Do I Need Another Propolis Serum? Iunik Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum Review

Iunik had been in my skincare awareness bubble for a while, but I’d never gotten around to trying anything from them. When they recently reached out I was more than happy to accept a few products for review purposes (see my Policies page for more info on how I work with brands), and this serum in particular caught my eye. I’ve had a bit of a thing for propolis serums since I belatedly joined the Cosrx propolis bandwagon, and even more belatedly the LGH one! Here are my thoughts after around 3-4 weeks of testing Iunik’s version.

Purpose & How to Use

According to Iunik, there are four purposes of this serum: calming, skin nutrition (minerals, vitamins & amino acids), vitalizing, whitening (or brightening as we’d say) & wrinkle care (yes, that is 5, but they list them as 4…).

That’s a lot for a serum! With propolis, what I’m personally looking for is calming and moisturizing/vitalizing skin. I’ve also come to expect extra glow from propolis serums!

How to use:

“After facial cleansing or using toner, apply a proper amount to your face and gently dap for absorption.”

I use this serum after my cleansing, acids, toners, and essences. I apply a few drops around my face and pat into my skin, before moving onto moisturizer.

Product Details & Ingredients

Full name: Iunik Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum 

Amount: 50ml

Ingredients:

Propolis Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Glycosyl Trehalose, Honey Extract, Beta-Glucan, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Allantoin, Carbomer, Arginine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Adenosine, Dipotassium, Glycyrrhizate, Pentylene Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Centella Asistica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Punica Granatium Fruit Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Nut Extract, Caprylyl Glycol

Propolis extract accounts for 70% of this serum, which I was very happy to learn! For reference, the Cosrx propolis serum contains 80% propolis extract, and Leegeeham contains 50%. Propolis should help soothe and moisturize skin, and is a product I gravitate towards a lot these days for these purposes. With anti-septic/anti-bacterial/anti-fungal properties, it’s also said to help fight off acne-causing bacteria.

The rest of the ingredients are EWG green level, which basically means very safe according to the EWG standards , although of course it’s best to examine lists and individual ingredients for yourself and your own sensitivities too. The cosdna info on this product is here.

I was very satisfied and excited when I looked at the ingredients!

Packaging

The packaging is heavy weight glass with a dropper applicator. I’m perfectly happy with this and it looks lovely on a #shelfie as a bonus. The simple label with the yellow stripe ties in well with the propolis theme, and overall it’s a clean-looking bottle. Not ideal for traveling, but easy enough to decant.

I like the shape of the dropper as it makes it easier to apply to your face than the standard straight version. A lot of droppers also seem to struggle with gathering enough product- this one doesn’t, thankfully.

Texture & Scent

The texture is  thin for a serum, which I definitely prefer. It spreads extremely easily onto skin and absorbs within less than a minute. You can see the process below. I’m used to thicker, stickier consistencies, but this thinness makes it best for a day AND night serum.

The scent is basically undetectable. If you sniff very hard I think it’s vaguely sweet, but honestly I’d say its scentless. 

Overall Performance

I’m going to go as far as to say that, along with the Dr Jart Serum, this may be one of my favourite EVER serums. I’m obsessed and continually reach for it day and night.

The texture is just fabulous. It’s hydrating and moisturizing, and the absorption time makes it unbeatable. It means that it can be used either day or night, and is great for a range of skin types. Iunik claim this product is for dry and sensitive skin, and whilst I agree with that, I also think because of the light texture, it would be great for anyone and everyone. 

The product layers well, and sits nicely under makeup and sunscreen. I find it adds a nice layer of moisture to my skin, which is immediately visible by the healthy dewiness I see after application. It also hugely helps soothe the redness I have in my face. Again, the results are almost instant after applying the serum.

The main result, however, is glowwwww. Man, this really adds a punch to a glowy routine, and noticeably makes a difference for me. To be fair, I get a similar glow from Cosrx and LGH propolis serums, but the texture of this beats the heavier consistency of Cosrx, whilst the cost per ml waaay beats Leegeeham (I’ll do a price comparison below). This is my favourite of the three, and to answer my initial title question, it turns out I really did need this third propolis serum!

Prices & Availability

On YesStyle, where I could directly compare all three propolis serums I’ve tried, these were the price results:

Cosrx Propolis Light Ampule is around 21,000 Korean Won for 20ml (1050 KRW per ml)

Leegeeham Vita Propolis is roughly 18,000 KRW for 15ml (1200 KRW per ml)

Iunik Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum is about 18,000 KRW for 50ml (360 KRW per ml)

That’s a major price difference, and considering out of the three I would choose Iunik as my favourite for application and easy use, I’d definitely choose it over the others. If you are looking for something slightly heavier on the moisturizing front, go for the Cosrx.

Yes Style seems to be the only reputable seller I can find! Any alternatives let me know please!

Have you tried any of these or other propolis serums? What’s your favourite?!