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Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule

Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A lightweight, fast-absorbing barrier-repair ampoule powered by 10,000 ppm Artichoke Extract, Centella Asiatica, and Licorice Root to strengthen, soothe, and hydrate stressed or sensitive skin. The upgraded alcohol-free formula now features double the Hawkweed Extract for enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Vegan Cruelty-Free Alcohol-Free (V2) Fragrance-Free Paraben-Free Dermatologically Tested Low-Irritant Certified No Mineral Oil No Artificial Colors
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Caution
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
30 ml / 1.01 fl oz
Price
~$25.00
Type
Ampoule / Serum
Concern
Barrier Repair
Key Active
Artichoke 10,000 ppm
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Barrier Strengthening

10,000 ppm Artichoke Extract helps build up cell wall density, improve moisture retention, and fortify the skin barrier against environmental stressors.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Lightweight gel
Scent
Fragrance-free
Absorption
Under 30 seconds
Finish
Dewy, non-sticky

Barrier Strengthening

10,000 ppm Artichoke Extract helps build up cell wall density, improve moisture retention, and fortify the skin barrier against environmental stressors.

Calming & Soothing

Centella Asiatica and Aloe Vera work together to reduce redness, calm irritation, and support the skin's natural healing process.

Multi-Layer Hydration

Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglutamic Acid, Beta-Glucan, and Glycerin deliver hydration at multiple skin depths without heaviness.

Brightening & Antioxidant

Licorice Root Extract and doubled Hawkweed Extract (ultrasonic-extracted) provide antioxidant defense and help fade dullness for a more radiant complexion.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Free from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor if unsure.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) — Caution

The upgraded formula removed several problematic ingredients, but Linseed Seed Extract may still feed malassezia. Most users with fungal acne report no issues, but patch test first if you are highly sensitive.

Non-Comedogenic (Rating: 1/5)

Oil-free, silicone-free formula. No known pore-clogging ingredients. Suitable for acne-prone skin.

Hypoallergenic & Low-Irritant Certified

Dermatologically tested with low-irritant certification. The upgraded V2 formula removed alcohol and tea tree oil for even gentler performance.

Compatible with Actives

Safe to layer with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA, and niacinamide. No conflicting active ingredients in the formula.

Upgraded V2 Formula

The new version removed Alcohol and Tea Tree Leaf Oil, replaced them with Kelp Extract (Laminaria Japonica) and Propanediol, and doubled the Hawkweed Extract concentration.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Artichoke Leaf Extract 10,000 ppm (1%)Proven

The hero ingredient. Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) is a Mediterranean plant rich in cynarin and chlorogenic acid — powerful antioxidants that help strengthen cell wall density, tighten pores, and improve moisture retention.

  • Pore Minimizing: Helps build up cell wall density for visibly tighter and smaller-looking pores.
  • Antioxidant: Rich in polyphenols that protect against free radical damage and environmental stressors.
  • Anti-Aging: A 28-day study with 22 women showed visible improvement in skin texture and tolerance.
The upgraded formula lists Artichoke at 10,000 ppm — the highest concentration of the hero ingredient in the formula.

Centella Asiatica Extract High %Proven

One of the most well-researched soothing ingredients in K-beauty. Contains active centelloids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid) that support wound healing and collagen production.

  • Barrier Repair: Stimulates collagen synthesis and supports skin barrier restoration.
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces redness and calms irritation through multiple anti-inflammatory pathways.
  • Wound Healing: Well-documented ability to accelerate the skin's natural healing process.

Hawkweed Extract (Hieracium Umbellatum) 2x ConcentrationPromising

Extracted using an ultrasonic method that minimizes destruction of beneficial compounds. The V2 formula doubled the concentration for stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support.

  • Extraction Tech: Ultrasonic extraction preserves more active antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.
  • Skin Purifying: Helps reduce skin irritation and improve overall complexion clarity.

Licorice Root Extract Mid %Proven

Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract is a well-known brightening and anti-inflammatory ingredient that inhibits melanin-forming tyrosinase activity to help fade dark spots and even skin tone.

  • Brightening: Inhibits tyrosinase activity to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Contains glabridin, which helps calm redness and irritation.

Sodium Hyaluronate + Polyglutamic Acid Multi-layerProven

A dual hydration system: Sodium Hyaluronate penetrates deeply to plump skin from within, while Polyglutamic Acid forms a moisture-locking film on the surface that can hold up to 5x more water than HA.

  • Deep Hydration: HA penetrates the deeper skin layers for long-lasting plumping effect.
  • Surface Lock: PGA has a larger molecular size, creating a protective moisture barrier on the surface.
  • Synergy: Together they deliver multi-depth hydration without heaviness.

Beta-Glucan + Allantoin + Adenosine SupportingProven

A trio of supporting actives: Beta-Glucan soothes and stimulates immune response, Allantoin promotes cell turnover and calms irritation, and Adenosine provides anti-wrinkle benefits.

