SKINFOOD Black Sugar Perfect First Serum 2X Light Review

Claim (Found on skinfood’s website):

Achieve a smoother, clearer complexion with a combination of moisture rich black sugar and Cheongju, a traditional Korean wine.

A lighter formulation provides immediate hydration and quick absorption. This refreshing serum provides balance to both oily and dry skin. 

To use: Shake before use. 

1. After cleansing, dispense serum on cotton pad. Wipe with the textured side to gently exfoliate dead skin, excess keratin, and other impurities. 

2. Pat with the soft, smooth side to ensure total absorption

I have absolutely no qualms about the packaging. The product comes with a huge cotton pad box and a vintage looking brown glass bottle filled with 120ml of product. I bought mine when it was on promotion, so it came with two free travel size 20 ml glass bottles of the same product.

The Black Sugar Perfect First Serum 2X has 2 formulations, essential and light. The essential version has a thicker consistency while the light version is catered for oilier skin. The product is very light brown, almost transparent in colour, has a watery consistency, and a light subtle scent. To apply, you have to put it on the cotton pad, which has 2 different surfaces. One rougher side for gentle exfoliation and one softer side for absorption. (Directions above) For best effects, use this right after cleansing, using the exfoliation side first, then flip the cotton pad over to tap the remaining product into your skin.

I’m almost done with a bottle of this product but I still don’t regard it as a serum. It’s more like a toner. From the texture to application to its functions, it is exactly like a toner. So if you’re looking for something more like a toner, this could suite your preference.

This product does hydrate the skin and my complexion feels smoother after using it. Sometimes when I’m feeling super tired and lazy I just use it as my last step of skincare before doze off. My skin feels a bit sticky right after I used it, but the stickiness isn’t bothersome and goes away quickly. If you’re looking for a hydrating product, this product would work well as a hydrating toner. But it’s best if you layer it over with other creams or serums (whatever is in your routine).

The product claims to brighten the skin, to achieve clear complexion. However, I have not seen any visible improvements to my uneven complexion even though I have finished using half the bottle.

I enjoy using the cotton pads. The exfoliating side of the cotton pad really picks up all the gunk and dust off your face. Even after cleaning, there might still be impurities on your face, hence wiping with the cotton pad helps ensure a clear face.

As you can see, it really gets all the gunk out.

I’m rather conflicted because this I find that the product is easily replaceable by many other toners on the market. I feel like it’s similar to other toners I’ve used, other than the extra cotton pads that complement the product.  There are not many differences in my complexion even though I have been using it diligently after cleansing twice every day.

And about the cotton pads, I like using the exfoliating side very much, but I’m sure there are other embossed/ netted cotton pads in the market with similar textures too. Regular cotton pads can perform the same function and wipe off the gunk, although the texture might be different. (I’ve tried) Exfoliation sounds a little too fancy? Because if I were to do gentle exfoliation, cleansing oil or an exfoliating gel would work much better. I don’t rely on a cotton pad.

Toner has always been a part of my daily routine so I’m going to continue using this product until I finish it. However, I’ll not repurchase it as there are cheaper alternatives in the market. But if you’re very interested in this product, do read more about so you can see different perspectives.

I’m 18, so I can’t testify any claims about anti wrinkles and fine lines. To find out how this product works for mature skin, do check out other reviews before you decide to buy it or not!

Overall, this is an average product. It works as a hydrating toner and has nice cotton pads that come with it, but it hasn’t done much difference to my skin.