Works for
MoisturizingCeramide np, Glycerin + 16 moreWorks well
“Hydration Boosting Serum”
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:
algae extract, betaine.
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: dimethicone, squalane.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · Centella asiatica extract, Algae extract + 1 moreMay help
This product contains centella asiatica extract. 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.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Ficus carica fruit extract, Centella asiatica extract + 2 moreMay help
This product contains antioxidants (centella asiatica extract, ficus carica fruit extract) 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?
Irritancy7 strong irritants: Eclipta prostrata leaf extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil + 5 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Methylpropanediol~5.8–7.1%
Glycerin~4–4.9%
- 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 GlycerinNeopentyl glycol diheptanoate~3.1–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Neopentyl glycol diheptanoateCyclopentasiloxane~2.4–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneHydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)~2–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)Dimethicone~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about DimethiconePolyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~1.4–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate1,2-hexanediol~0.75–1.1%
Pentylene glycol~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolAlgae extract~0.8–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet
More about Algae extractEclipta prostrata leaf extract~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that is mostly used as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Eclipta prostrata leaf extractCentella asiatica extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.
More about Centella asiatica extractFicus carica fruit extract~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals. The concentrations typically used in cosmetics are too small to have an effect
More about Ficus carica fruit extractUlmus campestris bark extract~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Amaranthus caudatus seed extract~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Citrus aurantium dulcis oil~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivity
More about Citrus aurantium dulcis oilCitrus limon fruit oil~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity
More about Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilHydrogenated lecithin~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinCymbopogon nardus oil~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
Geranium maculatum oil~0.3–0.55%
Cyclomethicone~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer
More about CyclomethiconeBetaine~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineGlyceryl stearate~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearatePeg-100 stearate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerCarbomer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerButylene glycol~0.3–0.55%
- 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 glycolSqualane~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 SqualaneTromethamine~0.3–0.55%
Polysorbate 20~0.3–0.55%
Dipropylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolSodium stearoyl glutamate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl glutamateDimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerEthylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%
Polysorbate 60~0.2–0.4%
Disodium edta~0.15–0.3%
Fructooligosaccharides~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about FructooligosaccharidesLecithin~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinBeta-glucan~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Beta-glucanHydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidCeramide np~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide npIngredient list view
Water, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin), Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, 1,2-hexanediol, Pentylene glycol, Algae extract, Eclipta prostrata leaf extract, Centella asiatica extract, Ficus carica fruit extract, Ulmus campestris bark extract, Amaranthus caudatus seed extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil, Citrus limon fruit oil, Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Hydrogenated lecithin, Cymbopogon nardus oil, Geranium maculatum oil, Cyclomethicone, Betaine, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Carbomer, Butylene glycol, Squalane, Tromethamine, Polysorbate 20, Dipropylene glycol, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 60, Disodium edta, Fructooligosaccharides, Lecithin, Beta-glucan, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Ceramide np
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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.
| Dr. AltheaHydration Boosting SerumYOUR PRODUCT | AIPPOExpert Hydrating Ampoule | BYROEBELL PEPPER SERUM | 107 BeautySoseo Vinbiome Retinal Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 62% | 60% | 59% |
| Price | $21.90 | $29.30+$7.40 | — | $54.00+$32.10 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 11 of 13 | 8 of 13 | 7 of 13 |
| Key difference | — | Oatmeal Extract | Panthenol | Retinal |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming AmpouleRNW DER. CONCENTRATE Ceramide Plus
Product summary
"Dr. Althea - Hydration Boosting Serum" is effective for: Moisturizing
Ingredient callouts
- Ceramides (ceramide np 0.15% - 0.25%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.
- Humectants (hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid 0.10% - 0.15%, fructooligosaccharides 0.15% - 0.30%, betaine 0.30% - 0.55%, cyclomethicone 0.35% - 0.60%, algae extract 0.80% - 1.15% and glycerin 4.00% - 4.90%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 22.44$ 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 28 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 4
- 5
- 6Centella asiatica in cosmetologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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