AZN Labs Afterglow Ampoule

by Rosy Day Blog

Beauty Tap + AZN Labs Partner Up

AZN Labs is basically the brand of Korean beauty store Beauty Tap (they have both a website and a physical U.S. store in Costa Mesa, CA). AZN Labs is a luxury skincare brand that marries Japanese ingredients with Korean emulsion technology, set out with the challenge to restore skin vitality and radiance without damaging active ingredients or the hassle of a multiple-step routine. Their first flagship product, the Afterglow Ampoule was born.

Disclosure:

I bought this with my own money from AZN Labs. I was not given anything in exchange for this review. I enjoy doing product reviews to share my own experiences with the product and hope someone finds it useful. I do not work for AZN Labs or BeautyTap.

Table of Contents

- Product Description, Claims, & How-To
- The Ingredients
- Packaging, Scent & Texture
- Product Review & Final Impressions
- Similar Products & Shop This Post

If Anti-Aging is on Your Checklist...

Product Description & Claims:

The AZN Labs Afterglow Ampoule claims to reverse signs of aging such as age-related dryness, dark spots, dullness, and loss of elasticity, as well as help prevent future damage without spending as much time and effort on skincare. Think of a more simplified, streamlined routine instead of having 10+ steps. The product also claims to be anti-pollution (protect from harmful radicals and fine dust, etc.) while achieving a more warm, dewy glow (hence the name “Afterglow”).

After the first use, skin should look and feel softer, more supple and nourished, along with a dewy glow. After one week, a vibrant rosy glow should return to your cheeks for a natural “lit from within” type of look. Over time, collagen production should increase, therefore reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lastly, the antioxidants in the product, while protecting against UV and free radical damage, should allow the skin to be able to repair previous damage and help regain its original youthful look.

How To Use:

The directions for this are very simple. Just apply to your face after cleansing and toning, but before your moisturizer. A little goes a long way with this product as it’s actually quite hydrating. I personally use 2 drops all over my face initially, and if I have any areas of concern where I feel I need more nourishment, I take another drop to those areas (usually the eye and mouth areas). Finally, if I don’t have enough to go down to my neck, I may take another drop as well (for a max total of 4 drops depending on my mood and needs).

Yes, I take this all the way down to my neck. Not many people pay attention to their neck, and the next thing they know, they have severe neck lines and skin starting to sag that seem to come from out of nowhere. This ampoule has lots of anti-aging stuff and since a little goes a long way anyway, it just seems wasted to only put it on your face. I do only use this ampoule at night though as it is a bit much (and slightly sticky/tacky) for me to use during the day. However, I have used it during the day many times initially, and didn’t have any major problems with it other than the fact my combo skin just needed to breathe more during the day (my own personal preference). You can also make this product last longer if you only use it once a day. I didn’t notice any difference from using it once a day versus twice a day.

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Astaxanthin: The Powerhouse You’ve Never Heard Of

Astaxanthin is a vibrant red keto-carotenoid (antioxidants with organic pigment usually from plants/algae/bacteria/fungi) that is created naturally in rainwater microalgae. It is basically a byproduct from stressful conditions such as excess heat, excess UV exposure, and lack of nutrients. It gives salmon and shrimp their characteristic red and pink color. However this ampoule isn’t here to turn us red or pink. Fuji Chemical Industry (yes the same ones that do the Fujifilm cameras, etc.), did a study that suggested that astaxanthin could significantly reduce wrinkles as well as age spots, rough skin texture, and age-related dryness. As the star ingredient of the Afterglow Ampoule, astaxanthin has 550 times more antioxidant activity than vitamin E, 1,000 times more than CoQ10 - even 6,000 times more antioxidant activity than vitamin C which is typically considered one of the most powerful antioxidants out there by many.

