The PV Team tries Commleaf, A K-Beauty brand that claims to be hypoallergenic

K-beauty isn’t just about a quest for glass skin. While many brands develop products according to specific age brackets, some labels were made in response to more particular needs such as atopic skin disorder relief or solutions for oily/acne-prone skin types. Commleaf answers the call for a back-to-nature approach to skincare, focusing on natural ingredients and hypoallergenic products. Even the brand’s name origin story speaks of its humble philosophy: “comma” indicates a pause, while “leaf” represents nature.

The Korean brand is now available in the Philippines via its official distributor, On The Glow PH. They generously sent over both the Vita Rice line (for dull and dry skin) and the Skin Relief line (for sensitive skin), which were tested by four PV team members with different skin types and concerns. After getting over the wow factor of the gorgeous glass packaging, we tried the products for a few weeks and we’re finally ready to share our impressions!

Marielle on the Skin Relief Perfect Cleansing Oil (P1,580 for 120ml) and Rice Purifying Foaming Cleanser (P1,580 for 100ml):

After trying two of Commleaf’s cleansing products, I got the feeling that (at least for their cleansers) the highlighted ingredients take center stage. The cleansing oil is on the thick side and reminds me of olive oil - it has a thick consistency and that telltale fruity olive oil scent. Yes, it’s kind of like the DHC Cleansing Oil, but Commleaf’s formula is thicker and has an additional fresh, herbal, lemongrass-like note. For a full face of makeup, it takes me 1.5 to 2 pumps to sufficiently loosen my base and eye makeup as the formula’s thickness makes it a little difficult to spread. Post-rinse, my skin feels clean without any residue.

They weren’t kidding about the sea water content in the cleanser! Even without reading the ingredient list beforehand, I was surprised by its distinctly salty scent as I lathered the cleanser and applied it to my face. It smells like sea water with a bit of tea tree oil. The brininess even leaves a salty taste on the lips, but the scent rinses off along with the foam. I think because I have dry skin, the sea water causes my skin to feel some tightness. I use a third of a pump at the most, and follow up with moisturizer afterwards.

Skin Relief Perfect Cleansing Oil ingredients: Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil

Rice Purifying Foaming Cleanser ingredients: Water, Sea Water, Coco-Betaine, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Seed Water, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, Potassium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Butylene Glycol, Apium Graveolens (Celery) Extract, Brassic Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Brassica Rapa (Turnip) Leaf Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract,  Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Seed Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin

Stacie on the Vitarice Essence Water (P2,110 for 120ml) and the Vitarice Glow Serum (P2,150 for 42ml):

Apart from the usual watery texture of an essence, the many tiny bubbles that it look like a carbonated drink! I love the luxe feel of the heavy glass bottle, and the small pinhole that allows me to control the amount I dispense. Though the formula is fragrance-free, it has a strong floral and fermented rice scent that I actually enjoy very much. The essence feels so hydrating and makes my skin feel super soft and hydrated right after use. There is a slight tacky feeling even after the product has been absorbed but I find it tolerable. After 3 weeks of use, I noticed some brightening in my complexion, probably as a result of the niacinamide content, 

If I need to play favorites though, the Glow Serum would be a runway winner. The formula is thick and viscous, with a milky, almost pearly sheen to it. It has the same scent as the essence, and almost the same ingredient list. Despite the thickness, it offers rich hydration without the sticky feeling, so I sometimes skip the essence and use this on its own. Surprisingly, it keeps my skin feeling soft and moisturized even after 12 hours! 

Vitarice Essence Water ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Dipropylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Algae Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalus (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract, Collagen Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Adenosine, Polyquaternium-51, Beta-Glucan, Fructooligosaccharides, Hydrolysed Hyaluronic Acid, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Schizosaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Biotin, Cyanocobalamin, Ascorbic Acid, Pyridoxine HCL, Hydrolysed Keratin, Panthenol, Lactobacillus Ferment, Raffinose Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Ceramide NP, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Folic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin

