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Keep Cool Soothe Phyto Greenpair Cream
Keep Cool,  moisturize,  Style Korean

Keep Cool Soothe Phyto Greenpair Cream

the claim

The Keep Cool Soothe Phyto Greenpair Cream is quickly absorbed for deep moisturisation. It claims to soothe damaged skin, refresh oily skin, relieve inflamed skin, purify and ultimately soothe with the aid of the phyto greenpair complex.
 
Keep Cool Soothe Phyto Greenpair Cream
 

the science

The hero of this cream is the Phyto Greenpair Complex which comprises extracts of Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf, Thuja Orientalis, Pine and Bamboo. Together these plants are able to soothe and heal the skin. More specifically, Chamaecyparis Obtusa helps to cleanse and heal while fighting blemishes and preventing new ones from forming. Astringent properties in Thuja Orientalis help deliver anti-inflammatory benefits for more radiant skin. Pine is antimicrobial and also helps to reduce inflammation for relief of skin conditions. Bamboo is packed with amino acids and flavonoids to provide antioxidant protection against UV radiation and reinforce the moisture barrier to reduce bacterial penetration.

Hydrogenated Polydecene is quite prominent in the formulation. It is a competent moisturiser acting to reinforce the skin barrier to reduce the loss of water rather than attracting it to the surface. On the other hand, Vitamin B5, Panthenol, effectively penetrates the skin, able to reach into the lower layers for deep cell absorption and hence effective moisturisation.

Able to improve dry and damaged skin are fatty alcohols, well represented by Cetearyl Alcohol and Ethylhexyl Olivate. Together with the soothing and moisturising effects of Shea Butter, these ingredients help to reduce flaking and restore suppleness.

Several other exotic botanical extracts round the formula and include the superstar Neem which provides excellent skin repair and protection. It has natural anti-ageing benefits, shielding the skin against oxidative stress and ultraviolet radiation. It’s also a source of Vitamin C thus promoting collagen production. Natural antibacterial properties help to reduce acne whilst anti-inflammatory capabilities calm redness and refresh the skin. The other extract that features prominently in Korean healing products is Centella Asiatica, often referred as Cica. Historically used in Asian medicine, anti-inflammatory properties help cica to ease irritation and acne, stimulate new cell growth, build collagen and improve circulation. One of the active ingredients (terpenoids) that features in this healer is called Madecassic Acid, which is also included in this product in its pure form.

Often coexisting in cosmetics, Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate together present a unique natural emulsifier derived from olive oil which reduces water loss and moisturises the skin. Also improving moisture content, humectants draw water into the skin and are well represented by Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Polyglutamic Acid and Butylene Glycol.

Remaining ingredients act to emulsify, balance, enhance texture and preserve.

 

the ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Shea Butter, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract (Cica), Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Forsythia Suspensa Fruit Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Thuja Orientalis Extract, Pinus Densiflora (Pine) Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Extract, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Disodium EDTA
 
Keep Cool Soothe Phyto Greenpair Cream Ingredients
 

the analysis

Free of harmful chemicals, the CosDNA and EWG assessments return an ideal low hazard rating without any warnings for the Keep Cool Soothe Phyto Greenpair Cream.
 
Keep Cool Soothe Phyto Greenpair Cream CosDNA Analysis
 

the packaging

This cream comes in a squeeze tube which has a protective seal over the opening when new. The box is also secured with a tape for easy detection of tampering.
 
Keep Cool Soothe Phyto Greenpair Cream protective seal
 
Keep Cool Soothe Phyto Greenpair Cream box seal
 

the application

Apply cream after serum and gently pat in.
 

the scent

The cream is not scented.
 

the cost

A large 50ml tube costs USD$22.00.
 

the availability

Keep Cool is widely available online for Australian consumers. You can buy their products from a great range of stockists such as Style Korean and Yes Style.
 

the expiry

This cream has a shelf life of 3 years and must be used within 12 months of opening.
 
