It’s Skin Power
It's Skin Power 10 Formula is a serum-essence system built around single active ingredients delivered at high concentration. Each Effector in the range is identified by a two or three-letter code indicating the key active: Q10 (coenzyme Q10), VC (vitamin C), VB (vitamin B3/niacinamide), GF (growth factor), Propolis, WYI (tone correction), Pio, and others including the Cuthen wrinkle formula. The 30ml bottle format and single-active approach make it easy to build a personalised routine by stacking two or three effectors targeted to your specific concerns. The Power 10 Licorice Eye Cream rounds out the range for the eye area. With 34+ products across the system, there is an Effector for nearly every common Korean skincare concern.
By Skinsli editorial Updated
Buying guide
It's Skin Power 10 Formula: A Complete Guide to the Effector System
It's Skin Power 10 Formula is one of the most recognisable product systems in Korean skincare. The concept is straightforward: each Effector delivers a single key active at a high concentration - the 'Power 10' name refers to the 10x concentration ratio the brand claims compared to standard serum formulations. Each variant is identified by a short code on the bottle (Q10, VC, VB, GF, Propolis, WYI, Pio, and more), which makes it easy to build a targeted routine from multiple Effectors without needing to decode lengthy ingredient lists.
This guide explains what each Effector code means, what the active ingredient does, which skin types and concerns each variant suits, how to use multiple Effectors together, and how the eye cream and special variants fit into the system.
How the Power 10 Effector System Works
Each Power 10 Effector is a 30ml bottle (with the exception of the L.I. Effector which comes in 60ml) containing a high concentration of one primary active. The system is designed for customisation: you identify your skin concern, you pick the Effector coded for that concern, and you apply it as a serum step in your routine.
The 'Power 10' concentration claim means the active is 10 times more concentrated than in a standard formula with that ingredient. This is a marketing claim and not independently verifiable, but the practical point is that these Effectors are formulated as concentrated serums rather than dilute essence or toner formats.
Key characteristics of the system:
- Small 30ml format makes it practical to own 2 to 3 variants and rotate based on changing skin needs
- Single-active philosophy means no ambiguity about what the product is doing
- Consistent formula base across variants makes stacking multiple Effectors straightforward without compatibility concerns
- Clear labelling - you do not need to read ingredient lists to know what a bottle does
Q10 Effector: Antioxidant and Cellular Energy
The Power 10 Formula Q10 Effector 30ml uses Coenzyme Q10 as its primary active. Q10 is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in skin cells that declines with age and UV exposure. Its functions in skin:
- Antioxidant protection: Neutralises free radicals from UV radiation and environmental pollution that accelerate skin aging
- Cellular energy support: Q10 is involved in mitochondrial energy production - cells with adequate Q10 maintain their functions (including collagen synthesis) more effectively
- Anti-aging: Regular topical application slows visible photoaging and supports skin elasticity over time
Best suited for: mature or aging skin, skin with dullness attributed to photoaging, and preventive anti-aging routines for skin in the 30s onwards. The Q10 Effector works well as a morning application because its antioxidant protection is most relevant during UV and pollution exposure throughout the day.
VC Effector: Vitamin C for Brightening
The VC Effector uses vitamin C (ascorbic acid or a vitamin C derivative) as the primary active. Vitamin C is one of the most well-studied brightening and anti-aging actives in skincare.
What it does:
- Brightening: Inhibits tyrosinase enzyme activity, which is involved in melanin synthesis. Reduces existing hyperpigmentation and prevents new dark marks
- Antioxidant: One of the most potent antioxidants in topical skincare; works synergistically with SPF to extend UV protection
- Collagen support: Vitamin C is a necessary cofactor in collagen synthesis - deficiency leads directly to reduced collagen production
Best suited for: dull skin, hyperpigmentation (post-acne marks, sun spots), skin that has not been using vitamin C and wants a straightforward introduction. Apply in the morning before SPF for the antioxidant-SPF synergy benefit. Use consistently - vitamin C brightening takes 4 to 8 weeks of regular use to show significant results.
VB Effector: Niacinamide for Pores and Even Tone
The VB Effector contains vitamin B3 - niacinamide - as the primary active. Niacinamide is one of the most broadly useful single actives in skincare, addressing multiple concerns simultaneously.
What niacinamide does:
- Pore minimising: Regulates sebum production and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores over consistent use
- Even skin tone: Inhibits the transfer of melanin to the skin surface, gradually reducing hyperpigmentation and uneven tone
- Barrier support: Stimulates ceramide production in the skin, strengthening the moisture barrier
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and irritation - relevant for acne-prone and sensitive skin
Niacinamide is one of the most broadly suitable actives: it works for most skin types and concerns. The VB Effector is often the most universally recommended starting point in the Power 10 system.
