Cult favorite Trending
COSRX
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
7.9Good
The K-beauty hydration staple: 96% snail mucin in a lightweight, fragrance-free essence that most skin types tolerate, at a fair price.
Essence5$25.00
Madagascar Centella Ampoule
A minimal, fragrance-free centella ampoule that soothes and hydrates for many sensitive-skin fans, though plenty find it does little.
7.6
Good
Beauty score
#12 of 14 serums
Community
—/10
- Format
- Ampoule
- Size
- 3.38 fl oz
- Price per oz
- $6.51 / oz
- Price tier
- Mid-range
Made for: All skin types · Dry skin · Sensitive skin
Last reviewed November 2, 2026 by our editors · How we score
The verdict
A minimal, fragrance-free centella ampoule that soothes and hydrates for many sensitive-skin fans, though plenty find it does little.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule is a watery, fragrance-free serum built around Madagascar centella asiatica extract in a seven-ingredient formula. The brand positions it as an all-rounder for soothing visible redness and hydrating sensitive, dry or delicate skin. Fans on Reddit describe it as cooling, fast-absorbing and comforting, while a vocal group says it did nothing noticeable and one user reported breakouts. It is inexpensive per milliliter, which makes it a low-risk soothing step.
Best for
- Calming sensitive or easily irritated skin
- A gentle hydration layer alongside retinoids
- Budget-friendly K-beauty routines
What we love
- Short, fragrance-free ingredient list centered on centella asiatica
- Light, cooling texture that absorbs quickly and layers under creams
- Low cost per milliliter, with 30, 55 and 100 ml sizes
- A low-risk soothing step for sensitive or retinoid-stressed skin
Worth knowing
- Results are subtle; several users say it felt like water and did nothing
- Single-botanical formula with no stated centella concentration
- A few users find it tacky or heavy under moisturizer
How it scored
The breakdown.
Five factors, weighted for formulas. Here’s our working.
7.6Good
Beauty score out of 10. Brands can’t pay for placement — ever.
- Results30%6.8
Users are split: some report soothing hydration for irritated skin, while several in an r/AsianBeauty thread on overhyped products said it did nothing or felt like water, and one reported breakouts.
- Formula & ingredients20%7.4
A short, fragrance-free centella formula that is low-risk for sensitive skin, but it relies on a single botanical with no stated concentration and no supporting actives.
- Texture & experience15%8.0
A light, cooling texture that absorbs quickly and layers easily, though a couple of users find it tacky or heavy under moisturizer.
- Value20%8.6
$22 for 100 ml, with smaller 55 ml and 30 ml sizes, is inexpensive per milliliter for a daily soothing serum.
- Community love15%7.4
A K-beauty staple that Reddit users often recommend for sensitive skin, but a vocal group in r/AsianBeauty calls it underwhelming.
Beauty profile
Inside the bottle.
Texture
Watery, lightweight ampoule; users describe it as cooling and fast-absorbing, though some find it slightly tacky
Format
Ampoule
Fragrance
Fragrance-free
Size
3.38 fl oz / 100 ml
Key ingredients
Ingredient encyclopedia →What’s in it: Madagascar centella asiatica extract in a seven-ingredient base of water, glycerin and butylene glycol, per SKIN1004's US product page; no concentration is stated and no fragrance or essential oils are listed.
How to use
Drop an appropriate amount, apply evenly to the skin and pat to promote absorption.
Full ingredient list (INCI)8 ingredients · key actives highlighted · as listed by the brand
- Water,
- Glycerin,
- Butylene Glycol,
- Centella Asiatica Extract,
- 1,
- 2-Hexanediol,
- Cellulose Gum,
- Ethylhexylglycerin
Formulas change. Always check the packaging, and patch-test if your skin is reactive.
Creator video reviews
Watch it in action.
Real reviews, try-ons and wear tests from independent creators — verified with TikTok and YouTube and labelled when sponsored.
We don’t pay creators for reviews, and they don’t pay us. Nothing from TikTok or YouTube loads until you press play.
What people say
Straight from the source.
Verbatim from Reddit, forums, blogs and the beauty press — linked, so you can read the whole thread.
5 verbatim quotes · 3 positive · 2 critical
r/AsianBeautyPositive
Cooling and smooth and hydrating and my skin soaked it up so quickly I immediately applied a second layer. Where has this been all my life!?
r/acnePositive
When I stay home and don't mind my skin feeling a bit tacky, I use the SKIN1004 Centella ampoule. It's super moisturizing and soothing, hasn't clogged my pores.
r/AsianBeautyPositive
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule: My skin loves it, soothing and hydrating!
r/AsianBeautyCritical
it did absolutely nothing for me - wasn’t soothing or hydrating despite layering.
r/AsianBeautyCritical
I used it every day for a year and a half and it did absolutely nothing. Nothing good, nothing bad. It was just like putting water on my skin
Price & value
Is it worth it?
Typical price
$22.00
for 3.38 fl oz / 100 ml
Per ounce
$6.51
DrugstoreMid-rangePrestigeLuxury
About 61% less per ounce than the typical serums we review. Our value score: 8.6/10 for a mid-range pick.
Price checked November 2026 at a non-Amazon retailer. Prices change — retailers show the current one.
Where to buy
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never affects our scores or what we recommend. How we make money
Community
What members noticed.
Ratings, skin types and the benefits people actually saw — logged on the Benefit Wheel.
No member ratings yet.
Tried it? Your score — and your skin or hair type — helps the next person decide.
Highlighted: what it’s built to do.
Discussion
No discussions yet.
Tried SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule? Ask a question or share how it’s working for your skin or hair — you’ll be the first.
FAQ
Good questions.
What is in it?
SKIN1004's US product page lists seven ingredients: water, glycerin, butylene glycol, centella asiatica extract, 1,2-hexanediol, cellulose gum and ethylhexylglycerin. No fragrance or essential oils are listed.
Who is it for?
The brand says it suits all skin types, especially dry and delicate skin, and positions it to help soothe visible redness and comfort sensitive-looking skin.
How do I use it?
SKIN1004 says to drop an appropriate amount onto the skin, spread it evenly and pat it in. It is typically used after toner and before moisturizer.
Does it work for everyone?
No. Reddit discussion is split: some users call it soothing and hydrating, while others in a thread about overhyped K-beauty products said it did nothing noticeable, and one reported breakouts.
Alternatives
If you’re weighing it up, also consider.
Torriden
DIVE IN Serum
7.9Good
A gentle, fragrance-free serum with five forms of hyaluronic acid that Reddit fans rely on for simple, non-sticky hydration.
Serum3$24.00
Best value Trending
Beauty of Joseon
Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
8.0Great
A cushiony propolis-and-niacinamide serum with a low price and a devoted following for glow, calm and smoother-looking pores.
Serum5$17.00
Medicube
PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
7.3Good
A viral pink PDRN, niacinamide and peptide serum that some users find hydrating and glowy, while others report breakouts or little change.
Serum4$26.00