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Skin1004 Honest Review: 17 Products Tested – What's Actually Worth Buying?

•17 min read•By CYoung

CYoung's brutally honest review of 17 Skin1004 products. I tested their Centella ampoules, cleansers, sunscreens, and creams to tell you what's great, what's just 'so-so,' and what to skip for dry, mature, sensitive skin.

CYoung

Written by CYoung

Former Korean TV announcer turned K-Beauty educator. Since 2017 she has taught hands-on K-Beauty master classes in Korea to 30,000+ clients from around the world, and every review here is tested on her own dry, sensitive, mature skin. More about CYoung

Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you buy through them, CYoung may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Alright, fam! You asked, I suffered. Today, we're diving deep into one of the most requested K-beauty brands: Skin1004. I bought and tested a whopping 17 of their products with my own money – no sponsorships, no bias, just 100% brutally honest reviews from your big sister.

You know my skin: dry, mature, and sensitive. So, if you're over 30 (or even 40 like me!), these insights are going to hit different. I'm breaking down each product into three simple categories: ✔️ Great: I'd repurchase it, highly recommend. ⚠️ So-So: It's okay, but there are better options out there. ❌ No: Save your money, don't bother.

Ready to find out what's worth your hard-earned cash and what's just TikTok hype? Let's get into it!

The Ampoule Lineup: Hits, Misses, and "Fancy Water"

Skin1004 is famous for its Centella Asiatica, especially their Madagascar Centella line. They've got a ton of ampoules, each promising something different. Let's see how they stack up.

⚠️ Madagascar Centella Ampoule

The Hype: The OG, the cult favorite, pure Centella for soothing and calming. My Take: This one landed in the "so-so" category for me, and honestly, it was a close call between "so-so" and "no." For my dry, mature, sensitive skin, it felt like... well, fancy water. I applied it, waited, and felt absolutely nothing. No hydration, no soothing, just a quick splash that disappeared without a trace.

Now, I know many people with sensitive skin swear by Centella, and I've seen tons of positive reviews. If your skin really loves Centella and you're looking for a super lightweight, almost toner-like first step, this might work for you. But for me, someone who needs actual hydration and visible effects, this just didn't cut it. It's called an ampoule, but the texture is so watery, you could easily use it as a toner. If you're expecting a rich, concentrated serum, you'll be disappointed.

✔️ Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule

The Hype: Brightening and hydrating with encapsulated ingredients. My Take: This was a pleasant surprise and definitely a Great pick! Unlike its watery sibling, this ampoule felt genuinely hydrating. It has these tiny capsules that look like little beads, but they disappear instantly when you rub them in.

I didn't notice any dramatic "brightening" effect, but the hydration level was impressive. For my dry skin, it provided a noticeable boost. What I really loved was the slightly tacky finish it left. It wasn't sticky, but it created a perfect base for makeup, almost like a primer. My foundation just glided on and stayed put. If you have dry, mature skin and are looking for a hydrating serum from this brand that also plays well with makeup, this is a hidden gem. Just be aware that the capsules can make the dropper look a little messy over time.

❌ Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule

The Hype: Minimizes pores and refreshes the skin. My Take: No. Just no. Save your money. First of all, I'm not a fan of the name "Poremizing" because it sets unrealistic expectations. Nothing, short of a laser, is going to permanently shrink your pores, and even then, they come back.

This ampoule felt just like the original Centella Ampoule – watery, quick to absorb, and ultimately, ineffective for my skin. It's cute, I'll give it that, but beyond aesthetics, I saw no point. It didn't make my pores look smaller, nor did it provide any noticeable hydration or soothing. If you're looking for a serum that actually does something, keep scrolling.

⚠️ Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule

The Hype: Intensive care for dry, damaged skin with Cica and probiotics. My Take: This one falls into the So-So category. It's definitely thicker than the other Centella ampoules, which is a plus for dry skin. However, the dropper is incredibly annoying. It barely picks up any product, and I found myself having to dip it multiple times or just pour it out. It's a small detail, but it makes the user experience frustrating.

