I slapped a cocoa-scented serum on my face at 7 AM during a 90% humidity week, and my T-zone didn’t turn into a mirror by noon. That alone deserves a medal.
This isn’t a gimmick — the chocolate note is subtle, not like a melted Hershey bar attacking your nostrils. But the real shocker? My pores looked smaller by day three, which is more than my expensive retinol can say.
It’s a $16 serum that pairs Beauty of Joseon‘s skincare nerdery with Hershey’s flavor profile. The claim that got me: “mattifying glow.” Usually those two words cancel each other out, but here we are.
Silky Finish
Dries down to a soft-focus blur, not a sticky film — I forgot I was wearing it.
No Pilling
Layers perfectly under sunscreen. My usual problem with gel serums is they ball up like lint — not this.
Zero Breakouts
Two weeks of daily use, not one new whitehead. That’s rare for me with anything thick.
Photo: Content Pixie / Unsplash
It’s basically a hydration cocktail with a cocoa extract flex. The cacao isn’t just for scent — it’s packed with flavonoids that calm redness, but don’t expect it to single-handedly nuke a breakout. The real heavy lifting comes from the humectants.
- Niacinamide: Shrinks the look of pores and controls oil production
- Hyaluronic Acid: Draws water in without the greasy aftermath
- Cacao Extract: Antioxidant protection + that faint chocolate aroma
- Panthenol: Soothes irritation — why my skin didn’t freak out
Photo: ibnu ihza / Unsplash
The texture is a slippery gel that feels like water one second and vanishes the next. Absorbs in about 15 seconds — I clocked it. It leaves a satin touch, not matte, not dewy. The sweet spot.
Week two, I did a 45-minute outdoor walk in direct sun. My face stayed dry to the touch. The only downside? The chocolate scent fades fast, which is honestly a relief — smelling like dessert at work gets weird.
Photo: Chalo Garcia / Unsplash
My oil production dropped maybe 30% — not cured, but noticeably less shiny by 3 PM. My pore size didn’t change physically, but they looked less obvious because the surface stayed smooth. Redness around my nose calmed the hell down, which was a bonus I didn’t expect.
Photo: Content Pixie / Unsplash
If you’re oily and tired of serums that feel like syrup, this is your summer pick. It’s not magic, but it’s the closest thing to a no-fuss glow that won’t betray you by 2 PM.