Propolis Ampoule Comparison: Cosrx Light vs Ultra Light vs CNP

I was wary about trying out propolis ampoules for the longest time, because I’ve had allergic reactions with propolis supplements and bee pollen products in the past. But propolis as a skincare ingredient is getting more and more popular and raved by many people for its “honey skin” effect. I couldn’t resist anymore and decided to give it a go. To my surprise, I had no allergic reactions at all and ended up loving it and trying out three different propolis ampoules to see their differences in effects.

In this post, I’ll compare three propolis ampoules:

What is Propolis and the benefit of Propolis in skincare

Propolis is a glue-like substance created by bees from buds of trees, shrubs, and green plants to build their hives. It is a complex substance containing over 300 active compounds, including polyphenols (Phenolic and flavonoids), minerals (calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, cobalt and selenium), vitamins (B1, B2, B6, C and E) and enzymes. These active compounds gave Propolis anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-aging properties.

Benefits of Propolis in skincare include:

  • Reduces acne by limiting the occurrence of acne bacteria
  • Accelerates wound healing, helping acne to heal faster
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Reduces bacterial and fungal infections
  • Promotes collagen production
  • Protects from ultraviolet radiation, since it can absorb UV light due to the presence of caffeic acid, coumaric acid, and ferulic acid.
  • Anti-aging through its high content of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that fight against free radicals, photoaging, and other damages in cells.

Therefore, the two main functions of Propolis in skincare are anti-acne and anti-aging.

Comparison of Propolis Ampoules

1. Cosrx Propolis Light Ampoule

Cosrx Propolis Light Ampoule is a product that’s been loved by many and ranked highly on the Hwahae app. It’s well-priced, contains a good amount of black bee propolis extract and only a handful of supplementary ingredients. The texture is easy to use, slightly tacky upon application, but quickly disappears as it absorbs into the skin. It has good hydrating effects, keeping the skin plump and smooth.

Packaging: glass, dropper bottle. Convenient, hygienic, easy to carry around.

Ingredients: Propolis Extract (83%), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Betaine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer, Panthenol, Arginine

This product has a total of 11 ingredients, mostly hydrating ingredients. Hydroxyethylcellulose is a thickening agent. Note the 83% Propolis Extract is likely to be an aqueous solution, which means it has been diluted with water, but we don’t know the actual concentration.

Texture: medium viscosity, flows slowly, between a liquid and a gel, has a slimy texture

Application: spreads thinly, slightly tacky after spreading out. Tackiness disappears when fully absorbed.

Results: Hydrating, slightly lifting

Price: 23,500 Won / 30ml

Verdict: This is a good everyday serum for keeping the skin hydrated and healthy. Normal skins can use this all year around, oily skins may find it too heavy for the summer time.

Cosrx Propolis Light Ampoule texture

2. Cosrx Propolis Ultra Light Ampoule

This ampoule came out last summer after the success of the original Cosrx Propolis Light Ampoule mentioned above. This ampoule has a lighter texture that absorbs well into the skin, leaving it soft and hydrated. This product is less intense than the other two and felt most “watery”. It provides the least anti-aging benefits, but most suited to oily skins.

Packaging: plastic, dropper bottle. Feels less quality than the glass bottles.

Ingredients: Propolis Extract (81%), Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Betaine, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Carbomer, Arginine

This ingredients list is very similar to the Cosrx Propolis Light Ampoule, however, without the thickening agent (Hydroxyethylcellulose). Again, the actual concentration of the Propolis Extract is unknown.

Texture: low viscosity, flows well, slightly heavier than water

Application: spreads like water, slightly tacky after spreading out. Tackiness disappears when fully absorbed.

Results: Hydrating

Price: 23,500 Won / 30ml

Verdict: I found the anti-aging and hydrating power for this serum weaker than the other two. This serum is more suited to people with oily or acne-prone skins, who wants the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammation benefits more than the anti-aging benefits.

Cosrx Propolis Ultra Light Ampoule texture

3. CNP Laboratory Propolis Energy Ampule

This ampoule is almost double the price comparing to the Cosrx ones. It’s also the most effective for anti-aging. The texture is serum-like, hydrating and lubricating. My skin felt lifted and tightened (in a good way) when I used this product.

Packaging: glass dropper bottle. Convenient, hygienic, easy to carry around. This product also comes with a fancy outer box in a hexagonal shape symbolising beehives.

Ingredients: Water, Propolis Extract (10%), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Propanediol, Carbomer, Madecassoside, Allantoin, PEG-8, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-Glucan, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Codonopsis Lanceolata Root Extract, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Lactate, Honey Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-7, Arginine, Polysorbate 20, Disodium EDTA, Citronellol, Geraniol

This product has a lot more ingredients than the Cosrx ones, mostly plant extracts, hydrating ingredients and a few peptides. This product has a light floral/honey scent.

Unlike the Cosrx one, CNP specified 10% Propolis Extract which is likely to be a concentrate rather than a diluted solution. I had better skin firming and lifting results with CNP than Cosrx.

Note this product contains Hydroxyethylcellulose (thickening agent) and PEG-8 (water-binding agent).

Texture: medium viscosity, similar to Cosrx Light but less gel-like and less slimy, more serum-like, with a slight oil feeling

Application: spreads like a serum, slightly tacky after spreading out. Tackiness disappears when fully absorbed.

Results: More hydrating than the other two, more lifting and firming results than the other two

Price: 25,000 Won / 15ml

Verdict: This product is my favourite out of the three. It is the most expensive, yet the most hydrating and had the most anti-aging power. I found the application most pleasant as it contains a bit of oil, which reduces the stickiness and lubricates the skin. The skin feels soothed, plump and firm when using this product.

CNP Propolis Energy Ampule texture

Summary of Comparison

Packaging★★★★★★★★★★
Ingredients★★★★★★★★★★★
Texture★★★★★★★★★★
Hydrating Effects★★★★★★★★★★★★
Anti-aging Effects★★★★★★★★
Anti-acne Effects★★★★★★★★★
Price$$$$$$$$
Suitable Skin TypeNormal, DryOily, Acne-proneDehydrated, Aging

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