CLAY+essence
ByWishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence
ByWishtrend,  essence

ByWishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence

the claim

Recommended as a serum booster, the Quad Active Boosting Essence contains complex extracts to help with anti-inflammatory, antipollution and antibacterial effects in an effort to maintain skin health. It is also said to provide moisturizing effects.
 
ByWishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence
 

the ingredients

Aqua (Water), Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract (10%), Centaurea Cyanus (Cornflower) Water (9%), Schisandra Chinensis (Magnolia) Fruit Extract (9%), Morus Alba (White Mulberry) Bark Extract (8.7%), Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract (8.7%), Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Saccharomyces/Honey Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propolis Extract (1%), Butylene Glycol, Benzyl Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin
 
ByWishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence Ingredients
 
CosDNA returns favourable all green results for the essence, indicating excellent product safety.
 
ByWishtrend Quad Essence CosDNA Results
 

the science

The essence derives its name from four Quad Active extracts including a complex trio (White Mulberry Bark, Indian Lotus and Magnolia Berry) plus Propolis, Willow Bark and Cornflower.
 
Present at a concentration of 10%, Willow Bark Extract offers anti-inflammatory, soothing and conditioning effects to the skin. Supporting this function at around 9% each are Cornflower Water as well White Mulberry Bark and Lotus Root Extracts, the latter both also imparting powerful antioxidant properties.

Although it’s the first key ingredient specifically noted on the label Propolis Extract is only included at 1% concentration in the essence. It’s basically a combination of beeswax, enzymes and tree sap used by bees to seal, disinfect and waterproof their hive. Coincidentally, it also makes an excellent skincare ingredient, used medicinally to help heal wounds for centuries. High antioxidant content also assists to keep free radicals from causing cell damage. Overall, propolis works to regenerate and moisturize skin, helping make it smooth, supple and hydrated. It also assists to balance skin oils so is a good acne treatment.
 
Other less prominent ingredients include synthetic Methylpropanediol whose task is to enhance the absorption of ingredients and also deliver hydrating properties for smooth, dewy skin. Fermented Honey and Black Tea also assist absorption. Antioxidants, amino acids and organic acids produced from the fermentation process (together with Glycerin) hydrate and nourish the skin without irritation.
 
ByWishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence
 

the packaging

The essence is luxuriously packaged in a heavy, transparent, tinted glass bottle with dropper opening for controlled and hygienic dispensing, capped with a gold lid. It comes in a glossy gold cardboard box.
 
ByWishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence Dropper Dispenser
 

the application

Apply 3-4 drops on your palm and gently pat over the face. Pat lightly until fully absorbed. Recommended usage is between toner and serum steps.
 
ByWishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence
 

the cost

A 100ml bottle of the Quad Active Boosting Essence cost USD$23 at time of publication.
 

the availability

The essence is available at Wishtrend and YesStyle among other good Korean skincare retailers.
 

the expiry

The essence has a 2.5 year life span and must be used within 12 months of opening.
 
ByWishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence Expiration
 

the performance

Presentation is very elegant and classy, the heavy glass bottle a luxurious packaging option. The yellow tint disguises a clear, water like product with perceived colour. The dropper opening is a bit bigger than most so it’s easy to get a good amount out with one shake of the bottle. The liquid is runny but slightly denser than water. It has no noticeable scent (and certainly nothing artificial added for fragrance) which is wonderful. The formula gets a clean health check from CosDNA.
 
ByWishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence
It’s not designed as an FTE (First Treatment Essence), so should be used after toner and before serum to boost active function. I tried it both ways regardless of the suggested application order.
 
When the essence is the first step, you don’t need to follow up with toner as it’s sufficiently nourishing on its own. The impact of a hydrating toner afterwards seems to go unnoticed. Applied onto clean skin, you clearly feel this essence’s immediate benefits. I suggest using it as directed, especially if you’re applying an acid toner or clay mask prior or have very dry skin.
 
The texture is luxurious and such a treat to apply. It has silky slip and fast absorption, initial tackiness drying down within a minute or two. Immediately, skin gets a burst of plumpness and feels instantly happy. I could almost finish my routine with a few skins of this!
 
I’ve been using it for around 6 weeks now and have gone through half a bottle with daily application. It’s certainly a pleasure to have in my routine. As for the effects, I haven’t noticed any brightening or tone changes as is the case with many Korean essences, but this one doesn’t promise that benefit. What is clearly apparent are the calming and hydrating effects. Although I don’t suffer inflamed acne or redness, I do have very sensitive skin on my chin, the rest of my face being quite robust. With regular use this patch seems to have balanced and my overall skin health appears better and stronger, thanks to what can only be an improved moisture barrier.
 
This product definitely fulfils its claims and would make a lovely addition to any skincare routine. Irritated, acne prone and inflamed skin would benefit from its soothing effects, while parched skin will love the moisture it delivers. It’s beautifully balanced so suits all skin types without being too heavy for oily nor too light for dry or dehydrated skin. A really effective and gentle product I’m happy to endorse.
 
ByWishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence
 

the conclusion

A soothing and hydrating essence is the perfect addition to a great collection of products from ByWishtrend. This is gentle, effective and cosmetically elegant. It definitely has my tick of approval.
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Beautiful presentation Only available online in Australia
Gentle CosDNA approved formulation
Elegant application dries without residue
Fairly priced
Hydrates and strengthens skin barrier
Calms and soothes irritated skin
Suitable for all skin types

 

the references

Willow Bark Extract Truth in Aging
Benefits of Cornflower Flower Dr Mahers
Schisandra chinensis (magnolia) fruit extract Paula’s Choice Skincare Dictionary
Benefits of Lotus Flower in Skincare Bemused World
Methylpropanediol Paula’s Choice Skincare Dictionary
Why Fermented Ingredients are Crucial to Korean Skin Care The Klog
The Little-Known Ingredient Korean Women Use to Fight Acne Alicia Yoon

 


the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
This product was provided to me free of charge by WishTrend for review. This post only includes my honest opinion and experience of this product and is in no way influenced by WishTrend or any of its representatives.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shares