GF Effector: Growth Factor for Skin Renewal
The GF Effector uses growth factors as the primary active. Growth factors are proteins that signal skin cells to proliferate, regenerate, and synthesise collagen and elastin. In skincare, topical growth factors are used to support skin renewal and reduce visible signs of aging.
What growth factors do in skin:
- Stimulate fibroblast activity (collagen and elastin-producing cells)
- Support skin cell turnover and renewal
- Help repair damaged skin structure over time
The GF Effector is most relevant for mature skin with visible aging signs (deep lines, sagging, significantly reduced firmness), or for skin that needs intensive renewal support after environmental damage. It is a more advanced serum than the Q10 or VC Effectors - the payoff is higher for skin that needs structural regeneration rather than just antioxidant support.
Propolis Effector: Nourishing and Antibacterial
The Propolis Effector uses propolis extract as the primary active. Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees with multiple functional properties:
- Antibacterial: Natural antibacterial compounds in propolis reduce Cutibacterium acnes activity on the skin surface - relevant for blemish-prone skin
- Anti-inflammatory: Calms redness and swelling associated with active breakouts and general skin irritation
- Nourishing: Rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds that provide antioxidant support and contribute to skin nourishment
- Wound healing support: Propolis has studied wound-healing properties that translate to faster recovery from acne lesions and post-inflammatory marks
The Propolis Effector works well for: acne-prone skin that needs an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory serum, sensitive skin that needs calming without harsh actives, and skin in recovery from blemishes or minor irritation.
WYI Effector (Tone Correction) and Pio Effector
WYI Effector - Tone Correction 30ml: Positioned specifically for skin tone correction - targeting uneven skin tone, yellowish dullness, or post-inflammatory discolouration. The WYI designation typically relates to brightening and melanin-control actives beyond standard vitamin C. Choose this if your primary concern is overall skin tone evenness rather than specific dark spots - it works as a broader brightening formula rather than a spot-treatment.
Pio Effector 30ml: The Pio code is specific to It's Skin's formulation terminology. Pio-based formulas in Korean skincare context typically reference placental extract or a bio-mimetic peptide active oriented toward deep skin renewal and firmness. It is suited for skin that needs intensive regeneration support - comparable in positioning to the GF Effector but with a different active profile. If both GF and Pio are available and your concern is firmness and aging, checking the current product descriptions on the live page will clarify which active each contains at the time of purchase.
Power 10 Licorice Eye Cream 25ml
The Power 10 Licorice Julen Eye Cream 25ml extends the Power 10 system to the eye area with licorice root extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra) as the primary active. Licorice root contains glabridin and liquiritin, compounds with brightening and anti-inflammatory properties that make them particularly useful for the under-eye area where dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines are common concerns.
What licorice extract does around the eyes:
- Brightens the under-eye area, addressing dark circles that have a brownish or grayish tone (melanin-based rather than vascular-based)
- Reduces inflammation that contributes to puffiness
- Provides antioxidant support to the thin, photoaging-vulnerable skin around the orbital area
Apply after toner and before face cream, using a small amount dotted around the orbital bone. The 25ml size is generous for an eye cream and represents good value within the Power 10 system.
How to Stack Multiple Power 10 Effectors in One Routine
The Power 10 system is specifically designed for stacking - using 2 to 3 Effectors in sequence to address multiple concerns. The consistent formula base across variants means they layer without conflict or pilling.
Stacking guidelines:
- Apply Effectors in the serum step of your routine, after toner and before cream
- Use the lighter-texture Effector first, heavier second. In practice, most Effectors are similar in texture - apply in order of concern priority
- 2 to 3 Effectors per routine is practical; more than 3 begins to diminish the benefit of the single-active approach
- Common effective pairings:
- VB (niacinamide) + VC (vitamin C): brightening + pore control combined
- Q10 + GF: antioxidant support + cellular renewal for mature skin
- Propolis + VB: acne-prone skin - antibacterial + sebum control
- VC + WYI: double-brightening for significant hyperpigmentation
Morning vs evening: VC and Q10 are most effective in the morning as antioxidants. GF and Propolis are well-suited to evening use. VB can be used at either time.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What do the letter codes on Power 10 Effectors mean?
Each code identifies the primary active in that Effector: Q10 = Coenzyme Q10 (antioxidant, cellular energy); VC = Vitamin C (brightening, antioxidant); VB = Vitamin B3/Niacinamide (pores, tone, barrier); GF = Growth Factor (skin renewal, firmness); Propolis = propolis extract (antibacterial, anti-inflammatory); WYI = tone correction formula; Pio = placental or bio-mimetic renewal active; L.I. = the 60ml version. The single-letter codes make it easy to identify exactly what each bottle does without reading ingredient lists.
