ATO Cream Blue Label
ATO Cream Blue Label
Product Description
Product overview
A ceramide and peptide-enriched barrier repair cream designed for sensitive, dry, and eczema-prone skin. Formulated with honeysuckle flower extract, copper peptides, and shea butter to deeply hydrate, soothe irritation, and strengthen the skin barrier. Gentle enough for the whole family, including babies.
Barrier Repair
Ceramide NP and copper peptides work together to strengthen and restore the skin's protective barrier function.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBarrier Repair
Ceramide NP and copper peptides work together to strengthen and restore the skin's protective barrier function.
Deep Hydration
Glycerin, shea butter, and beta-glucan provide multi-layered hydration that lasts throughout the day.
Calming Formula
Honeysuckle flower extract soothes irritation, redness, and itchiness associated with sensitive skin conditions.
Family Safe
Gentle enough for babies and pregnant women. EWG-verified safe ingredients with zero irritation certification.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains macadamia seed oil, shea butter, and glyceryl stearate which may feed malassezia yeast. Avoid if prone to fungal acne.
Rating 2/5. Suitable for most skin types but some ingredients like cetearyl alcohol may cause issues for very acne-prone skin.
EWG-verified ingredients with zero irritation certification. Gentle enough for delicate infant skin.
Can be used after retinol application to soothe and protect the skin barrier from irritation.
Excellent for calming skin after acid exfoliation. Wait 15-20 minutes after acids before applying.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCeramide NP (Ceramide 3)Proven
A skin-identical lipid that is the most abundant ceramide naturally found in healthy skin. Integrates into the skin barrier to restore and maintain its protective function.
- Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology: Ceramide-containing moisturizers improved skin hydration by 35% and reduced TEWL by 20% in 4 weeks.
- Dermatology and Therapy (2020): Ceramide-based products alleviated eczema symptoms by 50%, including reduced redness and itching.
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)Proven
A naturally occurring peptide that combines copper with three amino acids. Clinically validated for wound healing, collagen stimulation, and skin regeneration.
- Wound Repair and Regeneration (2003): Topical application reduced wound size by 64.5% over 13 days.
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology: Upregulates over 30 genes involved in wound repair and tissue regeneration.
Honeysuckle Flower ExtractPromising
A traditional Chinese medicine ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Calms and protects sensitive skin from environmental stressors.
- Traditional Use: Known to survive harsh winters, symbolizing resilience and skin protection.
- Anti-inflammatory Action: Contains compounds that help reduce skin irritation and redness.
Shea ButterProven
A rich emollient packed with fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and antioxidants. Deeply moisturizes, softens skin, and helps prevent moisture loss.
- Composition: Contains oleic acid (40-60%) and stearic acid (20-50%) for superior moisturization.
- Barrier Support: Forms a protective layer that reduces transepidermal water loss.
Macadamia Seed OilPromising
Rich in palmitoleic acid (7-33%), which is naturally found in skin sebum. Provides essential fatty acids that help repair and nourish compromised skin barriers.
- Wound Healing: Palmitoleic acid has been shown to promote wound healing and soothe inflammation.
- Skin-Identical: Mimics the natural lipid profile of healthy skin.
Yeast Beta-GlucanPromising
A polysaccharide derived from yeast that helps stimulate the skin's immune response, reduce inflammation, and enhance wound healing.
- Immune Support: Activates skin's natural defense mechanisms.
- Soothing Properties: Helps calm irritated and sensitized skin.
31 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glyceryl Stearate, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetearyl Glucoside, Beeswax, Sorbitan Stearate, Cellulose Gum, Ceramide NP (Ceramide 3), Yeast Beta-Glucan, Copper Tripeptide-1, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Octyldodecanol, Carbomer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Myrtus Communis Extract, Tropaeolum Majus Extract, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply as the final step before sunscreen (AM) or as the last step (PM). Can be used on both face and body.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Prep
After cleansing and applying your toner/essence/serum, ensure skin is slightly damp for better absorption.
Dispense & Warm
Squeeze a moderate amount (about a pea-sized amount for face) into your palm. Warm between hands briefly.
Apply & Massage
Gently smooth over face and neck using upward motions. Pat lightly with fingertips to enhance absorption.
Focus on Dry Areas
Apply extra product to particularly dry or irritated areas. Can be used on body for eczema-prone zones like elbows and hands.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry, dehydrated, or eczema-prone skin
- Your skin barrier is compromised or damaged
- You experience irritation, redness, or itchiness
- You want a fragrance-free, gentle moisturizer
- You're pregnant, nursing, or need baby-safe products
- You need deep hydration for harsh winter weather
- You want to repair skin after retinol or acid use
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You prefer lightweight, watery textures
- You have very oily skin that gets congested easily
- You want a mattifying finish
- You prefer products with a noticeable scent
- You need a daytime moisturizer under makeup
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESDeeply nourishing formula with shea butter and ceramides provides intense, long-lasting hydration for parched skin.
