Hi girls! I have posted a bunch of lists so far and was really heartened by how helpful others found it, so I thought I’d share it here too. However this time I’ll keep the reviews short and sweet, but feel free to ask if you want me to elaborate on anything!

* Check out the last part!

About My Skin

I’m with combination, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. My skin does not get along with fragrance, citrus oils, or floral essential oils, so I’ve become a bit of an ingredients nerd by necessity. I still have plenty to learn, but hopefully this list helps others with similarly reactive skin or anyone looking to simplify their routine based on honest experiences.

1. Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm – 8/10

Pros : This cleansing balm has a buttery, creamy texture that melts effortlessly into the skin. It smells tropical and sweet, like a fruit smoothie, and makes taking off makeup feel like a little treat at the end of the day. It breaks down foundation and sunscreen easily, and the papaya enzymes give it a gentle exfoliating edge without any grit or sting.

Cons : While it works beautifully on most of the face, I did notice it left a greasy film around my eyes, which is a dealbreaker for some. I usually need to follow up with a second cleanser or wipe the residue off with a damp cloth.

Bottom Line : Honestly one of the few Glow Recipe products I’ve repurchased. It’s effective, fun to use, and great for dry or combo skin types but not ideal for heavy eye makeup or sensitive eyes.

2. Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Face Cream (Night) – 1/10

Pros : The texture is lovely, soft, cushiony, and sinks in nicely without feeling greasy. It feels like it should be a beautiful night cream experience.

Cons : The fragrance is overwhelming. It smells like someone sprayed perfume right in the jar, very floral and sharp. Unfortunately, it’s not just the scent; the ingredients list includes citral, limonene, lemon peel oil, and fragrance, which are known irritants for sensitive skin. I had to stop using it after just a few nights because it started to trigger redness and stinging.

Bottom Line : If you’re sensitive to fragrance or essential oils, skip this one. The formula might be appealing at first, but the irritation potential just isn’t worth it.

3. Typology Niacinamide 12% Serum – 5/10

Pros : Budget-friendly and no-frills. I really appreciate Typology’s transparent ingredient lists and minimalist packaging. The serum itself is lightweight and layers well, so it’s easy to incorporate into a routine.

Cons : 12% niacinamide turned out to be too much for my skin. I experienced some minor irritation and congestion after consistent use. Research shows that concentrations around 4–5% are usually more effective and better tolerated, especially for long-term use.

Bottom Line : This isn’t a bad product, just too strong for me as a daily serum. I’ve found it works better if I mix a few drops into a moisturizer now and then, rather than applying it directly. Probably wouldn’t repurchase, but I appreciate what Typology was trying to do.

Hope this helps my fellow sensitive skin friends navigate the skincare jungle and I'm always happy to share more if it's helpful! Stay tuned for the next chapter:)