Parnell Parnell Shikamanu
The Parnell Shikamanu line brings one botanical complex across skincare, body care, and base makeup. The 13+ products cover a toner, serum, serum mask, gel cream, cushion with refill, foundation, body mist, and body wash. Shikamanu is a Parnell-specific fermented plant extract that runs through every product in the line.
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Buying guide
Parnell Shikamanu Line: Complete Buying Guide
The Parnell Shikamanu line is one of Parnell's most complete product families. It covers face skincare from toner to serum to gel cream, a serum-infused mask, a cushion with refill pack, a skin-fit foundation, and two body products. The shared element is Shikamanu, a fermented botanical extract Parnell uses as the line's defining ingredient.
What Shikamanu Is
Shikamanu is the name Parnell gives to its proprietary fermented botanical complex. Fermented ingredients in Korean skincare are processed through a controlled fermentation cycle that is believed to increase the bioavailability of the active compounds and produce beneficial by-products from the fermentation process itself.
Parnell uses Shikamanu as the hero ingredient across the entire line, which means each product in the range reinforces the same ingredient narrative. The line is cohesive in that sense: you are not mixing different active systems when you layer products from the Shikamanu range.
Shikamanu Toner 200ml
The Shikamanu Toner at 200ml is the first step in the facial skincare sequence within the line. A 200ml toner is generous for a single-person routine and makes this the highest-volume individual product in the line. Apply it after cleansing and before serum.
The toner prepares skin for subsequent layers and delivers the initial dose of the Shikamanu complex. Because the toner is a watery first layer, it is also the most versatile product in the line for different skin types.
Shikamanu 92 Serum 30ml
The Shikamanu 92 Serum (30ml) is the concentrated serum step in the facial routine. The 92 designation likely refers to the concentration of the Shikamanu complex in the formula. At 30ml it is a standard serum size. Apply it after the toner and before the gel cream.
Serums in a routine deliver the highest concentration of actives. Because the 92 Serum has a higher Shikamanu load than the toner or cream, it is the most targeted delivery step for the line's core ingredient.
Shikamanu Gel Cream 75ml
The Shikamanu Gel Cream (75ml) is the moisturising step in the facial routine. A gel cream is lighter in texture than a traditional cream but heavier than a lotion, which makes it a practical choice for normal to oily skin or in warm weather. At 75ml it provides a full-size amount suitable for consistent daily use.
The gel texture means it layers well over the serum without pilling. In cold weather or for dry skin types, a heavier cream on top of the gel can add extra occlusion, though this means stepping outside the Shikamanu line for that layer.
Shikamanu Serum Mask
The Shikamanu Serum Mask is a sheet mask format saturated with the Shikamanu serum formula rather than a standard essence. Serum masks typically deliver a more concentrated dose than regular mask products because they use serum-weight fluid rather than water-based essence. Use it as an intensive treatment step 1-3 times per week.
The mask fits between the toner and serum steps in the routine or as a replacement for both on treatment days. After removing the mask, press the remaining serum into skin rather than rinsing, then continue with the gel cream.
Shikamanu Serum Cushion 15g and Refill
The Shikamanu Serum Cushion (15g) is a base makeup product that incorporates the Shikamanu serum formula into a cushion compact. This is the overlap point where the Shikamanu line crosses from skincare into makeup: the cushion delivers coverage and the serum complex simultaneously.
The Serum Cushion Refill at 15g is sold separately and replaces the cushion puck when depleted, which makes the compact reusable. Buying the refill instead of a new compact is the more economical option once you own the compact housing. At 15g both the initial compact and refill are standard cushion sizes.
Shikamanu Skin Fit Foundation 15ml
The Shikamanu Skin Fit Foundation (15ml) is a liquid foundation infused with the Shikamanu complex. At 15ml it is a compact size typical of Korean liquid foundations and well suited to daily use with measured application. "Skin Fit" in Korean makeup product names generally refers to a natural finish that adapts to the skin's texture rather than sitting heavily on top.
