3 lightweight Korean skincare products for under £17 from AXIS-Y to add to your routine

If you’re a K-beauty obsessive and enjoy discovering new skincare brands, then you’ll love reading my review of 3 affordable products from AXIS-Y.

My experience with K-beauty brands has been amazing. When AXIS-Y asked if I’d like to try some products, I jumped at the opportunity. This cruelty-free and vegan skincare brand has a modern vibe, which really appeals to me. Plus, I’ve found a lot of Korean skincare brands to be truly innovative with their formulae.

If you’d like to find out more about AXIS-Y, my honest thoughts on the products I was gifted, and whether I recommend this K-beauty brand, then please keep on reading.

Use my exclusive discount code ‘WOMANS10‘ to grab 10% off your AXIS-Y haul (excluding bundles). But HURRY, the discount code is only valid until 16th March 2022, so shop your favourite Korean skincare products now!

** If you purchase an AXIS-Y product using my exclusive discount code, I earn some commission at no extra cost to you. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page **

What is AXIS-Y?

AXIS-Y is a climate-inspired skincare brand that strives to be simple, inclusive and effective. It’s a natural-led and community-focused brand.

“AXIS-Y is committed to using the safest and most natural ingredients to provide our community with the highest quality clean beauty.”

The K-beauty brand revolves around a 6+1 structure. Each product contains 6 natural base ingredients and 1 core functional (active) ingredient. Combined, these ingredients aim to meet your skin’s unique needs.

Skincare products that AXIS-Y gifted me

I was gifted AXIS-Y’s 3 best-selling products to review, which are as follows:

1. Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment
2. Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen
3. Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum

For an in-depth look at the INCI lists, price points, and my unbiased thoughts on each individual skincare product, find out everything you need to know about these products below.

1. Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment

£11.80/$16 for 15ml

Product claims

Formulated for acne-prone, oily and sensitive skin, Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment claims to provide fast and effective relief from breakouts, blemishes and redness. Promising a lightweight gel formula, this blemish treatment is supposed to be hydrating and infused with ceramides to help restore the skin’s barrier.

Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment was created after AXIS-Y heard from its community that people were struggling with stubborn blemishes that refused to clear up. AXIS-Y wanted to create a blemish treatment that was gentle and hydrating, rather than harsh and drying.

The 6 base ingredients that this blemish treatment revolves around are: tea tree extract, camphor leaf, liquorice root, green tea leaf, mentha aquatica, and broadleaf bamboo. The 1 core ingredient is 4-Terpineol.

Key ingredients

Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients on the INCI list are:

• Glycerin: has hydrating properties
• Propanediol: increases absorption of other skincare ingredients and can also function as an emollient (softens and soothes the skin)
• 1,2-Hexanediol: a preservative and humectant (retains and preserves moisture in the skin)
• Glycereth-26: an emollient
• Niacinamide: a multi-purpose powerhouse ingredient offering a raft of skin benefits, including reducing the appearance of enlarged pores, improving dull and uneven skin tones, and boosting the skin barrier’s strength and hydration

See the full INCI list below:

Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycereth-26, Niacinamide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Monarda Didyma Leaf Extract, Hydrangea Macrophylla Leaf Extract, Mentha Aquatica Extract, Sasa Quelpaertensis Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor) Leaf Extract, Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract, Pinus Pinaster Bark/Bud Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water, Trehalose, Octyldodeceth-16, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, C12-14 Pareth-12, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Disodium Edta, Ceramide Np, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta-Glucan, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, 4-Terpineol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Rhizome/Root, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin

My thoughts

I was very curious to try the Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment. Although I’ve only tried a couple of blemish treatments in the past, my experience with them was negative; they really dried my skin out.

This AXIS-Y blemish treatment is very different. It feels both gentle and hydrating on the skin and is still very effective. I applied a small amount from the dropper onto my fingertip and then placed this directly onto any spots or blemishes I had. My skin is typically not very spotty, but I do have some blemishes, so I was keen to see how well this formula would work.

After I applied this treatment one evening to some blemishes, by the morning, I asked myself “Where were my blemishes?” It genuinely worked that well that I couldn’t even see where the initial blemishes were.

