Tosowoong Propolis Brightening Essence Review

Tosowoong Propolis Brightening Essence
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.8Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Tosowoong Propolis Brightening Essence Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Tosowoong Propolis Brightening Essence has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Tosowoong Propolis Brightening Essence has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.8 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Tosowoong Propolis Brightening Essence contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Tosowoong Propolis Brightening Essence

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Tosowoong Propolis Brightening Essence:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Tosowoong Propolis Brightening Essence is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.8%) and Glycerin (est. ≈3.4%).

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.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Tosowoong Propolis Brightening Essence has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.8 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈1.9%), 
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
Among others, Tosowoong Propolis Brightening Essence also contains contains Centella Asiatica Extract and Adenosine, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Tosowoong Propolis Brightening Essence is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Propolis Extract (est. ≈75.0%).

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.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Tosowoong Propolis Brightening Essence is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Propolis Extract (est. ≈75.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

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: Tosowoong Propolis Brightening Essence

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Tosowoong Propolis Brightening Essence 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 Tosowoong Propolis Brightening Essence 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 Tosowoong Propolis Brightening Essence

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

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help reduce irritation and soothe the skin

Cons: 

  • Needs occlusives to seal in humectants if used as a standalone moisturizer

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6.8
3.4
1.9
1.4
1.3
1.2
1.1
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Propolis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Glycereth-26
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Oligopeptide-91 rh-Oligopeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Honey Extract
Function:
Origin:
Royal Jelly Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pinus Pinaster Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rubus Occidentalis Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aronia Melanocarpa Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Juniperus Communis Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sapindus Mukorossi Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
16.4
6.8
3.4
1.9
1.4
1.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 16.4 10
10.0
6.8
3.4
1.9
1.4
1.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6.8
3.4
1.9
1.4
1.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 16.4 10
10
All humectants
16.4
6.8
3.4
1.9
1.4
1.1
0.3
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
6 /10 4 1.9 2.8
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.8
Niacinamide
2.8
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1.9
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
75
1.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 79 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
79
Propolis Extract
75
Niacinamide
1.9
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract
0.3
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
0.3
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
0.3
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
0.3
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
75
1.9
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 79.7 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
79.7
75
1.9
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Propolis Extract
Est. %75
Function
Origin
Propolis ExtractA famous bee product that has traditionally been used to treat inflammation and wounds. The extract is soothing and promotes skin healing.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %6.8
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.

Glycerin
Est. %3.4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Niacinamide
Est. %1.9
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Glycereth-26
Est. %1.4
Function
Origin
Glycereth-26

A glycerin-based ingredient with humectant moisturizing properties. It is an excellent emulsifier and thickener.

Water
Est. %1.3
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.
Oligopeptide-91 rh-Oligopeptide-1
Est. %1.2
Function
Origin
Oligopeptide-91 rh-Oligopeptide-1
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Est. %1.1
Function
Origin
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Bifida Ferment LysateA mixture of probiotic bacteria. According to the patent holder, it contains enzymes that are able to repair damaged DNA in skin cells. A single study confirms that it is able to reduce skin sensitivity.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Betaine
Est. %0.3
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.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Honey Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Honey ExtractAn extract obtained from honey that is comprised of proteins, minerals, and various bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, emollient, moisturizing humectant, and soothing properties.
Royal Jelly Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Royal Jelly ExtractAn emollient extract from royal jelly, a bee product. It consists of water, anti-inflammatory proteins, fats, and sugars. It is also a source of a fatty acid that stimulates collagen production.
Pinus Pinaster Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pinus Pinaster Leaf Extract
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit ExtractRubus fruticosus fruit extract is an extract obtained from the fruit of the Blackberry. It offers antioxidant properties and is used in skincare as an astringent ingredient due to its high content of tannins.
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant extract obtained from the fruits of the acai palm. It has a high content of anthocyanins, responsible for the dark purple color, as well as other antioxidant phenolic compounds.
Rubus Occidentalis Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rubus Occidentalis Fruit Extract
Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Fruit Extract
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from the berries of the bilberry plant, sometimes called European blueberry. It is rich in antioxidant anthocyanins and astringent tannins.
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit ExtractA bright red extract derived from cranberry fruits that is rich in powerful antioxidant anthocyanins, as well as astringent tannins.
Aronia Melanocarpa Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aronia Melanocarpa Fruit Extract
Juniperus Communis Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Juniperus Communis Fruit Extract
Sapindus Mukorossi Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sapindus Mukorossi Fruit Extract
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit ExtractObtained from the fruits of the lowbush blueberry, this purple-blue extract is rich in antioxidant vitamin C and anthocyanins.
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.
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.
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.