Some of you may remember reading about Ah Yuan Soap on my blog a few years ago. They are a range of organic handmade soap originating from Taiwan. It was a very good range of soaps, for various uses although some people did say they weren’t used to the strong herbal smells. I personally liked them!
The brand is quite niche and a few years back, when I heard that there was going to be a skincare range, I was quite interested. Well, the day is here!
I had the opportunity to sample some of the key products from the skincare line in generous sample sizes and I must say, I was quite surprised that I liked it!
There are 3 lines available for different types of skin:-
- Alpina Speciosa – Dry and ageing skin – anti-aging
- Momoridca – Normal skin and brightening
- Bidens Pilosa – Combination to oily skin
True to Ah Yuan’s philosophy, the products are natural and herbal based. Even the names of the ranges are the latin names of plants which extracts form the base of the skincare range. I tried a couple of products from the Alpina Speciosa range for dry and ageing skin (ahem! moi :P). The Alpina Speciosa is a member of the ginger family, as I discovered later, which explains the spicy, peppery unmistakable smell of ginger in the products haha!
The Ah Yuan skincare products come in very sleek packaging if the samples are anything to go by! Sleek plain white tubes, with simple black writing. Very zen. Very Asian :D
It is very pleasant, and I liked the textures. I’ll just run through them quickly, and tell you a little about each of the products I sampled so you have an idea of this new natural and organic skincare brand in the market :)
Alpina Speciosa Herbal Toner – RM179/150ml
The toner has no discernible scent to me, and is quite hydrating. The colour is a clear brown and I apply it using a piece of cotton, swiping it over my skin and then lightly tapping it in. It makes my skin feel comfortable and isn’t drying at all. I think I’d like for it to come in a spray bottle, so I can spray it on. I think that would be nice :)
Alpina Speciosa Restoring Serum – RM329/30ml
The serum is a light textured lotion with a faint smell of ginger that I found very interesting. I couldn’t even identify the smell at first LOL! The smell is faint but definitely there. The texture is light and it absorbs into skin without any sticky feeling. You don’t get the oily feeling either that you sometimes get with serums so it was actually very nice. I can’t say if there was any wow factor on my skin but it didn’t break me out either. I generally expect natural products to not work with as much vigour or speed as chemical products so it might just take time.
Clockwise from Top: Alpina Speciosa Herbal Toner, Alpina Speciosa Restoring Cream, Alpina Speciosa Restoring Serum
Alpina Speciosa Restoring Cream – RM369/50ml
I found the cream quite interesting because it has a slightly thick texture, yet it absorbs very nicely and quickly into the skin without leaving any sticky or oily after feel. In fact, my skin feels like there’s nothing on it at all! The first few times I used it, I thought it wasn’t enough. I mean, I have dry skin and usually creams for dry skin leave a slight residue on the surface. But this one didn’t. Yet, much to my surprise, after a few days use day and night, my skin did feel comfortable. It didn’t look nor feel flaky or dry at all. I can use it in the day without it turning oily which is always a boon. It too has that faint, fresh, sharp, spicy smell of ginger which I actually find quite comforting. I noticed that the Restoring Cream contains olive extracts which usually break me out but this didn’t. I do wonder why. Maybe it’s the formula? :P
Here are the ingredient lists for each of the 3 products above.
I also had the opportunity to sample 2 face sheet masks from Ah Yuan skincare and goodness, I loved these! Ok, its no secret I like my face sheet masks and these are truly very nice.
Face Masks – Alpina Speciosa Anti-Aging Mask RM208/box of 5 pieces and Momoridca Lightening Mask RM179/box of 5 pieces
I happen to really like the smooth, sleek packaging of the sheet masks. Plain and simple. It is your regular one time use sheet mask, and the material of the mask is a thin cloth that looks like gauze. It is very well infused with essence and adheres to the skin very very well. It isn’t too large either and was just right. I was snacking on fruits while I had this on and it didn’t even fall or peel off!
The essence feels light, but it didn’t dry out very quickly and my skin was very lovely, cool and looked well moisturised for a couple of days thereafter. I really liked it! I did get a little jolt at the price because it is very pricey :( It was good while it lasted….
