Cheese Face Cream

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Continuing our weekly exploration of Korea by way of cosmetics, a moisturizer whose name says more than usual:

The simple answer for the meteoric rise of Korean products over the last few years is their eccentric, yet effective, formulae. Add to that the blatantly daffy names (Panda’s Dream White Magic Cream is an office favorite—no need to elaborate) plus winning packaging, and you’ve got yourself some marketing gold. With that said, we introduce to you, Enprani Bounce Cheese Cream.

No, it does not smell anything like cheese, quite thankfully. The actual scent gives off slight hints of the Bvlgari Omnia Amethyste, to be specific. Less glam is the texture, which feels and looks like melted mozzarella cheese cascading down a slice of deep-dish pizza. It’s sticky—not altogether dissimilar to snail cream if you’re looking for a reference point.

Despite everything stacked against it (general ick factor, namely) this particular product received rave reviews from Korean beauty enthusiasts for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties. The standout ingredient here is whey, a by-product of the cheese-making process. It is a natural protein that hydrates and firms your skin, and it contains lactic acid, which helps remove dead surface-layer skin cells to reveal newer ones. It’s also formulated without parabens, ethanol, talc, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine, but perhaps steer clear if you’re prone to skin allergies. And potentially lactose intolerance.

—Stella Kim

Photographed by Tom Newton. Read last week's Korean product review here.