Performance-wise, it's a normal serum. It provides some hydration, but nothing groundbreaking. In today's K-beauty market, there are so many fantastic serums targeting dry and mature skin (like some from the Numbuzin No. 9 line, for example) that are easier to use and offer more noticeable benefits. It's not bad, but it's not a standout either.

✔️ Madagascar Centella Niacinamide 10 Boosting Shot Ampoule

The Hype: 10% Niacinamide for brightening, pore care, and barrier strengthening. My Take: This is a Great one! Out of all the new "boosting shot" ampoules, this Niacinamide 10% version impressed me the most. It has the lightest texture of the three new ones, absorbing incredibly fast without any stickiness.

Despite being lightweight, it felt very comfortable and surprisingly more moisturizing than the older Skin1004 ampoules. Niacinamide is a fantastic ingredient for overall skin health, and at 10%, it's potent enough to make a difference without being irritating for most. For my dry, mature skin, it felt like a gentle, effective boost. If you're looking for a well-formulated Niacinamide serum that's easy to use and comfortable, this is a solid choice.

❌ Madagascar Centella Matrixyl 10 Boosting Shot Ampoule

The Hype: 10% Matrixyl for anti-aging and elasticity. My Take: No. This was a head-scratcher. It's basically a cream in a dropper bottle, and it's so thick it barely comes out. Seriously, why are you here? The texture makes it incredibly difficult to dispense, and once you finally get some out, the effects are completely unclear.

If it's working, it's working silently – too silently for me to notice any difference in elasticity or fine lines. When I use an anti-aging product, I want to feel or see something, even if subtle. This just felt like a struggle to apply for no discernible benefit. Skip it.

✔️ Madagascar Centella Retinol 0.2 Boosting Shot Ampoule

The Hype: 0.2% Retinol for anti-aging and skin texture improvement. My Take: Another Great one! This Retinol ampoule is a fantastic option, especially for those with dry or aging skin who are looking to incorporate a gentle yet effective retinol. I experienced a slight sting upon application, but it was nothing crazy and didn't last long.

The next morning, my skin texture felt noticeably smoother. It's a good concentration to start with or for regular use without overwhelming your skin. Just remember, when using any retinol product, moisturizer and sunscreen are NOT optional. Always follow up with good hydration and diligent sun protection. This is a well-made, accessible retinol product.

Cleansers: Foam, Oil, and a Stiff Surprise

Cleansing is the foundation of any good skincare routine. Let's see if Skin1004 gets it right.

✔️ Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam

The Hype: Gentle, hydrating foam cleanser with Centella. My Take: This is a Great cleanser, especially for sensitive skin. It's incredibly gentle, and when you foam it up, it creates a soft, cushiony lather that feels lovely on the skin. It cleanses without stripping, leaving my dry skin feeling comfortable, not tight.

I'd highly recommend this for anyone with sensitive or dry skin. However, if you have oily or combination skin, you might find the cleansing power a little too weak for your liking. It's more about gentle purification than deep degreasing.

❌ Madagascar Centella Poremizing Deep Cleansing Foam

The Hype: Deep cleansing for pores. My Take: No. This was a huge disappointment. The texture of this foam is so stiff, I honestly thought it had frozen in the cold! The lather is weak, and when you try to work it into your skin, it feels tight and uncomfortable.

While it's mildly alkaline and not crazy stripping, it just doesn't deliver on its "deep cleansing" promise. If you truly want deep cleansing, you should be using an oil-based cleanser anyway to break down makeup and impurities. For me, this product had no real point or benefit.

✔️ Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil

The Hype: Lightweight oil cleanser for makeup removal. My Take: This is a Great product and a fantastic beginner oil cleanser. Even if you usually hate oil cleansers because they feel heavy or greasy, you'll likely find this one very easy to like. The texture is very watery and light, making it glide effortlessly over the skin.

It effectively removes light makeup completely with just the oil alone. Because of its watery consistency, you might find yourself using a bit more product than you expect, but its performance is smooth, gentle, and effective. It emulsifies beautifully and rinses clean without leaving any residue. A definite repurchase for me!

Sun Protection: Serum vs. Stick

Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Let's see which Skin1004 option makes the cut.

