Dara Kennedy Sea Serum

Dara Kennedy Sea Serum

Efficacy58/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Moisturizing
Panthenol, Palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine + 18 more
Works well
What the product description says
“The multi-talented vibrance and elasticity booster that just knows what you need The Dara Kennedy Sea Serum is an innovative hydrating, multi-dimensional, and adaptive serum for more vibrant, resilient skin.”
Source: N/A

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: glycerin, hyaluronic acid.

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: chondrus crispus extract, squalane.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine, panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.5–0.75%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3.9–4.7%
LactobacillusKey activeEffect: HighA non-living ingredient made by fermentation with the bacteria Lactobacillus. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help reduce inflammation~3.1–3.7%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~2.4–3%
Ascophyllum nodosum extractKey activeEffect: HighBrown seaweed extract. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effect~1.6–2%
Crithmum maritimum callus culture filtrateKey activeEffect: HighA plant cell extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties~1.4–1.7%
Asparagopsis armata extractKey activeEffect: HighRed seaweed extract. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effect~1.2–1.4%
Porphyra umbilicalis extractKey activeEffect: MediumAn algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have an anti-oxidant effect in skin but evidence is lacking~0.95–1.15%
Chondrus crispus extractKey active· OcclusiveEffect: HighRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency~0.6–0.95%
Cocos nucifera fruit extractKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic~0.5–0.75%
Spirulina platensis extractKey activeEffect: MediumAn algae extract. Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have an anti-oxidant effect~0.5–0.7%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.65%
Hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.35–0.6%
Hydrogenated starch hydrolysateKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can add sweet taste to lip products~0.25–0.5%
Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.15–0.25%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powderEffect: LowTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.35–0.65%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.3–0.55%
LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.3%
NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs 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~0.55–0.8%
Anti-aging
Palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine, Hyaluronic acid + 2 more
May help

This product contains palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

Palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonineKey activeEffect: Medium~0.3–0.55%
Hyaluronic acidEffect: LowOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.35–0.6%
Malachite extractEffect: LowA mineral that is claimed to be able to support collagen product in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is missing~0.3–0.55%
NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs 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~0.55–0.8%
Evens skin tone
Niacinamide ~0.55–0.8%, below the ~1% it needs
Under-dosed

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs 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~0.55–0.8%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Alcohol, Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract
Medium risk
We flagged 7 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~0.1–0.15%est.
Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extractUsed as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateA preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determineMedium~1.9–2.3%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powderTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.35–0.65%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
5 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
5 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Porphyra umbilicalis extractAn algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have an anti-oxidant effect in skin but evidence is lacking3/5~0.95–1.15%est.
Macrocystis pyrifera extract—3/5~0.7–1%est.
Chondrus crispus extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency3/5~0.6–0.95%est.
Cocos nucifera fruit extractAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.5–0.75%est.
Spirulina platensis extractAn algae extract. Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have an anti-oxidant effect3/5~0.5–0.7%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Propanediol~5.4–6.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Glycerin~3.9–4.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Lactobacillus~3.1–3.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A non-living ingredient made by fermentation with the bacteria Lactobacillus. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help reduce inflammation

More about Lactobacillus
Squalane~2.4–3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~1.9–2.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine

More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate
Ascophyllum nodosum extract~1.6–2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Brown seaweed extract. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effect

More about Ascophyllum nodosum extract
Crithmum maritimum callus culture filtrate~1.4–1.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant cell extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Crithmum maritimum callus culture filtrate
Asparagopsis armata extract~1.2–1.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Red seaweed extract. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effect

More about Asparagopsis armata extract
Porphyra umbilicalis extract~0.95–1.15%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have an anti-oxidant effect in skin but evidence is lacking

More about Porphyra umbilicalis extract
Macrocystis pyrifera extract~0.7–1%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
More about Macrocystis pyrifera extract
Chondrus crispus extract~0.6–0.95%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency

More about Chondrus crispus extract
Niacinamide~0.55–0.8%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizingReduces irritationAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces redness

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

More about Niacinamide
Panthenol~0.5–0.75%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Cocos nucifera fruit extract~0.5–0.75%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera fruit extract
Spirulina platensis extract~0.5–0.7%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An algae extract. Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have an anti-oxidant effect

More about Spirulina platensis extract
Bisabolol~0.4–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol
Sodium hyaluronate~0.45–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder
Hyaluronic acid~0.35–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation

More about Hyaluronic acid
Sodium polygamma-glutamate~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine~0.3–0.55%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging
More about Palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine
Palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminohydroxybutyrate~0.3–0.5%
Formula
Malachite extract~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-aging

A mineral that is claimed to be able to support collagen product in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is missing

More about Malachite extract
Caprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate~0.25–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can add sweet taste to lip products

More about Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate
Sodium gluconate~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium gluconate
Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Xanthan gum~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Citric acid~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Daucus carota sativa root extract~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Carrot extract. Might have anti-oxidant properties and be used to add orange color

More about Daucus carota sativa root extract
Maltodextrin~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin
Sodium lactate~0.15–0.25%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate
Lecithin~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin
Alcohol~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

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 Alcohol
Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Used as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract
Sodium hydroxide~0.05–0.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Ingredient list view

Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Lactobacillus, Squalane, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Ascophyllum nodosum extract, Crithmum maritimum callus culture filtrate, Asparagopsis armata extract, Porphyra umbilicalis extract, Macrocystis pyrifera extract, Chondrus crispus extract, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Cocos nucifera fruit extract, Spirulina platensis extract, Bisabolol, Sodium hyaluronate, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder, Hyaluronic acid, Sodium polygamma-glutamate, Palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine, Palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminohydroxybutyrate, Malachite extract, Caprylyl glycol, Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, Sodium gluconate, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Xanthan gum, Citric acid, Daucus carota sativa root extract, Maltodextrin, Sodium lactate, Lecithin, Alcohol, Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract, Sodium hydroxide

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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Dara KennedySea SerumYOUR PRODUCTLuzern LaboratoriesLuzern Firming Collagen BoosterUNPAHalo Celtening AmpouleHydroPeptideSoothing Serum
Match—84%84%82%
Price$135.00—$16.59−$118.41$111.78−$23.22
Shared key ingredients—5 of 156 of 155 of 15
Key difference—PullulanAdenosineAcetyl Hexapeptide-37
Irritancy Medium Medium Low Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol ———
View product Shop Shop Shop

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Product summary

"Dara Kennedy - Sea Serum" is effective for: Moisturizing

This product could be helpful for: Anti-aging, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • Peptides (palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine 0.30% - 0.55%). 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%, hyaluronic acid 0.35% - 0.60%, sodium hyaluronate 0.45% - 0.65%, panthenol 0.50% - 0.75% and glycerin 3.90% - 4.70%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.

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  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
Dara Kennedy Sea Serum
Dara KennedySea Serum

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.