On slightly larger blemishes or spots, this product will significantly improve their appearance overnight, and then they completely disappear within 2-3 days. This is great for when I do get the odd spot, as I know this handy treatment will clear them up much faster than usual.

And for only £11.80/$16 for 15ml, you’re onto a winner. I think this is a great price for a gentle yet high-performance product. If you deal with breakouts frequently, obviously you’d get through a 15ml bottle faster than someone who only has a few blemishes.

The INCI list for this is pretty long, and I do wish the 6 base and 1 core ingredients featured higher up the list. But overall, I’m super impressed with this affordable blemish treatment.

Use my exclusive discount code ‘WOMANS10‘ to grab 10% off your AXIS-Y haul.

Rating: 4.5 stars

This is the best blemish treatment I’ve tried.

2. Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen

£16.96/$23 for 50ml

Product claims

The Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen is a mugwort-based sunscreen featuring 2% niacinamide and squalane that protects skin from UVA and UVB damage, while promising to offer the healing properties of skin-loving ingredients for a stress-free life.

“Our sunscreen uses reef safe ingredients (only physical active ingredients) that leave minimal to no whitecast, stickiness, or pilling for no stress to our mornings and the environment.” – AXIS-Y

This SPF 50+ PA ++++ claims to be fast-absorbing and buildable with a smooth application. AXIS-Y says this lightweight sunscreen is suitable for all skin types and hydrates the skin.

The 6 base ingredients in this physical sunscreen are: calendula, green tea, squalane, grape, chamomile, and allantoin. The 1 core ingredient is mugwort.

Key ingredients

Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients on the INCI list are:

• Zinc oxide: Mineral ingredient that’s one of the best-known broad spectrum UV filters, according to Paula’s Choice. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin
• Propylheptyl caprylate: a fast-spreading oily liquid that acts as an emollient
• Butyloctyl salicylate: can help increase the SPF rating of sunscreens
• Propanediol: increases absorption of other skincare ingredients and can also function as an emollient
• Titanium dioxide: protects against UVA and UVB rays. It’s used as a thickening, opacifying, pigment, and sunscreen ingredient

See the full INCI list below:

Water, Zinc Oxide, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Caprylyl Methicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Disiloxane, Niacinamide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Water, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin, Tocopherol, Squalane, Allantoin, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

My thoughts

This is the first physical sunscreen I’ve ever tried, so I was very curious to see how it performed.

Physical sunscreens work by reflecting UV rays, while chemical sunscreens typically work by absorbing UV rays.

By their very nature, physical sunscreens tend to have a heavier consistency because they sit on top of your skin to reflect UV ways. Because of this, people with deeper complexions often struggle to find physical sunscreens that work for them because they can leave a horrible white cast. However, there is a whole argument about physical sunscreens being safer for the environment and being less “toxic” to reef life, which is why some people opt for them over chemical SPFs. But that’s a discussion for another day…

So, how does the Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen fare? Well, if I’m honest, I don’t dislike this product, but I don’t love it either.

This SPF has a thicker texture to what I’m used to it. It feels heavier and stickier than the chemical sunscreens I’ve tried. I know this is part of what comes with wearing a physical sunscreen, but it is, nonetheless, a thicker formula.

It also takes a while to absorb. However, if you work with small layers, you can build this sunscreen up, and it does blend in. But if you go in with loads of product all in one go, you’ll have a hard time rubbing it in.

When I applied a lot of this SPF in one go, it felt sticky, and a few spots cropped up later that day. This is unusual for me. So, I had to learn to apply this sunscreen in stages. Then, it didn’t feel sticky or anywhere near as heavy. 

It sits nicely underneath makeup, though, and it does work well the rest of my skincare routine.

However, the Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen, unfortunately, does leave a white cast. On me, it’s barely noticeable. I have light skin, and I find that the cast diminishes within 30 minutes of application. On my boyfriend, who has black skin, this SPF left a noticeable white cast on him.

I will say that £16.96/$23 for 50ml is a well-priced sunscreen. A lot of 50ml SPFs are going to cost £20 and beyond. Some even surpass the £30 mark. So this is an affordable option for people with lighter complexions that like physical sunscreens.

