When I first got into skincare, I was so excited about seeing results that I believed nearly every claim a product asserted. I was especially deceived by the high percentages. I thought the higher the concentration = the more effective the product = the quicker the results. There is some truth to it, but essentially, results will still vary depending on a number of factors, including skin type. This false logic — along with the idea that a drop meant a dropperful — was what eventually damaged my skin, causing irritation and sensitivity. Luckily, however, I came across the Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream and, upon reading other users’ experiences with it, immediately checked it out.
Illiyoon is a brand that specializes in renewing naturally healthy skin through moisturization. Its unique blend of ingredients reinforces the skin barrier and boosts the skin’s self-hydrating ability. The brand focuses on developing hypoallergenic skincare that is moisturizing without being greasy and is safe for all skin types. This is evident in most, if not all, of its products, especially in the Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream.
Unlike any of my previous moisturizers, this one from Illiyoon has a rather thick consistency. It is definitely richer and more nourishing yet light enough to glide on smoothly. Used in conjunction with the ultra-hydrating Acwell licorice toner, it keeps my skin soft, supple, and plump as all the moisture and hydration have been locked in. A little goes a long way with this product, and I find that a pea-sized amount is enough to cover my entire face. It does tend to feel a bit waxy, though, as if there actually is an invisible layer protecting my skin from external factors. Because of this, I prefer to keep it in my evening routine. I admit there are days when I’d forget to end my regimen with this moisturizer, but when I don’t, I often wake up to revitalized skin.
The cream contains highly concentrated ceramide capsules that effortlessly melt into your skin upon massaging. These capsules are formulated with Ceramide Skin Complex™, which is a patented ceramide formula, using a unique encapsulation technology. Basically, what microencapsulation does is it seals in active ingredients and keeps them safe until they are needed — that is, until they come in contact with our skin. Think of them as tiny water balloons just waiting to be popped! This supposedly enhances the delivery and absorption of said ingredients, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin.
To complete the power trio of barrier repair, the moisturizer also contains cholesterol and fatty acids. Why is this important? Well, the trifecta, together, constitutes approximately 85-95% of the lipid matrix, acting as the mortar to our skin cells’ bricks. When that balance is disrupted, skin barrier function is compromised and that’s when problems start to arise. Hence, although a greater percentage of the glue is comprised of ceramides, it is always important to look for cholesterol and fatty acids in the mix as well. On top of this, the moisturizer is “7-free†which means that it does not have any paraben, animal-derived ingredient, mineral oil, artificial color, fragrance, triethanolamine (pH balancer; stabilizer), or imidazolidinyl urea (antimicrobial preservative) in its formula.
Being an “ato cream,†it is specifically designed with dry, sensitive, and atopic-prone skin in mind. To test this, I applied it at least three times a day on my eczema-prone fingers, and to my surprise, it was able to soothe my dry, itchy skin! Well, sort of. In a matter of days, the flakiness had disappeared, but there was still a hint of redness and bumps. Sometimes it is able to relieve the irritation; other times it isn’t. I probably wouldn’t trust it on flare-ups, but I do see myself constantly reaching for it as a kind of maintenance cream. I would use it on the drier areas of my body as well! Care to join me on my road to baby soft skin?
Final thoughts:
First off, I love how huge the tube is! Second, the formula. Need I say more? It is gentle yet effective, indeed nourishing, and you only need to apply a little to obtain the benefits. On the other hand, I find it to be just a bit too simple. Now, simple isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream did everything it claimed to do. It quite literally saved my skin! I guess I’m just looking for a moisturizer that does something more, at least now that my skin has been restored. Although, I do see myself reverting to this if I ever need to go back to the basics — or, you know, if I ever accidentally ruin my skin barrier again.
**Everyone’s skin is different. What works/doesn’t work for me may not/may work for you. Remember to check the ingredients list and do a patch test before using any new skincare product.
DIRECTIONS / HOW TO USE THE ILLIYOON CERAMIDE ATO CONCENTRATE CREAM (according to the label):
(GOOGLE TRANS) Apply an adequate amount to dry face, arms, and legs, where intensive care is needed. Especially for dry and sensitive areas, it is better to apply the cream frequently after applying Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Butylene Glycol: emollient, moisturizing
Glycerin: moisturizing, skin barrier repair
Palmitic Acid: emollient
Mannitol: antioxidant, moisturizing
Panax Ginseng Root Extract: anti-aging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, brightening
Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing
Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing
Main reference (ingredient functions): INCI Decoder (https://incidecoder.com/)
FULL INGREDIENTS LIST (from the product label): Purified Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Alcohol, C14-22 Alcohols, Cyclohexasiloxane, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MEA (Ceramide Pc-104 6310Ppm), Arachidyl Glucoside, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Polyacrylate-13, Dimethiconol, Mannitol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyisobutene, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acrylates/​Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Myristic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Shiho Root Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Glucose, Cholesterol, Silica, Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract, Tocopherol
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