Power 10 Formula LI Effector Firefighter
Power 10 Formula LI Effector Firefighter
Product Description
It's Skin Power 10 Formula LI Effector is a lightweight, watery brightening-and-soothing ampoule built around licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract. It targets redness, post-acne marks, and uneven tone while layering in humectant hydration from sodium hyaluronate, polyglutamic acid, and beta-glucan โ all in a fast-absorbing, low-fragrance K-beauty serum that the brand pairs with a guaiazulene-and-chamomile CALMZULEN complex for calming sensitive, flushed skin.
โจ Texture & Feel
Licorice-Powered Brightening
A high concentration of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract helps fade dark spots, post-acne marks, and uneven tone for a more radiant look.
CALMZULEN Soothing Complex
Guaiazulene and chamomile flower extract work together to visibly calm redness, irritation, and the look of flushed, reactive skin.
Dual Humectant Hydration
Sodium hyaluronate and polyglutamic acid pull and hold water in the skin, leaving a plump, hydrated finish without heaviness.
Lightweight & Layer-Friendly
A thin, watery texture absorbs in seconds and sits comfortably under serums and moisturizers โ ideal for AM and PM routines.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
No drying SD/denatured alcohol โ gentle on the moisture barrier and suitable for dehydrated skin.
Formulated without parabens, silicones, or sulfates, with a humectant-led, water-based base.
Contains polyglyceryl-10 laurate, polyglyceryl-10 oleate, and several plant oils that can feed malassezia.
Rose, patchouli, vetiver, and guaiazulene add scent but include EU-listed allergens โ patch test if reactive.
No retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone, but the essential oils mean you should check with your doctor first.
Plays well with most routines; space out strong AHAs/BHAs or retinoids to a different time of day if sensitive.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ฟ Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract Hero Proven
The star active. Licorice root is one of the best-studied botanical brighteners, prized for soothing inflammation while gently fading discoloration.
- Brightening: Glabridin and liquiritin help limit tyrosinase activity, the enzyme step in melanin production linked to dark spots.
- Soothing: Glycyrrhizin has documented anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that calm redness and irritation.
- Antioxidant: Licorice flavonoids help neutralize free radicals from UV and pollution.
๐ง Guaiazulene CALMZULEN Promising
A deep-blue compound derived from chamomile/plant sources, used here as part of the brand's CALMZULEN complex to accelerate the look of skin recovery.
- Calming: Traditionally used to support the soothing of burns, stressed, and flushed skin.
- Note: It is classed as a fragrance component, which is one reason this serum is not fragrance-free.
๐ผ Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Soothing Promising
Chamomile flower extract is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds such as bisabolol, long used to comfort sensitive and reactive skin.
- Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce the appearance of redness and supports a calmer complexion.
- Antioxidant: Plant polyphenols help defend against environmental free-radical damage.
๐ง Sodium Hyaluronate ~1% Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid and a gold-standard humectant. It holds many times its weight in water for lightweight, layered hydration.
- Hydration: Draws and binds water to the upper layers of skin for a plumper, smoother surface.
- Compatibility: Naturally present in skin and very well tolerated across skin types.
๐งฌ Polyglutamic Acid Humectant Promising
A fermentation-derived humectant often compared to hyaluronic acid, said to form a light moisture-locking veil on the skin surface.
- Moisture lock: Helps reduce water loss and keeps the skin feeling supple for longer.
- Texture: Adds the signature slightly slippery, cushiony feel reviewers describe.
๐พ Beta-Glucan Barrier Promising
A soothing polysaccharide derived from sources like oats and yeast that hydrates while supporting the skin barrier.
- Barrier support: Helps reinforce the skin's natural defenses and comfort.
- Soothing: Studied for calming and wound-healing-adjacent benefits.
๐ Betaine Humectant Proven
A gentle, naturally derived humectant (trimethylglycine) that balances hydration and helps soothe irritation.
- Hydration: Promotes moisture retention without heaviness.
- Tone: Some studies suggest it can support a more even-looking complexion.
๐ซง Glycerin Humectant Proven
One of the most reliable, well-researched humectants in skincare, naturally found in the skin itself.
- Hydration: A 2016 study found glycerin to be a more effective humectant than AHAs or hyaluronic acid.
- Barrier: Hydrated skin supports a healthier, more resilient barrier.
๐ฟ Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Licorice Promising
A licorice-derived salt that reinforces the soothing, anti-inflammatory character of the formula.
- Calming: Shares licorice's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profile.
- Comfort: Works alongside the root extract to help skin feel less reactive.
โ๏ธ Propanediol & 1,2-Hexanediol Base Proven
Multitasking glycols that hydrate, improve spreadability, help other ingredients absorb, and boost preservation.
- Delivery: Act as solvents and penetration helpers so actives reach the skin evenly.
- Stability: 1,2-hexanediol also supports the formula's gentle preservation system.
25 ingredients
Water, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Glycereth-26, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Betaine, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Dipropylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil, Guaiazulene, Beta-Glucan, Polyglutamic Acid.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply after toner and before heavier serums and moisturizer. Suitable for both AM and PM โ always finish with sunscreen in the morning since this serum targets tone and pigmentation.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse & tone
Start with freshly cleansed, toned skin so the lightweight essence absorbs evenly.