Keep Cool Soothe Phyto Greenpair Cream shelf life
Keep Cool Soothe Phyto Greenpair Cream protective expiry
 

the performance

This cream comes in a typical squeeze tube which is a far more hygienic packaging solution than a jar with a wide opening. The product dispenses easily and in a controlled fashion. It has no added fragrance nor any scent resulting from its composition which is lovely. The cream has a vibrant pastel aqua tint and a fluffy, mousse like texture. It is super light and airy so a great choice for summer (which just happens to be the season in which I am testing).

I have combination skin which presents as a dry jawline and a slightly oily T-zone, the rest of my face being well balanced. I thought the light texture and fast absorption of this cream made it ideal for my skin type. I don’t usually suffer redness and my tone is generally even, although there is always room for improvement. So in general, compatibility and season are ideal for this trial however I cannot fully attest to performance with respect to the claims of irritation reduction since I don’t usually suffer acne, redness or sensitivity.

The cream absorbs really well, whether alone or mixed with a few drops of oil. It does this so effectively that it has encouraged me to be quite heavy handed in application. I have been using it liberally as my final step both morning and night for around a month now and have finished more than half the tube.

It leaves a matte but slightly dewy finish which is perfect. Makeup and sunscreen glide on smoothly after a quick dry down. Skin instantly feels refreshed due to the slightly cooling sensation it imparts. Moisture is replenished and this pleasantly lasts many hours.
 
Keep Cool Soothe Phyto Greenpair Cream texture
 
It is probably a little light for winter wear and would need to be accompanied by another layer, be it oil and/or a heavier moisturiser or sleeping mask at night. For now however, it moisturises and refreshes my skin well with lasting effects between applications.

There are a lot of healing ingredients in the formula to complement the phyto complex including cica and neem as well as several hydrators and fatty acids to reinforce the moisture barrier. So in theory, this should strengthen, heal and protect. In practice, my skin looks and feels hydrated and my complexion remains fresh, supporting soothing and nourishing claims. If I could test it against redness and inflammation, I would have reported the results but this is not where my skin imperfections lie. However, the ingredient list would suggest anti-inflammatory benefits are likely.
 
Keep Cool Soothe Phyto Greenpair Cream
 
Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicone ingredient that appears quite high up in the list, displayed at position 4, preceded by only water, glycerin and butylene glycol. Silicones create a physical barrier on the skin, designed to trap in moisture to promote hydration. As such, it does create a slight film on the skin however does not feel overly occlusive or suffocating.

This product returns favourable results from both the CosDNA and EWG assessments, confirming a safe formulation suited to all including sensitive skin types. As such, this is an ideal moisturiser for the summer and warmer months but may be considered too lightweight for drier conditions. I believe it would suit normal to oily skin best and provide light hydration for drier complexions. What it may lack in moisture provision for dry skin may be compensated with another layer of cream over the top in order to reap its healing benefits without loss of hydration.
 
Keep Cool Soothe Phyto Greenpair Cream
 

the conclusion

The Keep Cool Soothe Phyto Greenpair Cream is indeed a good moisturiser and well suited to sensitive skin types. It delivers healing benefits through anti-inflammatory ingredients and strengthens the moisture barrier and hydration with a balanced blend of humectants, silicone and fatty acids. For me and my combination skin, it’s a great summer choice.
 
Keep Cool Soothe Phyto Greenpair Cream
 

the summary

Pros Cons
CosDNA and EWG safe formula Only available online for Australians
Lightweight cream leaving a matte finish May be too light for dry or dehydrated skin
Great choice for summer Perhaps not hydrating enough in winter
Quick absorption
Skin looks fresher and healthier
Non-greasy, plays well with other layers

 

the references

Style Korean website
The Beneficial Effects of Extract of Pinus densiflora Needles on Skin Health The Korean Society for Microbiology and Biotechnology
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene The Derm Review
Panthenol Truth In Aging
How to use neem for skin care Beauty Health Tips
Does Neem Benefit Your Skin? Dave Ketchum
Centella asiatica: The miracle ingredient your skin needs Oh Lolly
Cetearyl olivate and Sorbitan olivate Sunumbra website
Skincare Ingredient Spotlight: Centella Asiatica Lab Muffin
 


the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
This product was provided to me free of charge by Style Korean for review. This post only includes my honest opinion and experience of this product and is in no way influenced by Keep Cool, Style Korean, product suppliers, representatives or any other third party.
 


 

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