Summer can be a challenging time for our skin. Finding the right product texture can be difficult, and with all the heatwaves, sometimes your skin craves more than just hydration - it needs a little cooling, too. belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream is one of the newer additions to the Aqua Bomb range, although it has already been on the market for over a year. The cream combines a lightweight gel texture with cooling capsules that melt as you massage the product into your skin, creating a refreshing sensation.
I tested two tubes of belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream, and today I want to share my experience with this unusual summer moisturizer.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links (marked with *).
Cooling skincare - useless trend or a trend we need to pick up as quickly as possible?
If you wonder whether cooling skincare actually makes sense, the answer is yes! And it’s not just because cooling your skin feels refreshing during summer. There is scientific evidence suggesting that heat exposure may contribute to premature skin aging. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as thermal skin aging. Research has shown that heat can stimulate the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes involved in collagen breakdown, potentially contributing to changes associated with skin aging.
It’s common knowledge that sun exposure can make your skin age faster. After all, UVA radiation penetrates beyond the stratum corneum, while UV radiation is also one of the factors contributing to oxidative stress and the formation of free radicals. Although research into thermal aging is not new - the main paper on the topic was published around 20 years ago - this doesn’t mean the subject has been neglected in recent years. Researchers have continued to investigate how heat affects the skin and the mechanisms that may contribute to thermal skin aging.
Lots of Korean brands are picking up on the cooling skincare trend, and I think that’s a good thing. Our environment is changing, and we’re increasingly dealing with higher temperatures, intense UV exposure, and prolonged periods of heat. What surprises me is that we don’t really talk about the potential impact of heat on our skin. We often see brands mention that a product can lower skin temperature, but we tend to treat it as nothing more than a pleasant cooling sensation and simply move on. Maybe there’s more to cooling skincare than just making your skin feel refreshed during summer.
Photoaging vs Thermal aging - are they the same thing?
Photoaging and thermal aging are two different processes. Photoaging is strongly associated with UV radiation, which can contribute to oxidative stress and damage to the skin, while thermal aging refers to the potential effects of prolonged heat exposure on the skin.
Do cooling products actually have a cooling effect?
There’s no simple answer. Some products containing menthol can create a strong cooling sensation, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they significantly lower the skin’s temperature. Other products use menthyl derivatives or blends of botanical ingredients that may actually help lower skin temperature, yet they may not feel particularly cooling on the skin.One important note: I love putting sheet masks in the refrigerator and then applying a cold sheet mask to my face. However, we don’t currently know whether simply cooling a sheet mask provides the same effects as a formula containing ingredients specifically designed to lower skin temperature. There doesn’t seem to be enough research directly comparing these two approaches, so it’s worth keeping that in mind. A cold product can certainly feel refreshing, but we shouldn’t automatically assume that the sensation means it provides the same biological effects as a product designed to induce cooling.
Meet the brand: belif
belif is a South Korean skincare brand owned by LG Household & Health Care. The brand was founded in 2010 and combines traditional herbal formulas with modern skincare technology. Its formulas are inspired by the herbal legacy of Napiers, a Scottish herbal clinic and apothecary founded by Duncan Napier in Edinburgh in 1860. LG H&H says that belif uses traditional Napiers herbal formulas and extraction methods as part of its brand philosophy.According to the brand, belif formulas are made without synthetic dyes and fragrances, synthetic preservatives, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, or animal-derived ingredients. The brand is particularly known for its use of botanical ingredients, and you can find herbs and plant extracts such as calendula, licorice, nettle, raspberry, oat, and many others throughout its product range. The exact ingredients vary from product to product.
One of the things that makes belif interesting is its use of Napiers’ herbal formulas. The brand has traditionally highlighted seven different Napiers herbal formulas, each based on different combinations of herbs and designed for different skincare needs. The idea is to combine these traditional herbal preparations with modern cosmetic technology.
Another detail I really like about belif is the way the brand highlights the number of key ingredients on its packaging. I actually didn’t notice this at first, but once you pay attention to it, it’s a pretty nice detail. It makes the herbal concept of the brand more visible and gives you a quick idea of what the product is centered around.
