6 months of Korean skincare routine with SKIN1004 - My review, results, and surprises

 

For too long, I had accumulated products from different brands, convinced that the more elaborate the routine, the better the results. Then SKIN1004 arrived and changed everything. Not by magic, but by evidence: an entire range built around a single ingredient, Centella Asiatica from Madagascar, with the promise that it's enough.

I had to see for myself, and here's what this experience taught me about the power of the Skin1004 brand.

 

Why SKIN1004?

When I decided to get serious about K-beauty, I was looking for a quality brand, accessible from Switzerland, with a genuine philosophy, and not just well-packaged marketing. SKIN1004 quickly proved to be the obvious choice.

Founded in South Korea, the brand has built an excellent reputation around a signature ingredient: Centella Asiatica from Madagascar, known for being one of the best qualities in the world, sourced from a clean and preserved climate. This extract is at the heart of almost the entire range, recognized in the K-beauty community for its soothing, repairing, and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it contains effective active ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and next-generation UV filters for SPF.

It’s clear that the brand prioritizes formula efficacy over flashy marketing. No superfluous ingredients in the formulas, complete transparency on compositions, and a price-quality ratio that makes many European brands pale in comparison. From Switzerland and Europe, I order via Coree Beauty, which offers a carefully curated selection of authentic products with fast delivery. It's hard to find anything better for getting started with K-beauty from home.

My complete routine, product by product

Here are the four SKIN1004 products I integrated daily, in the exact order of application.

1. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil

This is where it all begins, every evening. What struck me from the first use was the lightness of the texture — a real difference from the thick cleansing oils I had used before. Enriched with Centella Asiatica and MCT Oil (coconut oil), it contains six botanical oils that prevent irritation while dissolving makeup, accumulated sebum, and SPF residue. I apply a few pumps to a dry face, massage in circular motions, then emulsify with a little water before rinsing. The result: clean skin, never feeling tight.

 

One point to mention: for heavy eye makeup or waterproof products, it shows its limits. Although some people also use it in the morning, I personally reserved it for my evening double cleanse. No irritation on my sensitive skin after six months.

2. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam

The second step of the evening double cleanse (and the only cleanser in the morning), this foam is one of the best I've used for oily or combination skin prone to acne. Its creamy, golden-brown texture transforms into a rich white foam upon contact with water, thanks to gentle surfactants (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate) that cleanse without stripping. The pH is around 5, which is ideal for maintaining the skin barrier. I apply it to a damp face, massage gently, then rinse with lukewarm water. No feeling of tightness, even in winter. This is rare and truly appreciated. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

 

3. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner

This toner truly deserves attention. Its composition is impressive: 84% Centella Asiatica extract, supplemented with hyaluronic acid, PHA (Gluconolactone, a gentle form of exfoliant), niacinamide, and adenosine. The texture is completely watery, naturally light brown, and fragrance-free—which is great news for reactive skin. I apply it by patting directly with my hands after cleansing. The skin absorbs it quickly, without any sticky feeling if used immediately before the next product.

To be completely honest: this toner works very well as a basic soothing and hydrating step. It perfectly prepares the skin to absorb subsequent treatments. Its benefits are even more noticeable when used as a mask (cotton pad soaked and placed on the face for 2-3 minutes), but this is more an occasional use than a daily habit. In normal use, it performs its task reliably.

 

4. SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++

My absolute favorite product from this K-beauty routine, and probably the one that definitively converted me to Korean cosmetics. Finding an SPF that I genuinely enjoy applying every morning has been a challenge I failed to overcome for years. This one changes everything. It's a non-nano chemical sunscreen, with no white cast on medium to light skin tones, and a natural, slightly luminous finish—neither matte nor greasy.

 

The Hyalu-Cica formula combines three forms of hyaluronic acid with 9,800 ppm of Centella Asiatica, plus niacinamide, green tea extract, ginkgo biloba, and wheat germ. No stinging in the eyes. No pilling with previous layers. Protection is provided by four modern UV filters. I apply it in the morning as the last step, after the toner and before makeup if I wear any. It disappears under foundation without leaving a trace.

 

My results and impressions month by month

Weeks 1–2: adaptation

No miracles expected, no disappointment either. I discovered the textures, I built up the routine. My skin showed no negative reactions, no acne, no new redness. A good base.

