The content in this blog post is based on authentic and genuine personal experience and it is written with full honesty. The items mentioned in this blog post are sponsored and this review is monetarily compensated. As usual, all of my reviews, verdicts and opinions are truthful and will not be influenced by the sponsors/collaborators.
This blog post will start with a product and brand introduction with a first-look review, then it will end with the final verdict.
SKIN1004
Madagascar Centella
SKIN1004 was built around the foundation of belief in good ingredients that originate from clean and untouched nature. They believe that the best ingredients that are suitable for everyone would be mild and gentle so that everyone can use them every day.
The company now centers its resources in Madagascar where 1700 million years of the most ancient and pristine nature has been preserved. One of the ingredients that they discovered to be the healing and protecting leaf of life is called the Centella Asiatica.
Centella Asiatica grows in ideal environment and climate, they are extracted through a meticulous and sanitary 4-step process for pure and mild ingredients, Professionally Picked, Immediate Drying, Clean Storage, Extracting Highly Purified Extract.
As the global temperature continues to be unpredictable, that also raises the need for suncream to be breathable and durable while ensuring the skin maintains good continues from the skincare industries. Whether it is hot and humid, or, cold and dry, a good skincare product should be of great use to the skin without causing any burden.
In SKIN1004’s Madagascar Centella range, they came up with a different line of products: Regular, Hyalu-Cica, Tone-up, and Poremizing. Within these lines, there are three products which I find to be the best for generally all seasons available on this wonderful planet. These products are namely the Hyalu-Cica Moisture Cream, Hyalu-Cica Water-fit Sun Serum, and Quick Calming Pad.
Sunscreens have been one of the biggest topics of 2022. It seems like the whole world has finally realized that wearing sunscreen is an extremely important thing to do for anyone who wants to clear up their skin that is caused by UV rays. The topic also goes down to SPF quality and reef safety (read more here).
That being said, let’s talk about the star of today’s post: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-fit Sun Serum.
Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
50ml | SPF 50+ PA++++ Chemical Sunscreen
A non-nano chemical sunscreen that blocks UV rays, while simultaneously hydrating the skin. Leaves skin with a moisturized, dewy finish. This chemical sunscreen contains brightening and anti-wrinkle functions, pairing with hyaluronic acid and Madagascar Centella to promote moisture to the skin whilst protecting it from the sun. SKIN1004 takes pride on it’s lightness, no white cast residues, and non-irritable ingredients.
Key features:
- Reef safe
- No artificial fragrance or colorant
- Baby Green Complex
- Soft finishing without stickiness
- A triple functional sunscreen that contains ingredients certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug
sunsc, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone sunsc, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol sunsc, Niacinamide 
cci|sb|aacne|h, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate emo, Caprylyl Methicone emo, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone sunsc, Glycerin sii|h 0 0, 1,2-Hexanediol solv, Butylene Glycol h|solv 0 1, Centella Asiatica Extract(9,800Ppm) so|aox|h, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Bark Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract aox|so, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Sprout Extract, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Sprout Extract emo, Eruca Sativa Leaf Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate(10Ppm) sii|h 0 0, Behenyl Alcohol emo|vc, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate vc, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate emu, Decyl Glucoside surf, Tromethamine buff, Carbomer vc 0 1, Acrylates
/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer vc, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate emu|surf, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 vc, Adenosine cci, Xanthan Gum vc, T-Butyl Alcohol perf|solv, Tocopherol aox 0–3 0–3, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid(Ppm) h, Inositol h, Hyaluronic Acid(0.01Ppm) sii|h, Pentylene Glycol solv|h, Ethylhexylglycerin presShelf life: 12 months after opening / 30 months after manufacture.
Expiry Date: On box packaging and on product packaging.
How to Use: Apply thoroughly and softly on face with a proper amount.
Review
It is relatively uncommon to see as pumps are usually more for bigger bottles. I am quite alright with it because it does help to control the amount to dispense whilst maintaining hygiene. My feelings about open-hole packaging are that it tends to be difficult to squeeze the right amount sometimes and when you release your hand from the squeezing motion, the bacteria in the air/skin would be sucked back into the bottle (let’s be honest, Ms. Rona made us a little bacteria phobic). So, pump heads are quite helpful in that case.
It is always recommended to reapply every 2 hours as well, with the size of the packaging being relatively compact, it should be easy to bring around the sun cream on-the-go as it doesn’t really take up too much space within the toiletry bag whilst traveling. At the same time, since it has a pump head, you don’t have to worry too much when it comes to sanitizing this product.
Scent-wise, I really don’t smell anything out of this product. Unless you tried to sniff vigorously, otherwise you really couldn’t smell anything out of it. If you had sniffed aggressively, you’ll get a hint of sunscreen scent but it’s so subtle that it doesn’t really smell weird. The smell also dissipates really quickly as it settles into the skin. Again, this is only when you try to smell it by breathing in aggressively.
