【Review】CEPOLAB Biogenic Essence 90%
Ingredients, How to Use & Price｜Korean Minimal Skincare (CLEPS® Formula)
A Korean biotech serum with 92.8% patented CLEPS® — just 5 ingredients, zero water
Honest review with KRW pricing + where to buy internationally
※ This article may contain affiliate links (PR).
Tired of skincare products with endless ingredient lists you can’t pronounce?
Bottom line: A genuinely unique biotech serum for clean beauty and sensitive skin fans — impressive formula, but the price and distinctive scent are real considerations before buying.
CEPOLAB’s Biogenic Essence 90% has gone from zero to ₩150 billion in cumulative sales within 30 months of its 2023 launch — a remarkable track record by any measure. Built around a single patented biotech ingredient called CLEPS®, it runs on just 5 ingredients total, with no water, no synthetic fragrance, and no chemical preservatives. Here’s an honest look at what it is, how to use it, and whether it’s worth the price tag.
#KoreanSkincare
#CleanBeauty
- What CEPOLAB Biogenic Essence 90% is and the brand behind it
- What the patented CLEPS® ingredient actually is
- Full breakdown of all 5 ingredients
- How to use it correctly in your routine
- Real community reviews — pros and honest cons
- Korean price (KRW) and where to buy internationally
- ① What Is CEPOLAB Biogenic Essence 90%?
- ② What Is the Patented CLEPS® Ingredient?
- ③ All 5 Ingredients — Full Breakdown
- ④ How to Use It
① What Is CEPOLAB Biogenic Essence 90%?
Skincare
📷 Texture — Before & After
A slightly golden, viscous texture that sinks into skin quickly — no stickiness, just a soft and hydrated finish.
💬 My Experience Using It
Hard to believe it’s only 5 ingredients — my skin stayed noticeably more hydrated throughout the day. Applied right after cleansing, it left my skin feeling softer and helped the rest of my routine absorb more easily.
4.0 / 5.0 ｜ Combined rating from Musinsa, @cosme & cepoLAB Official
CEPOLAB is a Korean biotech brand that spent 10 years developing a skincare application for a fermentation-derived ingredient discovered during pharmaceutical and biotech research. Launched in 2023, it surpassed ₩150 billion in cumulative sales within 30 months, with an annual growth rate of 262.7% — extraordinary numbers for a single product. The core is CLEPS® (Ceriporia Lacerata Vesicles), a patented mycelium culture extract, formulated at a concentration of 92.8%. No water. No synthetic fragrance. No colorants. No chemical preservatives. Just 5 ingredients total — a genuinely rare approach in skincare.
Sale price: ₩89,000~ (~$65 USD)
NotePrice varies by retailer and timing
② What Is the Patented CLEPS® Ingredient?
The entire formula is built around CLEPS® — here’s what it actually is and what makes it different.
Born from Biotech Research
CLEPS® is short for Ceriporia Lacerata Vesicles — a mycelium culture extract derived from a fungal species discovered during pharmaceutical and biotech research in Korea. The ingredient took 10 years to develop and is protected by patent.
92.8% Concentration
The golden tint in the formula is the natural color of CLEPS® itself — no dyes added. Rather than diluting with water or fillers, the formula uses the active at near-raw concentration. This is what sets it apart from conventional serums.
Designed for Deep Absorption
The ingredient is nano-encapsulated for better absorption into the stratum corneum. Clinical testing reportedly showed support across 14 skin condition metrics — including texture, density, and firmness — with continued use over time.
All Ingredients EWG-Rated Safe
Every raw material in the formula holds an EWG Grade 1 rating — the highest safety classification on the Environmental Working Group’s cosmetic ingredient database. No chemical preservatives, synthetic fragrance, or colorants.
③ All 5 Ingredients — Full Breakdown
Most skincare products use 20–50+ ingredients. This one uses 5. Here’s what each one does.
| Ingredient | Amount | Role |
|---|---|---|
| CLEPS® (Ceriporia Lacerata Vesicles) | 92.8% | The patented core ingredient. Conditions skin and supports hydration. The natural golden color and characteristic scent come from this ingredient — no additives. |
| Butylene Glycol (BG) | — | A humectant that draws and retains moisture in the skin. Also helps stabilize the formula’s texture. |
| 1,2-Hexanediol | — | A preservation and antimicrobial agent — used here instead of traditional chemical preservatives like parabens to keep the formula safe and stable. |
| Hydroxyacetophenone | — | A naturally derived antioxidant that helps stabilize the product and protect the active ingredients over time. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate | — | A classic humectant capable of holding thousands of times its weight in water. Adds the characteristic soft, hydrated feel to the skin after application. |
④ How to Use It
What makes this serum different is where it sits in your routine — it goes before everything else, including toner.
Step-by-Step Routine Guide
Apply immediately after cleansing — before toner
This is a “Step Zero” product. Right after cleansing, while skin is still slightly damp, apply the essence before anything else. Using it at this stage is said to help the CLEPS® absorb more readily into the stratum corneum.
Take a coin-sized amount and press gently into skin
Warm it between your palms first, then press — don’t rub — across your face. The pressing motion helps the product absorb rather than sit on the surface.
Layer 3 times for best results
The brand recommends applying 3 layers, waiting about 30 seconds between each. Layering is said to help the ingredient reach deeper into the skin over time — think of it as building concentration gradually.
Continue with your regular skincare routine
Follow up with your toner, moisturizer, and any other steps as usual. The essence is designed to prime the skin so subsequent products absorb more easily.
