Introduction

Saying the name of this brand ‘The Plant Base’ aloud, one could be forgiven for thinking it related to some trendy new vegan pop up or delivery service specialising in organic, leafy deliverables. However, that assumption would be wrong, for ‘The Plant Base’ is in fact a rather cleverly named Korean skincare company. Created far earlier than the point at which ‘clean beauty’ became a thing, it has pioneered the way when it comes to the production of skin-care products containing only plant-based ingredients and without mineral oil, parabens, and artificial fragrance. How they managed to licence the name ‘The Plant Base’, a moniker I can only imagine is worth millions now, I’ll never know. But it certainly pays to be ahead of the curve! Style Korean, kindly sent over a number of their products, so for the past few weeks I’ve been immersing myself in all things ‘The Plant Base’, and now I’m ready to give you my thoughts!

About the Brand

The Plant Base is a company with a very clear message: producing high quality cosmetics leaning entirely upon ‘naturally’ produced ingredients. Their approach to clean beauty is very interesting. Rather than focusing on water, for example as a vehicle for soluble compounds, they replace it with plant extract. This is to enable their formulations to be highly potent and concentrated. Indeed, one of the key calling cards of the brand is their dedication to ensuring their products contain exceptionally high concentrations of their key ingredients. As Charlotte Cho of Soko Glam wrote for Allure: ‘It's rare to find a brand that is so committed to high concentrations of their hero ingredient, and The Plant Base is one of those rare brands that has done this well at an affordable price’. This is definitely evidenced in the products I’m reviewing today.

About the Time Stop Line

1. Time Stop Peptide Eye Cream

I tried the Time Stop Peptide Eye Cream first. The main ingredients in this formulation are 36% Rosa Hybrid Flower Extract and 10% Honey Extract, whilst also containing a high percentage of 10ppb peptides too. To be totally honest with you all, I usually steer clear of anything rose derived, because I’m a little bit allergic (the most ironic, I know!), however I was pleasantly surprised by this eye cream. I did a lot testing processes, numerous patch tests before I tried it on my eyes, but I had no reaction at all. Rosa Damascena contains skin-soothing and antioxidant compounds, which is why you often find it included in a lot of skincare today, and if formulated in a certain way can be used to naturally fragrance products. Honey on the other hand is something I know my skin THRIVES on, and I was right! The cream has a fairly thick consistency, and comes out of the easy to handle tube a quite alarming shade of yellow, however it absorbs almost like a fluid on contact with the skin, which I really liked because I sometimes find eye creams a little too cloying around the eye cream, and dries completely clear. Over time I noticed a definite reduction in the dark circles around my eyes, and my under eye area looks much more even toned than it had done previously. Although this product worked for me, and didn’t irritate my skin, I certainly won’t be jumping to try out more Rose-containing products, and I’d definitely patch test this product if you’re at all irritated by that ingredient

2. Time Stop Collagen Ampoule

Next I moved on to the Time Stop Collagen Ampoule, a product that has become a true Holy Grail product for me. This ampule is formulated with 76.52% mushroom extract to stimulate collagen production (thanks to the Hericium Erinaceus mushroom) and to reduce the appearance of wrinkles (this time thanks to the Snow Mushroom extract). Although I’ve tried other products containing mushroom extract, a highly underrated ingredient in my option, and one that I absolutely love using on my skin, this formulation certainly has an extraordinary high concentration, feeding in to the brand’s dedication to getting as higher potency of ingredients into their skincare as possible. The ampoule also contains lots of lovey humectants to lock in the moisture, as well as Centella Asiatica to soothe the skin and Liquorice to even out the skin tone. Consistency-wise, it’s that perfect middle ground between being thick and luxurious, whilst never being too heavy on my skin. I tend to use this ampoule in a very targeted manner, due to having what people describe as a baby face (and what I refer to as more closely resembling a perfectly spherical egg). Either way, I haven’t really experienced any major wrinkles yet- so I used this around my eyes, my forehead and neck, where I expect my age will eventually begin to show! The packaging is something I’ve spoken about on the blog before too. I think it’s a really intuitive and interesting design- one I might go as far to call the perfect ampoule tube, if such a thing exists! Its twist cap is easy to open and dispense, and keeps the actual handling of the packaging to a minimum, which I appreciate because I hate my products getting greasy. 

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About the AC Clear Line

AC Clear line's mission statement is to be gentle enough for sensitive skin, whilst also being able to adequately diminish or keep acne and other blemishes at bay. As someone who used to suffer very badly with acne, and who occasionally experiences flare ups, who also has very sensitive skin, this sounded like something I’d definitely want to experiment with.

1. AC Clear Magic Foam

The AC Clear Magic Cica Cream can be seen as a topical cream for those experiencing acne. This was one of the products I was most excited to try because do get the occasional acne flare up, and the odd single blemish here and there, and have been on the look out for an effective topic treatment that isn’t too harsh. Like the rest of the line, the star ingredient is Centella Asiatica, which makes up 54% of the formula. It also contains green tea powder and tea tree, two of my all time skin clearing, brightness-inducing superstars that are brilliant antioxidants. Consistency-wise, it’s pretty thick and waxy, which produces a occlusive layer over the blemish area, locking in any treatment you’ve put on underneath, and ensuring no bacteria gets on to the area, which I really liked.

 

4. AC Clear Moisture Pure N Cream

The AC Clear Moisture Pure N Cream was probably my favourite out of the entire AC Clear line. I believe this product comes in two types of packaging, the first being a jar, and the second being the tube which I received. I think the tube is definitely the best option, if you’re given it. The texture is hybrid between a cream and a gel, which I think works best being squeezed out rather than scooped (it’s also more hygienic). When using, I found it super moisturising and comfortable to wear throughout the day. I was a little nervous due to it being slightly thicker than what I usually gravitate towards, however, I was pleasantly surprised, and it absorbed into the skin beautifully.

Overall, I think this is a bit if a mixed bag for me. I love the Time Stop line. The collagen ampoule will continue to be one of my favourite ampoules of all time. It’s well formulated and delivers brilliant results. The eye cream, I also really enjoyed and can see myself using for a long time. The AC Clear line on the other hand, had so much promise, and although I did enjoy using some of the products, I feel some of them missed the mark.

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