While antioxidants are more preventative in my opinion (rather than fixing/reversing any issues you might have), I do believe in the powers of anything related to algae and vitamin C. I have been using some other products with algae and plankton in my skincare routine, and they have slowly but surely helped with smoothing out some of my textural issues (more specifically some old acne scars that I have). Of course my scars were more on the minor side to begin with, but inspecting them nearly everyday, I have definitely seen them smooth out from these algae products. Vitamin C on the other hand is great for overall brightening, especially for dark spots. While I can’t say that the Afterglow Ampoule brightened my face better than other brightening/vitamin C type products I’ve tried out there, the ability to brighten/even out skin tone is always a welcomed attribute. Besides the astaxanthin, here I’ll break down other ingredients in this product to see what other types of things might help with anti-aging and restoring that natural glow.

Notable Ingredients:

• Camellia Japonica Flower Extract - An antioxidant that helps suppress the decline of skin collagen from fine dust/pollution.
• Rhizophora Mangle Callus Culture Extract - From the bark of the red mangrove plant, this is antimicrobial and an anti-inflammatory. A powerful antioxidant, it also helps boost collagen production.An antioxidant that helps inhibit bacteria growth. It also soothes and moisturizes skin.
• Ubiquinone/Q10 - Q10 actually naturally occurs in our bodies, however like many thing, it does decrease significantly after the age of 20. However, it can help replenish our decreased supply when applied topically. Q10 is an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals that can cause aging.
• Ferulic Acid - Found in plants, this also fights free radicals and enhances the efficacy of the astaxanthin.
• Arbutin - From the bearberry plant, it is a natural alternative to hydroquinone. This inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase which is present in the formation of dark spots.

Full Ingredients List:

Water, Rhizophora Mangle Callus Culture Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alcohol, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Arbutin, Betaine, Astaxanthin, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Ubiquinone, Ferulic Acid, Caffeic Acid, Thioctic Acid, Glutathione, Xanthophylls, Hydroxycinnamic Acid, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium, Ascorbyl Phosphate, Galloyl Pentapeptide-33, sh-Oligopeptide-1, sh-Oligopeptide-2, sh-Polypeptide-1, sh-Polypeptide-10, Superoxide Dismutase, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Viscum, Album (Mistletoe) Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Extract, Sparassis Crispa Extract, Hericium Erinaceum (Mushroom) Extract, Cudrania Tricuspidata Fruit Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Extract, Caffeine, Allantoin, Adenosine, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycosyl Trehalose, Lactic Acid, Panthenol, Propylene Carbonate, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, PEG-240/HDI Copolymer, Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethyl Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Polysorbate 60, Decyltetradeceth-25, Octyldodeceth-16, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Cholesterol, Ceteth-3, Ceteth-5, PEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Lysolecithin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Phosphate, Lecithin, Fragrance

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Packaging, Scent & Texture

Packaging:

The product comes in a white dropper bottle. The dropper cap itself is a beautiful rose gold color (appropriate for the Afterglow Ampoule). The bottle itself isn’t transparent so you can’t see how much product you have left, but with such potent anti-aging ingredients inside, you do not want them to oxidate from being exposed sunlight. It does look pretty luxe as the product also comes in a rose gold trimmed box.

Scent & Texture:

Honestly, to me it’s not exactly a pleasant scent. It’s not super off putting but really, this is not necessarily the type of product you go around sniffing either, lol. Like do you go around sniffing your vitamin C serums, retinol, or glycolic acid products? No, I don’t think so. Not unless that product specifically advertises that it smells like oranges or whatever...This product does smell alcoholic to me, but that’s probably because alcohol is the 5th ingredient on the list. I also think AZN Labs couldn’t be bothered adding fragrance to the ampoule for various reasons. So for those of you that don’t like perfumes/artificial fragrances in your products, you can at least rejoice about that part.

The ampoule itself is (not surprisingly) kind of a rose gold color as well. It really is a serum texture, not at all watery like some other serums/essences/ampoules might be. You do still have to quickly apply to your face as sometimes liquid just easily escapes from the dropper without you necessarily needing to squeeze it out. As for the actual texture, the ampoule is slightly sticky/tacky as you’re patting it on. To me it’s similar to something like the Missha Time Revolution ampoule. The tackiness does eventually subside and your skin just feels nice and hydrated. Anyone can use this ampoule really, but those with more oily skin may not like the slight tackiness, but I think that’s more of a personal preference. The formulation itself shouldn’t make you breakout unless you’re like allergic to any of the ingredients for example.

