Ultimate Calming Solution Ampoule
Ultimate Calming Solution Ampoule
Product Description
Product overview
A clinically proven, mildly acidic calming ampoule crafted with patented oriental medicine ingredients including Centella Asiatica, Tea Tree, and Honeysuckle extracts. Fortified with 5 types of Ceramides and 5 types of Hyaluronic Acid to soothe redness, reduce blemishes, and strengthen your skin's moisture barrier. Developed by Pyunkang Korean Medicine Hospital with over 50 years of herbal expertise.
Patented ACC Herbal Complex
Exclusive blend of Coptis chinensis, Phellodendron amurense, and oriental medicine ingredients developed over 50 years of dermatological research at Pyunkang Korean Medicine Hospital.
Texture & feel
SENSORYPatented ACC Herbal Complex
Exclusive blend of Coptis chinensis, Phellodendron amurense, and oriental medicine ingredients developed over 50 years of dermatological research at Pyunkang Korean Medicine Hospital.
5x Ceramide Barrier Support
Five types of ceramides (NP, NS, AS, AP, EOP) work together to rebuild and reinforce your skin's protective moisture barrier from within.
5x Hyaluronic Acid Complex
Multi-weight hyaluronic acid system (Sodium Hyaluronate, Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed, Acetylated, and Hydroxypropyltrimonium) for deep, layered hydration at every level.
Clinically Proven Calming
Clinical tests show 13% reduction in redness, 47% decrease in sebum production, and 10% improvement in skin barrier strength with regular use.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains essential oils (bergamot, orange peel, peppermint, geranium) which some practitioners advise avoiding during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before use. No retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone present.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains Shea Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, and Squalane (source unconfirmed) which can feed malassezia yeast.
Rated 1/5 on the comedogenic scale. Water-based gel formula with potentially comedogenic oils (shea butter, baobab oil) placed very low on the ingredient list in minimal concentrations.
Passed clinical skin irritation testing with zero irritation. Mildly acidic pH (~5.5) matches the skin's natural pH, minimizing disruption to the acid mantle.
Includes Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Bergamot Fruit Oil, Peppermint Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, plus fragrance allergens Limonene, Citronellol, Linalool, and Geraniol. Patch test if you have very sensitive or reactive skin.
Clinically tested and suitable for acne-prone skin. Tea tree and honeysuckle provide antibacterial action against acne-causing bacteria without harsh drying agents.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCentella Asiatica Complex (Cica)Proven
A powerhouse soothing complex featuring full-spectrum Centella Asiatica Extract plus four isolated active compounds: Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, and Asiatic Acid. Together they calm inflammation, accelerate wound healing, and stimulate collagen synthesis.
- Clinical: Centella triterpenes are shown in peer-reviewed studies to promote collagen type I synthesis and reduce inflammation markers.
- In this formula: Five forms of cica compounds used for comprehensive soothing and barrier repair.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf ExtractProven
Renowned natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient. Tea tree extract targets acne-causing bacteria while helping to calm pore-related redness and inflammation without over-drying the skin.
- Research: Studies show tea tree oil at 5% concentration matches benzoyl peroxide for mild-to-moderate acne with fewer side effects.
- Benefit: Provides antibacterial action while soothing inflamed breakouts.
5 Types of Ceramides (NP, NS, AS, AP, EOP)Proven
Skin-identical lipids that form the structural backbone of a healthy moisture barrier. This formula includes all five essential ceramide subtypes to comprehensively repair and reinforce the skin's protective layer.
- Science: Ceramides make up approximately 50% of the skin's lipid barrier. Topical application has been clinically demonstrated to restore barrier function.
- Delivery: Paired with Hydrogenated Lecithin for enhanced penetration and bioavailability.
5 Types of Hyaluronic AcidProven
Multi-molecular weight hyaluronic acid system: Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, and Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate. Each targets a different skin layer for complete hydration.
- Science: Multi-weight HA systems provide surface hydration (high MW), deep penetration (low MW), and long-lasting moisture retention (crosspolymer).
- Benefit: Plumps skin, reduces transepidermal water loss, and creates a lasting moisture reservoir.
Phellodendron Amurense Bark ExtractPromising
Traditional oriental medicine ingredient (Amur cork tree bark) with potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Part of Pyunkang Yul's patented ACC complex, it has been used for centuries to treat skin inflammation and infections.