If you live in the US, you can also find belif products through Avon.
belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream
belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream was released last year. It's formulated with xylitol and erythritol, which provide a cooling effect on the skin. It contains Pro Frozen Capsules suspended in a cooling gel texture. According to the brand, this product lowers the skin's temperature by 6.05°C (10.8°F).belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream - Packaging
I bought a full set of belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream, which included two tubes of the cream (50 ml + 30 ml) and a gua sha. The set was released in collaboration with dropdropdrop, a lifestyle brand known for its distinctive patterns. belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream comes in a white plastic tube with turquoise details. The packaging is typical of the brand.
belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream - Texture & Scent
Just as the name suggests, belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream has a gel texture with tiny capsules called PRO Frozen Capsules. The capsules contain eucalyptus extract and a Cold Drip Oil Complex, while the cooling gel contains xylitol and erythritol. The cream does provide a noticeable cooling sensation, and you may feel as though your skin temperature is dropping as you apply it. The scent is herbal, with some noticeable citrus notes.belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream - Vegan/vegetarian-friendly & other information
There is no clear information confirming whether belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream is vegan or vegetarian-friendly. The brand’s cruelty-free status is also unclear, as belif does not appear to be certified by major cruelty-free organizations.
belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream - Ingredients
Water, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Behenyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Melissa Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Water, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Water, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil, Peat Extract, Populus Nigra Bark/Bud/Leaf/Twig Extract, Rosa Gallica Flower Extract, Tuber Magnatum Extract, Xylitol, Erythritol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caffeine, Copper Tripeptide-1, Glycine, Beta-Glucan, Niacinamide, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Triethylhexanoin, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Disiloxane, Tromethamine, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Stearyl Dimethicone, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, C30-45 Alkyl Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Saccharomyces/Potato Extract Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces/Barley Seed Ferment Filtrate, Trisodium EDTA, Malachite Extract, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Citral, Linalool
Water is typically listed in cosmetic products as "Aqua" or "Eau". It acts as a solvent, but it is not the same as ordinary drinking water. In skincare products, water must meet strict purity standards to ensure it is free from impurities, including minerals, microorganisms, and other contaminants. In most formulations, water makes up the largest proportion of the product. Butylene Glycol is a multifunctional ingredient commonly used in skincare and haircare products. It acts as a solvent and humectant, helping to dissolve ingredients while attracting moisture to the skin and hair. It can also enhance the penetration of active ingredients, improve a product's texture, and prevent formulations from drying out.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It is a common emollient used in skincare products that helps soften and smooth the skin while reducing moisture loss by forming a protective layer on the skin's surface. It also improves the texture of skincare products, making them easier to apply. Some people may find that products containing Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride contribute to clogged pores, but reactions to individual ingredients can vary from person to person. What works well for you might not work for someone else. 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic solvent and preservative booster. It helps protect products from microorganisms by enhancing the effectiveness of other preservatives. It also has humectant properties, helping to keep the skin hydrated, and is generally well tolerated by the skin.
Betaine is an amino acid derivative that is widely used in skincare products for its moisturizing properties. It helps maintain the skin’s water balance, making the skin appear smoother and helping fine lines and wrinkles look less visible. Betaine also has soothing properties, which makes it beneficial for irritated or sensitive skin. In hair care, betaine does more than just moisturize the hair. It helps improve softness, smoothness, and shine, leaving the hair looking healthier. The betaine used in cosmetics is often derived from sugar beets. It is also a naturally occurring compound found in the skin and hair. Behenyl Alcohol might sound intimidating, but it is actually a fatty alcohol. Unlike drying alcohols, fatty alcohols can be beneficial for the skin. Behenyl Alcohol acts as an emollient, helping to soften and smooth the skin while also improving the texture and consistency of the product.
Panthenol, also known as vitamin B5, is a humectant that helps retain moisture and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). It has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting the skin barrier and helping with irritation and the healing process. It is especially useful for sensitive or damaged skin, including after sun exposure. In haircare, panthenol helps hydrate, soften, and improve hair manageability. Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract is a source of compounds such as eucalyptol, rutin, and quercetin. Eucalyptus has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and may help soothe the scalp, balance excess sebum, and support a healthy scalp, making it a useful ingredient for dandruff-prone skin.
