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Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum Review

12/1/2020

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by Rosy Day Blog

Introducing Peach & Lily Skincare

On May 22, 2018, U.S.-based Korean beauty online retailer Peach & Lily announced that they were launching their own skincare line. As of this post, all of the products in their line have already been released. However they did decide to kick things off with a pre-order for their first product, the Glass Skin Refining Serum back in May. The name alone makes you want to purchase it out of curiosity. I was one of the few who were lucky enough to snag a bottle before the pre-orders ran out. I am excited to be one of the first to do a product review on this!

Disclosure:

I bought this with my own money from Peach & Lily. 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 Peach & Lily.

Table of Contents

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

Peach & Lily Launches In-House Line of Skincare

About Peach & Lily:

Peach & Lily (the online store) was created by Alicia Yoon, after struggling with skincare issues herself (itchy/dry skin). The Peach & Lily skincare line was also born out of a similar necessity - Alicia Yoon's own sister wanted products that addressed all her concerns while still being safe for use while pregnant, etc. Essentially Alicia Yoon sought to address similar concerns that weren't readily available from other skincare brands. She took matters into her own hands and worked the next couple of years developing products for Peach & Lily. You can read more about how it all started in detail here: Introducing Peach & Lily Skincare

Product Description:

It is a multi-tasking product for pore care, hydration, and anti-aging. Star ingredients include peach extract, niacinamide, East Asian mountain yam, madecassoside, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.

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Glass Skin Refining Serum for Glassy, Transparent, Pore-less Skin

Product Claims:

Like its name, the Glass Skin Refining Serum claims to give you smooth/poreless and clear, transparent skin. Your face should be so well hydrated and nourished (no inflammation and/or damage) that it shines like glass (hence the term "glass skin").

How To Use:

Official directions off the Peach & Lily website are, "Use AM and PM and liberally. Apply after cleansing, toning, and before moisturizer."

I personally only use this at night, like special vitamins for my skin before I go to sleep. This is so that I can make this serum last longer (it is a small bottle afterall), and also because I tend to alternate and use different serums during the day and night (I love to maximize my benefits/usage of different ingredients). With that said, only using this once a day shouldn't affect the results too much (other than it might be a tad slower for you to see any effects).

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Skin Perfecting Serum

If you haven't been informed of the Korean "glass skin" trend, it's basically skin that looks so clear, poreless, translucent, and luminous, that it looks like glass. Here I'll break down the ingredients in this product to see what types of things might help one to achieve such a look.

Notable Ingredients:

  • Peach Extract - This has naturally high amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Potassium, and Manganese, as well as fatty acids, making it an ideal anti-aging ingredient to keep skin firm and resilient.
  • Niacinamide - Very popular in skincare, this is a proven ingredient for anti-inflammation and brightening (combating dullness/uneven skintone).
  • East Asian Mountain Yam Extract - Can help fight the loss of collagen and restore skin cells (thus making it more supple and radiant). This also helps reduce skin flakiness.
  • Madecassoside - Derived from Centella Asiatica, a medicinal plant (and another popular product in skincare), this is great for anti-inflammation (healing) and can help stimulate collagen (anti-aging).
  • Hyaluronic Acid Complex - From Peach & Lily, "A proprietary blend of short-chain, medium-chain and long-chain hyaluronic acid molecules helps provide hydration at every level of skin; short-chain molecules sink into the deeper layers, while medium-chain molecules fill in the layers closer to the surface of the skin, and long-chain molecules lock in moisture on the skin's surface so that skin is plumped up from within while the outer layer becomes radiant." In short, this sounds like basic hyaluronic acid x3 to me!
  • Peptide complex - From Peach & Lily, "A proprietary blend of peptides are included to signal collagen production to help fill in the fine lines and deeply etched wrinkles, and firm skin, for an overall smoother, glassier appearance." In short, peptides are always good. To me they're like supercharged anti-aging vitamins!

Full Ingredients List:

Water (Aqua), Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Madecassoside, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Sodium Carbomer, Beta-Glucan, Saccharide Isomerate, Phytic Acid, Sucrose, Asiaticoside, Caprylyl Glycol

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Packaging, Scent & Texture

Packaging:

First of all, I have to admit that I've become a big fan of simple, yet chic packaging lately. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that some of the products with more expensive looking packaging, haven't quite been doing it for me...Anyway, I really admire that Peach & Lily decided to focus more on good formulations rather than fancy packaging, yet the packaging on their new Peach & Lily line is still quite eye catching w/ the peachy/coral hues.

