Genus Skincare

Genus Skincare Hydro~Therapy Line Filling Serum

Name: Genus Skincare - Hydro~Therapy Line Filling Serum
Brand: Genus Skincare

Efficacy87/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Urea, Biosaccharide gum-1 + 15 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Hydro~Therapy Line Filling 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: alanine, biosaccharide gum-1.

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: squalene, phytosterols.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: urea

UreaHero· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations~0.2–0.8%

Biosaccharide gum-1Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin~5.8–8.8%

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~3.7–5.6%

Plankton extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~2.8–4.1%

Chenopodium quinoa seed extractKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.7–2.6%

SqualeneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn 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~1.5–2.2%

Phytosteryl macadamiateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.3–1.9%

PhytosterolsKey active· EmollientEffect: HighLipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function~1.1–1.6%

Saccharide hydrolysateKey active· HumectantEffect: High~0.15–0.65%

Magnesium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.5%

Magnesium aspartateKey activeEffect: MediumMight be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and calm down inflammation in skin~0.15–0.55%

AlanineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn 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~0.1–0.4%

GlycineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function~0.1–0.45%

Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.1–0.4%

Glyceryl undecylenate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and helps preserve the product formulation~0.1–0.35%

Rosa damascena flower waterEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed to add a nice rose smell to the product. Might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect. Can be irritating~0.6–1.35%

LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.95%

Anti-aging

Creatine

May help

What the product description says

“Restores hydration with biomimetic natural moisturising factors and key lipids, while plumping and smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

Source: Genus

This product contains creatine. 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.

CreatineKey activeEffect: MediumCan support skin's ability to neutralize free radicals and produce collagen, though further research is needed to confirm effectiveness~0.1–0.35%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Squalene, Creatine + 1 more

May help

This product contains antioxidants (creatine, 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.

SqualeneKey activeEffect: MediumAn 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~1.5–2.2%

CreatineKey activeEffect: MediumCan support skin's ability to neutralize free radicals and produce collagen, though further research is needed to confirm effectiveness~0.1–0.35%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Rosa damascena flower water

Medium risk

We flagged 6 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Rosa damascena flower waterUsed to add a nice rose smell to the product. Might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect. Can be irritatingHigh~0.6–1.35%est.

PullulanCreates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effectHigh~0.3–0.75%est.

P-anisic acidHelps preserve products. Can mask unpleasant smell. Could be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.2%est.

Plankton extractCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~2.8–4.1%est.

PhytosterolsLipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier functionMedium~1.1–1.6%est.

Glyceryl undecylenateHelps oil and water mix together and helps preserve the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Comedogenic

2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

2 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

Plankton extractCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~2.8–4.1%est.

SqualeneAn 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 yeast2/5~1.5–2.2%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Typology Bi-Phase Repairing Serum — 3% NMF Complex + Squalane

Higher efficacy · 100/10050% match

$44.90

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Biosaccharide gum-1~5.8–8.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin

More about Biosaccharide gum-1

Glycerin~3.7–5.6%

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

Plankton extract~2.8–4.1%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Plankton extract

Jojoba oil/macadamia seed oil esters~2.1–3.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Jojoba oil/macadamia seed oil esters

Chenopodium quinoa seed extract~1.7–2.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Chenopodium quinoa seed extract

Squalene~1.5–2.2%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

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 Squalene

Phytosteryl macadamiate~1.3–1.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Phytosteryl macadamiate

Phytosterols~1.1–1.6%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Lipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function

More about Phytosterols

Rosa damascena flower water~0.6–1.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Used to add a nice rose smell to the product. Might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect. Can be irritating

More about Rosa damascena flower water

Nymphaea coerulea flower water~0.45–1.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Nymphaea coerulea flower water

Xanthan gum~0.4–0.95%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Lecithin~0.4–0.95%

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

Sclerotium gum~0.3–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions

More about Sclerotium gum

Pullulan~0.3–0.75%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Mattifying

Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect

More about Pullulan

Urea~0.2–0.8%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingExfoliation

Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations

More about Urea

Saccharide hydrolysate~0.15–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Saccharide hydrolysate

Magnesium aspartate~0.15–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

Might be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and calm down inflammation in skin

More about Magnesium aspartate

Magnesium pca~0.15–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Magnesium pca

Glycine~0.1–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Glycine

Alanine~0.1–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin tone

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

More about Alanine

Creatine~0.1–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingAnti-oxidation

Can support skin's ability to neutralize free radicals and produce collagen, though further research is needed to confirm effectiveness

More about Creatine

Glyceryl caprylate~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate

Glyceryl undecylenate~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and helps preserve the product formulation

More about Glyceryl undecylenate

P-anisic acid~0.05–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

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

More about P-anisic acid

Silica~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Ingredient list view

Water, Biosaccharide gum-1, Glycerin, Plankton extract, Jojoba oil/macadamia seed oil esters, Chenopodium quinoa seed extract, Squalene, Phytosteryl macadamiate, Phytosterols, Rosa damascena flower water, Nymphaea coerulea flower water, Xanthan gum, Lecithin, Sclerotium gum, Pullulan, Urea, Saccharide hydrolysate, Magnesium aspartate, Magnesium pca, Glycine, Alanine, Creatine, Glyceryl caprylate, Glyceryl undecylenate, P-anisic acid, Silica

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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
	Genus SkincareHydro~Therapy Line Filling SerumYOUR PRODUCT	TypologyBi-Phase Repairing Serum — 3% NMF Complex + Squalane	NeutrogenaHydro Boost Ultra Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid	L300INTENSIVE MOISTURE FACE SERUM
Match	—	50%	46%	46%
Price	—	$44.90	$15.17	—
Shared key ingredients	—	7 of 14	4 of 14	4 of 14
Key difference	—	Betaine	Allantoin	Niacinamide
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Sources cited in this review

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

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Squalene and its potential clinical useseuropepmc.org
3
Biological and Pharmacological Activities of Squalene and Related Compounds: Potential Uses in Cosmetic Dermatology mdpi.com
4
Enhanced comedo formation in rabbit ear skin by squalene and oleic acid peroxidesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
5
Safety Assessment of Phytosterols as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
6
Annex I: Clinical evidence regarding sensitisation to individual fragrance chemicals and to natural extracts ec.europa.eu
7
Topical urea in skincare: A reviewpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
8
Magnesium ions inhibit the antigen-presenting function of human epidermal Langerhans cells in vivo and in vitro. Involvement of ATPase, HLA-DR, B7 molecules, and cytokinesncbi.nlm.nih.gov
9
Effect of Topical Application of Glycine and Proline on Recalcitrant Leg Ulcers of Prolidase Deficiencyjamanetwork.com
10
Functional glycine receptor in cultured human keratinocytesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
11
Combination of amino acids reduces pigmentation in B16F0 melanoma cellsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
12
Dermal penetration of creatine from a face-care formulation containing creatine, guarana and glycerol is linked to effective antiwrinkle and antisagging efficacy in male subjectsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
13
Folic acid and creatine improve the firmness of human skin in vivoncbi.nlm.nih.gov
14
The Creatine Kinase System in Human Skin: Protective Effects of Creatine Against Oxidative and UV Damage In Vitro and In Vivosciencedirect.com
15
Sodium anisateecha.europa.eu

Genus SkincareHydro~Therapy Line Filling Serum

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.