Perfect in theory or in practice: Pyunkang Yul Calming Moisture Repair Balm

Hello! I am writing this review for a cream from the South Korean brand Pyunkang Yul after it has run out. Recently I have been using it regularly, so while the impressions are still fresh, I will try to evaluate it in the long run, because I have been using it intermittently during spring, summer and fall.

Pyunkang Yul Calming Moisture Repair Balm belongs to the brand’s soothing line, designed for sensitive skin care. On the one hand, this brand’s care is generally positioned as suitable for sensitive or even irritated skin, but here Pyunkang decided to make a combo for soothing care to be sure.

I should mention that, nominally, the cream in this line is different, and this one is called a revitalizing balm. But in fact the product is not a balm, it is more of a thicker and better moisturizing version of the cream.

Packaging. This product is packaged not in the standard blue colors of Pyunkang Yul , but in dark emerald shades of this line. Both the jar and the box are made qualitatively – it is pleasant to hold it in your hands. Cardboard box is even slightly velvety – what for is a separate question – but the fact remains. The plastic jar also pleases: it has not lost its commercial appearance even after six months of use, and there have never been any problems with the lid and threads.

Сomposition of the product, in my opinion, is excellent. Many ingredients are aimed at quality hydration and nutrition: for example, squalane, glycerin, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, hyaluronic acid in different forms, etc. Whereas the presence of centella and tea tree extracts make this cream an excellent choice for problematic skin, and this is only supported by the inclusion of panthenol in the formula.

Texture and smell. The cream texture does not match the title of a balm. Yes, it is thick, but it reminds me, strangely enough, more of a whitish gel, but not a restorative and certainly not a healing ointment (I have a lot of experience with such ointments due to my thin skin). Moreover, such a “balm” will not do anything locally – it will not get rid of peeling, it will not tighten the wound and will not remove the crust. It is better to use it as a moisturizer, applying it to the whole face after the serum. The product is applied to the skin very easily and is absorbed much faster than nourishing cream of the same brand. On the skin it gives a slight sheen. It has no fragrance.

Effect. As for the effect, it is controversial. I liked using this cream most in mid-to-late spring and early fall – then a decent level of hydration came out of it, and its barrier functions are performed as comfortably as possible. In summer it is occasionally perceived as dense precisely because of this texture property, then in winter I think it won’t give my dry skin enough hydration. On the other hand, I will note that it helps to patch the lipid mantle, which is important to me.

I haven’t noticed any soothing qualities with this product. I often have red skin and allergic itching, so I usually have no trouble seeing which products make it go away or lessen it. Unfortunately, in the case of Calming Moisture Repair Balm, I haven’t noticed that trend. Maybe it works for general skin firming against sensitization, but then the effect is too subtle for me to definitely mark it. It does not have much effect on inflammation: it does not make it worse, but it does not make it less of a problem either.

I should also mention that it does not go well with all foundations and sanskrit. Some don’t go on well or roll off. However, I’m not sure if it’s just this product’s fault and not others or both at all.

Bottom line, unfortunately or fortunately (stability is a sign of skill) Pyunkang instead of a salvation for allergic skin made another basic cream, of which there must be more than one in their range. Yes, the cream is quite good, especially for transitional seasons, but for dry and cranky skin it is not brilliant and most importantly, it does not provide the promised soothing effect. But I can recommend it as a base case for sensitive skin that needs to restore its lipid layer, especially if you are not looking for super-hydration.

30 responses

  1. Shinebrightgirl Avatar
    Shinebrightgirl

    Thanks for the review! Yes, I paid attention to the brand during my fascination with Korean cosmetics and I still have some of them on my bathroom shelf. The last one was a nourishing cream in a blue jar which is 100ml. I thought it would never run out 🤪
    I can’t think of anything to point out from their care products at all. Nothing at all. Everything is average, simple, unoriginal. There are plenty of other brands that have replacements for everything.
    I’ve tried their two washes, toner, mist, moisturizing serum, nourishing cream and body cream once had 2 jars. I liked that one. But since then there are similar products.

    1. Thanks for stopping by!
      I ran out of that blue jar not too long ago, by the way. I’ve liked their thick toner and one of their washes the most so far. I’ll be trying another toner and washcloth as well. But overall everything is basic, no miracles.

      1. Shinebrightgirl Avatar
        Shinebrightgirl

        I liked the thick toner, too. I sometimes use it in summer instead of cream. But this year I bought a cream mist from dr jart and I don’t need any other toners) it’s a very convenient format for such a product. It’s also very moisturizing. After showering in the summer it is perfect for me. When I don’t want to put on my usual care.

        1. Is that the yellow one? If it is, unfortunately, I need more moisture. But in the summer after a shower, why not?

          1. Shinebrightgirl Avatar
            Shinebrightgirl

            Yes, ceramidine. I only use it solo in the summer, too. I use it under the cream.

      2. Natalya Ivashuta Avatar
        Natalya Ivashuta

        That’s right, the toner is cool! I have it now and really like it.

    2. JolieRouge Avatar
      JolieRouge

      I also had the cream in a blue jar. I totally agree – average forgettable product.

      1. I think I’ll agree, too. I can’t say it’s bad, but I don’t feel like repeating it myself.

  2. Shinebrightgirl Avatar
    Shinebrightgirl

    Your photos are, as always, very aesthetically pleasing! It’s always a pleasure to visit you.

