CY' Lab - Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate Repairing Essence Review

Since becoming a skincare junkie I've mainly focused on Korean products. So I haven't really ventured out into other Asian brands. The only other Taiwanese brand I've tried is My Beauty Diary.

I know there are plenty of great Asian brands out there. There are still a ton I want to try from Japan (I love using their lip products) but I just haven't taken a dive into them yet. This summer, I definitely plan on trying the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen. It seems to be a lot of peoples holy grail product. I am intrigued!

But anyway, am I ever glad Amabie sent me CY' Lab to try. I've mentioned this everywhere, but I'm obsessed!

Provided by the CY' Lab pamphlet:

CY' LAB comes from Ching Yi Cosmetics Co., Ltd. An international GMP factory specialized in beauty masks and skin care products for over 30 years.

The main ingredient for this serum is get ready for this: Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate (CMCCF) What the heck is that you ask? Great question.

Taken from the supermood website:

Sea Fennel Stem Cell Extracte. A 100% plant based ingredient. With high consistency of antioxidants it supports collagen products of the skin and slows down the disintegration of collagen. 

The CY' Lab pamphlet also mentions that it can help with anti-aging, skin rashes and makes you skin look younger. It's most suitable for those with sensitive skin.

If you're unfamiliar with what collagen does, cliff notes (I'm no cosmetic chemist mind you) collagen is a protein in your body and tissues. It helps increase the firmness and elasticity of tendons, skin and cartilage. So either eating or using products that contain collagen helps with preventing fine lines and wrinkles (skin elasticity).

Phew now that we have all the scientific terminology out of the way, let's get to the actual review of the product!

Packaging

The design is simple and the packaging is a typical dropper. As I've gotten older, I've started to care less about the packaging and more about the actual ingredients. Don't get me wrong, I still love shiney things as much as the next person, but I've made some bad decisions buying a product based on the packaging.

Initially, I found the dropper to not be that great. I had to squeeze it a few times before the tube filled up entirely. Though the trick was to squeeze the top and then dunk the tube into the essence and release. It sucked in more that way. But that doesn't even matter because a little goes a long way. I always have left over that I apply down my neck or on my arms (I do with with almost every product I have. My arms as soft as a baby's bottom)

Product

What can I say, I LOVE this essence. I've been using it for my morning and night routine. My skin has been looking amazing. It's brighter, hydrated and incredibly soft. From the first photo, it does look really milky but it's not too thick. Once applied onto the skin, it's absorbed really easily and my favourite, doesn't leave the skin feeling tacky. As mentioned, it's great for sensitive skin, so it's really soothing as well. 

The light texture makes it ideal to layer with other essences/serums. After my toner, I apply CY' Lab and then Manyo's Ultra Moist Rebirth Ampoule. I'm finding they're a great combination for the winter!

One of my other beauty friends received this essence as well. Her skin type is normal to dry, so she didn't fall in love with this as much as I did. She likes the serum, but found that her skin was still a little dry in some areas. Since I have combination to oily skin, this was just perfect for me. 

CY' Lab mentions that the ingredient is very rare, which seems to be true. Doing a brief search of what other products contain this CMCCF it seems only The Body Shop Drops of Youth has this ingredient as well. I wrote a review of the old version of Drops of Youth which you can read here if you're interested. 

I'm sure the first question on your mind is, "Is it a good alternative?" yes and no. I never ended up repurchasing Drops of Youth. They've since repackaged (not sure if they reformulated). But considering CY' Lab is impossible to purchase outside of Taiwan, the only way you'll be able to purchase it is if you know someone who travels to Taiwan often. So yes, it's a good alternative because at this moment in time, it's the only one we'll be able to buy it. 

But good news, Amabie will be opening an online shop and they mentioned that they will be carrying CY' Lab!! CY' Lab lovers rejoice! (aka probably just me)

Overall Thoughts

I've said it once and I'll say it again. I love this essence. I know it's easy to think that because it was provided to me complimentary my opinion is skewed, but I am being completely honest. I don't think I've ever been this vocal about any product I've used. 

My skin is a lot softer and more hydrated since incorporating this essence into my routine (is it narcissistic to say that I sometimes stare at myself in the mirror admiring my skin? Yes? Never mind then...).

Unfortunately, I'm not quite sure how much this is. If you really want to be able try the Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate ingredient, Drops of Youth may be the best option. But if you're willing to wait, I'd hold off until Amabie opens their online shop. Fingers crossed that'll be soon. I'm saddened every day I use this essence as it slowly dwindles down. 

Summary

The Good

• Very soothing on the skin
• Great for layering, doesn't leave the skin feeling tacky
• Quick absorbing
• A little goes a long way
• Skin is left feeling soft and hydrated
• Good for sensitive skin

The Bad

• Dropper can be fickle. Doesn't suck up the product too well unless you squeeze it a few times
• Product is difficult to get a hold of
• If you have dry skin, not hydrating enough

What are your thoughts? Is this an essence you'd be interested in trying out? What are some products you absolutely adore?

*This product was provided to me complimentary in exchange for my honest opinion. My opinion is my own and it is in no way influenced