Ivy Leaf®: The Korean Facial Routine Taking Over The Beauty World
The product is so in demand, it took us three months to get our hands on one.
Imagine if all the serums, creams, and treatments in your medicine cabinet could be bottled up into a single, all-powerful anti-aging product—dream scenario, right? Well, that's essentially the claim behind Ivy Leaf®, a new at-home facial routine from South Korea that's so popular, people can barely get their hands on it (us included).
The all-in-one treatment claims to address multiple signs of aging—from wrinkles to hyperpigmentation to loss of elasticity—with the added benefit of skin routines. One scroll through their addictive Instagram testimonial page makes it clear that the #SelfcareThroughSkincare is no joke. Here’s everything you need to know about K-Beauty’s newest darling.
IVY LEAF®, THE ALL-IN-ONE FACIAL SET, $109, IVYLEAFSKINCARE.COM
COURTESY
WHAT IS IT?
To put it simply, the 3 step routine is designed to work in synergy to address the core signs of skin aging. Inspired by the Ivy Leaf®, a symbol or rebirth and purity in many Asian cultures, the product was designed to have renewing and rejuvenating effects. After developing it for three years, the company's founders launched Ivy Leaf® in September of 2019 with the promise that with one use a week for four weeks you'd see visible, age-reversing results.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
So how can this routine address multiple skin concerns at once in just three simple steps? While the brand keeps their formula private, we do know it contains four different peptides (known for their skin firming abilities) and several botanical extracts including green tea, honeysuckle, and of course ivy leaf extract.
The real secret, though, lies in the patented three-step system, which includes a foaming cleanser, concentrated serum and a restorative moisturizer. When they are used together they create what the company calls their "purifying compound" designed to help soothe irritation, brighten, and moisturize skin.
As it is applied, the carbon dioxide in the air fuses into the formula, which they've dubbed the "IvyLift" technology. The reaction causes the creams to absorb onto skin, creating an intense tightening effect, which theoretically pulls grime and toxins out of pores.
“I am 47 years old and have NEVER had a skin routine, but I bought this and decided to see what happens. Well, it is AMAZING. My husband noticed a difference after only 2 weeks. I now have used it for 3 months and can not imagine ever stopping. It isn't expensive, and the results are truly amazing. I know we read a lot of crap on the internet, but this is legit. I love it!”
IS IT REALLY WORTH THE HYPE?
Well, the product has managed to sell out every month since its debut, and it's also amassed tons of loyal followers—from actresses and models to everyday women. Taking a selfie with it on is seriously refreshing-looking and apparently A-listers can’t get enough of it.
WE TRIED IT... HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED.
Between Brianna Brown’s endorsement and scrolling through the before and afters (continuously wondering how it could really be the same person in the photos), I knew I had to try Ivy Leaf® Skincare for myself. When it finally arrived in the mail, the package included the 3-step routine, plus a free facial scrubber for ordering the full routine. (This offer was valid at the time of writing this. It may not be offered by the time you see this!)
IVY LEAF®, THE ALL-IN-ONE FACIAL SET, $109, IVYLEAFSKINCARE.COM
COURTESY
Once I thoroughly washed my face with the gentle but effective foaming cleanser & facial scrubber combo, it was time to apply the serum. I squeezed 3-5 drops of the concentrated serum onto different areas of my face. Using my fingertips, I gently massaged the serum into my skin using circular motions as instructed. The next step was to slather an even layer of the restorative moisturizer all over my face, neck, and hands. (assiduously avoiding my eyes and lips)
The serum consistency went on clear, and after I was done, I looked more or less like a glazed donut for a second—shiny and glistening. Per the instructions, I was warned that within ten minutes of applying it I’d experience a tingling and pulling sensation.
My husband watched in amazement as I slowly transformed into 20's version of myself.
Sure enough, the formula started to firm up on my skin. While I knew there would be tightening, I hadn’t expected this much intensity from an at-home routine. I'd anticipated something along the lines of a traditional "lotion". Instead, the Ivy Leaf routine felt like it literally froze my entire face in place, making it tight and firm, all the while also making it difficult to finish my Sunday night glass of vino.
My husband, typically unfazed by my beauty experiments, watched in amazement as I slowly transformed into 20's version of myself. My complexion even began to shine like it used to when I was younger. Despite not having make up on, I couldn’t stop checking myself out in the mirror: I was absolutely fascinated by what was happening on my face.
After what seemed like forever (read: just the 30 minutes recommended for the routine to do its work) my wait was over. I went back to the bathroom and started immensely enjoying the look and feel of my face again. It wasn't painful, it wasn't long, and there weren't any lingering smells. (I HATE overpowered scents!)
SO IS IT WORTH THE $109 PRICE TAG?
My answer is yes. Post-treatment, my complexion had never looked better: My cheeks and jaw seemed firmer, my skin tone more even, and my everything was softer to the touch. It’s safe to say I’ve joined the Ivy Leaf® bandwagon for good—I just wish I had discovered it sooner.
MADDY ZOLLO
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