Month 1: the first positive signs

At the end of the first month, I noticed that my skin was more consistently hydrated throughout the day. The usual small redness on my cheeks diminished. My skin texture started to appear smoother.

Months 2–3: the routine comes to life

This is where things got really interesting. My complexion was more even. The niacinamide in the toner and SPF began to show its effect on slight pigmentation irregularities. I also noticed that my skin tolerated temperature changes much better.

Months 4–5: more resilient skin

In the middle of winter, my skin remained well-hydrated without needing additional layers. The skin barrier seemed strengthened. I stopped experiencing the small localized dryness I consistently had during this season.

Month 6: the assessment

Brighter, more even, and more resilient skin against external aggressors. No significant breakouts over six months. SPF became a daily pleasure rather than a chore. I couldn't have imagined a better result starting from scratch with a single brand.

The good and the not-so-good

Pros

• Gentle and soothing formulas, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin
• Madagascar Centella Asiatica: ingredient quality visible over time
• The Hyalu-Cica SPF: no white cast, no pilling, no stinging, an accessible benchmark
• The Ampoule Foam: perfect for oily/acne-prone skin, skin-friendly pH
• Total consistency of the range, all products work together without contradicting each other
• Excellent value for money, available via Coree Beauty in Switzerland and Europe

Points of attention

• The Cleansing Oil shows its limits on very heavy waterproof makeup – plan for a specific eye makeup remover if needed
• The Toning Toner yields its best results as a mask, which consumes more product
• The most noticeable effects appear after 2 to 3 months: patience is required!

 

Skin1004 skincare products at Coree Beauty

Tips for starting your SKIN1004 K-beauty routine

By skin type: Oily or combination skin will particularly benefit from the Ampoule Foam and the light SPF. Dry skin will benefit from combining the toner with a moisturizing cream as the last step. Sensitive skin can adopt the entire range without fear, everything is formulated for gentleness.

Recommended application order: Evening: Cleansing Oil → Ampoule Foam → Toning Toner → complementary care if needed. Morning: Ampoule Foam → Toning Toner → Hyalu-Cica SPF.

Mistakes to avoid: Don't skip SPF in the morning even in winter (UVA UV rays are present all year round), don't apply too much product at once, and don't expect immediate results — K-beauty is a long-term approach. A valuable rule: give each product at least 3 weeks before judging.

According to seasons: In summer, the Hyalu-Cica SPF is sufficient as the last step in the morning. In winter, add a light moisturizing cream between the toner and the SPF to seal in hydration and strengthen the skin barrier.

FAQ

Is SKIN1004 suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, that's one of its strengths. The entire Madagascar Centella range is built around soothing formulas, without artificial fragrance, with anti-irritant active ingredients. It's a recommended brand for reactive skin.

Where to buy SKIN1004 cosmetics in Switzerland and Europe?

I exclusively order via Coree Beauty, based in Switzerland, which offers authentic products with careful delivery. It is the K-beauty reference for enthusiasts in Switzerland and Europe.

How long before I see results?

Expect 3 to 4 weeks for the first visible improvements (hydration, soothing). Results on radiance, even complexion, and skin resilience truly appear from the 2nd or 3rd month.

Can SKIN1004 be mixed with other brands?

Absolutely. SKIN1004 formulas are compatible with the vast majority of other K-beauty products. Just respect the order of textures: from lightest to thickest.

What is the star product to try first?

Without hesitation, the Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++. It often converts those who had never found an SPF to their liking. And if you want to start with cleansing, the Ampoule Foam is an excellent entry point for all skin types.

Conclusion

What impressed me most about SKIN1004 isn't any particular product, but the lesson the range implicitly teaches: skin doesn't need to be overwhelmed; it needs to be supported. Madagascar Centella Asiatica, harvested from one of the world's most preserved ecosystems, does the work quietly, week after week, without artificial dazzle or instant effects.

Six months later, I haven't looked back. My routine is shorter, my intention is clearer, and my skin is in a condition I wouldn't have anticipated starting with such an affordable range.

Perhaps that's the true strength of SKIN1004: making you doubt everything you thought was indispensable.

👉 Discover all SKIN1004 products available on Coree Beauty — delivery in Switzerland and Europe.

And you, have you already tried the Madagascar Centella range? Tell me in the comments what your favorite products are or your questions about the SKIN1004 routine!