My journey with Skin1004

Korean Skincare really has something for everyone, and while having so many options is amazing, especially if you are particularly picky like me, at the same time, navigating the sea of options is overwhelming and can feel like a gamble with your skin’s health. That’s why when you find a hidden gem you just want to share it with the world, hence this blogpost.

Towards the end of last winter, as seasonal change started to kick in, my skin was extremely sensitive (as it always is this time of the year), getting irritated every time I would wear make-up. So, as I always do when I have a skin care emergency, I started browsing through Naver Café (the Korean equivalent of Reddit or Facebook Groups if you will) to find solutions to my problem and keep myself up to date with all the brands that are currently trending in Korea.

And is there that I first read about Skin1004. The thread was full of very pleased users and no matter how hard I tried; I couldn’t find a single bad review of their products… Did I really stumble upon the holy grail of skincare?

The Brand

Honestly, I knew I would like this brand from the get-go. I feel that in the competitive skincare market, companies are forced to come out with absurd gimmicks just to catch the customer attention. But not Skin1004, their whole brand identity revolves around simplicity, from their packaging which are stylish, with cool muted tones and a minimalist design, all the way to their products, which only use simple, natural, and clean ingredients. I know it’s a weird thing to say, but I feel that if Skin1004 was a person, it would be that guy with a great style and that always looks good, effortlessly.

Oh, wait a minute, I already wrote Skin1004 like 10 times, I even gave the brand a whole human persona, but I didn’t yet take the time to explain what the “1004” even stands for… Ok, let me answer this pressing question: In Korean, "1004" (천사, read as Cheon-Sa), is written and sounds exactly like the word for "Angel" and that's why Skin1004 proudly calls themselves the "Skin Angels". Clever, uh?

My Experience

Back to my story- After reading so many good things about Skin1004 and looking through their best-selling products, I went ahead and bought myself their signature product: their Madagascar Centella Ampoule. Was it good? Oh, it was gooooood! This serum has easily become a staple in my routine and has even secured a spot on my all-time favourites list. As all things Skin1004, it keeps things simple, being formulated with just one single powerhouse ingredient, Centella Asiatica Extract. Which is an ingredient that I particularly like to incorporate in my skincare routine as its use has been backed up by scientific studies for the treatment of various skin conditions. I definitely advice to try this ampoule which in my opinion totally lives up to the hype, and it's a game-changer for those seeking a lightweight, non-sticky, and calming solution. Applying it feels like a burst of hydration, leaving my skin instantly refreshed. It's been a saviour for my skin sensitivity, and I've noticed a reduction in redness and a boost in overall skin radiance after incorporating it into my routine. I also recommend trying this product if you're just stepping into the world of K-beauty since it's a skincare trifecta: soothing, moisturizing, and barrier-repairing – the epitome of what Korean skincare aims to achieve, all in one. And yes, I've already got my second bottle lined up.

Skin1004 Greatest Hits

After my love story with the Madagascar Centella Ampoule, you know I had to go and try all of their best products, and I have to say, I was really impressed how this Korean brand stands out as a diverse realm, catering to the unique needs of every individual, regardless of the skin type or concerns, the brand offers an array of exceptional options that consistently deliver impressive results. So I thought I would share with you my thoughts on each of their main lines.

The Madagascar Centella Line

The Madagascar Centella line, in particular, takes center stage, drawing inspiration from the healing properties of Centella asiatica sourced from Madagascar. This ingredient, also known as gotu kola, boasts a long and rich history in traditional Asian medicine, where it was used as a wound healer. Today is revered for its calming and soothing proprieties and, as I said earlier, its uses in skincare are backed up by a growing number of scientific studies.

Notable products from this line, aside for the previously mentioned Madagascar Centella Ampoule is the Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam, celebrated online as a foamy cleanser that not only satisfies the desire for a rich lather but also maintains an optimal pH level between 5.5 and 6. The inclusion of Centella asiatica extract and other gentle ingredients ensures a satisfying cleansing experience without compromising the skin barrier. I advise to use it in combination with the Centella Light Cleansing Oil for a double-cleansing that gently melts away makeup, dirt, oils and sunscreen, all without stinging your eye area.

Moving on to the Centella Toning Toner, a superb toner in my opinion, with some gentle exfoliating powers to rid you of dead skin cells, suitable for sensitive skin. You can follow it up with another item from this line: the Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream. This moisturizer defies expectations with its refreshing, hydrating, lightweight gel cream texture. With a significant 72% Centella asiatica leaf extract, it should be a go-to solution for sensitive or compromised skin, providing a soothing sensation without the heaviness often associated with similar products.

The Hyalu-Cica Line

This line comprises moisturizing skincare products featuring Skin1004's proprietary Hyalu-Cica Formula—a harmonious blend of hyaluronic acid and cica, which promises a refreshing surge of hydration and a soothing boost, leaving a non-sticky and breathable finish. 

The star of the line is undoubtly the Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum, a versatile product that functions as both a hydrating sunscreen and a moisturizer. With both SPF 50+ and PA++++, it offers high-level protection against UVA and UVB radiation. Its smooth, lightweight texture strikes a balance between effectiveness and wearability, making it a reliable choice for daily sun protection. And if you are on the go you can use instead the Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick, an easily portable sunscreen, which also makes it perfect for easy reapplication.

Worthy of mention is also the Hyalu-Cica Brightening Toner, that similar to the toner in the Centella line offers a gentle exfoliation of the skin with the addition of some pretty effective brightening ingredients to make your skin glow. For best results, use in combination with the Hyalu-Cica First Ampoule, specially designed to hydrate and rapidly increase your skin’s moisture levels, facilitating the absorption of all skincare products.

Skin1004 Masks

In addition to its standout skincare lines, Skin1004 offers two more remarkable products that I would consider as add-ons that you need if you want to bring your skincare to the next level. I am an avid user of both these two, so I strongly recommend that you give them a try too, they won’t disappoint.

The first, is the Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask, a gel sheet mask that goes above and beyond, boasting three times the standard moisture content of other masks. So why use other sheet masks when you could have 3-in-one for the same price?! This mask is also specifically formulated to provide intense soothing and hydration, leaving the skin revitalized and deeply nourished.

The other product is the Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Sleeping Pack, which is a lightweight gel sleeping mask enriched with cica extracts sourced from Madagascar. This rejuvenating mask doesn't just stop at calming care—it goes further by incorporating three types of hyaluronic acids for profound hydration and nano-sized ceramide to fortify the skin barrier.

Where to buy Skin1004 in Australia?

All of Skin1004 lines are available both in-store and in our online shop. Head to our stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra to try out Skin1004 products. Or visit the Skin1004 Collection Page to get them now!