  • Beta-Glucan: Potent soothing agent that helps with barrier repair and calms reactive skin.
  • Allantoin: Stimulates keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation for faster skin renewal.
  • Adenosine: Korean FDA-approved anti-wrinkle ingredient that helps smooth fine lines.

34 ingredients

Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycerin, Betaine, Propanediol, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract, Hieracium Umbellatum Extract, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract (10,000ppm), Sorbitol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Hibiscus Mutabilis Flower Extract, Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract, Rheum Palmatum Root Extract, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Dimethyl Sulfone, Chlorphenesin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglutamic Acid, Beta-Glucan, Arginine, Allantoin, Adenosine

FREE FROM: Parabens, Mineral Oil, Artificial Fragrance, Artificial Colors, Alcohol (V2), Tea Tree Oil (V2), Silicones, Sulfates, Essential Oils, PEGs (V2), Sorbitan Sesquioleate (V2)
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
This Ampoule
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen

Apply after cleansing and toning, before heavier serums and moisturizer. Use AM and/or PM. Pairs especially well with the AXIS-Y Daily Purifying Treatment Toner.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse & Tone

Start with a clean face. Apply your toner and let it absorb fully before proceeding.

2

Dispense the Ampoule

Use the angled dropper to dispense 1 full dropper (about 3–4 drops) onto your fingertips or directly onto the face.

3

Pat & Press Gently

Gently pat and press the ampoule across your entire face until completely absorbed. Avoid rubbing. The lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly.

4

Follow with Moisturizer

Seal in the ampoule with your favorite moisturizer. In the morning, finish with sunscreen (SPF 30+).

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • Your skin barrier is damaged from over-exfoliation, retinol, or harsh products
  • You have sensitive, easily irritated, or redness-prone skin
  • You want lightweight hydration that layers well under other products
  • You prefer a clean, fragrance-free, vegan formula
  • You need an all-season ampoule that works for both AM and PM routines
  • You have combination or oily skin and dislike heavy, greasy serums

Consider alternatives if:

  • You need intense ceramide-based barrier repair for severely compromised skin
  • You have very dry skin and need a richer, more occlusive treatment
  • You want visible anti-aging results like wrinkle reduction or firming
  • You are looking for a product with clinically proven active percentages (e.g., 10% niacinamide)
  • You have severe fungal acne and need a strictly FA-safe formula
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Lightweight gel formula absorbs in seconds without adding shine or greasiness. Oil-free and non-comedogenic.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances hydration across oily and dry zones perfectly. Top-rated by combination skin users in reviews.

Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Hypoallergenic, low-irritant certified, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free. Designed specifically with sensitive skin in mind.

Dry Skin
Good

Provides solid hydration but may need a richer moisturizer or facial oil on top for very dry skin types.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Non-comedogenic rating of 1/5. Many users report reduced breakouts after consistent use thanks to barrier-repair focus.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2–4
Days 1–3

Immediate Hydration & Comfort

Skin feels softer, more hydrated, and less tight immediately after application. Dryness and tightness are visibly reduced.

85% noticed immediate soothing
Week 1–2

Reduced Redness & Calmer Skin

Visible reduction in redness and irritation. Skin begins to feel more resilient and less reactive to environmental stressors.

70% noticed less redness
Week 3–4

Barrier Improvement & Pore Refinement

Skin barrier feels noticeably stronger. Pores appear tighter, skin texture is smoother, and breakouts start to decrease.

65% noticed smoother texture
Month 2–4

Healthier, More Resilient Skin

Long-term users report significantly healthier skin that is less prone to irritation, congestion, and dullness. Complexion appears brighter and more even.

80% saw overall skin improvement
09

Ratings by platform

5K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.4
Rating
2,800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small bottle size (30 ml) runs out quickly with daily AM+PM use
YesStyle
4.7
Rating
1,200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Slightly sticky feel on first application for some users
iHerb
4.3
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some very sensitive skin users reported initial mild stinging
AXIS-Y Official
4.8
Rating
600+
Reviews
Main complaint: Wish it came in a larger size option (50 ml or 60 ml)
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Repairs damaged skin barrier noticeably within weeks
  • Extremely lightweight and fast-absorbing — no sticky residue
  • Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and vegan — ideal for sensitive skin
  • Calms redness and irritation effectively, even from mask-wearing
  • Clean ingredient list with no known harsh irritants
  • Beautiful glass bottle with precise angled dropper
  • Layers perfectly under makeup and other products
  • Dermatologically tested and low-irritant certified

Criticized

  • Small 30 ml size feels pricey for daily twice-a-day use
  • May not provide enough hydration alone for very dry skin
  • Results require consistent daily use — not an overnight fix
  • Lacks ceramides for deeper barrier repair
  • Some users find the texture slightly sticky on first use
  • Glass bottle is fragile for travel despite being travel-size
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
Centella Blemish Cream
$16.00
Budget Pick

Similar centella-focused soothing formula in a 20 ml ampule. Less complex botanical blend — no artichoke or hawkweed — but equally effective at calming redness and supporting barrier health.