- Tradition: Core ingredient in Korean traditional medicine for treating skin disorders for over 1,000 years.
- Research: Contains berberine, a compound with demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower ExtractPromising
Honeysuckle flower extract provides natural antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant protection. Rich in chlorogenic acid and luteolin, it helps calm irritated skin while defending against environmental damage.
- Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties help soothe and protect sensitive skin.
- Synergy: Works alongside tea tree and cica to provide multi-pathway calming action.
53 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Bark/Sap Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Mentha Arvensis Extract, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Betaine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Allantoin, Gluconolactone, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ceramide NP, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Pentylene Glycol, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ceramide NS, Ceramide AS, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Limonene, Citronellol, Linalool, Geraniol
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after toner and before moisturizer. Use morning and evening. Pairs perfectly with the Pyunkang Yul Ultimate Calming Solution Toner and Cream for a complete calming routine.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Tone
Start with a clean face. Apply your toner and let it absorb before proceeding.
Dispense 2–3 Drops
Using the glass dropper, dispense 2–3 drops of the ampoule onto your fingertips or directly onto your face, avoiding the eye and mouth areas.
Gently Pat & Press
Spread evenly across your face and neck, then gently pat and press the product into your skin until fully absorbed. Do not rub.
Follow with Moisturizer
Once the ampoule has been absorbed (about 30 seconds), apply your moisturizer to seal in the active ingredients. Use twice daily for best results.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have acne-prone or breakout-prone skin
- You experience frequent redness and irritation
- You want to strengthen a compromised moisture barrier
- You prefer lightweight, non-greasy formulas
- You value herbal / oriental medicine approaches to skincare
- You want clinically tested calming ingredients
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You are extremely sensitive to essential oils or fragrance
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (consult doctor first)
- You prefer completely fragrance-free products
- You need a richer, heavier-duty moisturizing treatment
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight gel texture absorbs fast without added shine or greasiness. Clinically shown to reduce sebum by 47%. Perfect for oily, acne-prone complexions.
Balances oil and moisture across different face zones. Hydrates dry areas without overwhelming the T-zone. Great for combo skin types.
Zero-irritation tested with calming cica and honeysuckle. Contains essential oils and fragrance allergens, so patch test first if you are very reactive.
5 types of hyaluronic acid and ceramides provide solid hydration. Lightweight formula may need a richer cream on top for very dry climates or skin.
Clinically tested for acne-prone skin. Tea tree and honeysuckle target acne bacteria. Low comedogenic rating (1/5). Not suitable for fungal acne specifically.
Results timeline
WEEKS 6–8Immediate Soothing & Hydration
Skin feels calmer and more hydrated after the very first application. The lightweight gel absorbs quickly and provides an instant cooling sensation. Visible redness begins to diminish.
85% noticed calmer skin within 3 daysReduced Redness & Breakouts
Active breakouts begin to heal faster. Redness and inflammation are noticeably reduced. The mildly acidic formula helps rebalance your skin's pH and oil production.
70% reported fewer new breakoutsBarrier Strengthening & Even Tone
Ceramides and hyaluronic acid complex rebuild your moisture barrier. Skin texture becomes smoother and more even. Sebum production decreases as the oil-water balance normalizes.
65% noticed improved skin textureClear, Balanced, Resilient Skin
With consistent twice-daily use, expect visibly clearer, calmer, and more resilient skin. Clinical data shows 13% less redness, 47% less sebum, and 10% stronger barrier at this stage.
75% achieved noticeably clearer skinRatings by platform
300+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Clinically proven to reduce redness (13%) and sebum (47%)
- Lightweight, non-sticky gel that absorbs fast
- Impressive 5-ceramide + 5-HA complex for barrier repair
- Patented herbal formula backed by 50+ years of research
- Zero irritation tested, suitable for acne-prone skin
- Mildly acidic pH respects skin's natural acid mantle
- Free from parabens, sulfates, silicones, and harsh alcohols
- Visible calming within first 3 days of use
Criticized
- Small 30ml bottle runs out quickly with twice-daily use
- Strong herbal/tea tree scent may bother fragrance-sensitive users
- Contains essential oils and fragrance allergens (Limonene, Linalool, etc.)
- Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe
- Glass dropper bottle is less travel-friendly than plastic
- May not be hydrating enough on its own for very dry skin
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESCentella-focused serum with 76% Centella Asiatica extract. Similar calming effect but lacks the 5-ceramide complex and patented herbal formula. Fragrance-free and fungal acne safe, making it a better choice for sensitive or FA-prone skin.
100% Centella Asiatica extract in a pure, minimal formula. Much simpler ingredient list without ceramides or HA complex. Fragrance-free and extremely gentle but lacks the multi-target approach of the PKY ampoule.
Centella-based serum with niacinamide and peptides. Unscented formula better for fragrance-sensitive users. Misses the tea tree antibacterial action and the 5-ceramide barrier complex.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEDr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Serum
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the dropper bottle tightly sealed after each use to maintain freshness.
Dark green glass dropper bottle with pipette. Glass protects light-sensitive botanical extracts and maintains ingredient stability.
Yes, 30ml is well under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Glass bottle — handle with care and consider a protective case for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. While this ampoule does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone (the main pregnancy no-go ingredients), it does include several essential oils: bergamot fruit oil, orange peel oil, peppermint oil, and geranium oil, plus fragrance allergens like limonene and linalool. Some healthcare providers advise avoiding essential oils during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We recommend consulting your OB-GYN or dermatologist before incorporating this product into your routine.
No, this ampoule is not fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast, including Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, and Squalane (source not confirmed as sugarcane-derived). If you are prone to fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis, consider alternatives like COSRX Pure Fit Cica Serum or SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule, which are malassezia-safe.
Yes, this ampoule is generally compatible with most actives. Its calming and barrier-strengthening properties actually make it a great companion to potentially irritating actives like retinol and AHA/BHA. For best results: use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night, applying this ampoule after your active has absorbed to help soothe and protect. If using AHA or BHA, apply the acid first, wait a few minutes, then follow with this ampoule. The ceramides and cica will help counteract any irritation from exfoliating acids.
This ampoule is ideal for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. Its lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly without adding oiliness, and clinical tests show it reduces sebum production by 47%. It also works well for sensitive skin thanks to the mildly acidic pH and calming botanicals, though those with extreme fragrance sensitivity should patch test first due to the essential oils. Dry skin types can use it but may need a richer moisturizer on top.
Most users report feeling calmer, more hydrated skin within the first 1–3 days. Visible reduction in redness and active breakouts typically occurs within 1–2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. For significant barrier improvement and long-term oil-balance results (the 13% redness reduction and 47% sebum decrease shown in clinical testing), expect 6–8 weeks of consistent use.
Apply this ampoule after cleansing and toning, but before your moisturizer. In a full routine: Cleanser → Toner → (Actives like vitamin C or retinol, if used) → This Ampoule → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM only). The ampoule's lightweight gel formula is designed to layer easily under heavier creams and sunscreen without pilling.
This ampoule has a low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it has a very low likelihood of clogging pores. The formula is primarily water-based with potentially comedogenic ingredients like shea butter and baobab oil appearing very low on the ingredient list (in minimal concentrations). It has been clinically tested and approved for use on acne-prone skin. However, individual skin responses vary, so if you are extremely clog-prone, introduce it gradually.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. The dark green glass bottle helps protect the botanical extracts from light degradation. Store in a cool, dry place and keep the dropper sealed tightly after each use. The 30ml bottle typically lasts 4–6 weeks with twice-daily use (2–3 drops per application).
Verdict: The Pyunkang Yul Ultimate Calming Solution Ampoule is an impressive calming treatment backed by real clinical data and decades of Korean herbal medicine expertise. The combination of full-spectrum Centella Asiatica, tea tree, honeysuckle, five ceramides, and five hyaluronic acids delivers a genuinely multi-target approach to calming acne-prone, irritated skin. Clinical results — 13% redness reduction, 47% sebum decrease, and 10% barrier improvement — give it credibility beyond marketing claims. The main drawbacks are the small 30ml size that runs out quickly, the presence of essential oils that disqualify it for fragrance-sensitive users, and it is not suitable for fungal acne. For oily, combination, and acne-prone skin seeking a science-backed, herbally-rooted calming ampoule, this is an excellent choice.
Product Overview
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Methylpropanediol
Solvent
|
|
|
| 0 |
Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin Conditioning, Tonic
|
|
|
| 0 |
Paeonia Lactiflora Bark/Sap Extract
Skin Conditioning
|
|





