Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Water Review

Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Water
4.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
9.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Water Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Water has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 4.5 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Water

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Water:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Water is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.5 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a very high humectancy of 9.0 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Betaine (est. ≈3.0%), Propanediol (est. ≈2.5%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Water is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract (est. ≈1.5%), Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract (est. ≈1.0%), Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Water

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Water to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Water as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Pros & Cons of Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Water

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Water to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage

Cons: 

  • Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Oldenlandia Diffusa Extract
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Honey
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins
Function:
Origin:
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Broussonetia Kazinoki Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Morus Alba Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Methoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone
Function:
Origin:
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
Function:
Origin:
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
9.0
3
2.5
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 9.0 10
9.0
3
2.5
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
4.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
2.5
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 9.0 10
9
All humectants
9.0
3
2.5
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.7
Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract
1.5
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
1
Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract
0.3
Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
0.3
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
0.3
Morus Alba Root Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.7 5 No
All soothing
2.7
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Alcohol
Est. %9
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
Est. %6
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG-17/6 CopolymerA synthetic polymer that has many uses. It can help add slip by itself and also supports silicone-based ingredients in various products.
Oldenlandia Diffusa Extract
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Oldenlandia Diffusa Extract
Betaine
Est. %3
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
Propanediol
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root ExtractA soothing and anti-pigment extract derived from a species of licorice with glycyrrhizin as the main active ingredient.
Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Paeonia Albiflora Root ExtractAn extract from the roots of the garden peony. It mainly contains humectant moisturizing oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, and has been claimed to improve skin tone.
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower ExtractAn extract with antioxidant flavonoids that is obtained from the flowers of the water lily.
Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root ExtractAn extract from the rhizomes of Solomon’s seal, a flowering plant. The roots contain polysaccharides and saponins - which make it a slight humectant ingredient.
Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lilium Candidum Bulb ExtractAn extract coming from Madonna lily bulbs that is rich in humectant polysaccharides and anti-inflammatory saponins.
Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rehmannia Glutinosa Root ExtractAn extract derived from the roots of a traditional Chinese herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory iridoids, triterpenoids, phenyletanoids, and phenolic acids.
Honey
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Honey

A supersaturated solution of sugars, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. It is used in skincare for its antimicrobial, emollient, moisturizing, and soothing properties.

Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Panax Ginseng Root ExtractDerived from the roots of the Korean Ginseng, this extract contains a mixture of antioxidant and soothing ginsenosides which are proven to reduce inflammation and treat eczema. The root is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine.
Broussonetia Kazinoki Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Broussonetia Kazinoki Root Extract
Morus Alba Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Morus Alba Root ExtractAn antioxidant, astringent, antimicrobial, and antifungal extract from white mulberry tree roots. It has been claimed to have anti-pigment potential.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Methoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl SilaneA silicone with the unusual trait of being able to disperse in water. It moisturizes the skin as a humectant and leaves a soft and smooth after-feel. This ingredient also has foam-boosting properties.
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor OilA white paste-like substance derived from castor oil that belongs to a group of ingredients called PEGs (polyethylene glycols). It acts as a perfume solubilizer that helps fragrance agents dissolve in water and as a cleansing agent.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.