Liquid gold for my skin – The Naruko Supreme Rejuvenating Elixir Oil

Written by Jenny Wu
Jenny Wu

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  1. Blake says:

    No offense was meant. The general consumer doesn’t have access to the actual percentages of ingredients, so it was my oversight on the low percentage of the essential oil blend — although seldom are these good for the skin.

    As a physician, carrageenan is an ingredient I ask people to eliminate given the untoward effects on the gastrointestinal tract and it’s link to certain cancers.

    I love Paula Begoun, but she is not a physician. And I don’t mean to diminish in any way her monumental empire she has worked so diligently for, but her research has been limited solely on dermatologic care. Depending on use of these products with other skincare techniques, like microneedling, you can achieve some systemic absorption of carrageenan, which may increase the body’s risk of inflammation.

    Lastly, be mindful of what evidence we DO have. Seldom will people sign up for studies where risk is known =).

    I appreciate your honest reviews. I ordered items from this Naruko brand (sheet masks and your “liquid gold”). I was hopeful to see someone as science drive would have loved Saint Jane, as it was a product I was considering in the use of my entry level facials.

    • Jenny says:

      I understand that essential oils can be potentially irritating and some people prefer not to use it, which is why I always list them in irritants. If they are listed above any preservatives (which are typically limited to 1%), I will stress them again in my reviews as that is higher than I’d like to see them. Since these are not I didn’t feel the need to call them out multiple times, especially given the plenty of beneficial ingredients this contains.

      I think there needs to be some distinction between what’s beneficial consumed vs topically applied. While Paula isn’t a physician, she does cite reputable journals to back up her ingredient claims from a dermatological perspective, which is my only concern when it comes to reviewing skincare products. You bring up a good point about microneedling enhancing absorption and it’s something I will read into more.

      The issue with skincare is that we can only derive so much from the ingredients listed and their relevant research. Without completely understand the formula and knowing the % behind the ingredients, reviews will always be subjective. It’s interesting that you bring up the Saint Jane Serum as it has several essential oils as well, though the % is unknown since there are no preservatives to act as a benchmark. I had high hopes for the Saint Jane serum myself, but like I did find it overpriced for the results I saw.

  2. Blake says:

    Rose, bitter orange peel, carageenan, witch hazel, ginger…NONE are good for the skin. I am sorry, but are you a dermatologist?

  3. Ayeza Kate Sabitsana says:

    I agree with you.. i’ve been using this product for 4 mos now and it’s perfectly blend to my skin. And i can see the result straight away, no drama.. I just use it in the night time coz I’m saving it, bit pricey ???? but worth the money.. girls! you should invest in this product and stick to it.. you won’t regret it.. i am purchasing another bottle next month..

  4. Samantha says:

    Hi, can this be used as eye cream alternative?

    • Jenny says:

      You can use this around your eyes, but this won’t help lock in moisture. So if your eye area is really dry, I still recommend using an eye cream.

  5. Huey Wong says:

    I got myself a bottle after reading your review and boy, i agree with you. I love this oil and will put it on whenever i feel like it. I am now hooked and want to try the whole Jing Cheng range! Thank you for sharing this great review, Jenny!

    • Jenny says:

      I’m so glad you like the oil!! The essence is also quite nice if that’s something you’re interested in, I liked it better than the brightening enhancer which I also tried, but I’m not a fan of.

  6. Sasha says:

    Thanks for this splendid review. I too just bought this oil and I love the light texture and absorbency. The aroma is citrusy like cologne (actual cologne, as in I just sniff-tested it next to some 4711 and was struck by the similarity). It leaves a smooth enough texture that I’m considering using it lightly under my sunscreen and makeup, in the “first essence” manner you describe elsewhere. Your Australian readers might like to know that the very reputable website http://www.narukoaustralia.com has this for $50. (Not affiliated, just a happy customer.) They also sell the Naruko Jing Cheng cleansing balm with sparkles in it. :)

    • Jenny says:

      Thank you for sharing your review on this Sasha! I actually haven’t noticed the citrusy note, but then again my sense of smell isn’t the sharpest, but I’ll be sure to check next time I use it! Unfortunately the Naruko Australia site you linked to isn’t loading for me :(

  7. Kayla says:

    This has nothing to do with the oil! But I’ve been struggling with body acne, and i was wondering if you know any washes to help with it?!

    • Jenny says:

      Hmm, maybe look for a body wash with salicylic acid in it? Neutrogena’s Body Clear Body Wash has it and it worked well for me I used it many years ago.

  8. This sounds like such a gorgeous oil and anything with the word liquid gold in it has to be good right? I’m intrigued by this brand as I’ve heard you and Shireen raved about it and that can only be a good thing. xx

    Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com

    • Jenny says:

      Between the actual look of the oil and its results, liquid gold definitely was the most fitting description I had :P I haven’t read any other reviews on this oil, but I know that everyone who has tried Naruko’s essence has raved about it. Their sheet masks are fantastic too!

  9. Amy says:

    Wow this sounds like a great oil, I’d love to try this!

    Amy – http://amyevans.blog

  10. Jasmine says:

    I’ve never heard of this brand but this oil sounds like a fantastic product. Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts.
    Jaz xoxo
    http://www.thelifeofasocialbutterfly.co.uk

  11. Cat L. says:

    Jenny, I could totally see why you’re calling this liquid called for the skin. The list of ingredients is impressive and I love the finish, the way it absorbed onto your skin. I have been tempted by this brand in the past, primarily due to your amazing reviews. I am a big fan of oils in general so as soon as I finish some of my existing ones, I’d like to try this Naruko one and the Odacite you reviewed a few posts ago. Stunning photos and great review!

