Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Moisturizing
- Anti-aging
- Anti-oxidation
- Evens skin tone
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: medium
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 0
Key actives
Product Summary
"Algenist - Skincare AA Barrier Serum" is effective for: Moisturizing and Anti-aging
This product could be helpful for: Evens skin tone, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- This product also contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). It can be an effective active for anti-aging and evening out the skin tone, but in this product it is used for stabilizing other ingredients in the formulation. In this concentration (0.15% - 0.30%) it cannot have a noticeable benefit for the skin.
- This product includes a form of Retinoids (vitamin A) - retinyl palmitate 0.15% - 0.25%, but this type of vitamin A is not very effective. It could in theory help with fine lines and wrinkles, but the effect is most likely minimal.
- Peptides (heptapeptide-15 palmitate 0.50% - 0.70% and copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14 0.65% - 1.00%). Peptides are a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of aminoacids. Our skin produces Peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of Peptides is, but it is very likely that theynare helpful. Peptides might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.
- Humectants (sodium lactate 0.15% - 0.25%, sodium pca 0.15% - 0.25%, glycerin 0.20% - 0.35%, arginine 0.15% - 0.30%, histidine 0.15% - 0.30%, alanine 0.25% - 0.45%, pca 0.25% - 0.45%, aspartic acid 0.25% - 0.50%, heptapeptide-15 palmitate 0.50% - 0.70%, copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14 0.65% - 1.00% and parachlorella beijerinckii exopolysaccharides 1.50% - 1.80%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails from 48.95£ up to 1355.00£ in the United Kingdom and for 85.00$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Patented Alguronic Acid utilises naturally sourced algae to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, boosting the effectiveness of other skincare ingredients.
Source: Allbeauty
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains heptapeptide-15 palmitate.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: adenosine triphosphate, aspartic acid, copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14, epigallocatechin gallate, phloretin, serine, threonine.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
A potent antioxidant that is able to penetrate the skin barrier. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin, fight photodamage and reduce hyperpigmentation. It is, however, unstable and loses effectiveness when exposed to light. Effective products with phloretin must come in air-tight opaque packaging and use a sophisticated delivery technology
A polyphenol found in tea. This particular compound abbreviated EGCG is the most powerful antioxidant among those extracted from tea (usually green tea). Unfortunately, EGCG is unstable, requires a low pH (below 4) to prevent quick degradation, and does not penetrate the skin very well. This is why the full anti-oxidant effect of EGCG is typically not realized when it is added to topical skincare
The copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14 is a synthetic peptide developed by ingredient supplier Infinitec, which claims that it can increase collagen production in skin when combined with Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate. The complex was tested in vitro (in a lab) and in a clinical test with 30 volunteers, but the latter wasn't placebo-controlled. The manufacturer reported wrinkle reduction after 28 days of use, but the details of the study aren't publicly available.
An amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect
Anti-oxidation
This product contains antioxidants (phloretin) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
The following ingredients - epigallocatechin gallate also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
A potent antioxidant that is able to penetrate the skin barrier. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin, fight photodamage and reduce hyperpigmentation. It is, however, unstable and loses effectiveness when exposed to light. Effective products with phloretin must come in air-tight opaque packaging and use a sophisticated delivery technology
A polyphenol found in tea. This particular compound abbreviated EGCG is the most powerful antioxidant among those extracted from tea (usually green tea). Unfortunately, EGCG is unstable, requires a low pH (below 4) to prevent quick degradation, and does not penetrate the skin very well. This is why the full anti-oxidant effect of EGCG is typically not realized when it is added to topical skincare
Compounds extracted from green algae that could help neutralize free radicals, but evidence of effectiveness in skincare products (topical applicaiton) is missing. Helps moisturize the skin by attracting water to its upper layer
Might help neutralize free radicals in skin
Can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Preliminary studies show that it can be more effective than coenzyme Q10 but studies on effective concentration for topical applications are lacking
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
It defends the skin against external aggressors, keeping it smooth, hydrated, and healthy.
Source: Allbeauty
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
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. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
alanine, arginine.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine, dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14, heptapeptide-15 palmitate
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
The copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14 is a synthetic peptide developed by ingredient supplier Infinitec, which claims that it can increase collagen production in skin when combined with Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate. The complex was tested in vitro (in a lab) and in a clinical test with 30 volunteers, but the latter wasn't placebo-controlled. The manufacturer reported wrinkle reduction after 28 days of use, but the details of the study aren't publicly available.
An amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles
An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
An amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function
Compounds extracted from green algae that could help neutralize free radicals, but evidence of effectiveness in skincare products (topical applicaiton) is missing. Helps moisturize the skin by attracting water to its upper layer
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation
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
Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent
A type of silicone that can help create nice product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
A polyphenol found in tea. This particular compound abbreviated EGCG is the most powerful antioxidant among those extracted from tea (usually green tea). Unfortunately, EGCG is unstable, requires a low pH (below 4) to prevent quick degradation, and does not penetrate the skin very well. This is why the full anti-oxidant effect of EGCG is typically not realized when it is added to topical skincare
A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
Evens skin tone
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: alanine, epigallocatechin gallate, phloretin.
A polyphenol found in tea. This particular compound abbreviated EGCG is the most powerful antioxidant among those extracted from tea (usually green tea). Unfortunately, EGCG is unstable, requires a low pH (below 4) to prevent quick degradation, and does not penetrate the skin very well. This is why the full anti-oxidant effect of EGCG is typically not realized when it is added to topical skincare
A potent antioxidant that is able to penetrate the skin barrier. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin, fight photodamage and reduce hyperpigmentation. It is, however, unstable and loses effectiveness when exposed to light. Effective products with phloretin must come in air-tight opaque packaging and use a sophisticated delivery technology
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Moisturizing |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 100/100.
We receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost for you. Thank you for your support! Learn more
Affiliate link · supports WIMJ at no cost to you
Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
No comedogenic ingredients detected
User reviews (1)
Averages from community submissions.
How would you describe the texture?
How much does this product clog pores?
How would you describe the smell?
Tried this product?
Help capture what the ingredient list can't—texture, finish, pilling, scent, and more. Answer what you can, skip the rest.
Takes ~30 seconds.
Reviews are shown in aggregate. No personal details.
| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Algenist Skincare AA Barrier Serum | Current | $48.95 | |
 Superegg Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum | 74% | $72.00 | |
AHC Hydrating Korean Skincare Aqualuronic Face Serum | 72% | $19.36 | |
Maruderm Vitamin C & Peptide Skin Brightening Serum | 72% | $24.90 | |
 Jeffree Star Cosmetics Vitamin C Skin Perfecting Serum | 71% | $52.00 | |
 MEDI-PEEL Luminous Silk Oil Serum | 70% | $30.20 |
Key Actives
Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
We couldn't find any comedogenic ingredients in this product
All ingredients
Ingredient list view
Water, Butylene glycol, Peg-8 dimethicone, Propanediol, Caprylyl methicone, Dimethicone, Parachlorella beijerinckii exopolysaccharides, Phloretin, Ergothioneine, Copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14, Heptapeptide-15 palmitate, Epigallocatechin gallate, Tocopheryl acetate, Aspartic acid, Pca, Disodium edta, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Lactic acid/glycolic acid copolymer, Polyvinyl alcohol, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Arginine, Ascorbic acid, Octyldodecanol, Pyridoxine hcl, Retinyl palmitate, Silica, Sodium propoxyhydroxypropyl thiosulfate silica, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Pentylene glycol, Isohexadecane, Adenosine triphosphate, Hydrolyzed oat protein, Niacinamide, Citric acid, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan isostearate, Sodium pca, Sodium phytate, Sodium lactate, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Phenoxyethanol
- Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medications
- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyol
- Exopolysaccharides extracted from Parachlorella kessleri inhibit colon carcinoma growth in mice via stimulation of host antitumor immune responses
- Microalgal polysaccharide compositions
- The antioxidant activity of phloretin: the disclosure of a new antioxidant pharmacophore in flavonoids
- Dermatological applications of the flavonoid phloretin
- Protective Effects of Topical Vitamin C Compound Mixtures against Ozone-Induced Damage in Human Skin - Supplementary Material
- A comparison of the relative antioxidant potency of L‐ergothioneine and idebenone
- l-Ergothioneine Protects Skin Cells against UV-Induced Damage—A Preliminary Study
- Topical Peptide Treatments with Effective Anti-Aging Results
- X50 Anti-aging Powder Brochure
- Great green tea ingredient? A narrative literature review on epigallocatechin gallate and its biophysical properties for topical use in dermatology
- Comparative Evaluation of Different Co-Antioxidants on the Photochemical- and Functional-Stability of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate in Topical Creams Exposed to Simulated Sunlight
- Photodegradation of (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate in topical cream formulations and its photostabilization
- Acetyl aspartic acid, a novel active ingredient, demonstrates potential to improve signs of skin ageing: from consumer need to clinical proof
- In vivo topical application of acetyl aspartic acid increases fibrillin-1 and collagen IV deposition leading to a significant improvement of skin firmness
- Combination of amino acids reduces pigmentation in B16F0 melanoma cells
- Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
- Local rhamnosoft, ceramides and L‐isoleucine in atopic eczema: a randomized, placebo controlled trial
- Histidine and/or Histidine Derivative for the Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Diseases
- Safety Assessment of α-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmetics
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology
- Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x