This Korean Hyaluronic Serum + Sunscreen Duo Fixed My Dry, Flaky Skin (Honest Review)
If your skin feels tight the moment you wake up, and your foundation lifts and clings to dry patches no matter what you do — I’ve been there. Seasonal skin dehydration is real, and it took me way too long to find products that actually helped.
This is my honest review of two K-beauty products I’ve been reaching for every morning: the Forest Seoul Hyal Phytoncide Serum and the Forest Seoul Watery Essence Sunscreen.
About the Brand: Forest Seoul
Forest Seoul (formerly just “Forest”) is a Korean clean beauty brand built around the concept of bringing vitality back to tired, stressed skin — think forest-fresh, breathing skin. They’ve recently gone global, and honestly, the products back up the aesthetic.
Product 1: Forest Seoul Hyal Phytoncide Serum
This serum has a cult following in Korea — it’s nicknamed the “makeup-friendly serum” and is reportedly used in high-end makeup studios in Cheongdam, Seoul’s luxury beauty district. Global makeup artist Min Kim is also a fan, which caught my attention.
Texture & Feel
The consistency sits right between a lightweight essence and a traditional serum — not watery, not sticky. It spreads effortlessly and absorbs almost instantly. Post-absorption, skin feels genuinely moisturized without any residue or heaviness.
This is perfect if you’re combination or oily-but-dehydrated (yes, that’s a thing), because it’s lightweight enough not to feel suffocating but substantial enough to actually hydrate.
Key Ingredients
The formula features 8-layer hyaluronic acid paired with a proprietary Phyton Repair Cica Liposome complex — designed to push moisture deeper into skin rather than sitting on the surface. According to the brand’s own clinical testing, 4 weeks of use showed approximately 24.9% improvement in pore appearance. Individual results will vary, but I did notice my skin feeling firmer and more refined after consistent use.
The Makeup Test
This is where it stood out for me. After applying this serum, my foundation sat smoothly without lifting or clinging — the whole reason I started looking for something new. If you’ve been skipping serums because they pill under makeup or feel too heavy, this one is worth trying.
Product 2: Forest Seoul Watery Essence Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the step most people either skip or dread because of white cast and heavy texture. This one genuinely surprised me.
Texture & Application
True to its name, the texture is essence-like — light, almost watery, and it melts into skin quickly. No dragging, no pilling, no white cast (it’s a chemical/organic UV filter formula, so white cast isn’t really a concern here).
White Cast Test
I tested it side by side — one half of my face with, one half without. The difference in tone was minimal, which for a sunscreen is exactly what you want.
Wear Throughout the Day
Layered over the serum, my skin felt smooth and comfortable all day. Makeup applied over this base stayed fresh without lifting. For a daily SPF, it ticks every box: lightweight, non-greasy, hydrating, and genuinely wearable.
Used Together: The Honest Verdict
✅ Hyal Phytoncide Serum — best for dehydrated, combination, or sensitive skin types dealing with tightness and makeup that won’t sit properly
✅ Watery Essence Sunscreen — best for anyone who hates heavy, white-cast sunscreens but still wants solid UV protection
✅ Together — a genuinely seamless morning routine base that keeps skin hydrated and makeup-ready all day
⚠️ Worth noting: Both products are available through Olive Young, Korea’s largest beauty retailer — which has an international shipping option if you’re outside Korea.
Final Thoughts
K-beauty has a reputation for over-promising and under-delivering, but this duo is the exception. If dehydrated, dull skin and finicky makeup have been your main skincare frustrations, Forest Seoul’s Hyal line is worth adding to your routine.
Have you tried Forest Seoul before? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear what’s working for your skin type.