    ~ Cat L.
    http://www.CatsDailyLiving.com

    • Jenny says:

      Thank you so much Cat! Naruko has so many lines under their brand, but their Creme of Jin Cheng line (which includes this oil and the first essence) has been my favorite by far. The texture, ingredients, and results far exceed their other products, which I guess explains the price point :P Odacite is wonderful for spot treatment and targeted application as well, so I’m able to use these oils in the same routine without it being too much. Would love to hear your thoughts if you ever try them!

  12. Marina Rosie says:

    To be honest, I’d like my skin to feel like marshmallows too Jenny, this serum looks fabulous. And the way it absorbed into your skin! x Fabulous post hun,
    Lots of love,
    Marina Rosie x
    http://marinawriteslife.blogspot.fr/

  13. Just what I need, another facial oil to obsess over. They are a staple in my routine,but with the tiny amount of product you need I barely ever finish one, so I just can’t justify buying more and more.

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

    • Jenny says:

      I know what you mean, I feel that way whenever I scroll through my Instagram feed or blog hop! Since this oil is so light I’m more liberal with my usage, plus it’s great for when I want to give myself a facial massage :) But you’re right, even with my more liberal use it’ll still be a while before I can finish this bottle.

  14. Lavanya says:

    What a beautifully detailed and comprehensive review! I’ve realised that oils give me milia, so I’ve stopped using them but something with a lightweight consistency like this might help for the winter months.

    • Jenny says:

      Thank you so Lavanya! While I’ve never gotten milia from oils, I do break out if they’re too heavy, and that definitely hasn’t happened with this one. Hopefully you’ll get great results too if you do decide try this out!

  15. This oil sounds absolutely fabulous. I’ve yet to find an oil my skin responds well to, but I haven’t given up hope yet. I’ll have to try this!

    • Jenny says:

      Thanks for reading Kasie! If you do get a chance to try this out I hope you’ll get the same great results I did! It truly feels amazing on the skin!

  16. I came over from Shireen’s site after she reviewed the Naruko essence. how have I not heard of it? i love the extensive, but natural ingredient list and will definitely be on the lookout for this. Hopefully it’s easy to find here! It’s great to discover your blog as well!

    • Jenny says:

      Thank you so much dear! The entire Naruko Creme of Jing Chen line uses extensive plant extracts, and while I’ve only tried the first essence and this oil, both are fantastic :) If you can’t find it locally, the US Naruko store does ship internationally. Good luck!

  17. Laura says:

    Jenny I love your reviews! I tend to babble a lot, but I love it when you get straight to the point, clearly explaining the ingredients, who is the oil for, etc. I truly admire the work and effort you put in your reviews. The pictures are gorgeous as always! I didn’t know Naruko had a US website, I must take a look at it right away.

    xx Laura / Laurantaina Beauty Blog

    • Jenny says:

      Aww, thank you so much Laura, really appreciate your sweet comment! I easily go off tangent as well, which is why I have the breakdown at the beginning to get the important parts out of the way :P Naruko US does free international shipping for orders $150+, so it’s great if you want to do a big (or even group) haul!

  18. Laura says:

    This sounds beautiful! I haven’t heard about the brand before. I love beauty oils so it will go into my wish list x

    Laura
    Pink Frenzy

  19. Shivangi says:

    Loved reading your post! It was so informative! And hell yes liquid gold means it’s f*cking fantastic! :)

    XO,
    Shivangi
    http://www.outoncatwalk.com

  20. Tiffany says:

    Would you still use toner and essence after applying this oil?

  21. I just checked this oil on Naruko Canada and it’s C$115! Holy mother of God and there’s no sale! Grr! I have not seen you this excited about a product before so I know this must be seriously good. I will add this into my list to buy….probably will get the massive side eye when my husband sees the price but hey, it’s liquid f*cking gold. LOL!

    • Jenny says:

      Errrr….I mean the oil is good but damn that’s expensive! At this point it might make more sense to just make a big order ($150 for free shipping) from the US Naruko store. If the price of this oil was $90 with no sales, that definitely would’ve knocked my excitement down a notch, and my husband would be MAJOR side eying me as well, hahaha

  22. Amy says:

    Anything called liquid gold, I’m sold! Great product review, babe.

    xx, Amy
    http://www.theluxilook.com

  23. Oh my goodness, this is definitely going into my next naruko haul. It sounds perfect!!! Marshmallow skin please!!!

  24. Mel says:

    Love these skin care products!

    http://www.pennyanddash.com

  25. Mili says:

    OOoh this sound sso lux! I’ve been using the hyggee balance oil essence lately and it’s the opposite of this: 80% essence and 20% oil (at least I think it is…) I’ve been interested in trying Naruko products but didn’t really know where to start– I’m definitely putting this one on my wish list! I’m happy to see that they always have sales cause $90 is quite pricey–especially for a mid-tier Asian beauty brand!

    Mili | Sharmtoaster

    • Jenny says:

      Ooo, that Hyggee oil reminds me of the Goodal Water Oil, which really felt like a serum more than an oil! For Naruko, I prefer their sheet masks and products in the Creme of Jing Chen line (which include this oil and their first essence), and definitely recommend those when they have a sale!

  26. Stephanie says:

    Your blog always has the most interesting skincare products to read about!! I’m intrigued by this brand – have never heard or tried it out but now I’m kind of sold!

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