HERA

HERA Aquabolic Essential Emulsion

Name: HERA - Aquabolic Essential Emulsion
Brand: HERA

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing

25 ingredients credited for this claim

Good evidence

What the product description says

“Brand from South Korea HERA. Turns dull and rough skin into dewy and bright skin by leaving skin moisturized.”

Source: Yesstyle

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: betaine, glycerin.

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.

Beta-glucanKey activeEffect: HighHelps 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~0.3–0.55%

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.~1.9–2.4%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~1.5–1.8%

Limnanthes alba seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighThis oil's cmposition is closest to rapeseed oil. It is a very stable oil and serves as an emoillient~2.3–2.8%

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~3–3.6%

BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.5–0.75%

CholesterolKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.3–0.55%

Dunaliella salina extractKey activeEffect: MediumA green micro-algae extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but solid evidence is lacking. It helps to soften the upper layer of the skin~0.9–1.1%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.3–0.6%

CyclopentasiloxaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~0.3–0.55%

Dipalmitoyl hydroxyprolineKey activeEffect: MediumIs claimed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, as well as work as an anti-oxidant. There is however not enough evidence for its effectiveness~0.35–0.65%

Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)Key active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~1.6–2%

Magnesium aspartateKey activeEffect: MediumMight be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and calm down inflammation in skin~0.3–0.6%

Polysilicone-11Effect: LowA silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel~0.25–0.45%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.3–0.55%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.5–0.75%

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~0.3–0.55%

Hydrolyzed hibiscus esculentus extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might contain a peptide (Myoxinol). It could be helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-aging effect, but the research is lacking and it is rarely used in a high enough concentration~0.15–0.25%

Calcium gluconate· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product~0.3–0.55%

Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.5–0.75%

Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product consistency while softening the upper layer of the skin~4.1–5%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.3–0.5%

Dextrin· HumectantEffect: LowA sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.7%

Copper gluconateUnder-dosedEffect: HighTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing~0.25–0.5%

Zinc gluconateUnder-dosedEffect: HighTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.25–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

4 strong irritants: Parfum, Butylphenyl methylpropional + 2 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Prunus persica leaf extractMight be helpful in supporting collagen and ellastin production but solid research is lacking. Could be irritatingHigh~0.7–1.1%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

Butylphenyl methylpropionalA fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

HydroxycitronellalA fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~1.1–1.4%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Zinc gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skinMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Copper gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missingMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.5%est.

Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholineHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Hydrolyzed hibiscus esculentus extractA plant extract that might contain a peptide (Myoxinol). It could be helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-aging effect, but the research is lacking and it is rarely used in a high enough concentrationMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Comedogenic

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

1 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

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.3–0.6%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~4.4–5.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate~4.1–5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product consistency while softening the upper layer of the skin

More about Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate

Glycerin~3–3.6%

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

Limnanthes alba seed oil~2.3–2.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

This oil's cmposition is closest to rapeseed oil. It is a very stable oil and serves as an emoillient

More about Limnanthes alba seed oil

Squalane~1.9–2.4%

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

Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)~1.6–2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)

Dimethicone~1.5–1.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone

Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~1.1–1.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate

Dunaliella salina extract~0.9–1.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A green micro-algae extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but solid evidence is lacking. It helps to soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Dunaliella salina extract

Prunus persica leaf extract~0.7–1.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-aging

Might be helpful in supporting collagen and ellastin production but solid research is lacking. Could be irritating

More about Prunus persica leaf extract

Nelumbium speciosum flower extract~0.55–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Nelumbium speciosum flower extract

Betaine~0.5–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine

1,2-hexanediol~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Glyceryl stearate~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Glyceryl caprylate~0.5–0.75%

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

Dextrin~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Dextrin

Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline~0.35–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

Is claimed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, as well as work as an anti-oxidant. There is however not enough evidence for its effectiveness

More about Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline

Magnesium aspartate~0.3–0.6%

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

Methoxy peg-114/polyepsilon caprolactone~0.35–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Methoxy peg-114/polyepsilon caprolactone

Beta-glucan~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-agingAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