✔️ Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum

The Hype: Hydrating, lightweight chemical sunscreen. My Take: This is a Great product, and actually, it's one of the very few Skin1004 products I've repurchased! It's a chemical sunscreen, so if you're allergic or sensitive to chemical filters, be aware. But for everyone else, this is a winner.

It's amazing as a base before makeup. Compared to other popular Korean sunscreens like Round Lab or Beauty of Joseon, I find this one absorbs slightly quicker and feels less greasy. It leaves a beautiful, dewy finish without being heavy. Anyone with oily, combination skin, or even gentlemen looking for a comfortable, non-greasy sunscreen, should definitely try this out. It's a well-made Korean sunscreen that performs beautifully.

❌ Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick

The Hype: Convenient, reapplication-friendly sun stick. My Take: No. Do you need this? Absolutely not. Compared to the sun serum, this isn't even close in terms of coverage or effectiveness. It feels weak, and half the time, you're left wondering if you even applied anything or if you're just imagining it.

It drags over the skin like you're rubbing a solid bar of soap on your face, which is incredibly uncomfortable. Plus, it moves all your carefully applied skincare underneath, making reapplication a messy affair. While sun sticks are generally for reapplication, this one is not suitable as your main sunscreen, and frankly, there are much better sun sticks out there (Abib's, for example, wins in shape, size, and glide).

Pads & Mask: Quick Fixes

Sometimes you need a quick boost or a targeted treatment.

✔️ Madagascar Centella Quick Calming Pad

The Hype: Soothing toner pads for quick calming. My Take: This is a Great product, and it's actually one of the top three Skin1004 products that are super popular here in Korea (along with the sun serum and cleansing oil). I even tested it with my fellow makeup artists, and everyone loved it!

The pads are incredibly thin, which is perfect. You can use them to quickly wipe your face after a shower, or even better, place them on areas that need extra soothing for a quick sheet mask effect while you're drying your hair. They stay put pretty well and provide a lovely cooling sensation. Since it's Centella-based, it's fantastic for anyone with oily or combination skin, or those prone to redness, especially in tropical weather. It's a simple, effective way to cool down and calm your skin.

✔️ Madagascar Centella Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask

The Hype: Convenient clay mask in a stick format for pore care. My Take: This is another Great product, primarily because it wins on convenience. No mess, no brush, no effort – just twist and apply. Does it shrink pores? Nope, again with the unrealistic "poremizing" claims. But compared to just using a cleanser, it definitely provides a deeper cleanse.

For dry skin like mine, applying it to the full face can feel a bit too tight, so I stick to the T-zone only. The brand suggests 10-15 minutes, but I wouldn't go past five minutes to avoid excessive dryness. It's best for oily or combination skin, used once a week, as a maintenance product rather than a deep treatment. It's a solid choice for easy, targeted cleansing.

Creams & Eye: Hydration and Targeted Care

The final steps in a routine are crucial for sealing in moisture and targeting specific concerns.

⚠️ Madagascar Centella Poremizing Light Gel Cream

The Hype: Lightweight gel cream for pore care and hydration. My Take: This one is a So-So for me. It feels very much like an aloe gel. If you're someone who uses beauty devices (like Medicube's, for example), this could be a great prep gel for rolling. It has no scent and provides a good glide.

However, for my dry skin, if I'm not using a device, there's no real reason to buy this gel cream. It's simply too light and doesn't provide enough hydration. But I know some people love their devices, and others with oily/combo skin might appreciate its lightweight texture. So, while it's not for me, the quality isn't bad, which is why it lands in the "so-so" category.

⚠️ Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream

The Hype: Rich, intensive cream for dry, damaged skin. My Take: This is another So-So product. It's marketed as a moisturizer for dry, mature skin, and it does have a thick texture with a slight scent. However, it doesn't spread easily, and you really have to work it in and wait for absorption.

For acne-prone skin, it might feel a bit heavy. The jar packaging is also a minus for hygiene. While it's not terrible, it's also not something I'd enthusiastically recommend. There are many other creams out there that offer similar hydration with a better texture and more convenient packaging (like the Seon cream, which is lighter but provides similar hydration in a tube).