The light-creamy-based consistency quickly sets into the skin, leaving a very thin velvety texture. It did not feel sticky nor suffocating, so it’s all good. If you were to pair this skincare with a moisturizer, I would recommend putting on a thin layer of moisturizer to avoid your skin from feeling a little heavy. If you were to use it directly after a toner, it should be fine, since it does have some level of the moisturizing feature.
That being said, there are a lot of goodies packed in this sunscreen as illustrated in the ingredient list. You have Niacinamide at the first third of the list. The CICA, Japanese White Birch extract, Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract, Camellia Sinesis leaf extract, Wheat Sprout Extract, Alfalfa Extract, Broccoli Sprout extract, Arugula leaf extract, Japanese Camelia leaf extract, and Sodium Hyaluronate (one of the Hyaluronic acid in the list) are at placed at the second third of the list. Having these ingredients occupying 2/3 of the list is pretty good.
Overall, this product is a 👍 from me.
Subsequently, it’s important to talk about moisturizing or hydrating the skin as much as possible. This has been an important part of skincare, especially as of late. One of the biggest reasons is that having your skin properly moisturized or hydrated is one of the biggest keys to achieving healthy skin. There are many ways to rehydrate your skin and the most common step is to moisturize during your daily routine.
Whether you are starting the day or ending the day, it is very important to use the right moisturizer for the occasion. Outside of your regular routine, you can also boost your hydration by using masks. You can also use pads for specific areas. Within the Madagascar Centella line, there are two products that I’ll bring up: The Hyalu-Cica Moisture Cream and the Quick Calming Pad.
Hyalu-Cica Moisture Cream
75ml | Combination Skin
This moisturizer has highly moisturizing and soothing durability and lasts about 100 hours to hydrate the skin from deep within. It also gives the skin an abundant of layers of hydration.
Key features:
- Great for sensitive skin
- Phyto Collagen – soothes the skin and fills it with moisture using plant collagen with an excellent absorption rate. It maintains moisture 500 times its weight.
- Naturally derived hue and fragrance from natural ingredients like gardenia extract
so|aox|h, Water solv, Glycerin sii|h 0 0, 1,2-Hexanediol solv, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate emo|emu|surf 0 2, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride emo, Niacinamide cci|sb|aacne|h, Cetearyl Alcohol emo|vc|emu|surf 1 2, Glyceryl Stearate emo|emu 0 1–2, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate emu, Butylene Glycol h|solv 0 1, Stearyl Alcohol emo|vc|emu|surf 2 2, Propanediol solv|h, Carbomer vc 0 1, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate emu, Sorbitol h 0 0, Tromethamine buff, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate emu, Sedum Sarmentosum Extract h, Ethylhexylglycerin pres, Citric Acid buff, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate emo|emu, Adenosine cci, Musa Sapientum (Banana) Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Disodium EDTA chel, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Prunus Domestica Fruit Extract h, Biosaccharide Gum-1 so|h, Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate(60Ppm) sii|h 0 0, Hyaluronic Acid(50Ppm) sii|h, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid(50Ppm) h, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf/Stem Extract amic|so, Hydrolyzed Collagen emo|h, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract so|emo, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract perf, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Fructan, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Sophora Japonica Flower Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract aox|so|sb|perf, Corallina Officinalis ExtractShelf life: 12 months after opening / 30 months after manufacture.
Expiry Date: On box packaging and on product packaging.
How to Use: Apply an appropriate amount onto the skin, then rub till absorbed. Tap lightly to increase absorption.
Review
Contrary to the sunscreen’s packaging, this one has the open-hole concept. In most cases, we don’t bring moisturizers out so I think it’s kind of alright. However, if you do bring moisturizer out and reapply it, you may want to be diligent with the hygiene.
There is a somewhat sweet and aqua scent from this product which is difficult to explain (?) because not only that it has flower extracts, it also has fruit extracts. Though, it doesn’t smell significantly sweet, still pretty acceptable in my book.
This light-creamy moisturizer is slightly thicker than the sun cream, and the finishing is thicker as well. Whilst it does absorb really quickly, I find that the skin has a tiny bit of a layer left behind. As long as the amount is sufficient but light, it would not feel heavy at all. On the flip side, you should apply more if you are in a colder environment, either in an air-conditioned room or cold weathered country.
The CICA extract takes up about 50% of the ingredient list, with Niacinamide that comes next. There are so many extracts, I think you could take a look at the Ingredient List tab instead 🤭 There are a couple of Hyaluronic acids but I think the other 15-30% of the list are just flower, fruit, and vegetable extracts.
