April 2020 Update: Since this review, the brand underwent a makeover and became Dr. Ceuracle. The new product name is Dr. Ceuracle Royal Vita Propolis 33 Ampoule [for the 33.5% propolis extract], so I have updated the product name accordingly. Note that while this product was reportedly just renamed, not reformulated, the official product page shows an ingredient list that differs from the original product. The current INCI:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Niacinamide, Propylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Propolis Extract, Carbomer, Arginine, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana [Witch Hazel] Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Spirodela Polyrhiza Extract.
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Dr. Ceuracle Royal Vita Propolis 33 Ampoule is an old favorite with a new name. I first used it 3+ years ago, practically an eternity for a skincare addict. It’s about time I shared my love for it. [This particular bottle was sent by the brand, but I’ve purchased multiple bottles on my own.]
It’s a splurge [a TINY 15ml for $23 at Target[!] and $38 at Glow Recipe], but can you really put a price on liquid glow, er, gold?
Why do I love thee? THE GLOW. Boasting 50% propolis extract, it not only wraps skin in moisture but also instantly imparts that clear, radiant glow of Kbeauty dreams. The kind of glow that might normally require 7 layers of hydrating toners to achieve.
The dropper dispenses each drop of the viscous amber serum in a controlled manner. No accidental leaks here. No noticeable scent either.
My preferred application method? Mix 1-2 drops into a few drops of a “neutral” carrier like Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion or [when my skin wants more nourishment] Holy Snails Shark Sauce and/or facial oil. I’m prone to tossing in a bit of everything. All the glow but achieved much more economically than if you were to apply it directly on. Credit for this method goes to Fiddy Snails.
I wish I could say there were a cheap knockoff out there. Let me know if you have one to recommend! Here’s what I’ve tried and will be trying:
- Tosowoong Propolis Sparkle Ampoule [$29 for a Costco-worthy 100ml at Peach & Lily]: Terribly boring and didn’t impart an instant glow. Also a lot lighter in consistency [a water-light gel vs. LGH’s syrupy goodness]. But it may be appealing to oilier skin types and boasts 80% propolis extract.
- CNP Laboratory Propolis Energy Ampule [sic] [for 15ml, it’s $18-27 on various sites [link is to Shop at Korea, but it’s also on Amazon and eBay]]: Well geez, if I hadn’t seen that LGH is now only $23 at Target of all places, I wouldn’t have bought the CNP to compare. But I do have this waiting to test next. A hand swatch imparted a similar glow, but because it’s almost the same price yet only 10% propolis extract [vs. LGH’s 50%], I’m skeptical that this can overtake LGH.
- 7 Skin Method: Yes, some trial and error to find the best number of layers and best toner/combo of toners would probably yield similar results for much cheaper. I personally haven’t found the right combo. Some of my milky hydrating toners give that glow but feel squishy after several layers.
Dr. Ceuracle Royal Vita Propolis 33 Ampoule Ingredients
Water, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Niacinamide, Propylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Propolis Extract, Carbomer, Arginine, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana [Witch Hazel] Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Spirodela Polyrhiza Extract.
Source: Official product page.
For posterity, the ingredients list of the Leegeehaam/Leejiham-branded product:
Dr. Ceuracle Royal Vita Propolis 33 Ampoule: Same as Leegeehaam Grow Vita Propolis Ampoule and Leejiham Vita Propolis Ampoule?
The company rebranded itself [in 2019?] as Dr. Ceuracle and the product is now named Royal Vita Propolis 33 Ampoule. Per Gothamista’s March 2020 favorites video, the formula sounds unchanged from the original but do note that the current ingredients list differs [at least in ingredient order] from what I originally reviewed in 2018.
The company recently rebranded itself as Leegeehaam and renamed the product Grow Vita Propolis Ampoule, but it has not been reformulated.
If you’re Googling for more reviews or the best prices though, try the original name, which Target and Glow Recipe are still using: Leejiham [LJH] Vita Propolis Ampoule.
How do you use Royal Vita propolis?
After cleansing and toning, apply 2~3 drops to the skin and gently pat to absorb. Follow with a moisturizer. Use day and night.