Korean skincare intrigues me the most because I admire the meticulous attention given to skin regimen, which for the most part is reflected in Korean women’s flawless visage. I had limited experience with Korean products so I jumped on the opportunity to try IASO, a prestige global brand founded on “professional knowledge of dermatologists and utilizing plant extracts” which aims to fulfill clear, healthy and radiant skin.
press samples
IASO Intensive Clear Booster ($65, 35ml) is indicated for all skin types. Described as “intensive yet extra-retexturizing formula with exclusive complex of multi-hydroxy acids and plant extracts”, this product helps exfoliate dead skin cells, boosts skin’s clarity and radiance, and corrects discoloration. It removes flakes on dry skin and keeps oil at bay on oily skin. Sounds like jack-of-all-trade in the realm of skincare ha?
This fragrance-free product has colorless and watery consistency (as shown in the photo). Given the merits of its ingredients, I would describe it as a serum which works best when layered with moisturizer or cream. However, since this has alpha-hydroxy acid, it’s strongly advised not to combine it with retinol or you risk irritation and redness. Likewise, combining it with Vitamin C destabilize the latter. I use this mostly in the morning, pre-makeup, under BB or CC cream. I like that it makes my skin look and feel supple after application.
Key ingredients: AHA/BHA complex (Glycolic Acid 3.7%, Lactic Acid 3.8%, Salicylic Acid 0.3%), Aloe Leaf Juice , Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Centella Asiatica
Complete List: Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Water solvent, Alcohol solvent, Butylene glycol, Lactic acid, Glycolic acid, Sodium lactate, Propylene glycol, Sorbitol, Glycosyl trehalose, Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract, Sodium pca, Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, Polysorbate 20, Salicylic acid, Methylparaben, Xanthan gum, Centella asiatica extract, Disodium edta, Citrus unshiu, Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil
IASO Ghassoul Black Cleansing Oil ($35, 150ml) looks intimidating at first for obvious reasons, it’s black and has oil. Fear of the unknown but once this product touch your face, it practically dissolves all traces of makeups, dirt and whatnot. Emulsified with water, it also doubles as hypoallergenic cleanser. Morocco Ghassoul Clay carries a rich blend of natural magnesium and calcium which helps moisturize skin. Moringa Seed Oil helps purify and revitalize skin. Blue Chamomile tightens pores and the combination of Papain Enzyme, Bromelain, and Willow Bark Extract exfoliate, promote skin turnover, and reveal brighter and softer skin. It has subtle floral fragrance which makes cleansing all the more inviting. I love this so a purchase is inevitable down the line.
Key ingredients: Morocco Ghassoul, Moringa Seed Oil, Blue Chamomile, Willowbark, Papain enzyme, Bromelain, 7 flower extracts
Complete list: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Butylene Glycol, Peg-8 Glyceryl Isostearate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Rose Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Extract, Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus (Daffodil) Flower Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Iris Versicolor Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Charcoal Powder, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Moroccan Lava Clay, Sodium Citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Alcohol, Mannitol, Bromelain, Papain, Ceramide 3, Hydrolyzed Sponge, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol
These both sound amazing! I want to try both! Excellent review, twinsy!
Cleansing oil's seem to be the big thing right now. I've just started trying them. Glad to know this one got a thumbs up!
The Cleansing Oil sounds amazing! I'm glad to see the fragrance is subtle!
I definitely need to get involved in the Korean skincare movement. I keep hearing such fabulous things! This definitely sounds like a product I need to try.
That oil sounds fabulous!
The cleansing oil sounds amazing!
Gorgeous photos! That black oil is very intriguing, I've never seen anything like it!
I'm really getting into cleansing oils lately, will have to try this one.
I've kept away from a lot of Korean skincare items because I thought most had fragrance. If this is a brand without a lot of fragrance then I'd consider it.
I'd definitely be intimidated at first!
I hear so many good things about Korean skincare products. Love to try them.
Ooh, these both sound really great. I didn't know of this brand, but I'm adding them to my 'try it' list.
I really do need to get on the cleansing oil wagon. The ingredients in this one sound awesone.
I want to try both of these after your review!
You know I'm a huge fan of Korean skincare! These look luxurious. The Clear Booster would be good for post-acne-treatment flakes, and I love Korean cleansing oils!
Woooow, that cleanser sounds amazing and it looks cool to boot!
Oh I'm really interested in the black cleansing oil!
I love Ghassoul clay for my oily skin. These products look so luxe. I'm so happy that more K-beauty is becoming easier to find here in the US.
Black cleansing oil, so interesting. I'm loving how, like Nidia said, it's getting to be less of a pain to get K beauty in USA!
I recently switched back to using cleansing oils and these sound great.