In a nutshell
The Ah Yuan skincare range is a natural range from Taiwan incorporating herbal extracts from plants. I sampled some from the Alpina Speciosa range for dry to ageing skin and I found it quite good. They weren’t heavy nor oily even for day time use, and absorbed very nicely into skin, helping it feel and look hydrated. The faint smell of ginger in the serum and cream may not appeal to some, but I quite liked it. It had a spa feel. The Face Masks were very nice and very well made. Taiwanese know their face masks! Overall, I think the line holds a lot of promise, but the high prices can be a stumbling block for many. I know it is for me, but if I were in the market for a natural skincare brand, I will definitely consider this one.
Pros: Not heavy, Absorbs quickly, Skin feels and looks well hydrated, Face Masks are a very good fit and adhere well to skin, don’t dry out too quickly and leaves skin looking brighter and better
Cons: Pricey, Herbal scent may not appeal to everyone
Who will like this: Anyone who is into natural plant based skincare
The Momoridca (normal/brightening) and Bidens Polisa (combination/oily) ranges are a little bit cheaper. I didn’t sample them so I can’t tell you about the texture. If they are anything like the Alpina Speciosa one, then they will feel quite comfortable on skin.
Does this new skincare range tickle your fancy? Have you used the Ah Yuan soaps before?
I must say that having sampled them, I am quite interested. The high price does make me balk though. I have heard Ah Yuan himself speak and he is very passionate about what he makes and what he does, which does inspire confidence, you know. You don’t often get to hear the philosophies of a brand creator. It keeps it real :)
Paris B
Ah Yuan Skincare is available only at Isetan KLCC, 2nd Floor Living and Household Department
Looks really nice! Think the brand expanded from soaps to skincare wonderfully. Wonder if the Serum suits my skin but oh-my-heart the price!
My thoughts exactly re: the price! I do think the expansion has been very impresive too but at premium pricetags, it will remain very niche
Not cheap wei!! I had to blink twice when I saw the prices!
LOL!! So did I when I first saw it! At lower prices, I might be interested to get the masks but it’s daunting at the current asking price :(
LOL. I too blink twice when I saw the price. On a totally separate note, after your post on face cloths, I spent a considerable time yesterday reading Caroline Hirons blog. I must say she has quite a legion of die-hard fans. Hahaha. But a lot of her tips are very interesting and logical. One method that I was reading for the first time is about double toning which is using an exfoliating toner followed by a hydrating toner. Also, she is very against using foaming cleansers due to surfactants. What is your take on both?
Her blog is such a wealth of information isn’t it? I had a great time reading through it when I was first introduced to it too. The double toning thing is very interesting too I must admit, but I don’t do an exfoliating toner because I don’t like the ones I’ve tried so far, and although I use the Alpha H Liquid Gold, I use it on its own. I prefer using a hydrating toner or softener for my skin. As for foaming cleansers, I’m ambivalent about them. I use them, and some are more drying than others, so I stay away from the drying ones. I do like my foaming cleansers but only use the ones that feel most comfortable to me. I don’t have a problem with SLS etc :)
I do find double toning works. I do it this way. First, soak hydrating toner and cleanse using a cotton pad. The cotton pad act as an exfoliator. This step prepares the skin to be thoroughly cleanse of grime and dead cells and be ready for follow on skincare routine to penetrate better. Second, pour the same toner into palm and pat onto face. This hydrates the skin better to absorb moisturizer and the moisturiser formula also seal the water layer beneath. I’m currently going through a declutter phase and trying to keep my routine simple and fuss free. Hence, one toner suffice for me. Caroline Hirons sounds interesting. I’m going off to read her blog now.
Hi Paris, I forgot to mention this, Yuan is giving a box of herbal masks free (5pcs) when you purchase above RM800 of Yuan skincare at KLCC. This is while stocks last.
Glad you like the skincare :)
Thanks for the update Reese!
Hey Paris, I actually bought a box of the masks and like it (the SA was so nice so I told him I wanted a box before seeing the price LOL. It was quite a shock)! I think I still have a couple of them left, and I’m saving them for special occasions ;) Haven’t really looked into their other stuff though.
Ooh you’ve tried them, Sunny! :D Were the prices in Taiwan as shocking as they are here? LOL They are really good, I have to agree, but at the asking prices, it’s hard to actually sustain this relationship :P