Laneige Clear-C Advanced Effector Review

It's widely-known that anti-oxidant is good for our skin because it combats dullness, discolorations, and other signs of skin aging. We usually get it from consuming fruits with high Vitamin C content, but why not take it up a notch by also using a skincare product that delivers anti-oxidant right into your skin? Laneige Clear-C Advanced Effector is the newest addition to the brand's skincare range, and it is all about creating healthier skin with anti-oxidant effect from superberry extract. Since I've been suffering from dull skin, I found this new release particularly interesting. It has been over 3 weeks since I started using the essence, and I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised with the result.

Laneige Clear-C Advanced Effector is a boosting essence/treatment toner containing 92.5% superberry (acerola + acai berry) extract which has antioxidant effect 4 times stronger than that of Vitamin C. It claims to make dull skin looks clearer and brighter by enhancing skin's natural anti-oxidation process and protecting it from harmful environment. It also claims to provide skin with hydration and prepare it for following steps in the skincare routine. Additionally, the essence is an anti-wrinkle functional product.

The product comes with a box of 60 cotton pads (for 30 days) specifically designed to be used with the essence. The essence itself has a capacity of 150 ml and is housed in a luxurious pink tinted glass bottle with a pink-tinted metallic cap.

Ingredients: According to the list, acerola and acai berry extracts are the top two ingredients, meaning this product has a high concentration of those extracts. It also contains other natural ingredients such as Moringa seed extract, apricot extract, watercress extract, and lotus flower extract. I'm glad to see that many ingredients are from plants and fruits. Niacinamide in this essence has anti-aging and anti-irritant benefits. It also helps with skin discoloration and uneven texture. Although Laneige states that the formula is mild, those with sensitive skin should use this with caution since it has alcohol and a small amount of fragrance. Even though alcohol is present, it doesn't dry out or cause any irritation to my sensitive skin. 

There is a scale on the side of the bottle to indicate how much product you have left. The essence is meant to last one month with regular use. Considering this, it is quite pricey, retailing at 40,000 Won (approx. US$40). 

I like how the product comes with a pump dispenser since it is hygienic and easy to use. The essence has a watery consistency like toners and a lightweight texture that doesn't feel heavy on skin. It absorbs quickly and doesn't leave sticky residue, so it's a great product for normal to oily skin. It has a subtle floral-fruity scent that doesn't linger.

The dual cotton pads provided are designed for effective application of the essence. They are stripe-patterned on one side and smooth on the other. The stripe-patterned side provides gentle exfoliation for smoother skin texture, while the smooth side helps deliver moisture and nutrients deep into skin. They are very well-made - soft, firm, and no layers falling apart or fibers falling out. 

How to use: The essence is to be used as the first step in skincare routine after cleansing. This product doubles as a toner, so I don't think a separate toner is necessary. However, if you want to use a toner, apply it after the essence. Per instruction, you should use 3 pumps worth of product each time.

Daytime (Texture Care) - With the stripe-patterned side of the cotton pad, wipe skin from the chin to the temple areas, and from forehead down to the chin and nose areas. Then, wipe the neck area upward. Gently pat with your hands afterwards to promote absorption

Nighttime (Gentle Tapping Care) - With the smooth side of the cotton pad, apply product from the center of the face and working outward with a tapping motion. Then, gently press with your hands to enhance absorption of remaining essence.  

My skin feels slightly hydrated immediately after applying the essence. It might not be moisturizing enough for dry skin, but it's just a perfect amount of hydration for oily to slightly dry skin. I was surprised with the result after I used the product religiously since I didn't expect it to be this effective. It has become one of my favorite products of all time.

After 3 weeks, I can see a clear difference in my skin condition. I'll let you be the judge with the before and after comparison above. The result might be a bit exaggerated due to lighting - my skin has in fact became brighter, but not as much as shown in the photo. Discolorations, including redness, has faded a lot - my skin tone became visibly more even. The essence calmed my sensitive skin while alleviating my stubborn redness problem. I can still see some redness but it's much better than usual. My skin has also become less oily because of better moisture-oil balance. It is noticeably smoother in texture and the pores are more refined. Furthermore, when I touched my face, I noticed improved skin elasticity. It became firmer, tighter, and more youthful-looking. Most importantly, the product did not break me out or clog my pores. Overall, I've achieved a healthier, clearer, and smoother complexion from a regular use of this essence. 

QUICK TAKE

• Moderately hydrating: people with dry skin can use too but should not solely rely on this for hydration
• Lightweight, watery consistency that absorbs quickly
• Non-sticky
• Improved skin elasticity: skin feels firmer and healthier 
• Better moisture-oil balance: skin became less oily
• Skin became brighter and clearer
• Discolorations improved and skin tone became more even
• Redness didn't disappear completely but visibly improved
• Skin became smoother in texture and pores became more refined
• Didn't dry skin out although it contains alcohol
• No breakouts or irritations

I absolutely adore this boosting essence. It's great for all skin types, especially oily to slightly dry skin. I highly recommend it to those who are looking for a lightweight treatment to improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity. The product is not very affordable since it is around $40 a month, but I love the result I'm seeing. I'll definitely repurchase it! 

Available at: Jolse ($36.25), W2Beauty ($49.58), RoseRoseShop (32,000 Won)

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