PinkSeoul Plus Box Review January/February 2026

If your skin's been giving you the cold shoulder this winter (pun fully intended), PinkSeoul's latest box might just be the plot twist your routine needs. This January/February drop is all about cica-powered barrier repair. But does it deliver on that promise, or are we dealing with a case of overpromising and underdelivering? Let's break down every product, from holy-grail hero to disappointing.

PinkSeoul Plus is a bi-monthly Korean beauty subscription box curated for your skin type, featuring full-sized products to help you build (or refine) your routine as you go. You can also browse their online store, which is dangerous if you’re easily tempted by shiny new serums.

PinkSeoul offers two subscription types:

• The PinkSeoul Box is $39.95 every two months, with a retail value of over $60.
• The PinkSeoul Plus Box, recommended for subscribers age 35+, is $49.95 every two months with a retail value of over $80.

Each one ships every other month and includes at least four full-sized items plus an accessory.

This review is of the Combination Skin Type PinkSeoul Plus Box, which costs $49.95 every two months.

ACTIVE DEAL: Save 10% off your first box with code MSA10.
This box was sent to us at no cost to review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)

What’s Inside

CNP Deep Cleansing Perfecta – Retail Value $24

I'm conflicted about this one, and not in a fun "will they, won't they" K-drama way. This gel-cream cleanser barely lathers; it doesn't even transform into that satisfying milky texture most double cleansers deliver. The brand claims it removes waterproof makeup, but when I tested it with a longwear eyeliner, it didn't budge. If it can't tackle liner, I'm skeptical about its sunscreen-removal powers (and we all know thorough cleansing is non-negotiable for healthy skin).

My skin did feel soft and clean afterward, but I need a cleanser that actually lifts makeup, SPF, and daily grime. This was disappointing because CNP is usually a brand I trust. The formulation might work for minimal-makeup days or as a gentle morning cleanse, but it's not pulling its weight as a proper makeup remover.

Jumiso Soothing Cica & Aloe Serum – Retail Value $18.17

Think of this less as your everyday serum and more as your skin's emergency contact. With a 50/50 split of Centella Asiatica and aloe extract, this is the product you reach for when your skin is throwing a tantrum, like post-chemical peel irritation, sunburn recovery, or after trying a new active that didn't agree with you. It's thick (almost gel-cream consistency, which is unusual for a "serum"), making it versatile enough to use on your body too.

I wouldn't incorporate this into my daily rotation because it's essentially an SOS treatment, not a maintenance product. But when your barrier is compromised, and everything stings? This will calm and soothe within a few applications. Keep it in your skincare first-aid kit.

COSRX Cica Cream Intense – Retail Value $20.40

The main character of this box. This is one of my holy-grail barrier repair products, full stop. The texture sits somewhere between a thick gel-cream and a balm, rich, occlusive, and deeply comforting when your skin is feeling raw or irritated. This is your final step in a hydrating, multilayered routine, sealing everything in like a protective hug.

Winter dryness? Sorted. Post-retinol sensitivity? Handled. I wake up with noticeably softer, calmer, repaired skin after using this overnight. Pro tip: It's also an excellent hand cream for those dealing with dry, cracked knuckles.

heimishRX Hyaluronic Acid UV Defense Hydrating Sunscreen – Retail Value $17.99

Let's address the elephant in the room: this is the US-formulated version, so yes, there's a white cast. It's not as severe as some American sunscreens (looking at you, drugstore zinc oxides), but it's there. The texture is surprisingly lightweight and absorbs relatively quickly, leaving a slightly dewy, not matte, finish that combo skin types might appreciate.

It's not my preferred formulation (give me Korean or Japanese SPF filters any day), but as far as US-compliant sunscreens go, it's solid and doesn't feel heavy or greasy. If you're not fazed by a bit of white cast and want added hydration from hyaluronic acid, this does the job without pilling under makeup.

Kaja Beauty Bento Bouncy Chrome – Retail Value $28

I've been eyeing these for ages, and now I finally understand the hype because this is giving "why did I wait so long?" energy. These eyeshadows are incredibly pigmented with minimal fallout (except the glitter shade, but that's expected with chunky glitter). The matte is the perfect transition/crease shade for adding subtle depth, but the shimmer shades? Chef's kiss.

Finding shimmer or glitter shadows that don't leave a trail of sparkle chaos all over your face is genuinely difficult, so this was a pleasant surprise. The compact packaging is brilliant for travel, it's like a complete eye look in one tiny case. Kaja really said "let's make K-beauty makeup fun AND functional" and delivered.

The Creme Shop x Hello Kitty Handy Dandy Cream – Retail Value $4

Cute packaging? Check. Effective hand cream? Check. Overly sweet, dessert-like scent that screams "vanilla cupcake bakery"? Also check. It does the job of moisturizing hands without being greasy, and honestly, the Hello Kitty collab alone makes it smile-inducing.

Petitfee Silk Amino Serum Mask – Retail Value $1.83

A straightforward, well-fitting sheet mask with solid ingredients (silk amino acids are great for smoothing and hydration). The sheet material felt comfortable and didn't dry out too quickly, which is always a win. Nothing groundbreaking.

Elizavecca Anti-Aging EGF Aqua Mask – Retail Value $4.99

I love keeping one or two of these multi-step Elizavecca masks in my travel bag because they're essentially a complete routine in one packet: cleanser, serum, and mask all included. It's perfect for hotel rooms or post-flight skin recovery when you don't want to lug your entire bathroom. The mask itself is comfortable to wear and versatile enough for various skin concerns. EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) is a nice bonus for anti-aging support.

Was This Box Worth It?

The Cost: $49.95 bi-monthly

Retail Value: $119.38

Deal: Save 10% off your first box with code MSA10 

This box had its plot twists. Some hits, some misses, but overall it's a decent cica-focused lineup with hidden gems worth discovering. The COSRX Cica Cream Intense is hands-down the MVP; it's one of those rare products that genuinely transforms your skin barrier health. The Kaja eyeshadows blew me away with their clever packaging and impressive formulation, definitely living up to the K-beauty innovation hype.

I also appreciate that this box included SPF (heimishRX sunscreen). Any box that acknowledges sun protection gets bonus points in my book, even if the formula isn't my personal favorite.

The disappointments? The CNP cleanser looked promising on paper, but didn't deliver on its makeup-removing claims, a major letdown from a brand I usually trust. The Jumiso serum feels more like an emergency treatment than a daily-use product, which limits its versatility.

Despite the mixed bag, the value is undeniably strong at over double what you pay. If you're into barrier-repair skincare and don't mind a few experimental products, this box delivers enough winners to make it worthwhile.

Just FIY

Can I still get this box if I sign up today? No, your first box will be a PinkSeoul PLUS welcome box (valued at $100+).

Good to Know: Your first box will ship within 5 business days, and subsequent boxes will ship by the 25th of every other month.

So, what do you think of the PinkSeoul Plus PLUS box? Are you a fan of bi-monthly beauty adventures? Let's connect and share our experiences in the spirited world of K-beauty!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add PinkSeoul to your subscription list or wishlist!