Isoi Lotion

The ISOI lotion collection covers a range of lightweight fluid moisturisers and treatment lotions across multiple sub-lines. Korean lotions are thin-textured, fluid moisturisers distinct from Western body lotions - they provide a moisture layer that absorbs quickly between serum and cream steps. The collection includes the Chicago Vegan Family Lotion 350ml for everyday family use, the Recovery First Essence Lotion 90ml and Bulgarian Rose Intensive Treatment Lotion 90ml for treatment-focused use, the Fresh Essence Lotion 70ml for oil-prone skin, and the Thermal Essence Lotion in 70ml and 140ml sizes.

  • Treatment and everyday options
  • Family-size vegan lotion
  • Sebum-control and thermal
  • Korean formulation

By Skinsli editorial Updated

Buying guide

Buying Guide: ISOI Lotion Collection

In Korean skincare, a lotion is a lightweight fluid moisturiser applied between serum and cream. The ISOI lotion collection spans several sub-lines with different purposes: a large-volume everyday vegan option for family use, concentrated treatment lotions from the Bulgarian Rose and Recovery First ranges, a sebum-control essence lotion for oily skin, and thermal essence lotions for mineral-enriched moisture. This guide explains each product and how to choose the right ISOI lotion for your routine and skin type.

What a Korean Lotion Is

A Korean-style lotion (sometimes called an emulsion) is a thin, fluid moisturiser lighter than a cream. It applies between the serum and any thicker cream as a moisture-sealing layer. This format is distinct from Western body lotion - the Rose Original Body Lotion 200ml in this collection is the exception, designed for body use, while most other ISOI lotions are facial products.

The thin texture of Korean lotions makes them practical as standalone moisturisers for oily skin (where a cream is too heavy) or as a layering step for dry skin that adds moisture below a cream. The ISOI lotion collection covers both scenarios with products calibrated for different skin types and concerns.

Chicago Vegan Family Lotion 350ml

The Chicago Vegan Family Lotion 350ml is the largest product in the collection, sized for household or family use. The vegan designation confirms no animal-derived ingredients. At 350ml it is significantly larger than most facial lotions (typically 90-130ml), making it suitable as a shared daily moisturiser or for body use. The Chicago sub-label refers to a specific ISOI product line focused on accessible, everyday vegan formulas.

The family-size format is practical for those who want to avoid frequent reorders or who share the product across multiple household members. Both variants in the collection (the standard Chicago Vegan Family Lotion 350ml and the Chicago Universal Lotion 350ml) are from the same product family and serve the same daily moisturising role.

Recovery First Essence Lotion and Bulgarian Rose Treatment Lotion

Two treatment-focused lotions appear in the collection. The Recovery First Essence Lotion 90ml is from a recovery-oriented sub-line targeting skin in repair mode - post-treatment, barrier-compromised, or sensitised skin that needs a gentle, active moisture step. The Bulgarian Rose Intensive Treatment Lotion 90ml is the lotion-format product from the Bulgarian Rose Intensive range, delivering the line's higher-concentration rose extract actives in a lightweight fluid texture suited to oily skin or warm climates where a cream feels too heavy.

Both are 90ml, a standard treatment-lotion size for daily use over six to eight weeks. Choose the Recovery First lotion for barrier repair and sensitised skin; choose the Bulgarian Rose Treatment Lotion for ongoing antioxidant and brightening support within the Bulgarian Rose Intensive system.

Fresh Essence Lotion to Escape Sebum 70ml

The Fresh Essence Lotion 70ml is a sebum-control lotion for oily skin. It provides moisture without adding heaviness or promoting excess sebum production - the phrase 'to escape sebum' reflects its function as a lotion that manages oil during the day. At 70ml it is a compact daily moisturiser, practical for those who use multiple products in a routine and want a lightweight finishing moisture step without the feel of a traditional lotion.

Use it as a standalone final moisture step on oily skin (morning, before SPF) or as a mid-routine moisture layer if the skin needs additional hydration between serum and a light cream. The compact size makes it convenient for keeping in a bag for midday touch-ups if needed.

Thermal Essence Excellent Lotion: 70ml and 140ml

The Thermal Essence Excellent Lotion is available in 70ml and 140ml sizes. Thermal water-based products in Korean skincare use mineral-rich water (typically from natural thermal springs) as a primary ingredient, providing trace minerals alongside hydration. The thermal essence format combines this mineral-rich base with an essence-level active concentration in a lotion texture.

The 70ml is the trial or travel size; the 140ml is the full-size ongoing supply for daily use. Both carry the same Excellent Lotion formula. This lotion is suited to normal to dry skin that responds well to mineral-enriched hydration. The thermal mineral content makes it particularly useful in environments with hard tap water or where skin reacts to standard water-based products.