Dispense 2โ3 drops
Drop the serum into your palm or directly onto the face. Dry or thirsty skin may use a little more.
Pat into skin
Gently press over the face and neck, focusing on areas of redness or uneven tone, until absorbed.
Seal & protect
Follow with moisturizer to lock in hydration, and apply SPF as your final morning step.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You deal with redness, flushing, or rosacea-prone skin
- You want to fade post-acne marks and even out tone gently
- You have dull, uneven skin and want a brightening boost
- You prefer lightweight, watery, fast-absorbing textures
- You want an affordable add-on serum to test before committing
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You are fungal-acne (malassezia) prone
- You are sensitive to fragrance or essential oils
- You specifically need a 100% fragrance-free formula
- You expect dramatic, overnight pigment correction
- You want clinically high-percentage single actives
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Watery, non-greasy texture absorbs fast and adds hydration without a heavy or shiny finish.
Delivers humectant hydration but should be sealed with a richer moisturizer on top.
Balances hydration and brightening across an oily T-zone and drier cheeks.
Licorice and chamomile soothe, but added essential oils mean a patch test is strongly advised.
Non-comedogenic and helps fade marks, but it is not fungal-acne safe for malassezia concerns.
๐ Results Timeline
Calmer, more hydrated skin
Many users report an immediate cooling, soothing effect and a temporary reduction in redness, with skin feeling plumper after each use.
68% noticedMarks begin to fade
With consistent AM/PM use, reviewers describe post-acne marks and minor discoloration starting to look lighter and skin texture smoother.
54% noticedMore even, radiant tone
Longer-term users see a more uniform, brightened complexion and fewer recurring flare-ups of redness when used regularly.
47% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Noticeably calms redness and soothes irritated skin
- Reviewers report fading of acne scars and dark marks
- Lightweight, watery texture that absorbs fast and isn't sticky
- Very affordable for a brightening + soothing serum
- Layers easily and works for most skin types
โ Criticized
- Not fungal-acne safe due to esters and plant oils
- Contains fragrant essential oils (EU allergens)
- Faint licorice scent that some dislike
- Small 30 ml bottle runs out quickly
- Active concentrations are not fully disclosed
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Targets the same brightening and even-tone goal using rice extract and alpha arbutin instead of licorice. Slightly richer, glow-forward finish; not focused on redness relief.
A no-frills, fragrance-free brightening option built on alpha arbutin. Cheaper and FA-friendly, but lacks the soothing, anti-redness botanicals of the LI Effector.
Uses yuja (citrus) and niacinamide to brighten dull, uneven skin. Comparable price and goal, but a different active route with a more citrusy scent.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
It's Skin LI Effector (Featured)
$13.00Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum
$17.00SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
$22.00PURITO Centella Unscented Serum
$19.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the dropper sealed between uses.
Glass bottle with a dropper applicator
Yes โ 30 ml, well under the 100 ml carry-on limit
โ Frequently Asked Questions
It does not contain the actives usually flagged in pregnancy โ no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. However, it does include fragrant essential oils (rose, patchouli, vetiver) and licorice derivatives, so we recommend checking with your doctor or OB-GYN before using it during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
No. The formula contains polyglyceryl-10 laurate and polyglyceryl-10 oleate (esters), plus several plant and essential oils, which can feed the malassezia yeast linked to fungal acne. If you are managing fungal acne, choose a fragrance-free, ester-free alternative instead.
Generally yes. Licorice is gentle and pairs well with most actives โ it can even complement vitamin C for brightening. To minimize irritation, you may prefer to use strong exfoliating acids or retinol at a different time of day (for example, acids/retinol at night and this serum in the morning). Patch test when introducing multiple actives.
It suits most skin types and is especially good for oily and combination skin thanks to its watery, non-greasy texture. It's a strong pick for anyone with redness, dullness, or post-acne marks. Very sensitive or essential-oil-reactive skin should patch test first because of the added fragrant oils.
Soothing and hydration are often felt immediately. Brightening and the fading of marks are gradual โ many users report visible improvement in skin tone within 3โ4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use, with more even tone over 6โ8 weeks. Results vary by individual and require regular use plus daily sunscreen.
Use it after cleansing and toning, and before heavier serums and moisturizer. Apply 2โ3 drops, pat into the face and neck, then seal with moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with SPF since the serum targets pigmentation and tone.
It's low on the comedogenic scale (around 1/5) and the brand describes it as non-comedogenic. The base is largely water and humectants. Note that "non-comedogenic" is not the same as "fungal-acne safe" โ it can still trigger malassezia-related breakouts in those who are prone.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is typically 12 months. Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and keep the dropper closed to preserve the botanical actives. Because it's a small 30 ml bottle, many daily users finish it within one to two months anyway.
Verdict: The It's Skin Power 10 Formula LI Effector is a standout budget pick for anyone chasing calmer, more even-toned skin. Its licorice-led formula genuinely soothes redness and gradually fades post-acne marks, all in a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that layers beautifully. The trade-offs are clear: it's not fungal-acne safe and it carries fragrant essential oils, so malassezia-prone and fragrance-sensitive users should look elsewhere. For everyone else, it's an affordable, effective brightening-and-soothing serum that punches well above its price.
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 skinโs 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 ยซpromisesยป 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 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 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
|
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|