Use my exclusive discount code ‘WOMANS10‘ to grab 10% off your AXIS-Y haul.

Rating: 3 stars

All in all, I don’t mind this sunscreen. It’s a shame about the white cast aspect, but to my knowledge, finding a physical sunscreen that works on deeper complexions is challenging.

3. Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum

£16.22/$22 for 50ml

Product claims

This 5% niacinamide serum promises to reduce dark spots and improve uneven skin tone. AXIS-Y says the Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum will make your skin hydrated and radiant. 

“Our main goal was to create a serum that would give us a boost of happiness when we see our bare skin or when seeing the vast, visible improvement of our skin after every application.” – AXIS-Y

This fast-absorbing, glow-boosting serum claims to work for all skin types in a gentle, skin-nourishing formula. It also promises to treat hyperpigmentation, brighten the skin, and promote skin elasticity.

The 6 base ingredients are: squalane, sea buckthorn, allantoin, papaya, rice bran, and calendula. The 1 core ingredient is niacinamide.

Key ingredients

Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients on the INCI list are:

• Glycerin: has hydrating properties
• Niacinamide: a multi-purpose powerhouse ingredient offering a raft of skin benefits, including reducing the appearance of enlarged pores, improving dull and uneven skin tones, and boosting the skin barrier’s strength and hydration
• Sodium hyaluronate: a humectant that works as a skin-replenishing ingredient
• Propanediol: increases absorption of other skincare ingredients and can also function as an emollient
• Erythritol: a humectant

See the full INCI list below:

Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Propanediol, Erythritol, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Malpighia Glabra (Acerola)Fruit Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Chlorphenesin, Arginine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Glutathione, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Allantoin, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil

My thoughts

I was most excited to try the Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum out of all the AXIS-Y products. I tend to gravitate towards products containing niacinamide, as well as products that make my skin hydrated and look dewy.

This serum has a runny consistency. It absorbs almost immediately into the skin and feels undetectable once applied.

I was expecting this serum to blow me away by helping to make my skin tone more even. But I’ve actually been most surprised by the hydrating properties of this serum. When applied, my skin instantly feels more hydrated, nourished and plump. It gives my skin a nice dew and pairs perfectly well with other skincare products.

There is a slight brightening effect when using the Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum, but it’s not the same as when using vitamin C serums.

So far, I’ve not noticed any real difference in my skin tone or on any dark spots on my skin. I think the blemish treatment is the go-to for helping reduce dark spots. I don’t have hyperpigmentation, but based on the INCI list, I think with continued use this serum would help combat this.

£16.22/$22 for 50ml is a decent price too. If you’re someone who likes some extra hydration in your skincare routine and enjoys the benefits of niacinamide, this is a must-have.

Use my exclusive discount code ‘WOMANS10‘ to grab 10% off your AXIS-Y haul.

Rating: 4 stars

This is a great, gentle and effective hydrating serum. My skin feels lovely when I apply this K-beauty product.

Overall review of AXIS-Y skincare products

Overall, I’m happy with the AXIS-Y skincare products I received. While I don’t love the physical sunscreen, all of the products are gentle on my skin. None of them feel abrasive.

I love that the Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment and Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum have niacinamide high up on the INCI lists. Niacinamide is a wonderful, versatile ingredient that my skin really likes. Both products were hydrating too, which came as a welcome bonus.

The aesthetic of AXIS-Y is fantastic. I love the modern, sophisticated and green colour scheme the brand has. The products look great on my skincare shelf. All of the products cost under £17 too, which is great for people who don’t want to drop £60 on one product.

I also had a great experience on the website. It’s very easy to understand what each product is supposed to do, how to use them – with pictures to showcase this, and what the base and core ingredients do. If you’re looking to buy some AXIS-Y products, you’ll have a great time shopping on the website as everything is clear and detailed, without being cluttered.

Favourite product that AXIS-Y gifted me?

Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment.

Sarah Sarsby is the owner of A Woman's Confidence. With over 5 years' experience of writing in the fields of beauty and lifestyle, Sarah is passionate about all things content, makeup, skincare, wellness, and lifestyle. She has oily skin, is obsessed with lip gloss, and loves cookie dough.