Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-blemish
- Evens skin tone
- Anti-aging
- Moisturizing
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: high
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 0
Key actives
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Product Summary
"Holika Holika - 3 Seconds Starter" is effective for: Anti-blemish, Evens skin tone, Anti-aging and Moisturizing
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 hyaluronate 0.20% - 0.40%, glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer 1.40% - 1.70%, glycerin 4.10% - 5.10%, betaine 1.90% - 2.30% and arginine 0.40% - 0.60%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails from 11.40£ up to 27.00£ in the United Kingdom, for 13.95$ in the United States and from 19.60CA$ up to 22.70CA$ in Canada.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
With age, our body’s natural production of Hyaluronic Acid drastically falls, drying out the skin and causing fine lines, wrinkles and sagginess.
Source: Lookfantastic
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.
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
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
A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high
Anti-blemish
What does the product description say?
Enriched with Cabbage Leaf Extract, the acne-combatting formula aids in healing micro-cracks and calms inflammation, whilst nourishing and strengthening the walls of the skin’s cells.
Source: Lookfantastic
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.
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
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
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Brightening and plumping active Niacinamide significantly improves the skin’s natural barrier function and helps to reduce the appearance of age spots and uneven skin tone and texture.Enriched with Cabbage Leaf Extract, the acne-combatting formula aids in healing micro-cracks and calms inflammation, while nourishing and strengthening the walls of the skin’s cells.
Source: Lookfantastic CA
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.
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
A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high
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
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Prep acne-prone skin for further treatments with the skin-brightening 3 Seconds Starter – Vita Complex from Korean cosmetics label Holika Holika ; a dual-action facial pre-serum that moisturizes the complexion and acts as a make-up base.Combining the powers of botanical extracts with a vitamin complex of Niacinamide, Portalaca Extract and Vitamin C, the lightweight serum features a watery consistency that penetrates deeply into the skin’s layers, locking in all-day hydration.
Source: Lookfantastic CA
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:
arginine, 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: arginine, phenyl trimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency
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
A type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture
An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
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
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
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
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
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Evens skin tone | |
| Anti-blemish |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 100/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
No comedogenic ingredients detected
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Key Actives
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
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
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
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency
An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
A type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture
Potential irritants
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
A fragrant plant extract. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency
A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Might have some anti-inflammatory properties but research is lacking
Plant extract that might help calm down inflammation and have some anti-oxidant properties
A plant extract that can contain an antioxidant compound
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high
Comedogenic ingredients
We couldn't find any comedogenic ingredients in this product
All ingredients
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
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
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
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
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
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
An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
Might have some anti-inflammatory properties but research is lacking
Plant extract that might help calm down inflammation and have some anti-oxidant properties
A fragrant plant extract. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating
A plant extract that can contain an antioxidant compound
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
A type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
Ingredient list view
Water, Alcohol denat., Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Niacinamide, Betaine, Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, Propylene glycol, Dipropylene glycol, Portulaca oleracea extract, Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Beta-glucan, Arginine, Carbomer, Lactuca scariola sativa leaf extract, Cichorium intybus root extract, Brassica oleracea italica extract, Brassica oleracea capitata leaf extract, Brassica oleracea botrytis extract, Angelica keiskei leaf/stem extract, Aralia cordata extract, Citrullus lanatus fruit extract, Solanum lycopersicum fruit extract, Xanthan gum, Sodium hyaluronate, Phenyl trimethicone, Tocopheryl acetate, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Disodium edta, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology
- Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x
- Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitis
- Propylene Glycol
- Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycol
- Portulaca oleracea (purslane)
- Ameliorating effect of dipotassium glycyrrhizinate on an IL-4- and IL-13-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin-equivalent model
- Final report on the safety assessment of Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Potassium Glycyrrhetinate, Disodium Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate, Glyceryl Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhetinyl Stearate, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium Glycyrrhizate, Trisodium Glycyrrhizate, Methyl Glycyrrhizate, and Potassium Glycyrrhizinate.
- β-Glucans: Multi-Functional Modulator of Wound Healing
- Anti-Wrinkle Therapy: Significant New Findings in the Non-Invasive Cosmetic Treatment of Skin Wrinkles with Beta-Glucan
- Skin Health Promotion Effects of Natural Beta-Glucan Derived from Cereals and Microorganisms: A Review
- Anticancer properties of low molecular weight oat beta-glucan – An in vitro study
- A critical review on production and industrial applications 2 of beta-glucans
- Improving skin function with CM-glucan, a biological response modifier from yeast
- Preparation, characterization, and biological properties of β-glucans
- Characterization of a new beta(1-3)-glucan branching activity of Aspergillus fumigatus
- Anti-inflammatory Effects of Brassica oleracea Var. capitata L. (Cabbage) Methanol Extract in Mice with Contact Dermatitis
- Effect of Brassica oleracea in rats skin wound healing
- Analyzing Lycopene Content in Fruits
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- Stability, transdermal penetration, and cutaneous effects of ascorbic acid and its derivatives
- Topical L-ascorbic acid: percutaneous absorption studies