Use it as an alternative to the Serum Cushion when a liquid formula is preferred over a cushion texture, or layer them for additional coverage in targeted areas.
Shikamanu Body Products
The Shikamanu line includes two body products: the Body Mist (150ml) and the Weakly Acidic Body Wash (400ml). The Body Mist is a fragrance or leave-on treatment in a spray format and is available in both the Parnell-branded listing and a standalone 150ml version. The Weakly Acidic Body Wash at 400ml is formulated with a lower pH than standard body washes, which is gentler on the skin's microbiome barrier and less likely to cause dryness after washing.
The body mist is typically applied after showering and the body wash is the shower step. Both extend the Shikamanu ingredient narrative from the face to the body, which makes them a coherent complement to the facial skincare range for buyers who want a unified routine.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the Shikamanu ingredient in Parnell products?
Shikamanu is Parnell's proprietary fermented botanical extract. Fermentation increases the bioavailability of the plant compounds and produces beneficial by-products. It runs through every product in the Shikamanu line, from the toner to the body wash.
What does 92 mean in the Shikamanu 92 Serum?
The 92 in the Shikamanu 92 Serum (30ml) refers to the concentration of the Shikamanu complex in the formula. A 92% concentration makes this the most ingredient-dense product in the facial skincare sequence of the line. Apply it after the toner and before the gel cream.
Can I buy the Shikamanu Serum Cushion Refill without the compact?
The Shikamanu Serum Cushion Refill (15g) is designed to replace the puck in the reusable compact. You need the compact housing first, then use the refill when the original cushion runs out. Buying the refill rather than a new full compact is the more economical option for existing compact owners.
What does weakly acidic mean in the Shikamanu Body Wash?
A weakly acidic body wash has a pH closer to the skin's natural range (around 4.5-5.5) rather than the alkaline pH of many standard soaps. This reduces disruption to the skin's acid mantle and microbiome. The Shikamanu Weakly Acidic Body Wash (400ml) is formulated at this lower pH, making it less likely to cause dryness or irritation after washing.
How often should I use the Parnell Shikamanu Serum Mask?
The Shikamanu Serum Mask is a treatment step used 1-3 times per week rather than daily. On mask days it replaces or follows the toner step. After removing the mask, press the remaining serum into skin and follow with the gel cream. Daily use is possible but the mask is most effective as an intensive weekly or twice-weekly treatment.
Is the Shikamanu Gel Cream suitable for oily skin?
Yes. The gel cream texture is lighter than a traditional cream, which makes it better suited to oily or normal skin types than the heavier alternatives. The 75ml size is large enough for full-face daily use. For dry skin needing more occlusion, a heavier cream layered on top is an option, though this would be outside the Shikamanu line.
Should I choose the Shikamanu Skin Fit Foundation or the Serum Cushion?
The Serum Cushion (15g) delivers a cushion-pressed, buildable coverage that is typical for on-the-go application. The Skin Fit Foundation (15ml) is a liquid formula suited to a flat brush or sponge for more controlled coverage. Choose the cushion for convenience and a natural finish; choose the foundation for more precise, adjustable application.
What is the correct order to layer Parnell Shikamanu skincare products?
Apply in this order: Shikamanu Toner first, then Shikamanu 92 Serum, then Shikamanu Gel Cream. On treatment days, use the Serum Mask after the toner and before the serum, or as a replacement for both steps. For sun protection or coverage, follow with the Serum Cushion or Skin Fit Foundation.
Is Parnell a Korean brand?
Yes. Parnell is a Korean skincare brand. Products on skinsli are sourced from Korean supply and the Shikamanu line is manufactured in Korea.
Why is the Shikamanu Body Mist listed twice in the range?
The Body Mist 150ml appears under two slightly different listings: one as "Parnell Shikamanu Body Mist" and one as "Shikamanu Body Mist." Both are the same 150ml spray in the same scent. The duplicate listing reflects a labelling variation in the product entry rather than a different formula or size.