⚠️ Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Bakuchiol Eye Cream

The Hype: Bakuchiol-infused eye cream for gentle anti-aging. My Take: This eye cream is So-So, leaning towards "okay to buy." I bought the Korean version, which is just a simple tube, but I know the global version sometimes comes with a little device, which can be annoying. I prefer the simple tube.

If you're afraid of retinol but want to try bakuchiol (a gentler plant-based alternative), this can be a good starting point. It's pretty hydrating – not too heavy, not too light, sitting comfortably in the middle. The packaging is easy to use, allowing for better control. It's an affordable, easy-to-start eye cream for early 20s to 30s, suitable for all skin types.

However, there's one significant drawback: the smell. I don't know if it's the bakuchiol or something else, but it has a distinct, not-so-pleasant scent. Sometimes, when I apply it around my smile lines, the smell lingers, which is a definite minus. So, keep that in mind, but the quality itself is decent for the price.

Final Thoughts: My Skin1004 Verdict

After testing 17 Skin1004 products, it's clear that not everything is a winner, but there are definitely some standout gems worth your money. For my dry, mature, sensitive skin, the brand's strength lies in its gentle cleansing oil, the hydrating sun serum, and surprisingly, some of the newer ampoules like the Niacinamide and Retinol Boosting Shots. The Calming Pads are also a fantastic, versatile product.

On the flip side, many of their "poremizing" products and some of the basic Centella ampoules felt like glorified water or simply didn't deliver on their promises. The sun stick and deep cleansing foam were definite misses.

My advice? Don't fall for every viral trend. Focus on what your skin actually needs. Skin1004 has some solid, affordable options, but choose wisely based on your skin type and concerns.

Where to Buy

Ready to try the Skin1004 products that actually made the cut (or avoid the ones that didn't)? Here are the links to shop, and remember, using these links helps support my channel!

💧 Ampoules

🧼 Cleansers

☀️ Sun Products

🧴 Pads & Mask

🧴 Creams & Eye

💕 Exclusive Discount Codes

Apply these codes at checkout to save! 💸

  • Amore Mall: 👉 15% OFF Code: CYOUNG
  • Olive Young Global: 👉 Code: CYOUNG0 Shop Now
  • YesStyle: 👉 Code: CYOUNG0 Shop Now

💍 CYoung's Jewelry Picks

FAQ: Your Skin1004 Questions Answered

Q1: Is Skin1004 good for sensitive skin?

A1: Many Skin1004 products, especially those featuring Centella Asiatica, are formulated with sensitive skin in mind. The Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam and the original Madagascar Centella Ampoule are often well-tolerated. However, always patch test new products, especially if you have very reactive skin, as individual sensitivities can vary.

Q2: What does "Centella Asiatica" do for the skin?

A2: Centella Asiatica, often called Cica, is a popular K-beauty ingredient known for its soothing, calming, and healing properties. It helps reduce redness, inflammation, and irritation, making it excellent for sensitive, acne-prone, or compromised skin barriers. It also has antioxidant benefits.

Q3: Which Skin1004 products are best for dry, mature skin?

A3: For dry, mature skin, I'd recommend the Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule for hydration and makeup prep, the Madagascar Centella Niacinamide 10 Boosting Shot Ampoule for overall skin health, and the Madagascar Centella Retinol 0.2 Boosting Shot Ampoule for gentle anti-aging. The Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil and Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum are also great choices.

Q4: Can I use Skin1004 products if I have oily or combination skin?

A4: Absolutely! Many Skin1004 products are lightweight and suitable for oily or combination skin. The Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam, Madagascar Centella Quick Calming Pad, Madagascar Centella Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask (for T-zone), and the Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum are excellent options that won't feel heavy or greasy.

Q5: Are Skin1004 products generally affordable?

A5: Yes, Skin1004 is generally considered a mid-range to affordable K-beauty brand, offering good value for its ingredients and formulations. They often have sales and bundles, making them even more accessible. Using discount codes like CYOUNG0 on Olive Young or YesStyle can help you save even more!

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