72% Match
Madagascar Centella Ampoule
$18.00
Budget Pick

Pure centella asiatica formula (100% centella water base) in a generous 100 ml bottle. Simpler formula focused solely on soothing, lacks the multi-botanical barrier approach and artichoke extract.

68% Match
Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented
$15.00
Budget Pick

Centella-based serum with niacinamide for additional brightening. Fragrance-free. Similar soothing properties but different active approach — niacinamide instead of artichoke for barrier and brightening.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Madagascar Centella Ampoule
Key Ingredient Centella Asiatica Water
Size 100 ml
Price per ml $0.18/ml
Alcohol-Free Yes
Fragrance-Free Yes
Best For Pure soothing + hydration
Centella Blemish Cream
Key Ingredient Centella Asiatica Extract
Size 20 ml
Price per ml $0.80/ml
Alcohol-Free Yes
Fragrance-Free Yes
Best For Blemish control + calming
Midnight Blue Calming Cream
Key Ingredient Guaiazulene (Chamomile)
Size 30 ml
Price per ml $0.77/ml
Alcohol-Free Yes
Fragrance-Free Yes
Best For Instant redness relief
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Product may turn slightly yellow if exposed to heat or light — this is normal and does not affect efficacy.

Packaging

Glass bottle with angled-tip dropper for precise application. Screw-cap closure prevents leakage.

Travel Friendly

Yes, 30 ml is under the 100 ml TSA/airline carry-on limit. Glass bottle is compact and sturdy but wrap carefully.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes. The upgraded V2 formula does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreen filters, or any other ingredients commonly flagged as unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. All plant extracts and humectants in the formula are considered safe. As always, consult with your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.

Almost — but with a caveat. The upgraded formula removed several problematic ingredients from the old version (Sorbitan Sesquioleate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil). However, Linseed Seed Extract may potentially feed malassezia in some individuals. Many users with fungal acne report no flare-ups, but if you are highly sensitive, patch test first. SkinCarisma flags one potentially FA-feeding ingredient in the current formula.

Yes. This ampoule contains no active acids, retinoids, or vitamin C that could conflict with other actives. It is actually an excellent companion product to use alongside retinol or acids because it helps soothe irritation and repair the barrier. Apply the ampoule first, then layer your active treatment on top, or use the ampoule in the morning and your actives at night.

It is formulated for all skin types but shines best on oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. The lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly and does not add greasiness, making it especially popular among those with oily or combination skin. Dry skin types can still benefit but should layer a richer moisturizer on top.

Most users notice immediate hydration and soothing effects within the first few applications. Visible reduction in redness typically occurs within 1–2 weeks. Noticeable barrier improvement, smoother texture, and tighter pores usually take 3–4 weeks of consistent daily use. Full skin-transforming results (healthier, more resilient complexion) are commonly reported after 2–4 months.

Apply after cleansing and toning (Step 3 in a typical routine), before heavier serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen. Its lightweight texture makes it ideal as an early layering step. It can be used both morning and evening. AXIS-Y recommends pairing it with the Daily Purifying Treatment Toner for a synergistic barrier-boosting effect.

No. The comedogenic rating is 1 out of 5, meaning it is very unlikely to clog pores. The formula is oil-free, silicone-free, and does not contain any known pore-clogging ingredients. Multiple reviewers with acne-prone skin confirm it does not trigger breakouts. In fact, many users report reduced breakouts due to improved barrier function.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. The 30 ml bottle typically lasts 2–4 months with daily use (depending on whether you use it once or twice daily). One reviewer reported using it AM and PM and it lasted a full 4 months. Store away from direct sunlight. If the product turns slightly yellow, it is still safe to use.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: The AXIS-Y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule is a standout K-beauty ampoule for barrier repair and soothing — especially in its upgraded V2 formula. It excels at what it promises: lightweight, fast-absorbing hydration that calms irritation, reduces redness, and strengthens the skin barrier over time. The clean, fragrance-free, vegan formula makes it a safe choice for sensitive and acne-prone skin. While it lacks ceramides for deeper barrier reconstruction and may not be rich enough for very dry skin alone, it earns its cult-favorite status as an essential daily ampoule that works beautifully in any routine. Best value for combination, oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin types looking for gentle but effective barrier support.

Browse related

By Brand & Origin K-Beauty

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 3 ingredient(s):
Centella Asiatica Extract Beta-Glucan Adenosine
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 7 ingredient(s):
Sodium Hyaluronate Centella Asiatica Extract Glycerin Polyglutamic Acid Arginine Allantoin Adenosine
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
4
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
2
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
2
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
58% 41%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 34 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 B
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
Masking
1 A
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
Hydrating
1 A
Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning, Humectant
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 B
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing, Tonic
anti-aging Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS