COSRX Propolis Light Cream

COSRX

Propolis Light Cream

face moisturizer

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
65%
Combination (dry)
65%
Balanced
95%
Combination (oily)
75%
Oily
75%

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18
Ingredients
3
Benefits
0
Actives
Find Dupes

The COSRX Propolis Light Cream is a moisturising cream containing a high percentage of a black bee propolis complex and antioxidants for a plump and glowing complexion. Infused with 65.69% of the black bee propolis complex consisting of black bee propolis extract, honey extract, and royal jelly extract which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This complex delivers nourishment and antioxidants for soft supple skin. Its light, gel-like cream texture effortlessly absorbs into the skin.

Key Insights

Benefits

3
Anti-Aging
Hydration
Soothing

Risks

1
Synthetic polymer

Full Ingredients

18 total
PROPOLIS EXTRACT BUTYLENE GLYCOL GLYCERIN CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED OIL 1,2-HEXANEDIOL HONEY EXTRACT ROYAL JELLY EXTRACT HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER CASSIA OBTUSIFOLIA SEED EXTRACT CETEARYL OLIVATE BEESWAX CETEARYL ALCOHOL SORBITAN OLIVATE ALLANTOIN ARGININE CARBOMER XANTHAN GUM

About Propolis Light Cream

Overview

Propolis Light Cream is a lightweight moisturizer from COSRX, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 18 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. The oils in it point to a dewy, emollient finish rather than a matte one. Hydration is handled by Butylene Glycol, Glycerin and Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride and Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, oil control and brightening and tone. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.

Where it fits in a routine

It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after serums. Seal in your serums with it; in the morning, sunscreen still goes on top.

This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No fragrance or declared allergens
  • No essential oils
  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • 3 ingredients could feed malassezia (fungal acne)

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Balanced skin

May suit

  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 9 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 3 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Soothing 2 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading Evens Skin Tone Oil Control Pore Minimizer Smooths Bumpy Skin

None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

Butylene Glycol

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration
Glycerin

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
Caprylic/capric Triglyceride

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl

Hydration
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of the Sunflower, Helianthus annuus L., Compositae

Anti-Aging Hydration
Honey Extract

7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Mel Extract (EU)

Hydration Soothing
Cetearyl Olivate

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Cetearyl Olivate is the ester of Cetearyl Alcohol and the fatty acids derived from olive oil

Hydration
Beeswax

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Beeswax absolute (RIFM),Beeswax concrete (RIFM),Beeswax, white (Apis mellifera L.) (RIFM),Bleached Beeswax,Cera Alba (EU),White Beeswax,White Wax,Yellow Wax

Hydration
Cetearyl Alcohol

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Alcohols, C16-18

Hydration
Allantoin

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-

Soothing
Arginine

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

L-Arginine

Hydration Anti-Aging

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support None

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening None

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Low

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal None

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Fragrance-free
  • Essential-oil-free
  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free

Contains

  • Facial oils

    Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

  • Animal-derived ingredients

    Propolis Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Beeswax

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
  • BHA (salicylic acid)
  • PHAs (gluconolactone)
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Moisturise" step.

  • Seal in your serums with it; in the morning, sunscreen still goes on top.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
3 ingredients could feed malassezia: Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Recorded ingredient risks
Synthetic polymer

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 18 ingredients on the label.

7
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

4
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

3
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

3
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

3
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

2
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

2
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

1
Soothing

Calms visible redness and irritation

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Propolis Extract Plant extract
Estimated level
10–40%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.

Extract of propolis wax

2 Butylene Glycol Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • US Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations</em>, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2011, pages 5S-16S
  • Skin Research and Technology, November 2007, pages 417-24
  • Journal of the American College of Toxicology, September 1985, pages 223-248
3 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
4 Caprylic/capric Triglyceride
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2020, pages 34-35
  • Periodica Polytechnica Chemical Engineering, 2014, pages 43-48
  • International Journal of Toxicology, January 2003, pages 4-5
  • Food and Chemical Toxicology, January 2000, pages 79-98
  • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, August 1985, pages 303-311
5 Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Emollient
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of the Sunflower, Helianthus annuus L., Compositae