Mentha Rotundifolia (Apple Mint) Leaf Extract has soothing and cooling properties that can help provide a refreshing sensation on the skin. Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Extract is a plant extract rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C and flavonoids. It may help brighten the skin, protect it from oxidative stress, and support a more even-looking complexion. Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm) Flower/Leaf/Stem Water has soothing and calming properties that can help comfort the skin. Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It may help support the skin’s natural defense mechanisms and is sometimes used in skincare products for blemish-prone skin.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Water is a hydrosol obtained from rosemary leaves. It contains small amounts of water-soluble plant compounds and may have antioxidant and soothing properties. It is also commonly used as a skin-conditioning and toning ingredient. Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil, also known as Neroli Oil, is an essential oil containing compounds such as linalool, limonene, nerolidol, and nerol. It not only adds a pleasant fragrance to cosmetic products but also has antimicrobial properties. It is sometimes used in products targeting cellulite, although evidence for this benefit is limited. Peat Extract has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm irritated skin. It is also rich in naturally occurring organic compounds and minerals, which can help support the skin's overall condition.
Populus Nigra Bark/Bud/Leaf/Twig Extract is a plant extract with soothing and antioxidant properties. It may help calm irritated skin and protect it from oxidative stress. Rosa Gallica Flower Extract is rich in antioxidants and has soothing and skin-conditioning properties. It may also help protect the skin from oxidative stress and support a smoother, more youthful-looking complexion. Tuber Magnatum Extract, also known as White Truffle Extract, is a skin-conditioning ingredient with moisturizing, antioxidant, and soothing properties. It is often used in anti-aging skincare formulations due to its potential to help protect the skin from oxidative stress and support a healthy-looking complexion. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol with humectant properties. It helps attract and retain moisture, helping to keep the skin hydrated. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol, so it's not surprising that brands use it in skincare products. Like other sugar alcohols, it has humectant properties that help attract and retain moisture in the skin.
Tocopheryl Acetate is a stable ester form of Vitamin E (Tocopherol). It works as an antioxidant, helping protect the skin from oxidative stress, while also supporting skin hydration and reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Compared with pure Tocopherol, this form is more stable in cosmetic formulations, although it needs to be converted into Tocopherol to become active in the skin. Some people consider Vitamin E a preservative, but it should not be used as one. Instead, it helps protect oils in a formula from oxidation and is often used alongside other antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid, to create a more effective antioxidant system. Saccharomyces/Potato Extract Ferment Filtrate is a fermented ingredient obtained through the fermentation of potato extract using Saccharomyces yeast. It is considered a skin-conditioning ingredient that may help moisturize the skin and provide antioxidant benefits.
Saccharomyces/Barley Seed Ferment Filtrate is an ingredient obtained through the fermentation of barley seeds using Saccharomyces yeast. It is a skin-conditioning ingredient that can help moisturize and soothe the skin. Fermented ingredients are often used in skincare for their potential nourishing and revitalizing properties. Trisodium EDTA is a chelating agent that binds metal ions in cosmetic formulations. This helps improve the stability of the product and can support the effectiveness of preservatives, helping to extend the product’s shelf life. Malachite Extract is an antioxidant ingredient derived from malachite, a mineral naturally rich in copper. It helps protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals and is often used in skincare formulations for its protective and revitalizing properties.
Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide is a modern cooling agent that provides a refreshing, cooling sensation on the skin. It works by activating cold-sensitive receptors, creating a feeling of coolness without actually lowering the skin’s temperature significantly. Unlike menthol, it typically provides a smoother cooling experience without a strong minty scent or tingling sensation. Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil is an essential oil that adds a pleasant citrus scent to cosmetic products. It also contains naturally occurring compounds with antioxidant properties. Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil is an essential oil that adds a fresh citrus scent to cosmetic products. It is also sometimes used in products targeting cellulite, although evidence supporting this benefit is limited.
