What the heck is an emulsion now?!
Short version: a lightweight, grease-free moisturizer for oily skin.
Long version: originally created as a lighter moisturizing alternative for oily skin, brands are now trying to market essences as the “missing step” between serum and moisturizer.
I don’t know about you, but I need an extra skincare step like I need a hole in the head…
Missha Super Aqua Ultra Waterful Control Emulsion is the perfect example. It’s clearly a light cream that’ll moisturise only oily skin, but Missha website wants you to believe it’s suitable for those with “chronic, dry skin”. It’s NOT.
Oily skin? Let’s talk:
Key Ingredients In Missha Super Aqua Ultra Waterful Control Emulsion
Shea Butter To Moisturize Skin
I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t shea butter thick and greasy?” Guilty as charged.
But you’d never tell from Missha Super Aqua Ultra Waterful Control Emulsion. Despite shea butter’s efforts, its texture is incredibly lightweight. So what does it do here?
Shea butter creates a barrier on the skin that keeps moisture in. More effective than mineral oil, its moisturizing properties last for up to 8 hours!
Related: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Shea Butter
Niacinamide To… Well, Everything!
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 with countless skincare superpowers. Here’s what science says it can do for your skin:
- It hydrates skin: it’s more effective than petrolatum at preventing water loss
- It soothes skin: it alleviates the symptoms of rosacea and irritations
- It lightens skin: it reduces dark spots, blotchiness (redness) and sallowness (yellowing)
- It helps treat wrinkles: preliminary research shows it can boost the production of skin-firming collagen
- It treats acne: its effects are similar to those of 1% clindamycin gel
Whether you needs a little extra moisture, kick acne in the butt or soothe inflammation, Niacinamide will help you get the job done.
Related: 5 Antiaging Superstars You Need To Add To Your Skincare Routine
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Plants Extracts To Fight Premature Aging
Like most Korean skincare products, Missha Super Aqua Ultra Waterful Control Emulsion has its fair share of plant extracts to fight premature aging. Here are the highlights:
- Chondrus Crispus Extract: A red algae loaded with antioxidants to help you protect from free radicals, pollutions and blue light exposure.
- Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice: A.k.a. birch sap extract, it has powerful antioxidant properties that neutralise free radicals before they give you wrinkles.
- Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract: Derived from the prickly pear cactus, it’s loaded with polyphenols, a group of antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. It hydrates, fights free radicals and soothes inflammation.
- Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract: Derived from the Rose of Jericho, a plant that can survive in the harshest climate conditions, it has antioxidant and soothing properties.
I could go on and on, but you get the gist. This baby has serious antiaging power, too.
Let’s Put It To The Test: Personal Use & Opinion
Missha Super Aqua Ultra Waterful Control Emulsion looks like a lightweight white lotion but applies like a clear gel on the skin. It sinks in quickly and leaves no residue behind.
I admit I’m not the right person to review this. My t-zone produces a little more oil than I’d like, but I can’t describe my skin as oily.
I guess I’m one of those people Missha wants to use the emulsion in between serum and moisturizer. But when I did, I can’t say that I’ve noticed a dramatical difference in my skin.
Sure, the essence gives my skin a little extra boost of moisture that helps keep it soft and smooth. But I’m fine without it, too.
Instead, I can see it working well for oily skin. If you’re the kind who usually avoids moisturisers because they’re too rich for your skin type, you’re gonna love this. It’ll just give you that extra bit of moisture and protection without leaving a greasy mess behind.
The best part? This bottle is huge! You can use it for six months straight without running out. That’s what I call a good deal.
FYI, Missha Super Aqua Ultra Waterful Control Emulsion is scented. It’s fresh and lotus-like – the kind of scent that makes you think of water.
The scent doesn’t bother me, but if you have sensitive skin, proceed with caution. With your skin type, there’s always the chance that fragrance may trigger a bad reaction.
Available at: £22.00 at Feel Unique and Look Fantastic
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Have you tried Missha Super Aqua Ultra Waterful Control Emulsion? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Niacinamide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract, Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Callus Culture Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Callus Culture Extract, Rhizophora Mangle Callus Culture Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Callus Culture Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Adenium Obesum Leaf Extract, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Tromethamine, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan Oleate, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance(Parfum)
