1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the kiwi, Actinidia chinensis, Actinidiaceae
COSRX
Refresh AHA BHA VITAMIN C Daily Cream
face cream
COSRX
face cream
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
See how this fits your skin
Take the skin test and I'll show you how suitable this product is for you.
Take the skin testThe COSRX Refresh AHA BHA VITAMIN C Daily Cream is a gentle yet effective exfoliating cream that helps to brighten and hydrate the skin. The cream contains a blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that work together to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, while also promoting skin cell turnover for a smoother, more radiant complexion. The glycolic acid in this product also helps to break down the bonds between dead skin cells, revealing brighter, more even-toned skin underneath. In addition to its exfoliating properties, the COSRX Refresh AHA BHA VITAMIN C Daily Cream also contains vitamin C, which helps to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays, while also promoting collagen production for firmer, more youthful-looking skin. Overall, the COSRX Refresh AHA BHA VITAMIN C Daily Cream is a versatile skincare product that can help to improve the appearance and texture of your skin. Whether you're dealing with acne, dark spots, or dryness, this cream can help to address these issues while also providing gentle exfoliation and hydration.
Refresh AHA BHA VITAMIN C Daily Cream is a lightweight cream from COSRX, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 30 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Butylene Glycol, Betaine and Ethylhexylglycerin, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Ethylhexylglycerin and Panthenol.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Panthenol, Allantoin and Niacinamide.
Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Niacinamide, Alpha-arbutin, Ascorbyl Glucoside and Tocopherol.
On richness alone it suits Balanced, Combination (oily) and Oily 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.
The formula contributes little or nothing on firmness signalling. 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.
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.
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.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
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.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time
Refines texture by gently exfoliating rough, uneven patches
Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores
Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores
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.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the kiwi, Actinidia chinensis, Actinidiaceae
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract is the extract of the fruit of Hylocereus undatus, Cactaceae
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% 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)
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Hexadecyl 2-ethylhexanoate
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Alcohols, C16-18
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Arginine
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol
16th 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
18th 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)-
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
This product is the "Moisturise" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 30 ingredients on the label.
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Dissolves and carries everything else
Forms a film that slows water loss
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Calms visible redness and irritation
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the kiwi, Actinidia chinensis, Actinidiaceae
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract is the extract of the fruit of Hylocereus undatus, Cactaceae
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Hippophae Rhamnoides Water is the aqueous solution of the steam distillates obtained from the whole plant of the Sea Buckthorn, Hippophae rhmanoides L, Elagnaceae
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% 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)
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Hexadecyl 2-ethylhexanoate
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the nuts of the Bushnut, Macadamia ternifolia, Proteaceae. It consists primarily of the glycerides of the fatty acids
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Alcohols, C16-18
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt
11th 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
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
13th 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
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Arginine
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol
16th 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
17th 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
18th 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)-
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
6-Amino-9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-9H-purine
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
4-Hydroxyphenyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
[1R-[1.alpha.(R*),2.beta.,5.alpha.]]-5-Methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexyl lactate
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Mentha Haplocalix Extract is an extract of the whole plant Mentha haplocalix, Lamiaceae
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
4-O-beta-D-Galactopyranosyl-D-gluconic acid
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is the psoralen-free volatile oil obtained from the fruit of Citrus aurantium L. var. bergamia, Rutaceae; Oils, bergamot; bergamot oil bergaptene free
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Betaine Salycilate is the product formed by the reaction of Betaine with Salycilic Acid
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-O-alpha-D-Glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Acetic acid, hydroxy-
30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
SOME BY MI
Shares 9 key ingredients with Refresh AHA BHA VITAMIN C Daily Cream: Niacinamide, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Betaine
Medicube
Shares 9 key ingredients with Refresh AHA BHA VITAMIN C Daily Cream: Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate
Benton
Shares 9 key ingredients with Refresh AHA BHA VITAMIN C Daily Cream: Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Hyaluronate
COSRX
Shares 9 key ingredients with Refresh AHA BHA VITAMIN C Daily Cream: Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Hyaluronate
Mary&May
Shares 9 key ingredients with Refresh AHA BHA VITAMIN C Daily Cream: Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetearyl Olivate
beplain
Shares 9 key ingredients with Refresh AHA BHA VITAMIN C Daily Cream: Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Arginine
ACTINIDIA CHINENSIS FRUIT EXTRACT, HYLOCEREUS UNDATUS FRUIT EXTRACT, HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, NIACINAMIDE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA SEED OIL, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, BETAINE, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CARBOMER, ARGININE, PANTHENOL, CETEARYL OLIVATE, SORBITAN OLIVATE, ALLANTOIN, ADENOSINE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, ALPHA-ARBUTIN, MENTHYL LACTATE, MENTHA HAPLOCALIX EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL, LACTOBIONIC ACID, CITRUS AURANTIUM BERGAMIA FRUIT OIL, BETAINE SALICYLATE, ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE, GLYCOLIC ACID, WATER.
NIACINAMIDE, PANTHENOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, LACTOBIONIC ACID, ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE, GLYCOLIC ACID.
Apply evenly across your face day and night. Gently pat into the skin to absorb.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced, Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) 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.
4 ingredients could feed malassezia: Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
It contains Alpha-arbutin, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
Use it morning and evening, after serums.
It lists 30 ingredients, of which 6 are recorded as actives.
COSRX, a brand based in Korea.
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