✅ Usage Tips
- Use before toner — Step Zero
- Layer 3 times for best results
- Works AM and PM
- Press, don’t rub, into skin
⚠️ Things to Note
- Has a distinct natural scent from CLEPS®
- Patch test recommended on first use
- Discontinue if irritation occurs
- Use within recommended period after opening
⑤ What People Are Saying — Community Reviews
Based on reviews from @cosme, Musinsa, and the cepoLAB official site — here’s the honest picture.
👍 Positive Reviews
- Skin texture feels noticeably more refined with regular use
- Simple ingredient list makes it easier for sensitive skin to tolerate
- Pores appear smoother around the nose area
- Absorbs quickly and feels lightweight
- EWG Grade 1 gives peace of mind
- No fragrance, colorants — clean formula
- Some users report acne scars appearing calmer over time
👎 Concerns & Complaints
- Price is steep — premium end of the market
- The natural scent from CLEPS® divides opinions
- Results come gradually — not an instant fix
- Barely available outside Korea (direct purchase required)
- Some feel the price-to-size ratio is hard to justify
- “Only 5 ingredients, but my skin condition genuinely improved” — the simplicity vs. results contrast surprises a lot of users
- “Since adding this as my first step, my skin has felt more balanced and settled” — a theme that shows up repeatedly in long-term user reviews
- “The scent took some getting used to, but I’m glad I stuck with it” — and equally, some users found the scent a dealbreaker
- Most users who report skin changes started noticing them after 1–3 months of consistent use
⑥ Honest Downsides — What to Know Before Buying
Here are the real drawbacks worth considering before you commit.
❶ The price is genuinely high
₩89,000–129,000 for 155ml puts this squarely in premium territory. If you’re curious but unsure, the 30ml mini size is a lower-risk way to try it before committing to the full bottle.
❷ The scent is polarizing
CLEPS® has a naturally fermented, earthy scent — no synthetic fragrance added, just what the ingredient itself smells like. Some people love it, some really don’t. Try before you buy if scent sensitivity is a concern for you.
❸ This is a slow-burn product
Most users who see results report needing 1–3 months of consistent use. If you’re looking for fast, visible changes, this isn’t that kind of product. It’s more of a long-term skin conditioning investment.
※ Purchased and tested in Korea firsthand. ※ Korean OLIVE YOUNG verified purchase.
⑦ Price & Where to Buy
Here’s where you can get CEPOLAB Biogenic Essence 90% from outside Korea.
| Where to Buy | Approx. Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🌐 cepoLAB Official Site | ₩129,000 ~$94 USD | Guaranteed authentic. Often includes samples or limited sets. International shipping available (shipping fee applies). |
| 🌿 OLIVE YOUNG Global | ₩89,000~ ~$65 USD+ | Ships authentic products direct from Korea. No counterfeit risk. Code 【CLIO728】 gives a discount. |
🌿 OLIVE YOUNG Global
Ships genuine products directly from OLIVE YOUNG’s Korean stores. No risk of counterfeits. Ships internationally with a reasonable free shipping threshold.
💡 Enter code 【CLIO728】 at checkout for a discount!
⚠️ The first click may redirect to the homepage. If the product page doesn’t load, please click the link again.
- Want guaranteed authentic + international shipping? → OLIVE YOUNG Global + code 【CLIO728】 for a discount
- Want the full official experience? → cepoLAB’s official site often includes samples and limited sets
- Not sure yet? → Try the 30ml mini size first before committing to the 155ml bottle
※ Prices fluctuate due to exchange rates and promotions. Actual prices may be higher due to recent inflation. Always check each shop for the latest pricing before purchasing.
⑧ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why use it before toner instead of after?
A. The CLEPS® ingredient is designed to condition the skin at the very start of your routine, before other products create a barrier on the surface. Applying it first is said to help the ingredient absorb more effectively, and may also help subsequent skincare products sit better on the skin.
Q. What does the scent actually smell like?
A. It’s the natural scent of CLEPS® — earthy and slightly fermented, similar to what you might expect from a fermented ingredient. No synthetic fragrance is added. It’s subtle enough that most people don’t mind it after a few uses, but it’s worth knowing about in advance if you’re scent-sensitive.
Q. Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
A. The formula uses only EWG Grade 1 ingredients and contains no chemical preservatives, synthetic fragrance, or colorants — all of which are common irritants. That said, every skin is different. A patch test on your inner arm before full-face application is always a sensible first step.
Q. Can I buy it outside Korea?
A. Yes — OLIVE YOUNG Global ships it internationally and is the most reliable way to get the authentic product. The cepoLAB official website also ships internationally. In-store availability outside Korea is currently very limited.
⑨ Final Verdict — Who Is This For?
- Care deeply about what goes on your skin and want the shortest ingredient list possible
- Follow a clean beauty approach and avoid synthetic preservatives, fragrance, and colorants
- Have sensitive skin and want a simple, low-risk first step in your routine
- Are interested in cutting-edge Korean biotech skincare
- Are patient — you understand that skin conditioning takes consistent use over weeks
👍 Pros
- 92.8% patented CLEPS® — near-raw concentration
- Only 5 ingredients — genuinely minimal
- No water, no synthetic fragrance, no colorants
- All ingredients EWG Grade 1
- Proven sales track record in Korea
👎 Cons
- Premium price — one of the pricier serums out there
- Natural CLEPS® scent won’t suit everyone
- Results build slowly — not a quick fix
- Very limited availability outside Korea
CEPOLAB’s Biogenic Essence 90% isn’t for everyone — the price is real and the results take patience. But if you’ve been searching for a genuinely minimal, biotech-driven first step for your skincare routine, it’s one of the more interesting options out there. Starting with the 30ml mini is the smart move. 😊
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※ Prices are subject to change. Always confirm the latest price on each platform before purchasing. Shipping fees and import duties may apply.