Vitarice Glow Serum ingredients: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Glycereth-26, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Betaine, Algae Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Pteris Multifida Extract, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract, Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract, Collagen Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Hydrolysed Corn Starch, Ceramide NP, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Silica, Butylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Sucrose Distearate, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Panthenol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta-Glucan, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyquaternium-51, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Hydrolysed Hyaluronic Acid, Schizosaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Raffinose, Folic Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Biotin, Cyanobalamin, Ascorbic Acid, Pyridoxine HCL, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Ethylhexylglycerin

Angela on the Skin Relief Fresh Serum (P2,150 for 42ml) and the Skin Relief Moisture Cream (P2,110 for 42ml):

I used the serum and relief cream simultaneously, and found them to be very moisturizing without the heavy feeling. IThe serum has a dense liquid feel, but it easily absorbs into my skin while the cream has a rich gel consistency. Both have beautiful packaging that I swooned over, but I wish the cream jar came with a spatula to promote hygienic use.

The combo may actually be a little too rich for my combination-oily skin, as I would apply this at night and wake up feeling quite oily, but I think it would be perfect for those with dry to normal skin. I still like using them though because sleeping in an airconditioned room can dry my skin out. As an extra treat, I refrigerate these before application and it feels amazing on my skin.

The only drawback for me is that both have a strong eucalyptus and tea tree oil scent that seemed to irritate my eyes, so I have to be careful about not applying it anywhere near that area. I also feel that it may have irritated a cystic pimple I had. 

Skin Relief Fresh Serum ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Glucoside, Centella Asiatica Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-yuen Seed Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Bioflavonoids, Propanediol, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate

Skin Relief Moisture Cream ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Centella Asiatica Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Bioflavonoids, Propanediol, Potassium Hydroxide, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate

Katsy on the Skin Relief Soothing Toner (P2,200 for 120ml) and Vitarice Moisture Cream (P1,930 for 60ml):

I was instantly impressed by the heavy, expensive-looking bottle of the toner and thought it made a pretty addition to my vanity. The toner feels thick and somewhat sticky upon application but is absorbed after a few minutes. I tried both using cotton pads as well as just patting it on with my hands. The pat-on method proved to be better as it made spreading the toner easier and created a more even distribution. I initially felt that the natural scent was a bit strong for me, plus it contained a hint of menthol (the ingredients list included Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil), but I got used to it the longer I used it. Now it just feels like a refreshing toner that immediately soothes my skin.

Prior to adding the toner to my routine, I felt like I had to layer multiple products or use an oil-based serum just to keep my skin well-moisturized. Now I feel like I can stop my routine after just doing the toner, especially if I do a couple of layers! I’ve also noticed that my skin has experienced less redness, even around the sides of my nose where I usually have them. Now I can opt to go concealer-free or even just apply sunscreen because I don’t have as much redness in the face!

Another reason for my mostly base-less face is the moisture cream, which promises both moisturizing and brightening benefits. The texture feels just right - not too light and not too heavy. I normally would prefer the feel of heavier creams to assure myself that I’m getting enough moisture, but I don’t feel that need when using this cream. It gets absorbed pretty quickly, wears well under makeup, and does not make my foundation slip and slide.

I have noticed a significant improvement in my skin since I’ve started using these two products, so I’m definitely a convert! I also like how they carefully filter their ingredients, and avoid artificial scents and pigments. They also practice sustainability efforts by using FSC packaging and observing EWG standards.

Skin Relief Soothing Toner ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Methyl Trimethicone, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Trehalose, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Algae Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract, Collagen Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Pteris Multifida Extract, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitic Acid, Carbomer, Stearic Acid, Behenyl Alcohol, Tromethamine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceramide NP, Beta-Glucan, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Butylene Glycol, Allantoin, Adenosine, Fructooligosaccharides, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Schizosaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Cholesterol, Polyquaternium-51, Panthenol, Hydrolysed Hyaluronic Acid, Myristic Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Raffinose, Folic Acid, Biotin, Cyanobalamin, Ascorbic Acid, Pyridoxine HCL, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

Vitarice Moisture Cream ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-yuen Seed Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Bioflavonoids, Propanediol, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate

What are your thoughts on Commleaf’s wholesome skincare approach? Have you tried their products yet? Let’s discuss in the comments below.