We Road Test The New Erborian CC Cream

Kirsten’s Erborian CC Cream Review

• The shade I reviewed: Clair

I’ve never really reached for an CC cream before; generally, I prefer the fuller coverage that comes with a foundation. That being said, I was so excited to try this one from Erborian as I’ve heard such good things about the original and I’m a huge fan of Korean skincare. I opted for the shade Clair which was slightly lighter than my natural skin tone, but I enjoyed that, as I felt it like it brightened my whole complexion.

Given my love for foundations, I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised! I wasn’t sure if I’d suit a coverage as sheer as this, but for my first time using a CC cream, I’ve been converted. On days when I want extra help to look fresh and awake, I’ll happily go back to this. It was super easy to apply (I just blended a small amount over my face using my fingers), and the tube-style packaging means it would be perfect for when I need to do a quick face of makeup during my morning commute. I also loved that it had SPF built in as it meant one less step in my morning routine.

Although it lasted a good few hours, I did notice some creasing towards the end of the day. But I don’t use a setting powder, so this is quite common for me. I think I’ll stick to a foundation with more coverage when I’m going for a long-lasting full face, but this is perfect for situations when I don’t want to wear much makeup - but also don’t feel comfortable being fully bare-faced!

Tanya’s Erborian CC Cream Review

• The shade I reviewed: Rich

Like Kirsten, CC creams and skin tints aren’t usually my go-to because I’ve never found one that suits my skin tone. But I felt optimistic about Erborian’s CC Cream, especially as the shade I was testing, Rich, initially seemed like a promising match.

While the depth of the shade was spot on, the undertone didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I have a warm, red undertone, and this shade felt noticeably cool-toned, which left my skin looking a bit ashy once it settled. The formula itself comes out white - something I wasn’t expecting - then adjusts as you blend, but the white cast never fully disappeared on my skin, which was a shame.

On the upside, the wear time was impressive! It lasted all day without caking or feeling heavy, and the texture remained light and breathable throughout. I also really liked the sleek, mess-free packaging - it’s compact and perfect for quick touch-ups or travel. While I won’t be using this one again purely due to the undertone mismatch, I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who can find a better shade match. If Erborian ever expands their range to cater more to warm undertones, I’d be keen to revisit it!

The Verdict On Erborian’s Reformulated CC Cream

Erborian’s CC Cream is a great option for those looking for a lightweight, fuss-free base that enhances rather than masks your skin. The addition of SPF30 also makes for an effortless, streamlined morning routine that leaves your complexion looking fresh, bright and well-rested. The texture is breathable, comfortable, and holds up impressively well throughout the day. However, the shade range is limited and the product's initial white cast may also be more noticeable on deeper skin tones, depending on how well the pigment adjusts.

The Pros:

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use formula that takes seconds to blend (especially when you’re on the move), the new Erborian CC cream is for you. Even better, it contains SPF 30 and is infused with skincare, so it can help to brighten your complexion and offer a natural glow with minimal effort.

The Cons:

If, like Kirsten, you prefer a fuller coverage, you might be better suited to a foundation or buildable tinted moisturiser than a CC cream. And with its limited shade range, some users may find it difficult to get an exact match - especially those with warm or deep skin tones. The product's initial white formula may also be more noticeable on deeper skin tones, depending on how well the pigment adjusts.

More From Erborian

As with the CC Cream, Erborian’s entire collection is rooted in combining advanced Korean skincare technology with accessible, easy-to-use formulas. Think of it as a one-stop shop for almost every skin concern – whether it’s dry skin, redness and irritation, or pigmentation.

If you like a breathable formula, but prefer additional coverage, we recommend the Erborian Super BB Cream Au Ginseng. With a matte finish and a fermented ginseng flower and niacinamide blend, it hydrates the skin while concealing imperfections. Or pair the newly reformulated CC Cream with its eye cream counterpart; the Erborian CC concealer is as nourishing as it is brightening, using similar encapsulated pigments (plus tiger fruit extract) to revive and smooth the under-eye area.