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-glucan

Butylene glycol~0.3–0.55%

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

Cyclopentasiloxane~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane

Cetearyl alcohol~0.3–0.6%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Acrylates/stearyl methacrylate copolymer~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Acrylates/stearyl methacrylate copolymer

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Zinc gluconate~0.25–0.5%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingExfoliationAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemish

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Zinc gluconate

Carbomer~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Copper gluconate~0.25–0.5%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishExfoliationAnti-oxidation

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing

More about Copper gluconate

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

Calcium gluconate~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product

More about Calcium gluconate

Cholesterol~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

More about Cholesterol

Tromethamine~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Pentylene glycol~0.3–0.5%

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

Polysilicone-11~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MattifyingMoisturizing

A silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel

More about Polysilicone-11

Peg-100 stearate~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture

More about Peg-100 stearate

Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

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 copolymer

Hydrolyzed hibiscus esculentus extract~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A plant extract that might contain a peptide (Myoxinol). It could be helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-aging effect, but the research is lacking and it is rarely used in a high enough concentration

More about Hydrolyzed hibiscus esculentus extract

Disodium edta~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Parfum~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Butylphenyl methylpropional~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Butylphenyl methylpropional

Hydroxycitronellal~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritating

More about Hydroxycitronellal

Limonene~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Ingredient list view

Water, Propanediol, Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Limnanthes alba seed oil, Squalane, Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin), Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Dunaliella salina extract, Prunus persica leaf extract, Nelumbium speciosum flower extract, Betaine, 1,2-hexanediol, Glyceryl stearate, Glyceryl caprylate, Dextrin, Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline, Magnesium aspartate, Methoxy peg-114/polyepsilon caprolactone, Beta-glucan, Butylene glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetearyl alcohol, Acrylates/stearyl methacrylate copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Zinc gluconate, Carbomer, Copper gluconate, Caprylyl glycol, Calcium gluconate, Cholesterol, Tromethamine, Pentylene glycol, Polysilicone-11, Peg-100 stearate, Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Hydrolyzed hibiscus esculentus extract, Disodium edta, Parfum, Butylphenyl methylpropional, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene

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$47.00

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Sources cited in this review

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

1
Safety Assessment of Pentaerythrityl Tetraesters as Used in Cosmeticsjournals.sagepub.com
2
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
4
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
5
Dunaliella salina alga extract inhibits the production of interleukin-6, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species by regulating nuclear factor-κB/Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription in virus-infected RAW264.7 cellssciencedirect.com
6
Biochemical composition and bioactivity screening of various extracts from Dunaliella salina, a green microalgancbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.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
β-Glucans: Multi-Functional Modulator of Wound Healingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
10
Anti-Wrinkle Therapy: Significant New Findings in the Non-Invasive Cosmetic Treatment of Skin Wrinkles with Beta-Glucanonlinelibrary.wiley.com
11
Skin Health Promotion Effects of Natural Beta-Glucan Derived from Cereals and Microorganisms: A Reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
12
Anticancer properties of low molecular weight oat beta-glucan – An in vitro studysciencedirect.com
13
A critical review on production and industrial applications 2 of beta-glucanssciencedirect.com
14
Improving skin function with CM-glucan, a biological response modifier from yeastonlinelibrary.wiley.com
15
Preparation, characterization, and biological properties of β-glucansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
16
Characterization of a new beta(1-3)-glucan branching activity of Aspergillus fumigatusncbi.nlm.nih.gov
17
Zinc salts in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
18
An overview of zinc and its importance in dermatology-Part II: The association of zinc with some dermatologic disordersoatext.com
19
Zinc, copper and manganese enhanced keratinocyte migration through a functional modulation of keratinocyte integrinsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
20
Evaluation of the effects of topical zinc gluconate in wound healingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
21
A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimenncbi.nlm.nih.gov
22
Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivityncbi.nlm.nih.gov
23
Safety Assessment of Tromethamine as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org

HERAAquabolic Essential Emulsion

Buy at Yesstyle$47.00 $17.90as of 10/22 03:05 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Yesstyle$47.00 $17.90as of 10/22 03:05 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.