Fragrance-free with EWG-verified safe ingredients. Honeysuckle and copper peptides calm irritation and strengthen the barrier.
Specifically designed for atopic skin. Ceramides and barrier-repair ingredients help reduce flare-ups and itchiness.
Works well on dry areas. May feel rich on oily T-zone; consider using only at night or on dry cheeks.
Rich texture may feel heavy. Best used at night only or when skin is dehydrated despite being oily.
Low comedogenic rating (2/5), but contains cetearyl alcohol. Not suitable for fungal acne. Patch test recommended.
Results timeline
WEEK 4-8Immediate Comfort
Instant relief from dryness and tightness. Skin feels softer, smoother, and more comfortable immediately after application.
95% noticed immediate hydrationReduced Irritation
Redness and itchiness begin to subside. Skin appears calmer and less reactive to environmental stressors.
80% reported reduced irritationBarrier Strengthening
Visible improvement in skin barrier function. Reduced transepidermal water loss and better moisture retention throughout the day.
75% noticed improved barrier functionLong-Term Repair
Significant reduction in eczema symptoms and flare-ups. Skin texture improves with more resilience and elasticity.
70% experienced fewer flare-upsRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Excellent for eczema and extremely dry skin
- Fragrance-free with EWG-safe ingredients
- Safe for babies, pregnant, and nursing mothers
- Ceramides and peptides for barrier repair
- Generous 120ml size for face and body use
- Soothes irritation, redness, and itchiness quickly
- Long-lasting hydration without constant reapplication
- Great value for the quality of ingredients
Criticized
- Not suitable for fungal acne sufferers
- Rich texture may feel heavy for oily skin
- Takes 30-60 seconds to fully absorb
- May leave a dewy finish that some prefer matte
- Tube packaging can be wasteful at the end
- May pill under makeup if not fully absorbed
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Contains three essential ceramides with MVE technology for time-release hydration. More widely available but lacks copper peptides and honeysuckle extract. May not be as soothing for very sensitive skin.
Contains colloidal oatmeal and ceramides. More focused on itch relief with cooling sensation. Different texture (lighter) and lacks the peptide anti-aging benefits.
Contains shea butter, niacinamide, and thermal spring water. National Eczema Association approved. Slightly different formulation focus with microbiome-balancing prebiotics.
Ultra-simple formula free of dyes, fragrances, and parabens. Good for very sensitive skin but lacks ceramides and peptide benefits. More basic hydration approach.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Check the jar symbol on packaging for specific guidance.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Room temperature is ideal; no refrigeration needed.
Squeeze tube packaging. Hygienic and travel-friendly design prevents contamination from fingers.
Yes, 120ml exceeds carry-on limits (100ml). Available in 50ml size for travel or decant into smaller container.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this cream is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens that are typically avoided during pregnancy. The formula uses EWG-verified safe ingredients and is gentle enough for use on babies, making it an excellent choice for expecting and nursing mothers.
No, this cream is not fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that may feed malassezia yeast, including macadamia seed oil, shea butter, and glyceryl stearate. If you suffer from fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis, you should look for an alternative moisturizer with a fungal-acne-safe formula.
Yes! This cream is excellent for use with active ingredients. Apply your retinol, vitamin C, or acids first, wait 15-20 minutes for absorption, then follow with this cream to soothe and protect the skin barrier. The ceramides and copper peptides help repair any irritation caused by active ingredients.
This cream is best suited for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin types. It excels at providing deep hydration and barrier repair. While it works for combination skin (especially dry areas), those with oily or acne-prone skin may find the rich texture too heavy for daytime use—consider using it only at night.
You'll feel immediate comfort and hydration from the first application. Reduced irritation and redness typically appear within 1-2 weeks. Significant barrier strengthening and long-term improvements in eczema symptoms usually develop over 4-8 weeks of consistent use twice daily.
Apply as the last step of your skincare routine before sunscreen (in the morning) or as the final step at night. The order should be: cleanser → toner → essence → serum → ATO Cream → sunscreen (AM only). It can also be used on the body for eczema-prone areas.
This cream has a comedogenic rating of 2/5, which is considered low risk. However, it contains cetearyl alcohol which may cause issues for some acne-prone individuals. If you're concerned about clogged pores, do a patch test on your jawline for 1-2 weeks before full-face application.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal efficacy and safety. The tube packaging helps maintain freshness by preventing contamination from fingers. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Verdict: Pyunkang Yul ATO Cream Blue Label is an exceptional barrier-repair cream that delivers on its promises for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin. The combination of ceramide NP, copper tripeptide-1, and honeysuckle extract provides both immediate comfort and long-term skin barrier strengthening. Its baby-safe, pregnancy-safe formula with EWG-verified ingredients makes it a trustworthy choice for the whole family. The only drawbacks are its unsuitability for fungal acne sufferers and the rich texture that may feel heavy for oily skin types. Overall, this K-beauty gem offers excellent value for those seeking serious hydration and skin repair.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Methylpropanediol
Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasingagent - Aqueous, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
|
|