I'll be straight with you - I'm pretty skeptical when it comes to skincare products, especially ones with fancy names like "Tundra Chaga." But after seeing this serum pop up everywhere in Korean beauty circles and reading some glowing reviews, curiosity got the better of me. I've been using the Blithe Tundra Chaga Pressed Serum for about two months now, and honestly? I'm kind of impressed.
What's the Deal with This Serum?
So this isn't just another mushroom skincare trend (though yes, chaga is a mushroom). Blithe sources their chaga from actual tundra regions - those super cold, pristine areas where the mushrooms develop crazy high concentrations of antioxidants just to survive.
The serum itself is this beautiful amber color that feels almost weightless on your skin. When I first opened the bottle, I was worried it might smell weird - mushroom skincare can be hit or miss that way. But it just has this subtle, earthy scent that disappears pretty quickly.
What caught my attention initially was their "pressed" extraction method. Instead of using harsh chemicals, they literally press the nutrients out of the chaga, kind of like cold-pressing juice. The result is this concentrated formula that's about 60% chaga extract.
My Real Experience Over Weeks
The First Two Weeks
I started using it twice daily after cleansing, and the first thing I noticed was how quickly it absorbed. One pump was enough for my entire face and neck, which was great because at around $ a bottle, you want it to last.
Within the first few days, my skin just felt... better? More plump, I guess. My makeup started going on smoother too, which was an unexpected bonus. No breakouts or irritation, which was a relief since I have pretty sensitive combination skin.
Weeks 3-4: Things Got Interesting
This is when I started noticing changes in the mirror. My skin texture was definitely improving - those rough patches on my cheeks were smoothing out. And that dull, tired look I'd been fighting? It was starting to lift.
My husband actually asked if I was using a new foundation because my skin looked more even. Spoiler alert: I wasn't. The fine lines around my eyes weren't as pronounced either, especially in the morning before I'd had my coffee and properly woken up.
The Final Month: Real Results
By week 5, people started commenting. My sister asked what I'd been doing differently, and a coworker mentioned my skin looked "glowy." I'm not usually one to track skincare progress obsessively, but I did take some before and after photos, and the difference was pretty clear.
The most noticeable changes were around my eyes and forehead - those expression lines were definitely softer. My pores looked smaller, especially on my cheeks where they tend to be most visible. And the overall radiance thing? It's real. My skin just looks healthier.
How I Use It (And What Works Best)
I keep it simple. After cleansing at night, I pat one pump into my skin and let it absorb for about minutes before following up with my regular moisturizer. In the morning, I do the same thing but make sure to wait before applying sunscreen.
One thing I learned the hard way - don't rush the absorption time. The first week, I was impatient and would layer my moisturizer right on top. The serum works much better when you give it time to really sink in.
I also started storing it in my bedroom instead of the bathroom. The cooler temperature seems to help maintain its potency, and honestly, it feels more luxurious when it's not sitting next to my toothbrush.
The Ingredients That Actually Matter
Beyond the chaga mushroom extract, there are some other ingredients worth mentioning. The birch sap adds extra hydration without feeling heavy, and they've included adenosine, which is one of the few anti-aging ingredients actually proven to work in clinical studies.
There's also niacinamide in there, which explains why my pores look better, and a hyaluronic acid complex that probably contributes to the plumping effect I noticed early on.
Common Questions I Had (And You Probably Do Too)
Will it work on my skin type? I have combination skin that leans sensitive, and it's been great. My friend with oily skin tried it and loved how lightweight it felt. If you have very dry skin, you'll definitely need a moisturizer on top, but that's pretty standard for serums anyway.
How long before you see results? The hydration boost is immediate, but the anti-aging stuff took about a month for me to really notice. Everyone's different though - some people see changes sooner, others take longer.
Can you use it with other products? Yes, but introduce it slowly if you're using strong actives like retinol or AHA. I use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night without any issues, but I spaced them out when I first started.
How does it compare to other K-beauty serums? I've tried the SK-II essence and some Missha products. This feels more substantial and moisturizing than SK-II, but less heavy than typical snail serums. The anti-aging results are definitely more noticeable than most serums I've used.
The Good, The Bad, and The Honest Truth
What I love about this serum is that it actually does what it promises. The hydration is excellent, it plays well with other products, and the anti-aging results are visible without being dramatic. It doesn't make outrageous claims, and it delivers on the ones it does make.
The downsides? The price is definitely on the higher side. It's not drugstore skincare, and if you're just starting to build a routine, this probably isn't where you want to splurge first. The availability can also be tricky - I had to order mine online since it's not carried in many stores yet.
Also, if you're looking for immediate, dramatic results, this isn't that kind of product. It's more of a long-term investment in your skin's health and appearance.
My Final Take
After two months of use, I'm genuinely impressed with the Blithe Tundra Chaga Pressed Serum. It's not a miracle product, but it's a really well-formulated serum that delivers consistent, noticeable results.
Is it worth $50? For me, yes. The bottle lasts about 3- months with daily use, and the results justify the cost. But I also understand that's not in everyone's budget, and there are certainly good serums available for less money.
If you're curious but hesitant about the price, I'd recommend starting with their travel size. It's enough product to really test how your skin responds without the full financial commitment.
I'm planning to repurchase when I run out, which for me is always the real test of whether a skincare product is worth it. My skin looks and feels better than it has in months, and I think the chaga extract really does make a difference.
Bottom line: If you're looking for a premium serum that delivers on its promises and you're willing to invest in your skincare routine, this one's worth trying.