Like all the Peach & Lily skincare products (with the exception of their Super Reboot mask), the Glass Skin Refining Serum comes in a sturdy white plastic bottle (this one comes with a pump). I like how on the top of the bottle's cap, it is the line's signature peachy/coral hue. Everything looks very clinical, yet chic/modern. Although the downside of this white packaging is that you can't see how much of the serum you have left. It would be nice to have a very narrow clear indicator going down on the side, just to peak how much of the serum you have left. Not that big of a deal though, just make sure to replenish when you feel the bottle is less than half full.

Scent & Texture:

For those of you sensitive to fragrances or you're just picky with scents in general, you can finally rejoice because this product is completely scentless! This is probably one of the few Korean beauty products that is scentless. I personally have nothing against fragrances in skincare, but I can totally understand those that aren't a fan of it or just don't like certain scents. While I don't mind fragrance, I have run into some times when I thought a product had too strong of a scent (it might have been a good scent but it was like borderline nausiating). Or sometimes (and this happens to me with hanbang/medicinal-type of products), whatever smells "nice and herbally" to others, smells like freaking glue or some other weird scent to me. I'm sorry but unfortunately Your Mileage May Vary also applies to scents in products. At least with the scent (or lack thereof) in this product, you can't really argue or find fault in anything really. There's nothing to complain about here.

The serum itself is a clear almost liquidy gel. It's hydrating enough that it produces a slight dewy glow on your face upon contact, yet it is light and not sticky. In fact, this sinks in quite fast and doesn't have the sticky after feeling that some serums can have. Some serums after I've initially patted them onto my face, the palms of my hands still feel quite sticky, and of course those serums take a bit longer to absorb. This Glass Skin Refining Serum is a dream if you're in a rush and can't be bothered waiting too long for product to sink in (I'm looking at you Hada Labo with all that slapping required for your famous hydrating lotions).

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K-Beauty Trend: What is Glass Skin/Cloudless Skin?

Performance:


My skin become better hydrated & without inflammation... thus giving me more of a glassy, transparent and pore-less appearance.

I already used actives prior to using the serum so I wasn't sure "anything more" could be done to my skin, but how wrong I was!

Plumping/Firming: I think this really does firm my skin because all the usual suspects (uneven/sunken eye area, minor frown lines), have become plumped up to where I feel like I've had like 10 hours of sleep, LOL. They're barely noticeable now unless I have a smile (obviously) and if I'm tired, my right eye will still look a little sunken still.

Brightening: I have niacinamide in my Curology (tretinoin) precription, however, since I don't use Curology everyday (I'm too sensitive to) I feel like I don't really get as much of the brightening benefits that I should. Using the serum everyday, my skin has gotten brighter than before and I feel like it stays brighter longer. I say that, because sometimes I feel like products that claim to brighten your skin, do so temporarily and as soon as you stop using it (product runs out for example or you got lazy a couple of days), the results fade. Now, I've been using the serum diligently of course, but I just feel like I've been "shining bright like a diamond" more so than usual.

Anti-Inflammation: Prior to using this serum, I have had a pretty bad issue with redness. It was super random too, so I couldn't really pinpoint it to a specific product. Sometimes my skin is fine, and other times I'd randomly turn red even though I've been using the same products. I've since tried changing my skin habits a little bit and this product has really helped curb the random redness on my face. Other than some slight overexfoliation I experienced from a different product, I haven't had any redness issues since using this product. Of course, I wouldn't rely on this product excluisvely for anti-inflammation (you should look to overhauling your entire routine and habits), this is still a great product to incorporate even if only for this reason alone I think.

Hydration: Maybe it's just me, but sometimes I feel like I just have this very light watery veil over my face keeping it ever so hydrated without ever being greasy or even causing me to produce more oil. Heck, I've been using the serum during this 90-100 degree summer and I'm doing just fine! For those of you with more dry skin, this might not be enough for your skin but it's sole purpose isn't just for hydration (you should always follow up a serum with moisturizer afterall).

Anti-Wrinkle: I don't think this has improved any fine lines (around my eyes anyway), but then again I've only been using this serum for 1.5 weeks. I will say though, that with the added hydration plumping action, it does make those lines look less severe (even if temporarily). I'm hoping that using the serum for a longer time period would increase the results, or at least help prolong my existing youth.

Pore-Minimizing: I wasn't really expecting any pore minimizing with ths product, but then again it wouldn't be a "glass skin" serum without that effect. Now as I mentioned earlier, I do use actives such as Curology, but I do not use them everyday. In fact, I even stopped using actives for the duration of my testing with the serum so I could be sure of its results.

The Glass Skin Refining Serum does a better job at minimizing pores than the Cosrx Two in One Poreless Power Liquid!

I was already using the Cosrx for minor breakouts, but I feel like my cheeks lately have been looking more refined than ever and I don't even have a large pore problem.