Anti-Aging Hydration
4 scientific references
  • Pediatric Dermatology, August 2018, ePublication; and January-February 2013, pages 42-50
  • Chemicke Zvesti, May 2018, pages 2, 607-2, 615
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, December 2017, ePublication
  • Dermatology, October 2014, pages 230-239
6 1,2-hexanediol Solvent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

6th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

7 Honey Extract Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Plant extract

7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Mel Extract (EU)

Hydration Soothing
8 Royal Jelly Extract Plant extract
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Royal Jelly Extract is an extract obtained from royal jelly

9 Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a copolymer of sodium hydroxyethyl acrylate and acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers

Synthetic polymer
10 Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract Plant extract
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract is an extract of the seeds of Cassia obtusifolia L. (syn C. Tora L.), Leguminosae

11 Cetearyl Olivate
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Cetearyl Olivate is the ester of Cetearyl Alcohol and the fatty acids derived from olive oil

Hydration
12 Beeswax Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Beeswax absolute (RIFM),Beeswax concrete (RIFM),Beeswax, white (Apis mellifera L.) (RIFM),Bleached Beeswax,Cera Alba (EU),White Beeswax,White Wax,Yellow Wax

Hydration
8 scientific references
  • Supercharged Hydration
  • How Hyaluronic Acid Benefits Skin
  • What is Dehydrated Skin & How to Choose the Best Products
  • What Your Moisturizer Must Contain
  • Moisturizer Myths You Should Stop Believing Now
  • The Benefits of Glycerin in Skin Care
  • The Best Face Oils for Skin
  • How Facial Oils Help Skin
13 Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant, Texture agent

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Alcohols, C16-18

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • FDA Cosmetic Labeling Claims, August 2020, ePublication
  • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea, June 2009, pages 103-110
  • Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 1988, pages 359-413
14 Sorbitan Olivate Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

D-Glucitol, 1,4-Anhydro-, 6-monoester with olive oil fatty acids

15 Allantoin Occlusive
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Soothing

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-

Soothing
8 scientific references
  • Chemistry Series, March 2020, pages 7-21
  • Molecules, June 2019, pages 1-33
  • European Journal of Pharmacology, February 2018, pages 68-78
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, June 2017, Volume 76, Issue 2, Supplement 1
  • Pharmacognosy Review, Volume 5, July-December 2011
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2010, Supplement, pages 84S-97S
  • Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, October 2008, ePublication
  • https://wwwaccessdatafdagov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearchcfm?CFRPart=347&showFR=1
16 Arginine
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

L-Arginine

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Biobased Surfactants (Second Edition), 2019, pages 413-445
  • Scientific Reports, February 2016, pages 1-10
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, October 2012, pages 1-35
  • Journal of Advanced Research, July 2010, pages 169–177
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, April 2005, page 139
  • Wound Repair and Regeneration, November-December 2003, pages 419-423
17 Carbomer Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Propenoic acid, polymer with 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol 2-propenyl ether

Synthetic polymer
18 Xanthan Gum Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Xanthan gum

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Propolis Light Cream?

PROPOLIS EXTRACT, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED OIL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, HONEY EXTRACT, ROYAL JELLY EXTRACT, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, CASSIA OBTUSIFOLIA SEED EXTRACT, CETEARYL OLIVATE, BEESWAX, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, SORBITAN OLIVATE, ALLANTOIN, ARGININE, CARBOMER, XANTHAN GUM.

How do I use Propolis Light Cream?

Gently apply a proper amount of the cream to face, avoiding the eye and mouth area, after cleansing and toning. Tap the area where the cream was applied gently in order for it to be absorbed along the skin texture.

What skin types is Propolis Light Cream good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is Propolis Light Cream good for sensitive skin?

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Is Propolis Light Cream fungal acne safe?

3 ingredients could feed malassezia: Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.

Can I use Propolis Light Cream while pregnant?

Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.

Is Propolis Light Cream fragrance free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.

Does Propolis Light Cream contain alcohol?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.

Is Propolis Light Cream silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does Propolis Light Cream contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is Propolis Light Cream paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with Propolis Light Cream?

It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.

When should I apply Propolis Light Cream?

Use it morning and evening, after serums.

How many ingredients does Propolis Light Cream have?

It lists 18 ingredients, of which 0 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Propolis Light Cream?

COSRX, a brand based in Korea.

Brand
COSRX
Country
Korea
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