Nutrition Cream
Nutrition Cream
Product Description
Product overview
A luxuriously rich yet fast-absorbing cream that delivers intense, all-day hydration with Astragalus root extract as its star ingredient. This nutrient-rich moisturizer from Pyunkang Oriental Medicine Clinic is formulated with minimal, gentle ingredients to nourish dry, dehydrated skin while improving elasticity and radiance.
Intense Hydration
Astragalus root extract replaces water as the base, delivering deeper moisture and skin vitality than traditional formulas.
Texture & feel
SENSORYIntense Hydration
Astragalus root extract replaces water as the base, delivering deeper moisture and skin vitality than traditional formulas.
Barrier Strengthening
Shea butter and macadamia oil create a protective layer while beeswax locks in moisture for all-day comfort.
Anti-Aging Benefits
Astragalus is shown to decrease collagen breakdown and protect against UV-induced damage for improved elasticity.
Minimal Formula
Only 21 EWG-verified ingredients with no fragrance, artificial colors, or unnecessary additives for sensitive skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFELimited data available. Some animal research suggests astragalus may be toxic during pregnancy when ingested. Consult healthcare provider before topical use.
Contains multiple FA triggers: shea butter, macadamia oil, polysorbates 60/80, sorbitan sesquioleate, and fatty esters that may feed malassezia yeast.
Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula developed by Pyunkang Oriental Medicine Clinic for atopic skin disorders. Zero-irritation tested.
No active ingredients that conflict with retinoids. Can be layered over retinol to provide moisture barrier protection.
No pH-sensitive actives. Safe to layer with L-ascorbic acid and other vitamin C derivatives after proper absorption.
Apply this cream after acids have fully absorbed to help seal in active ingredients and prevent moisture loss from exfoliation.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSAstragalus Membranaceus Root Extract #1 IngredientTraditional
Known as Milk Vetch or Huang Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine, this powerful botanical replaces water as the formula's base for enhanced skin vitality and deeper moisture penetration.
- Anti-Aging: Decreases MMP-1 enzyme activity, reducing collagen breakdown
- Hydration: Increases hyaluronic acid production in skin
- Photoprotection: Helps decrease melanin production from UV damage
- Anti-Inflammatory: Contains saponins and flavonoids that calm irritated skin
Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii) Top 10Proven
A rich, natural emollient packed with fatty acids and vitamins A, E, and F that deeply nourishes and creates a protective moisture barrier.
- Barrier Support: Contains stearic and oleic acids to strengthen skin barrier
- Moisturizing: Forms protective film that prevents transepidermal water loss
- Antioxidant: Natural vitamin E content helps protect against environmental stressors
Macadamia Seed Oil Top 10Proven
A lightweight, skin-compatible oil rich in palmitoleic acid that closely mimics natural sebum for optimal absorption.
- Absorption: High palmitoleic acid content allows rapid absorption without greasiness
- Emollient: Oleic and linoleic acids soften and smooth skin texture
- Anti-Aging: Supports skin elasticity and reduces appearance of fine lines
Sodium Hyaluronate Mid-rangeProven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and retains moisture in the skin for long-lasting hydration.
- Hydration: Can hold up to 1000x its weight in water
- Plumping: Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines through hydration
- Stability: Salt form is more stable and better penetrates skin layers
Beeswax Mid-rangeTraditional
A natural occlusive that seals in moisture and protects skin from environmental stressors.
- Occlusive: Creates protective barrier to prevent moisture loss
- Texture: Provides rich, emollient consistency without heavy feel
- Stability: Helps maintain product integrity and formula cohesion
21 ingredients
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Polysorbate 60, 1,2-Hexanediol, Beeswax, Glyceryl Stearate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Caprylate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the final step of your evening routine or before sunscreen in the morning. For extra nourishment, add 2-3 drops of facial oil and mix before applying.
How to use
HOW TO USEPrepare Your Skin
Complete your cleansing and treatment steps. Apply toner, essence, and serums first, allowing each layer to absorb.
Dispense Product
Using the included spatula or clean fingers, scoop out a small amount (about the size of a pea to a nickel).
Warm & Apply
Warm the cream between your palms, then gently press and massage onto face and neck in upward motions.
Pat to Absorb
Gently tap and pat until the cream is fully absorbed. Allow 1-2 minutes before applying sunscreen (AM) or sleeping (PM).
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry, dehydrated, or parched skin
- Your skin feels tight, rough, or dull
- You want a fragrance-free moisturizer
- You prefer minimal, gentle ingredient lists
- You experience redness or irritation easily
- You have poor blood circulation (cold extremities)
- You want anti-aging benefits without harsh actives
- You need a rich cream for colder months
Consider alternatives if:
- You have oily or very acne-prone skin
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You prefer lightweight gel moisturizers
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (consult doctor)
- You dislike jar packaging
- You need a mattifying finish
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal choice. Rich formula with shea butter and macadamia oil provides lasting moisture and prevents tightness.
Best for combo-dry types. May be too rich for T-zone in summer; try using only on dry areas.
