What's In My Jar
Etude House Sake Hydrating and Brightening Serum
Etude House

Etude House Sake Hydrating and Brightening Serum

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Saccharomyces ferment filtrate, Methyl gluceth-20 + 13 more
Works
What the product description says
“Sake Hydrating and Brightening Serum”
From product name

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, lactobacillus ferment.

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: simmondsia chinensis seed extract, caprylyl glycol.

Saccharomyces ferment filtrateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~25–37%
Methyl gluceth-20Key active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it~5.1–7.7%
Lactobacillus fermentKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative~1.9–2.8%
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~1.5–2.3%
Simmondsia chinensis seed extractKey active· EmollientEffect: HighPlant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.75%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~4.6–6.9%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.4–0.9%
Hydrolyzed corn starch· HumectantEffect: LowHelps improve the product texture~0.35–0.85%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~0.2–0.75%
Rosa damascena flower oilEffect: LowUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating~0.1–0.35%
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~0.05–0.25%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizateUnder-dosedA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.2–0.7%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn 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)~0.15–0.55%
AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.15–0.6%
Sea whip extractUnder-dosedMight help neutrlize free radicals, calm down inflammation, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.05–0.15%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract, Lactobacillus ferment + 4 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem 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.

Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that might contain antioxidants~0.1–0.4%
Lactobacillus fermentEffect: LowA fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative~1.9–2.8%
CaffeineEffect: LowMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes~0.6–1.35%
Beta vulgaris root extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant extract that might have some antioxidant properties, but mostly used in cosmetics for its color~0.35–0.8%
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin~0.05–0.3%
Sea whip extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight help neutrlize free radicals, calm down inflammation, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.05–0.15%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Menthyl lactate, Rosa damascena flower oil + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 19 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Menthyl lactateUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.5–1.2%est.
Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extractAn enzyme-based exfoliantHigh~0.45–1%est.
Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extractA plant extract that might contain antioxidantsHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
Rosa damascena flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skinHigh~0.05–0.3%est.
P-anisic acidHelps preserve products. Can mask unpleasant smell. Could be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~4.6–6.9%est.
Ppg-26-buteth-26Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~2.5–3.7%est.
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1–1.5%est.
CaffeineMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyesMedium~0.6–1.35%est.
Acrylates/vinyl isodecanoate crosspolymerUsed to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen), evenly disperse pigements and create a nice product consistencyMedium~0.55–1.25%est.
Beta vulgaris root extractA plant extract that might have some antioxidant properties, but mostly used in cosmetics for its colorMedium~0.35–0.8%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.4–0.9%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.75%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.2–0.8%est.
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateUsed to improve stability of the formulationMedium~0.15–0.6%est.
Lactic acidAn 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)Medium~0.15–0.55%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~0.1–0.45%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~0.05–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Saccharomyces ferment filtrate~25–37%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharomyces ferment filtrate
Methyl gluceth-20~5.1–7.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it

More about Methyl gluceth-20
Pentylene glycol~4.6–6.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol
Dipropylene glycol~3.2–4.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol
Ppg-26-buteth-26~2.5–3.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Ppg-26-buteth-26
Lactobacillus ferment~1.9–2.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative

More about Lactobacillus ferment
Glycerin~1.5–2.3%
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
Water~1.2–1.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~1–1.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil
Caffeine~0.6–1.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
De-puffingAnti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes

More about Caffeine
Menthyl lactate~0.5–1.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Menthyl lactate
Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extract~0.45–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin tone

An enzyme-based exfoliant

More about Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extract
Acrylates/vinyl isodecanoate crosspolymer~0.55–1.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen), evenly disperse pigements and create a nice product consistency

More about Acrylates/vinyl isodecanoate crosspolymer
Hydrolyzed corn starch~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps improve the product texture

More about Hydrolyzed corn starch
Beta vulgaris root extract~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some antioxidant properties, but mostly used in cosmetics for its color

More about Beta vulgaris root extract
Caprylyl glycol~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
1,2-hexanediol~0.3–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Sodium citrate~0.2–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate
Butylene glycol~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 glycol
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.2–0.7%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate
Allantoin~0.15–0.6%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces rednessReduces irritationExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to improve stability of the formulation

More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate
Sodium hydroxide~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Lactic acid~0.15–0.55%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationMoisturizingEvens skin toneAnti-aging

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 acid
Simmondsia chinensis seed extract~0.2–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed extract
Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.1–0.45%
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
Maltodextrin~0.2–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin
Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract~0.1–0.4%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might contain antioxidants

More about Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract
Rosa damascena flower oil~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Rosa damascena flower oil
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterial

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder~0.05–0.25%
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
P-anisic acid~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Helps preserve products. Can mask unpleasant smell. Could be irritating

More about P-anisic acid
Sea whip extract~0.05–0.15%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

Might help neutrlize free radicals, calm down inflammation, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Sea whip extract
Ingredient list view

Saccharomyces ferment filtrate, Methyl gluceth-20, Pentylene glycol, Dipropylene glycol, Ppg-26-buteth-26, Lactobacillus ferment, Glycerin, Water, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Caffeine, Menthyl lactate, Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extract, Acrylates/vinyl isodecanoate crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed corn starch, Beta vulgaris root extract, Caprylyl glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Sodium citrate, Butylene glycol, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Sodium hydroxide, Lactic acid, Simmondsia chinensis seed extract, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Maltodextrin, Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract, Rosa damascena flower oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder, P-anisic acid, Sea whip extract

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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
Etude HouseSake Hydrating and Brightening SerumYOUR PRODUCTPerricone MDH2 Elemental Energy Hydrating Booster SerumREMEDY SCIENCEREMEDY Copper Peptide Complex Advanced Firming SerumCOSRX5 PDRN Collagen Intense Vitalizing Serum
Match—37%35%35%
Price——$30.00$14.00
Shared key ingredients—4 of 93 of 93 of 9
Key difference—Ascorbyl GlucosideCopper Tripeptide-1Niacinamide
Irritancy High Low Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

"Etude House - Sake Hydrating and Brightening Serum" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory

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

Ingredient callouts

  • Humectants (saccharomyces ferment filtrate 25.00% - 37.00%, lactobacillus ferment 1.90% - 2.80% and glycerin 1.50% - 2.30%). 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 "Etude House" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 23 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Amended Safety Assessment of Butyl Polyoxyalkylene Ethers as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  2. 2
    The effect of probiotics on immune regulation, acne, and photoagingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Comparison of clinical and histological effects between lactobacillus-fermented Chamaecyparis obtusa and tea tree oil for the treatment of acne: an eight-week double-blind randomized controlled split-face studyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Use of Probiotics for Dermal Applicationsresearchgate.net
  5. 5
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Amended Safety Assessment of PEGylated Oils as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
Etude House Sake Hydrating and Brightening Serum
Etude HouseSake Hydrating and Brightening Serum
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