Works for
ExfoliationSalicylic acid, Allantoin + 1 moreWorks well
“Gently exfoliates dead skin cells for softer and smoother skin”
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: salicylic acid.
MoisturizingPanthenol, Sodium lactate + 7 moreWorks well
“Hyaluronic Acid and Chamomile hydrates and nourishes skin”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": sodium hyaluronate, sodium lactate.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol
Anti-blemishSide benefit · Salicylic acid, AllantoinWorks well
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: salicylic acid. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy6 strong irritants: Alcohol, Parfum + 4 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Alcohol~8.1–9.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
More about AlcoholButylene glycol~4.2–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolSodium lactate~3.1–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
More about Sodium lactateHouttuynia cordata extract~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Bacillus ferment~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A product of bacterial fermentation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Bacillus fermentPeg-60 hydrogenated castor oil~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oilSophora japonica flower extract~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Saccharomyces/rice ferment filtrate~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A product of yeast fermentation. Can contain humectants that help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help neutralize free oxidants
More about Saccharomyces/rice ferment filtrate1,2-hexanediol~0.65–0.95%
Salicylic acid~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
More about Salicylic acidLactic acid~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
More about Lactic acidBis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silanePpg-1-peg-9 lauryl glycol ether~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Ppg-1-peg-9 lauryl glycol etherCoceth-7~0.4–0.6%
Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
More about HydroxyethylcellulosePanthenol~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolAllantoin~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinGlycyrrhiza uralensis root extract~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Licorice root extract. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation
More about Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extractSodium hyaluronate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronatePeg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilGlycyrrhiza inflata root extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
More about Glycyrrhiza inflata root extractParfum~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumMelaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilPhenoxyethanol~0.1–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolBenzyl benzoate~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating
More about Benzyl benzoateLinalool~0.05–0.1%
Butylphenyl methylpropional~0.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritating
More about Butylphenyl methylpropionalIngredient list view
Water, Alcohol, Butylene glycol, Sodium lactate, Houttuynia cordata extract, Bacillus ferment, Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, Sophora japonica flower extract, Saccharomyces/rice ferment filtrate, 1,2-hexanediol, Salicylic acid, Lactic acid, Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, Ppg-1-peg-9 lauryl glycol ether, Coceth-7, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Panthenol, Allantoin, Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Glycyrrhiza inflata root extract, Parfum, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl benzoate, Linalool, Butylphenyl methylpropional
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| ZYMOGENHouttuynia Cordata Ferment SerumYOUR PRODUCT | Allies of SkinMandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum | DCLSkincare Clear Skin Anti-Blemish Hydrator Serum | bioClarityTreat Acne Clearing Gel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 90% | 89% | 88% |
| Price | $23.10 | $41.61+$18.51 | — | $14.00−$9.10 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 7 | 6 of 7 | 5 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Niacinamide | Oatmeal Extract |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | High | Low |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Beauty Drops AHA 30% + BHA 2% PeelingRenee Rouleau BHA Clarifying Serum
Product summary
"ZYMOGEN - Houttuynia Cordata Ferment Serum" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory, Moisturizing, Anti-blemish and Exfoliation
Ingredient callouts
- Salicylic acid (0.55% - 0.85%). This is an oil-soluble exfoliating acid. Because of this property, it can work inside pores and help reduce the congestion. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and is used to treat acne. Because it is a quite strong exfoliator, be careful with using this product too often: it could result in over-exfoliation.
- Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.20% - 0.40%, sodium lactate 3.10% - 3.80% and panthenol 0.35% - 0.60%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails from 25.00A$ up to 54.00A$ in Australia and from 24.40$ up to 30.80$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
- 4A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
- 5
- 6Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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