It is a truth universally acknowledged, that if you’re travelling through South Korea whilst a beauty product is going viral, you will buy it just because. This became a reality for me when I was in South Korea earlier this year and the Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Balm was going viral and became quite the task to track down. I had seen this balm on Kdramas long before I even reached Korea so I knew it was a beauty product I was really wanting to find and test out. We struck out on Jeju in Busan but and eventually found it in Seoul after a visiting a few Olive Young’s.

My skin type: very dry especially on the forehead with occasional dry patches on the cheeks. Very red cheeks from skin sensitivities and large visible pores from years of acne. Cystic acne is triggered by hormones around the chin area that leaves hyperpigmentation and scars after the cyst is gone. 
This post also contains an affiliate code, MONMON8 if you wish to have an extra discount at checkout should you wish to purchase your own serum.

Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, polyglyceryl-2 triisostearate, candelilla  wax, shea butter, sweet almond oil, apple seed oil, octyldodecanol,  microcrystalline wax, nasturtium extract, indo mulberry leaf extract, usefulness Licorice extract, drumstick seed oil, Candida/Garcinia  fermented product, rice germ oil, Schisandra extract, turmeric root extract,  borage root extract, canola oil, tara fruit extract, chlorella vulgaris extract,  cottony extract, carrot seed oil, hydrol Raised collagen, hollyhock extract,  carrot extract, tocopheryl acetate, adenosine, purified water, butylene  glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, beta-carotene, ethyl hexyl glycerin, water-soluble  proteoglycan, sodium DNA, BHT, Fragrance, benzyl salicylate, benzyl  benzoate, butylphenyl methylpropional, hexyl cinnamal, hydroxycitronellal,  citronellol, alpha-isomethyl ionone, gardenia extract

Claims: “Formulated with salmon complex, collagen and sodium DNA, this moisturizing balm boasts potent anti-aging benefits and can help stimulate collagen production to restore elasticity to skin. Also infused with Jeju’s natural fermented oil to boost absorbency, it helps to prevent makeup from drying and caking through the day. Can also be used as lip balm. Apply gently around areas prone to fine lines and wrinkles.”

“The Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm is a moisturising product that helps to reduce the appearance of under-eye puffiness, reduces the appearance of fine lines and restores the skin’s elasticity. It provides a beautiful dewy glass skin finish and comes in a convenient stick, which is easy to take with you anywhere.”

How to Use: After removing the lid, twist the balm product until a small amount is reveals then swipe it over the skin wherever hydration is needed or where fine lines are prominent.

Price: The Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Balm is $37.50 (AUD) from YesStyle for 9g of product.
For discount at checkout, use code MONMON8

Thoughts:

This was the product I was most excited to use as I’d seen it absolutely everywhere in my Kdramas and the more I travelled through South Korea, the more I saw how quickly it was sold out. I managed to find one sometime at the beginning of May and I have been using it ever since. I normally use it once (sometimes twice) a day mainly focusing on my forehead as this is the dryest part of my face as well as where my fine lines are starting to appear. I used the Kahi balm after I cleansed, used a toner and sometimes I’d add a hydrating serum (normally this one) so I’ve only once or twice used it straight after cleansing.

I have to admit that the Kahi Balm is amazing at adding hydration to the skin and I noticed a difference a few weeks into its use especially when used at night. However, I will be honest and say that I didn’t see the change in my fine lines that the product promised. There may be a slight difference in my fine lines but it’s so minimal that I honestly don’t think it’s worth it as simply an anti aging product. When looking at the ingredients, it’s clear to see why this is. The Kahi Balm states that it’s star ingredient is the Salmon complex of DNA, collagen and proteoglycans and after a bit of research, I found that there is no proof that when these ingredients are applied topically, they can change the skin’s appearance. This is mainly because the size of the salmon molecules are too large for our skin to really absorb and won’t promote skin renewal or collagen building.

One other note about the Kahi balm’s star ingredient, is that the salmon complex is found right at the bottom of the ingredients list. The ingredients of most products is listed in order of what appears the most in the product so the balm is mainly made up of plant oils, extracts, waxes and shea butter. There is nothing wrong with these ingredients except the fact that they don’t really help with fine lines as they are better at dealing with dry skin and adding hydration. From this, I’d make the judgement that the Kahi Balm is better suited as a heavy moisturiser rather than anything that can help with fine lines or signs of aging. When using this balm, I did notice that the formula was very thick and although it didn’t break me out, it didn’t ever fully sink into the skin and I could still feel it the next morning when I woke up. Although my skin was feeling hydrated, this sensation could be a deal breaker for some.

As someone with very dry skin, the Kahi balm was great at adding hydration and making my skin feel soft the next day but I don’t think I’d recommend it as a product to target fine lines. After a few months of use, I’d use this product more as the final step in my skincare at night as with all the waxes and oils, it seems that this product would be better for something like slugging. I did find this product to feel very heavy and it never really fully sank into my skin but in saying that, it didn’t feel gross or sticky. I do agree that this product left your skin looking glossy but that’s from all the oils and waxes.

One thing I didn’t enjoy about this product was the application. The balm is designs to be swiped onto the skin but for me, I think that it can get very unsanitary very quickly. For example, if you have any makeup residue or perhaps have other skin care products already on your skin, you run the risk of the balm collecting those products and then just sitting unclean until your next use. This can cause bacteria and mould build up which is super gross to me and I found I always wiped it on a clean tissue before and after use which can be a bit of a waste of product. Due to the balm being so thick, I can’t really think of a better application method as a tub or pump wouldn’t work as you run the risk of using too much product.

I did enjoy the size and convenience of this product as you can definitely carry it around in your purse if you plan on using it on the go. I did use it as a lip balm on a few occasions (I swiped it onto the back on my hand and then used that product to put onto my lips because there’s a lot of bacteria around the mouth) and I found it really moisturising but nothing some of my lip balms can’t do on their own. This balm does have a very soft scent which you don’t notice once you’ve put it on but it’s worth mentioning for those who find any fragrance in their products a deal breaker. I did find the packaging of this product very simple and cute, I really liked the colour scheme but I don’t think it can be recycled once it’s finished.

If you have dry skin, the Kahi balm can be a great product as long as you don’t want it for your actual fine lines. However, I don’t think this would be the greatest product if you have oily or acne prone skin as it could be too thick and make your face look like an oil slick. I feel like this balm is a touch over hyped and all that comes from great marketing and product placement. As I purchased this product in South Korea, I managed to find it for a good price however on some online stores, it can go between $30 and $50 which is a lot to pay for something that doesn’t deliver what it promises. I don’t think I will be repurchasing this product once I use it up as I have plenty of other moisturizing products to try and other fine line targeting products which I’d rather use than this. I don’t regret buying this product but I’d only recommend it for those who want to target their dry skin problems.

Note: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions and thoughts expressed are solely my own and not influenced in any way. This page contains affiliate links/codes which aids in funding future reviews.