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Youthful Glowing Formula

Performance:

Why is it called "Afterglow" you say? Because true to its name, this does give you a lovely hydrated glow right AFTER use...

If you are pressed for time or you haven’t quite found the right routine for that coveted “glass skin” look just yet, this will instantly give you that appearance and then some (powerful antioxidants for the win).

Firming/Elasticity: I don’t really have any serious issues with firming and elasticity, though I could use some firming around my eye area as I do have one eye that depending on the angle, does look more sunken in than the other. Because of this, I do tend to use my eye area as a benchmark for how good something is anti-aging wise. While I do think the overall ingredients are good for firming and elasticity, I feel like it would mainly be the hydration you get from this product that might help. Other than that, I personally did not see any improvements in firming and elasticity with my eye area. This ampoule would be good for prevention though.

Fine Lines & Wrinkles: I do have a few fine lines under my eyes. While some reviews I’ve seen for this ampoule claim to have their fine lines vanished, that did not happen for me here. Of course, considering I’ve had these fine lines since I was in my early 20’s and I’m now 34 - they certainly haven’t gotten worse so I guess I’m doing something right routine-wise. I guess just don’t expect much with your fine lines. If they do fade - great, but if not, just accept that the ampoule is probably more maintenance and prevention if anything.

Brightening & Dark Spots: I don’t have any major issues with dullness and dark spots, but I did stop using actives while I was using this ampoule. I also eventually developed dark spots (not related to this product). Overtime, my dark spots were definitely fading and I wasn’t using any other brightening product or even a vitamin C. It was all due to this ampoule.

Dryness: Whether you have age-related dryness or just plain dryness, this will definitely hydrate your skin. Of course if you’re very dry, you should definitely top this ampoule off with an appropriate hydrating moisturizer. As someone with combo skin, this hydrated my skin without making me breakout. Though now that the weather is slowly getting warmer, it is my preference to only wear this ampoule at night. You might think that hydration isn’t such a big deal, but when your skin is well hydrated, it looks more youthful and can plump up skin and minimize fine lines.

When your skin is plump and well hydrated...It will look healthy and naturally glowy (with or without the ampoule).

The actual “glow” from this ampoule might be more on the temporary side, but long term use of this ampoule will keep your skin “lit from within”.

Pros:

• If you’re into anti-aging/prevention, this is extremely high in antioxidants. It gently exfoliates to a certain extent (it still has asorbic acid/vitamin C and lactic acid).
• Refines your skin giving it an overall clearer appearance. You get softer/smoother skin and the ingredients in this ampoule might even help with some minor scaring/textural issues (I know anything algae/plankton-related has done this for my skin).
• Brightens and evens out your skin tone - this definitely helps with dark spots. I know this works because I currently have dark spots while and I haven’t used any actives (vitamin c, retinol, etc.) just this ampoule. It will still take some time of course but my dark spots are nearly gone now.
• Can help your skin retain moisture better and is instantly hydrating upon application. This is not drying at all.
• Skin appears more healthy and naturally glowy/supple over time.
• I did not notice this, but there are some that claim that this has firmed up their skin and minimized some fine lines/wrinkles.

Cons:

• Contains alcohol. I’m personally not too bothered by this, but some people are and might even be sensitive to it.
• The long ingredients list might concern those with sensitive skin (though this did not negatively affect my own sensitive skin).
• At ~$120 USD it is one of the most expensive K-beauty ampoules I’ve seen. However with that said, this has already lasted me almost 3 months now.
• Might not please everyone with regards to more immediate, visible results. Just like with me, you might have to accept that this product is probably more preventative than anything.
• Only available through the AZN Labs and Beauty Tap websites. Beauty Tap might have it in stores at their Costa Mesa, CA location, but as I don’t go down there as often, I can’t really confirm this. This is not a product that you can just pick up at your local Target or Sephora.

