HA formula. It helps maintain balanced water levels while strengthening the moisture barrier, promoting a healthy-looking, glowing complexion.
My Experience
I don’t actually have much to add on top of my initial short review. Getting this deluxe size has really let me form a better impression though, and I still stand by my initial thoughts—I would repurchase this! It’s a lovely prep or hydrating serum with a wonderfully comforting texture. It’s especially great for helping to strengthen the skin barrier, making your skin more resilient over time. Plus, it works really well underneath other serums without making the skin feel heavy or sticky. The full size is 80 (!) ml, and you only need about two pumps for your entire face. It’s the most affordable prep-serum on the market, yet it delivers results that rival high-end products. 👌
Vitamin C Enzyme Brightening Serum
What it is: A brightening serum formulated with Vitamin C and enzymes from Jeju Green Tea that helps reduce the appearance of spots and dullness, promoting an even skin tone and smooth complexion.
My Experience
I’ve been using this Vitamin C Enzyme Brightening Serum alongside the Green Tea Seed Serum, and even on its own, it delivers impressive hydration. This serum features a blend of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Ferulic Acid. Innisfree uses a stable form of Vitamin C called 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid. While it may not be as immediately potent as pure ascorbic acid, it delivers similar results over time—without the hot-dog smell or stickiness—and remains stable without going rancid within two months. This is my favorite form of Vitamin C derivative.
When used with the Green Tea Seed Serum, which also contains 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, the brightening effects get an extra boost, making the combination particularly effective. I use about 2-3 drops for my whole face, and it leaves my skin looking plump, even, and feeling soft. It does, however, leave the skin a bit oily—perhaps from the sunflower oil. So I’m not sure how oily skin would like it. For dark spots, I find that I need something stronger. But in my experience, even pure ascorbic acid hasn’t been very effective for that issue. Yet, for overall skin clarity, this serum does exactly what it promises. It rivals my other all-time favorite Vitamin C serum, the CC Me Serum from Summer Fridays (review here). Given the price, I might just return to Innisfree once I’ve finished the Summer Fridays one.
Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule
What it is: A highly effective moisture ampoule formulated with Retinol and Cica (Centella Asiatica-derived ingredients) that helps address early signs of trouble—such as dead skin cells and visible pores—while targeting various skin imperfections caused by external factors.
My Experience
Retinol products are relatively rare in Korean skincare, typically reserved for anti-aging lines targeting mature skin. However, in recent years, more Korean brands aimed at young adults have started incorporating stronger actives like retinol. I was immediately intrigued when Innisfree released the Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule. Initially, I mistakenly introduced it into my routine too quickly, using it daily, which threw my skin off balance. While I still wouldn’t consider it a strong retinol, it’s important to introduce actives like retinol slowly into your routine. This time, I did just that and haven’t experienced any adverse effects. I’ve been using it three times a week, as I do with my other retinoid products, pairing it with the Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum for an extra boost of hydration.
This ampoule is quite emollient on its own, so if you don’t need additional hydration, it works well solo. There’s not much to add beyond my initial review—I still believe this is a great and affordable option for anyone looking to incorporate a mild retinoid into their routine. Plus, you get 50ml! Innisfree has also recently introduced a retinol serum with PDRN, called the Retinol Green Tea PDRN Skin Booster Ampoule. PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a DNA-based ingredient known for its regenerative and anti-aging properties. The new serum is a bit pricier at almost the same cost for only 25ml. It’s currently only available in Korea, but you can order it through sites like Stylevana and Yesstyle. I will surely be testing it out someday!
Conclusion
This mini set has been superb for traveling! The products and the entire routine were excellent, and I wouldn’t hesitate to invest in full-sized versions of all of them. Whether it’s the Green Tea Seed Serum’s deep hydration, the Vitamin C Brightening Serum’s gentle radiance, or the Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule’s skin-strengthening properties, each product has helped to keep my skin balanced, hydrated, and clear.
I used these products consistently throughout the summer and didn’t experience a single breakout during the trial period. It’s worth noting that both my partner and I shared this routine, so the products only lasted about a month—but I’d repurchase the same or a similar set in a heartbeat. The synergy between these products made for a well-rounded, effective skincare regimen that left my skin looking and feeling its best.
I’m still puzzled as to why Innisfree isn’t more talked about in the West—they clearly know what they’re doing! Some of their products feel more high-end than their low to mid-range price tags suggest. If you’re on the look out for a new brand to try, definitely consider giving Innisfree a try!
Where To Buy
What’s Next?
The last time my partner visited Malaysia, I had him bring back the Innisfree Black Tea Youth Enhancing Treatment Essence. It’s considered an inspired dupe for the Amorepacific Vintage Single Extract Essence—Green Tea Essence, but with ingredients like Ectoin, which is currently trending, and peptides. I’m excited to try it, and that will be my next Innisfree review! Stay tuned!