Which Power 10 Effector should I start with?
The VB Effector (niacinamide) is the most broadly suitable starting point - it addresses multiple common concerns (pores, uneven tone, barrier support, mild anti-inflammatory) and is well-tolerated by most skin types. If you have one specific primary concern, match to that: Q10 for antioxidant and anti-aging, VC for brightening and hyperpigmentation, Propolis for blemish-prone or sensitive skin, GF for mature skin with visible firmness loss. Start with one Effector and add a second after 4 to 6 weeks if needed.
Can I use more than one Power 10 Effector in the same routine?
Yes, the Power 10 system is designed for this. The consistent formula base across variants means they layer without conflict. Apply Effectors in the serum step of your routine, using the lighter texture first. 2 to 3 Effectors is practical; more than 3 in the same routine adds complexity without proportional benefit. Common effective pairings: VB + VC (brightening + pore control), Q10 + GF (anti-aging), Propolis + VB (blemish-prone skin). Morning use suits VC and Q10; evening suits GF and Propolis; VB works at either time.
How is Power 10 Formula different from other Korean serums?
The main difference is the single-active, high-concentration approach. Most serums combine multiple actives in one formula. Power 10 separates them into individual Effectors so you can choose exactly which actives you apply and at what concentration. The 30ml format makes it practical to own multiple variants. The '10x concentration' claim is a brand marketing statement, but the practical point is that these are formulated as concentrated treatment serums rather than dilute essence formats. The system rewards deliberate choosing - if you know your skin concerns, you pick the matching Effectors rather than relying on a product to guess what your skin needs.
Should I use the VC (Vitamin C) Effector in the morning or at night?
Morning is the preferred time for the VC Effector. Vitamin C functions as an antioxidant - it provides the most benefit when it is active in your skin during UV and pollution exposure throughout the day. Applied in the morning before SPF, it also works synergistically with sunscreen to extend photoprotection. Vitamin C degrades when exposed to UV light over time in the bottle, but applying it to skin in the morning is not a problem - the SPF you layer on top blocks UV from degrading the vitamin C in your skin. Store the bottle away from direct sunlight.
Does the Propolis Effector help with acne and breakouts?
Yes, it is one of the better-suited Effectors for acne-prone skin. Propolis extract has natural antibacterial properties that reduce Cutibacterium acnes activity, anti-inflammatory compounds that calm active breakout redness, and wound-healing support that aids recovery from existing blemishes. It is less aggressive than a BHA exfoliant or benzoyl peroxide, which makes it appropriate for daily use without the purging or dryness those stronger actives sometimes cause. For mild to moderate acne, the Propolis Effector (sometimes combined with VB for extra pore and sebum control) is a practical daily serum option.
Who should use the GF (Growth Factor) Effector?
The GF Effector is most relevant for mature skin with visible aging signs: deep lines, sagging, significantly reduced firmness, or skin that has experienced substantial UV damage. Growth factors stimulate fibroblast activity (collagen and elastin production) and support cellular renewal - these mechanisms address structural skin aging rather than just surface concerns. It is a more advanced formula in the Power 10 range and may be less necessary for younger skin that has adequate baseline collagen production. If elasticity and firmness are your main concerns, the GF Effector is the Power 10 choice to prioritise.
Does the Power 10 Licorice Eye Cream help with dark circles?
It can, depending on the type of dark circles. The licorice root extract in the eye cream brightens by inhibiting melanin synthesis, which addresses brownish or grayish dark circles caused by melanin accumulation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation under the eye, or UV-induced melanin). It does not address bluish or purplish dark circles caused by visible blood vessels or vascular congestion - those require different interventions (caffeine, vitamin K, or sleep and circulation management). If your dark circles are more brownish, the licorice eye cream is the appropriate targeted choice in the Power 10 system.
What is the Power 10 L.I. Effector 60ml?
The L.I. Effector is a 60ml size variant in the Power 10 system - larger than the standard 30ml format. The L.I. designation refers to a licorice and brightening-focused formula. The 60ml size is suited for daily full-face use where you go through product more quickly. It represents better value per ml than the 30ml format if you are committed to daily use of that specific Effector over a longer period.
How many It's Skin Power 10 products are currently available on skinsli?
There are 34+ It's Skin Power 10 Formula products currently in stock on skinsli, covering the Effector variants (Q10, VC, VB, GF, Propolis, WYI, Pio, Cuthen, and others), the L.I. 60ml Effector, and the Power 10 Licorice Eye Cream 25ml. The live collection page reflects current availability and any new Effector variants that have been added to the range.