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil is an essential oil commonly used in cosmetics for its floral scent. It is often included in products for acne-prone, oily, and mature skin due to its potential sebum-balancing and antimicrobial properties. It is also used in products targeting cellulite and to support the appearance of skin tone and texture. However, its primary role in formulations is as a fragrance ingredient. Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil is an essential oil that contains camphor. It has antimicrobial properties and may help support microcirculation. This ingredient is commonly used in products targeting acne-prone skin, cellulite, oily scalps, and dandruff-prone scalps. It also functions as a fragrance ingredient, adding a characteristic herbal scent to cosmetic formulations.
Limonene is a fragrance ingredient that gives products a fresh, citrusy scent reminiscent of lemons or oranges. It may also enhance the penetration of other substances into the skin, but it can be irritating or sensitizing, especially for sensitive skin. Citronellol is a fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral, rose-like scent to cosmetic products. It can also be a potential skin sensitizer, especially for people with sensitive skin. Geraniol is a fragrance component that provides a floral scent. It can act as a skin sensitizer and may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Citral is a fragrance ingredient that gives products a fresh, lemon-like scent. It can also be a potential skin sensitizer, especially for people with sensitive skin. Linalool is a fragrance ingredient that gives products a floral scent. It can also be a potential skin sensitizer, especially for people with sensitive skin.
How to use belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream?
belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream is a moisturizer, so it should be the last step of your evening routine or applied after a serum or ampoule and before sunscreen in the morning. From my own experience, it’s better to use a little more product rather than too little.How does belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream work?
I love cooling skincare, and I’m a huge fan of the growing trend of brands incorporating ingredients and technologies designed to help lower the skin’s temperature. Last year, I didn’t come across many creams that promoted cooling as one of their main features, so I was pleasantly surprised to see belif focus on this aspect with Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream. I have to admit that I’ve always thought of belif as a nice brand, but the brand does use fragrance and aromatic ingredients in some of its formulas, which I’m always a little cautious about because they can be potentially sensitizing. Still, I wanted to give this formula a fair try. The gel-like texture won’t be for everyone. It’s very lightweight and feels hydrating when applied, but at the same time, the moisturizer leaves a delicate matte film on the skin. I think it’s a texture that oily and combination skin will particularly enjoy. Personally, though, I wouldn’t recommend it for dry skin because I don’t find it moisturizing enough, even though the brand describes it as suitable for all skin types. The brand also claims that the formula can help reduce the appearance of puffiness and pores. It contains panthenol, which helps support the skin barrier and has soothing properties, but that’s not all. You’ll also find caffeine, copper peptide, and niacinamide in the formula, adding some interesting supporting ingredients to an otherwise fairly simple moisturizer. The scent is pleasant and doesn’t feel particularly heavy to me. During a heatwave, though, what I appreciate most is the texture. The PRO Frozen Capsules melt incredibly easily as you massage the cream into your skin. If I compare it with one of my current favorites, ongredients Bakuchiol Capsule Lotion*, belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream wins when it comes to the capsules themselves because they literally disappear under your fingers as you apply the product. The good news is that it didn’t make my acne worse, the scent wasn’t too overwhelming, and the texture worked nicely for my combination skin. It’s not a revolutionary moisturizer, but if you’re looking for something lightweight and refreshing for hot weather and can find it at a good price, I’d say it’s worth trying.belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream - Skin Compatibility
According to belif, Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream is suitable for all skin types, but I think combination and oily skin will enjoy it the most.
belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream - Alternatives
It’s hard to find a truly good alternative to belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream, but I think Biotherm Aquasource+ Electrolyte Dewy Gel is a nice option. It doesn’t contain any capsules, but it has a lightweight, refreshing gel texture that makes it a good alternative for warmer weather. Another cooling option for oily and combination skin is ongredients Bakuglow Capsule Lotion*. The capsules don’t melt quite as easily as the ones in belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Gel Cream, but my skin looks gorgeous whenever I use it. I haven’t tried Cell Fusion C Cooling Gel Cream* yet, but Cell Fusion C is a brand that’s popular among estheticians, so this could be another product worth checking out if you’re looking for a cooling moisturizer.
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