Rose Original Body Lotion 200ml

The Rose Original Body Lotion 200ml is the only body-use lotion in the collection. It is a standard daily body moisturiser incorporating Bulgarian rose extract, applied after showering to the full body. At 200ml it provides approximately six to eight weeks of daily use. Apply to slightly damp skin for best absorption rather than to fully dried skin. The rose extract provides conditioning and mild antioxidant properties at the body care step - the same botanical base as the facial products, applied at scale.

Choosing the Right ISOI Lotion for Your Skin

The right ISOI lotion depends on three factors: your skin type, your concern, and your routine structure. For oily skin without specific treatment needs, the Fresh Essence Lotion 70ml is the most appropriate - lightweight, sebum-managing, and compact. For normal skin in a family context, the Chicago Vegan Family Lotion 350ml provides everyday moisture at a practical size. For dry or mature skin in a treatment routine, the Bulgarian Rose Intensive Treatment Lotion 90ml integrates naturally into the Bulgarian Rose Intensive stack.

For skin in barrier repair, the Recovery First Essence Lotion 90ml is the most targeted pick. For mineral-water enthusiasts or those in hard-water environments, the Thermal Essence Excellent Lotion 140ml is the option with the most distinct formulation approach from the rest of the range. The Rose Original Body Lotion serves a separate role as the sole body lotion in the collection.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

  • Most ISOI lotions in this collection are facial moisturisers in the Korean lotion format - lightweight, fluid, and applied between serum and cream. The exception is the Rose Original Body Lotion 200ml, which is specifically a body-use product. The Chicago Vegan Family Lotion 350ml can be used on both face and body given its size and gentle formula. When in doubt, check whether the product name specifies body use; if it doesn't, it is typically a facial lotion.

  • Yes. The Chicago Vegan Family Lotion is designed for general family use, meaning it is formulated to be gentle enough for a wide age range and skin type range. The vegan formula avoids animal-derived ingredients. At 350ml it is practical for shared household use. If any family member has known allergies or sensitive skin conditions (such as eczema), check the full ingredient list before use, as individual sensitivities may still apply regardless of the gentle general formula.

  • Use the Recovery First Essence Lotion when your skin is in an active repair phase - after a chemical peel, laser treatment, or an extended period of barrier disruption. The recovery-oriented formula is calibrated for sensitised skin that needs gentle, active moisture rather than standard conditioning. Once the skin has stabilised, transition to a regular lotion from the ISOI range that matches your ongoing skin type and concern. The Recovery Lotion is not needed for routine daily use on healthy skin.

  • The Bulgarian Rose Intensive Treatment Lotion is a lightweight fluid moisturiser suited to oily and combination skin or warm climate use. Bulgarian Rose creams (such as the Moisture ZIP Cream or Water Pool Cream from the Bulgarian Rose range) have a heavier texture suited to dry skin or cooler months. Both deliver Bulgarian rose extract actives, but the lotion absorbs faster and leaves a lighter finish. Choose the lotion if you find creams too heavy; choose a cream if the lotion does not provide enough moisture for your skin's dryness level.

  • The Fresh Essence Lotion uses oil-control actives alongside its moisture base to reduce sebum production and surface shine during the hours following application. Apply it in the morning as your final skincare step before SPF. It is not a mattifying primer and does not replace SPF - use a separate SPF product on top. The sebum-control effect is most effective when the skin is adequately hydrated, which is why the lotion includes a moisture base rather than relying on drying agents alone.

  • Thermal spring water contains dissolved minerals - typically silica, calcium, magnesium, and selenium - that are not present in standard tap water. These minerals provide mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support the skin barrier. The Thermal Essence Excellent Lotion uses this mineral-rich base as a primary ingredient, making it particularly useful for skin that reacts to the mineral content of local tap water or that benefits from trace mineral supplementation at the skincare step. The effect is subtle compared to a dedicated mineral serum but adds value over a standard water-based lotion.

  • Buy the 70ml for a first trial of the Thermal Essence formula - it provides approximately three to four weeks of daily use. The 140ml is the value-size option once you have confirmed the formula suits your skin; it covers six to eight weeks of daily use. Both carry the same formula. The 70ml is also a useful travel size if the lotion is already part of your regular routine.

  • The Fresh Essence Lotion 70ml is the most directly suited to oily skin in this collection. Its sebum-control actives and lightweight non-greasy texture address oily skin's moisture needs without adding heaviness. The Bulgarian Rose Intensive Treatment Lotion 90ml is also appropriate for combination to slightly oily skin when the Bulgarian Rose actives are needed. Avoid the richer body lotion (Rose Original Body Lotion) for facial use on oily skin and the Chicago Vegan Family Lotion on the face if your skin is significantly oily, as the larger-format products may have a texture less calibrated for facial oily skin.

  • Korean-format lotions (emulsions) apply after your serum or ampoule and before any heavier cream or oil at the end of your routine. The order is: cleanse - toner - serum/ampoule - lotion - cream (optional) - SPF (morning). If the lotion provides sufficient moisture on its own, you can skip the cream step entirely - oily skin often needs only the lotion as the final moisture layer. For dry skin, layer a cream on top of the lotion for fuller occlusion.