Review: Skinfood Black Sugar Perfect First Serum 2x Essential VS 2x Light

Hello Princesses!

Today I'm going to be talking about the Skinfood Black Sugar Perfect First Serum 2x Essential VS 2x Light! The original formula is an old Holy Grail for me, but since they don't seem to make that anymore, I had to see what the difference between the 2x Essential and 2x Light!

2x Essential

Achieve a smoother, clearer complexion with a combination of moisture rich black sugar and Cheongju, a traditional Korean wine.

Ingredients

Water, Black Sugar Extract, Alcohol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Opuntia Ficus-indica Stem Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Matricaria Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Lemon Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Lactobacillus/Aspergillus/Prunus Mume Fruit Ferment Filtrate, Glycolic Acid, Rice Ferment Filtrate (sake), Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Maackia Fauriei Stem Extract, Salicylic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Adenosine, Sucrose, Glucose, Disodium EDTA, Cellulose gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Fragrance, Caramel, Caprylyl Glycol, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Citric Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, sarcodon aspratus extract(1)

2x Light

Achieve a smoother, clearer complexion with a combination of moisture rich black sugar and Cheongju, a traditional Korean wine.

A lighter formulation provides immediate hydration and quick absorption. This refreshing serum provides balance to both oily and dry skin.

 

Ingredient  
Water, Black Sugar Extract, Alcohol, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Opuntia Ficus-indica Stem Extract, Matricaria Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Arginine, Lemon Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus/Aspergillus/Prunus Mume Fruit Ferment Filtrate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Rice Ferment Filtrate (sake), Glycolic Acid, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Salicylic Acid, Maackia Fauriei Stem Extract, Adenosine, Sucrose, Disodium EDTA, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract, Glucose, Citric Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Caramel, Fragrance, sarcodon aspratus extract(1)

The only difference between the formula is that the 2x Essential has Cellulose gum (thickener/viscocity control) and Sodium Hyaluronate (humectant/moisturiser), whereas the 2x Light has Arginine (antioxidant) and Ethylhexylglycerin (moisturiser). Sadly, they both contain Galactomyces which is a yeast ferment extract and this ingredient breaks my skin out which is so very frustrating, as the original formula did not contain Galactomyces (here is the original ingredients list).

Looking at the two serums side by side there is no difference in colour, texture, scent or absorption rate.

I used the 2x Light serum for about a month and didn't experience the amazing results I remembered from the original serum. I didn't experience quite as much brightening, and only very light hydration. This serum is most likely suited to Princesses who has sensitive skin. It did break my skin out a little due to the Galactomyces.

When I started using the 2x Essential formula I was immediately reminded of the original formula. I find this formula much more moisturising and slightly more brightening. However, it does break my skin out due to the Galactomyces.

Final Thoughts

Obviously the formulas are so so similar, and as expected the really do the same job, but the 2x Essential formula does more than the 2x Light formula. I personally much prefer the essential formula because it is more moisturising and brightening, but I think the Light formula would be good for Princesses with more sensitive skin since it's just not as intense. Just a reminder that this serum contains Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide, so if you have sensitive skin do patch test this before using it on your entire face! Sadly I won't be picking up this serum in either formula since the Galactomyces filtrate does break my skin out which is so disappointing considering the original formula was amazing for me. I'm sad, but at least I didn't purchase the full size!