Works for
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Glycerin + 11 moreWorks well
“Oligosaccharides from hydrolyzed Beta Glucan respond to dehydration signals, helping skin to maintain optimal hydration levels.”
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, sodium acetylated hyaluronate.
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: helianthus annuus seed oil, squalene.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Evens skin toneNiacinamide, Lactic acidWorks well
“Hydrolyzed Wheat Flour, rich in arabinoxylo-oligosaccharides, activates as needed to brighten and help reduce the appearance of dark spots.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Anti-agingNiacinamide, Ilex paraguariensis leaf extract + 2 moreWorks well
“Plant-based Mannose-6-Phosphate visibly smooths and provides a firming effect, responding to the first signs of visible skin aging to help improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
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.
Anti-blemishSide benefit · Niacinamide, BentoniteWorks well
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Cornus officinalis fruit extract, Squalene + 4 moreMay help
This product contains antioxidants (cornus officinalis fruit extract, ilex paraguariensis leaf extract, squalene) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy9 strong irritants: Ilex paraguariensis leaf extract, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit extract + 7 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~4.3–5.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinCoco-caprylate/caprate~4.1–5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
More about Coco-caprylate/capratePpg-24-glycereth-24~2.4–3%
Niacinamide~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 NiacinamideButylene glycol~1.9–2.3%
- 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 glycol1,2-hexanediol~0.7–1.05%
Sodium acrylates crosspolymer-2~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
C18-36 acid triglyceride~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~0.8–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurateHydroxyacetophenone~0.65–0.95%
Jojoba esters~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function
More about Jojoba estersOlive oil decyl esters~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phytosterols~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Lipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function
More about PhytosterolsCornus officinalis fruit extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that contains anti-oxidants. It might help to neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used to help preserve the product formulation
More about Cornus officinalis fruit extractHydrolyzed wheat flour~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium mannose phosphate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phytosteryl macadamiate~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Phytosteryl macadamiateHydrolyzed beta-glucan~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Mimosa tenuiflora bark extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ilex paraguariensis leaf extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain fragrand compounds like linalool that can be irritating
More about Ilex paraguariensis leaf extractSea salt~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration
More about Sea saltFerula galbaniflua resin oil~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function
More about Helianthus annuus seed oilCitrus aurantium bergamia fruit extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilJuniperus virginiana oil~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Cedarwood oil. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating
More about Juniperus virginiana oilPelargonium graveolens flower oil~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidation
More about Pelargonium graveolens flower oilVetiveria zizanoides root oil~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Prunus amygdalus amara kernel oil~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Chlorella vulgaris extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
A plant extract that can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
More about Chlorella vulgaris extractDipteryx odorata seed extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Lactic acid~0.2–0.4%
- 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 acidBentonite~0.25–0.4%
C12-18 acid triglyceride~0.25–0.5%
Squalene~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
An oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast
More about SqualeneTocopherol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolSodium acetylated hyaluronate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of hyaluronic acid that works as an excellent moisturizer by attracting water into the upper layer of the skin. Is typically feels less sticky on the skin compared to the usual hyaluronic acid
More about Sodium acetylated hyaluronateMannose~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Citric acid~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidHydrated silica~0.3–0.6%
Sodium benzoate~0.15–0.3%
Potassium sorbate~0.15–0.25%
Citronellol~0.1–0.2%
Geraniol~0.15–0.25%
Coumarin~0.1–0.25%
Linalool~0.1–0.15%
Limonene~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Ppg-24-glycereth-24, Niacinamide, Butylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Sodium acrylates crosspolymer-2, C18-36 acid triglyceride, Sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Jojoba esters, Olive oil decyl esters, Phytosterols, Cornus officinalis fruit extract, Hydrolyzed wheat flour, Sodium mannose phosphate, Phytosteryl macadamiate, Hydrolyzed beta-glucan, Mimosa tenuiflora bark extract, Ilex paraguariensis leaf extract, Sea salt, Ferula galbaniflua resin oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Juniperus virginiana oil, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, Vetiveria zizanoides root oil, Prunus amygdalus amara kernel oil, Chlorella vulgaris extract, Dipteryx odorata seed extract, Lactic acid, Bentonite, C12-18 acid triglyceride, Squalene, Tocopherol, Sodium acetylated hyaluronate, Mannose, Citric acid, Hydrated silica, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Coumarin, Linalool, Limonene
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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.
| DermalogicaSmart Response SerumYOUR PRODUCT | Mary&MayRose Collagen Mist Serum | SkinfixBarrier+ Triple Lipid + Collagen + Niacinamide Activating Serum | LightindermREDNESS Capsules | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 91% | 89% | 89% |
| Price | $154.00 | $14.75−$139.25 | $65.95−$88.05 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 12 | 6 of 12 | 3 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Adenosine | Tripeptide-1 | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: PCA SKIN Intensive Age Refining Treatment 0.5 Percent Pure Retinol NightALASTIN Skincare Restorative Skin Complex
Product summary
"Dermalogica - Smart Response Serum" is effective for: Anti-blemish, Moisturizing, Evens skin tone and Anti-aging
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (2.30% - 2.80%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- Humectants (sodium acetylated hyaluronate 0.20% - 0.40% and glycerin 4.30% - 5.30%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Dermalogica" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails from 135.00$ up to 169.00$ in the United States, from 122.95£ up to 147.00£ in the United Kingdom and for 229.00CA$ in Canada.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
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