Not much to say about this other than I haven't been using actives in almost 2 weeks and my face still looks as smooth and slick as ever, maybe even a tad better!

Pros:

  • It's not exactly cheap, but I think it is very reasonably priced for the ingredients and formulation at ~$39 USD (you can even use this just once a day just to get more life out of it).
  • Firms/plumps skin.
  • Refines your skin giving it an overall clearer appearance. Results overtime: softer/smoother, more calm skin.
  • Brightens and evens out skin (it's helping to fade a pesky dark/sunspot I have near the corner of my right eye).
  • Helps skin retain moisture.
  • Skin appears to become incredibly soft to the touch over time.
  • Completely scentless.
  • Sturdy plastic packinging w/ a pump.
  • No synthetic fragrance, sulfates, formaldehyde, phthalates, synthetic dyes, parabens, mineral oils, silicones, EDTA, MEA/DEA/TEA, PEGs, or Polysorbates.
  • No animal testing (animal lovers rejoice!)

Cons:

  • If you’re already hitting it hard with actives (especially almost daily), this product may seem pointless to you. However, I don't and can't use actives everyday, so for me this is like a god-send.
  • Since this is a multi-tasking product (meant to treat multiple issues), it might not treat a particular issue as well as you might expect (think "jack of all trades but master of none").
  • Might not be hydrating enough for drier skin, however, you should always top off your serum with some kind of moisturizer anyway.
  • Solid white bottle makes it hard to see how much product you have left (depending on use I'd say this should last at least 1.5 months or so).
  • Only available at peachandlily.com and select Ulta Stores.

“Glass Skin” Skincare Routine

Final Impressions:

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. I only use Curology at least once a week and my skin seems to look the best the 2nd day after usage. With the Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum, I feel like I get that "freshly exfoliated" look every day.

The effects of this serum are definitely heightened when used with other Peach & Lily products.

My favorite way to use this is to apply some of the Glass Skin Refining Serum onto my skin but don't completely rub it all the way in. While my skin is still damp, I sheet mask with the Peach & Lily Original Glow Sheet Mask. After removing the mask and patting everything in, I then re-apply a bit more of the Glass Skin serum mixed in with a little of the Peach & Lily Pure Beam Luxe Oil for truly glowing skin.

Of course being in my 30s, I'd love to have even more firming than this product already provides, but I guess only time will tell. Right now, I'm really enjoying this product and it might possibly be the best of its kind right now.

The Results


Before


After


Some lighting issues aside (both photos were taken during the day but it's hard to get the same exact lighting every time), my skin looks more luminous, almost volumized in the after versus the before. My dark spots have lessened and my skin did get a bit lighter (my skin tone really does look like in the after photo). I didn't exactly have terrible skin in the before photo, but I guess you can say I took on a more glossy looking appearance in the after?

Final Rating = 4.5/5

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Other Products I Use in my Glass Skincare Routine

Products of Interest:


Normally I would suggest some similar products here, but instead I'll share with you some other products I've been loving in my routine lately for that coveted glass skin look.
  • Ground Plan First Clear Skin - This toner has a little bit of BHA in it (perfect for a little daily exfoliation), yet it is very gentle as it contains centella asiatica. I never have the red irritated/over-exfoliated look with this toner.
  • CosRX Two In One Poreless Power Liquid - One of the key things to having glass skin is smooth, clear skin. This means no acne and enlarged pores. This serum keeps my minor breakouts (closed comedones) in check and minimizes my pores, while still managing to hydrate and plump my skin. [Read My Review]
  • Ground Plan Cell Power Energy Essence - Since using this essence (FTE), I haven't felt the need to do the 7-skin or even 3-skin method (layering your hydrating toner/essence/serum). This is thicker than most essences, but everytime I use it my skin is plumped and feels filled with hydration. I'm always left with a glowy finish on my skin.
  • Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer - The perfect hydrating serum or light-weight/summer moisturizer. It plumps your skin and fills it with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants.
  • Ground Plan Day & Night Secret Moisture Cream - There is definitely some kind of secret in this, because this seems to be the only product that instantly calms down redness on my skin and helps soothe my irritated/over-exfoliated skin. It might not offer anything fancy (anti-aging or brightening), but this is currently my favorite "basic" cream. I always wake up with healthy looking skin thanks to this product.
  • Peach & Lily Pure Beam Luxe Oil - This in my opinion is like the only true "dry" oil. By that, I mean it actually feels somewhat dry and not at all greasy going on your face. This is an oil for people with oily skin and/or hate traditional facial oils. A little goes a long way to produce a natural glow that not only hydrates but protects and reinforces your skin barrier.


Shop This Post



Peach & Lily
Glass Skin Refining Serum


Photo Credit: Peach & Lily

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