    1. Thank you so much, that’s great to hear!

  3. I haven’t seen this cream from them, I’ll look for it. Although I love Korean luxury with all my soul, and there are plenty of other brands, I have already repeated their toner, which is with astragalus, and will continue to buy. I use it for the 7 skin method, and as a moisturizer on top of everything during the day, I noticed that it has soothing and healing properties (after tretinoin sometimes it is necessary).

    1. Shinebrightgirl Avatar
      Shinebrightgirl

      Are they a luxury product? As far as I understand, these are kind of our drugstore brands, only from Korea. They have a different name for it.

      1. No, they don’t, I wrote it that way in the commentary – even though I love luxury, I didn’t pass by this brand either

        1. Shinebrightgirl Avatar
          Shinebrightgirl

          I must have misunderstood you. Their marketing worked for me, to be honest. The cosmetics developed in the clinic, the minimal composition, the absence of unnecessary dyes and fragrances – all this played a role. I wouldn’t rule out buying something from them again. Even though they are trivial, at least if you need such a product, you already know where to go.

          1. When you need a basic base without surprises, that’s them.

    2. That’s good! I liked the thick toner the most out of the ones they tried, although I will try the soothing one too. And during the day, how often is that? Just when you want/need it?

      1. Yes, at work, both in summer and winter, my skin gets dry, either with air conditioning or heating (but I don’t use decorative cosmetics).

        1. Thanks for the reply! The lack of decorative cosmetics makes it much easier!

  4. Lilatitu Avatar
    Lilatitu

    Judging by your impressions, I don’t need it.
    I like the brand and they do have a good basic care, visually pleasing. It seems to be expensive at home, but if you get it at a discount, it’s fine.
    The blue line suits me very well, I am happy to put on different combinations of layers, the moisturizing there is more like a film under which you can apply “something”. Actually, that’s what Korean care is aimed at – they’re made to soften and soothe skin. But you’re right – in fact, there are a lot of such basic products.
    In general, it seems to me that Korean cream is not at all what we Europeans expect from a cream… it just covers a hundred layers of toner on top)))

    1. I usually get it from Korea. But the interesting thing is that now I found a local cream that I like better and it costs less.
      Of the blue line, I ended up only liking the toner. The nourishing cream went less well for me than this one. But I probably wouldn’t choose any of them for me right now. Other than that, yes, basic stuff. I don’t mind soothing my skin, but this cream doesn’t even relieve redness, unfortunately. Apparently for that the other six layers are needed.

  5. Hello! Thank you for the review! Since the end of summer I have been using the set of this line – foam, toner, serum and cream. What can I say after three months: these are excellent basic products for dehydrated skin with rashes. The foam is very gentle, does not dry the skin, cleanses perfectly, it was especially good in hot periods, it dried up small rashes a little. The toner is my new favorite, overpowering the blue one. It’s more fluid but from the first application it is so comfortable and moisturizing, it’s great for the retinol period. The serum without miracles, gel texture, not sticky, moisturizes well and reduces redness, new rashes leave faster overnight. And from the cream, I also expected a recovery, but it is a simple basic moisturizer, for combined skin is great for the night. It does not cause rashes, does not clog pores, does not make a greasy pancake in the morning. Not a bad line, but it lacked the revitalizing effect that the manufacturer says it should have.

    1. Thank you for sharing your experience!
      I just ordered the foam and toner, but haven’t received them yet. The serum I did not take, there are enough good serums for now, plus I think I will not have enough effect from it – from the serums I just wait for it.

  6. I love this brand. Most of the products I’ve used are optimal base moisturizers that match all their promises for reasonable money. Yes, there is no wow effect, but I find Pyunkang Yul serums and creams to be the perfect base when I need to introduce assets into my care. Acids/peptides/vit. C + Pyunkang Yul = the perfect combination. I have never encountered Pyunkang Yul products conflicting with active care. Not every budget cosmetics can boast this.
    Thank you so much for your review. I haven’t tried your cream, I prefer the “blue” line with astragalus root. It has a good moisturizer, serum and toner.

    1. Thank you for sharing your experience!
      Yes, sometimes these products are good to use with active care. But it’s hard to expect more from them, even when it’s stated.

  7. Vi_Va_Victoria Avatar
    Vi_Va_Victoria

    You have lovely photos as always, lavender is an endless love. It’s been a (third?) year since I was going to try anything from the brand, no hint of it yet.
    About the product being called a balm, maybe it has a soft and gliding formula? I mean, a face cream balm seems more like that to me.

    1. Thank you!
      I think all the creams are soft, but this one was apparently meant to be more hiding or protective.
      I’m going to keep trying, I guess. Anyway, they’re already waiting for me.

  8. redishhh Avatar
    redishhh

    I had samples of their blue line: toner, some cream, I think I liked everything, but I can’t make an order, I try one thing and then another))) I can’t run out of them.

    1. It’s great that you like it! What are you trying out there that’s so interesting?

      1. redishhh Avatar
        redishhh

        It’s not that interesting in general) It just does not end: now I am using LRP cream, finishing Korean Esfolio, all sorts of serums, masks, etc. I hope by the end of the year something will get into the “empty jars” list.

        1. I’m just ending up with everything…