Sulwhasoo First Care Serum or d'Alba First Spray Serum: which first step fits your routine?

Published Nov 4, 2026 · Gatgooun

Written with AI assistance and reviewed by the Gatgooun editor. We have not tested these products; the directions and descriptions are the brands' and listings' own. For information only, not skincare advice.

This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Choose Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum if you want one serum applied right after cleansing; choose d'Alba White Truffle First Spray Serum if you want a mist the brand also suggests using around makeup.

Both names start with "First," which makes them easy to mix up, but the brands describe two different jobs. We read Sulwhasoo's and d'Alba's own product pages and the Amazon listing titles on November 1, 2026. We don't list prices or promise results, and we haven't tested either one.

The difference in one look

• Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI: a pump serum. Sulwhasoo says to use it after your morning and evening cleanse, before toner and other skincare steps. The brand's US site sells 60 mL and 90 mL bottles.
• d'Alba White Truffle First Spray Serum: a spray mist. d'Alba says it can be used as a toner, a serum or between steps, and before, during or after makeup. The Amazon listing is the 3.38 fl oz bottle; d'Alba's own site also sells 50 ml.

Sulwhasoo First Care: right after cleansing

Sulwhasoo's US page shows a four-step routine with a cleansing foam first and First Care Activating Serum second, followed by a serum and a cream. Its named key ingredients are 500-hour fermented ginseng, a Korean herb extract and a vitamin C derivative.

The page's How to use section gives these steps. Other parts of the same page mention different pump counts, so follow the directions that come with your bottle:

1. After your morning and evening cleanse, apply three pumps to damp skin with your fingertips.
2. Press the serum into your skin with an open palm.

d'Alba First Spray Serum: a mist for skin and makeup

d'Alba describes a double-layer, oil-based mist and names white truffle with vitamin E, an 8-oil blend and a 9-herb complex as its key ingredients. Its FAQ says you can use it as a toner, a serum, or between each step of your routine.

The brand also pitches it for makeup: spray it before makeup as skin prep, onto your face or sponge during makeup, and after makeup as a fixer. When spraying over makeup, d'Alba suggests holding it at a slight distance to avoid smudging.

The full ingredient list on d'Alba's page includes fragrance, and the FAQ mentions a subtle citrusy scent. If you avoid fragrance, read that list first.

Which one should you buy?

Start with when you'd use it. If you want a fixed step at the sink, morning and night, Sulwhasoo's directions are built around that: cleanse, then apply and press it in. If you want something to reach for during the day or over makeup, d'Alba is the one whose brand describes that use.

Then think about the rest of your routine. Sulwhasoo's routine puts another serum and a cream after it. d'Alba says its spray can be used as a toner or serum.

Whichever you pick, check the ingredient list on the listing, and patch test anything new before using it on your whole face.

Sources

• Sulwhasoo US: First Care Activating Serum VI
• d'Alba: White Truffle First Spray Serum
• Amazon US listing: Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI
• Amazon US listing: d'Alba Piedmont Italian White Truffle First Spray Serum (3.38 fl oz)