Not Just a Warm Glow

Final Impressions:

This is a very expensive ampoule. However when you consider all the research & technology put forth, this is actually a steal...especially when used as a part of skip-care. For some, this can replace multiple products/steps in your routine.

This ampoule provides anti-aging care (for skin elasticity & fine lines), as well as being extremely high in antioxidants for more preventative measures (protects against UV damage and pollution). The ampoule brightens dark spots and evens out skin tone overall, plus it provides a nice hydrating glow.

With that said, if you’re like me and you like to have a little bit of everything (multiple products to explore with) in your routine, then yes it’s not necessarily cheaper as you will just be adding an additional $120 USD product to your existing routine. But if you can find a use for this ampoule to cut out several products/steps from your routine (which is what I’ve heard some people use it for), then more power to you. If this ampoule at least did something for my eye area, this definitely could have replaced some products for me.

So while I did not experience the same “miracles” that other reviewers of the Afterglow Ampoule did, if you take the time to read a bit of background on how this product was made, I can appreciate all the work that was put into its creation and release. This ampoule is far from holy grail status for me and considering its price and the lack of physical anti-aging results I saw, I can’t quite justify consistently re-purchasing this product. However, as I mentioned earlier, I do believe in the power of algae/plankton-related products, so I may keep this in rotation when I’m not using my EGF serum (that happens to be cheaper than this ampoule). Overall, I do look forward to any future products AZN Labs might release. They still did a good job with this ampoule and I do like the way it feels on my skin.

Final Rating = 3/5

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Other Products For an Anti-Aging/Antioxidant-Heavy Skincare Routine

Products of Interest:

I totally understand that not everyone has the budget for a $120 USD product, or anything over $100 USD really. Even spending over $50 USD sometimes just seems too much. Here I’ll suggest to you some other anti-aging/multi-tasking products at different price points that you might want to slowly incorporate into an anti-aging specific routine - whether you decide to use these products alongside the Afterglow Ampoule or something similar.

• Jullai Super 12 Bounce Cleansing Oil - This cleansing oil is loaded with not just 1, but 12 different kinds of antioxidants! $38 USD is pricey for cleansing oil, but considering you only use it once a day at night (or just on the days you wear makeup), you won't go through it fast - plus again, look at the antioxidants, LOL.
• HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner - You might think $37 USD is kind of on the expensive side for a toner, but this thing is 10.1 fluid ounces. Most toners are about half that amount while costing around the same amount (even more for some luxury brands). This toner contains superstar ingredients for anti-aging such as fermented black rice, hyaluronic acid, beta glucan and red ginseng.
• Peach & Lily Wild Dew Essence - This is very lightweight and liquidy like water, yet you can feel its hydration properties immediately on the skin. This helps balance and retain moisture in your skin. Overtime, this has smoothed and softened my skin, almost like a beauty filter. It's kind of subtle, but enough for me to notice it. At $39 USD, it's one of the cheapest first treatment essences you will ever see.
• Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum - If you are looking for a great multi-tasking serum that will even out, plump, and make your skin smooth (glass skin effect), look no further than the appropriately named Glass Skin Refining Serum. It's only $39 USD and works even better together withthe Peach & Lily Wild Dew Essence. [Read My Review]
• Estee Lauder DayWear (there are many variations depending on your skin type) - This is kind of a pricey moisturizer but it does have antioxidants and Estee Lauder is kind enough to have multiple versions, so take your pick whether you want something lighter for the day, more nourishing for night, or even a mattifying formula, etc. This moisturizer starts at about ~$52 USD.
• Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm - I feel like my eye area gets drier with age, thus making my fine lines more pronounced than they really are. This eye cream is hydrating and nourishing without being overly greasy or giving me millia. It is $68 USD but a little goes a long way.
• Laneige Time Freeze Sleeping Mask - A sort of anti-aging variation of their popular sleeping mask, this has Dynamic Collagen to help firm up your skin. This is $39 USD but a little goes a long way and since this is a sleeping mask, you only really have to use this a couple times a week.

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AZN Labs Afterglow Ampoule

Photo Credit: BeautyTap

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