benton cacao moist and mild serum

this is the description from their website as well as the bottle/box: benton's cacao moist and mild serum is a lightweight and hydrating serum. with cacao extracts and hyaluronic acid, this serum replenishes moisture to skin. various botanical extracts in the series further help to keep skin smooth. cacao mineral and hyaluronic acid provide fresh moisture, dewy and glowy skin solution. rich nutrients of cacao ingredients and botanical extracts enable healthy skincare, nourishing solution. allantoin and madecassoside, skin protection patented ingredients help skin preservation - skin protecting solution. 

theobroma cacao (cocoa) extract helps to make your skin bright and clear with rich nutrients.

hyaluronic acid - manage skin balance by attracting moisture to make the skin moist and elastic.

madecassoside soothe and protect your skin. 

make your skin healthy by giving it elasticity and vitality with ingredients nourishing and moisturizing unbalanced skin. it refreshingly moisturizes even oily skin and teenage skin, managing oil-water balance solution. by hydrating the skin from the inside, the skin becomes brighter and smoother. not heavy during the summer, keep your skin firm in winter. nourishing serum for all seasons. smoothly moisturizes the skin by managing the oil-water balance and supply abundant nutrients and moisture. 

ingredients list: theobroma cacao (cocoa) extract, butylene glycol, aqua (water), dipropylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, pentylene glycol, sodium hyaluronate, centella asiatica extract, scutellaria baicalensis root extract, polygonum cuspidatum root extract, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract, shamomilia recutita (matricaria) flower extract, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed extract, salix alba (willow) bark extract, salix nigra (willow) bark extract, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, theobroma cacao (cocoa) flower extract, madecassoside, allantoin, zanthoxylum piperitum fruit extract, pulsatilla koreana extract, usnea barbata (lichen) extract, betaine, panthenol, carbomer, arginine. 

the packaging: it comes in pink box made with recycled paper with the picture of cocoa plant at front. there's description on the box at front in english and a lot of korean description on the side and back. however, since i bought this from sociolla, it has added sticker with indonesian description. inside, the serum comes in a transparent plastic bottle covered with label that has the same design as the box. but there's a little space so you can see the remaining product inside. the bottle has pump head covered in opaque white plastic cap. it comes in 30 ml, but somehow the bottle looks tiny. even smaller than ariul one. i bet it would be gone in a flash. they seal the bottle cap so you can be assured that you receive a fresh one as long as the seal is intact.

the scent: it does have a hint of cocoa scent if you sniff it really close. but once you put it on your face, i can barely smell it. there's no added fragrance in the ingredients list as well, so if you pick any scent, it might be from the natural ingredients.

the product: it's a transparent gel type serum, similar to ariul one. however, i think this is slightly more runny than the ariul one. it's easy to spread around and leaves watery traces. i use two to three pumps for my whole face and neck.

the result: after being absorbed, this one doesn't leave tacky feeling. it's hydrating but sometimes i feel that it's not enough. however, it's just as described, a lightweight serum. after completely absorbed, it gives matte finish. if i have to compare it with ariul one, i'll instantly pick ariul instead of this one. as for soothing, i was using other serum that also has soothing properties as well, so i can't say anything about it

i have to say that this is an ordinary one. however, it's not completely a waste though. it works just like described. lightweight and hydrating. however, if you have dry skin, you might want to scratch this from your list. i would say the cosrx snail essence is a bit more hydrating. i guess if you have oily skin or you live in hot and humid weather, this might be a good option. anyway, the price is quite affordable, but since benton is on sale frequently on sociolla, it's even more affordable. as for me, it's a pass. won't repurchase this one.