Fragrance-free, minimal formula developed by dermatologists for atopic conditions. Zero-irritation tested.
May feel too heavy. Consider the lighter Moisture Cream or use sparingly at night only.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains some comedogenic ingredients. Patch test first; many users report no breakouts.
Excellent for aging skin. Astragalus supports collagen, while rich emollients plump and smooth fine lines.
Results timeline
6-8 WEEKSInstant Moisture & Comfort
Skin feels immediately softer, smoother, and more supple. Tightness and dryness are relieved right away.
95% noticedImproved Hydration Levels
Skin maintains moisture throughout the day. Reduced flakiness and rough patches. More balanced oil production.
85% noticedVisible Glow & Radiance
Noticeable improvement in skin radiance and healthy glow. Calmer skin with reduced redness and irritation.
75% noticedEnhanced Elasticity
Improved skin firmness and elasticity. Smoother texture and more youthful appearance. Strengthened moisture barrier.
60% noticedRatings by platform
3K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Rich yet absorbs quickly without greasiness
- Fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive skin
- Long-lasting hydration throughout the day
- Minimal, EWG-verified ingredient list
- Developed by dermatology clinic
- Generous 100ml size for the price
- Layers well under makeup
- Calms redness and irritation
Criticized
- Not suitable for fungal acne
- Jar packaging less hygienic
- May be too rich for oily skin
- Can feel sticky if over-applied
- Limited scientific evidence for anti-aging claims
- Contains some potentially comedogenic ingredients
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESCeramide-based formula for dry, sensitive skin. Similar nourishing benefits with added barrier repair. Lighter texture, larger size (200ml), also fragrance-free.
Ceramide-rich formula with oat extract for calming. More lightweight texture suitable for combination skin. Vegan and fragrance-free.
92% snail mucin for hydration and repair. Different key ingredient but similar nourishing effect. Gel-cream texture is lighter and better for oily-combination skin.
Panthenol-based formula for ultra-sensitive skin. Lighter, more occlusive texture. Great for compromised barrier but less nourishing than Nutrition Cream.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep lid tightly closed to prevent contamination.
Glass jar with screw-top lid. Use included spatula or clean hands to maintain hygiene.
Yes, under 100ml TSA limit. Glass jar may be heavy; consider decanting for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. While the product is applied topically and contains no known harmful ingredients like retinoids or salicylic acid, the main ingredient Astragalus has limited safety data during pregnancy. Some animal studies suggest oral astragalus may be toxic during pregnancy. We recommend consulting your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
No, this product is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast, including: shea butter, macadamia seed oil, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, sorbitan sesquioleate, and various fatty esters. If you have fungal acne, consider alternatives like the Pyunkang Yul Acne Toner or products specifically formulated to be FA-safe.
Yes! This cream contains no active ingredients that conflict with common skincare actives. It's actually excellent for use with retinol as it helps counteract dryness and irritation. Apply after your actives have fully absorbed. With vitamin C serums, wait 10-15 minutes before applying the cream. With AHA/BHA, this cream helps seal in the benefits while protecting your barrier.
This cream is ideal for dry to very dry skin, dehydrated skin, sensitive skin, and mature skin. It's also excellent for those with compromised moisture barriers or skin that easily becomes red or irritated. It may be too rich for oily skin types, especially in humid climates—oily skin users should consider the lighter Moisture Cream instead.
Immediate results include softer, more moisturized skin. Within 1-2 weeks, you'll notice improved hydration levels and reduced flakiness. After 3-4 weeks of consistent use, expect a visible glow and calmer skin. Anti-aging benefits like improved elasticity may take 6-8 weeks of regular use to become noticeable.
Apply as the last step of your skincare routine in the evening, or before sunscreen in the morning. The order should be: Cleanser → Toner → Essence → Serum → Nutrition Cream → Sunscreen (AM only). This rich cream acts as a final moisturizing seal to lock in all previous products.
This cream has a comedogenic rating of approximately 2 out of 5. While it contains some potentially pore-clogging ingredients like shea butter (0-2) and beeswax (0-2), many users with combination and even some acne-prone skin report no breakouts. However, individual reactions vary—we recommend patch testing first. The cream is not suitable for those with fungal acne.
The cream has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. To maximize shelf life, always use clean hands or a spatula to scoop out product, keep the lid tightly closed, and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The generous 100ml size typically lasts 3-4 months with daily AM/PM use.
Verdict: Pyunkang Yul Nutrition Cream is an excellent choice for dry, sensitive, and mature skin types seeking a rich, nourishing moisturizer with minimal, gentle ingredients. The unique Astragalus root base delivers impressive hydration and anti-aging benefits, while the fragrance-free formula makes it ideal for reactive skin. However, it's not suitable for fungal acne-prone skin, and oily skin types may find it too heavy. At around $24 for 100ml, it offers solid value compared to premium alternatives. If you want a K-beauty moisturizer that prioritizes simplicity and effectiveness over trendy ingredients, this is a standout option.
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
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 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 |
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Skin Conditioning, Emolient
|
Ache-fighting
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 0 |
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
|
|