So far so good!
Hyalu-Cica Quick Calming Pad
130ml | 70 Pads | Combination Skin
A pre-soaked toner pad to soothe, hydrate, and condition skin in one simple step. These calming pads are meant for soothing irritated skin and anyone who needs a quick and easy area-specific moisture boost.
Key features:
- Only 10 mild and essential ingredients for soothing skin
- 49% Centella Asiatica Extract (CICA)
- Triple-layer pad
so|h 0 0, Xanthan Gum vc, Sodium Hyaluronate sii|h 0 0, Ethylhexyl-Glycerin pres, Disodium EDTA chel, Citric Acid buffShelf life: 6 months after opening / 30 months after manufacture.
Expiry Date: On box packaging and on product packaging.
How to Use: Apply on clean skin anytime throughout the day. Leave the pads for 3-5 mins on a specific area(s) of concern. Remove and pat into skin.
Review
The packaging is very straightforward. The pads are in a tub with a sealed lid. If you want to use a reusable seal and a forceps to pick up the pads, they actually include it in another plastic bag within the box.
Upon opening the seal, there isn’t any smell coming out of the pads. These 7cm long pads are in a half-moon shaped. The pads look very lightweight but when I touched them with my fingers, it was quite telling that they are not easily torn. It is also packed with all the cooling and calming essences. According to the brand, they are using two Rayon layers that are sandwiching a Pulp layer in the middle. This helps to prevent lifting and the materials are also softest on the skin. When I applied the pads onto my face, they don’t fall apart or shed. They do, however, tear if you deliberately try to pull them apart, like cotton.
Applying it onto the skin is very easy since you just need to angle the half-moon under the eyes. It felt cooling upon contacting the skin and the cooling/soothing was evident when I touched my skin with the back of my hand after removing the pads. My skin was so effectively cooled and moisturized, I thought my hand my burning hot!
The ingredient list shows 10 items, just as the brand had claimed. The ingredients are all EWG green grade which is highly ideal for troubled skin. About half of the content is Centella Asiatica Extract, which is about 49%. The Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, and Sodium Hyaluronate are additional moisture boosters. The 1,2-Hexanediol acts as a solvent and anti-microbial preservative booster, working along side with Ethylhexyl-Glycerin (another commonly used preservative or booster). The Xanthan Gum is a very common viscosity controlling agent. There are some water as solvent and the Disodium EDTA keeps the formula stable by reacting with metal ions (usually comes from water). Lastly, there is also Citric Acid that keeps the pH at the right value.
Verdict
포장 Packaging: I live for simplicity! These designs make my day happy
냄새 Smell: I am quite surprised that only the moisturizer has a scent whilst the other two products don’t have a scent. Even so, the moisturizer obtains its scents from naturally derived extracts.
피부의 편안함 Skin Comfortness: It is all good. There wasn’t any discomfort or suffocation. Pretty gentle for sensitive skin.
Although this is my first experience with this brand, I have a really good impression of them. The intention to use clean ingredients and focus on Madagascar Centella is a smart choice for the current trend where Effective Gentleness meets Moisture Building, composing a beautiful blend for anyone to use, especially for troubled skin such as sensitive, irritable, or eczema prone.
With that said, I have not experienced any issues using their products and I have found myself liking the Quick Calming Pads a lot more than I had expected. The Sun Cream, our main feature today, worked wonderfully. It did not create any white casts or cause discomfort to my skin, something that is quite common to happen in this tropical country if the sun creams were lacking efficiency.
I had specially picked the moisturizer and the quick calming balm with the intention of introducing the pre/post sun exposure. It can be extremely common to get sunburn in this hot and humid country if you were to stand under the sun for prolonged hours. Having the moisturizer is a ‘must’, you shouldn’t go by your day without it. If your skin is too dry, you may experience excessive sebum that your skin had created to compensate for the dryness. Properly moisturizing makes a huge difference, even when it comes to combating troubled skin such as acne issues and eczema issues. Think of how important water is for your body, that’s the same for our skin as well. Of course, if you are frequently in a colder environment, it is still important to keep your skin hydrated from getting dried up by the cold.
Quick Calming Pad has left a special place in my heart. With the unique combination of Rayon layers and pulp, alongside the half-moon shape and its content of 49% CICA extract, it genuinely helped to reduce the irritation on my skin. Besides, the cooling effect (non-minty) was quite evident when I touched my skin after soaking it with the pads, the temperature difference could not be unfelt. The Quick Calming Pads would feel wonderful to use if they were left in the fridge beforehand.
With the poster above, I hope it is clear when to use the products and I hope it makes sense as to why they should be used that way. I personally would recommend you to try the products from SKIN1004 to understand my feelings for them. If you would like to browse their products, you may visit their website through the button below.
