Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Moisturizing
- Evens skin tone
- Anti-oxidation
Doesn't work for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-aging
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: low
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 1
Key actives
Product Summary
"Hourglass - Equilibrium Biomimetic Skin Active Serum" could be helpful for: Moisturizing and Evens skin tone, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- Humectants (glycerin 2.70% - 4.10% and sodium hyaluronate 0.05% - 0.20%). 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 "Hourglass" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails from 150.00$ up to 240.00$ in the United States, from 145.00£ up to 205.00£ in the United Kingdom and for 200.00CA$ in Canada.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Anti-oxidation
This product contains antioxidants (3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, 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.
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
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
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
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.
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
The addition of dunaliella salina extract – an algae that’s packed with carotenoids and antioxidants – then helps to promote equilibrium, keeping your skin on a more even keel as it lessens the look of dark spots and recovers your radiance. HOU121_28ML 24829 877231004493
Source: Cultbeauty
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid.
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Skin Type Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily Skincare Concerns Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Dryness, and Dullness Formulation Liquid Highlighted Ingredients , Cell Balancing Complex TM Visibly rebalances, restores, and renews the skin barrier.
Source: Sephora
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, sodium hyaluronate.
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: squalane, squalene.
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 soften the upper layer of the skin. It might help reduce inflammation and support the barrier function. This compound is naturally present in animal and plant tissue
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
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.
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
An emollient that helps soften the skin
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
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Skin Type Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily Skincare Concerns Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Dryness, and Dullness Formulation Liquid Highlighted Ingredients , Cell Balancing Complex TM Visibly rebalances, restores, and renews the skin barrier.
Source: Sephora
This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.This ingredient - 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid - could be helpful for preventing or repairing signs of aging in theory, but there is no evidence that it actually works.
This ingredient 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin and help it fight off some of the sun damage.
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Moisturizing | |
| Evens skin tone | |
| Anti-aging |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 66/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
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| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Hourglass Equilibrium Biomimetic Skin Active Serum | Current | $145.00 | |
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum | 57% | $49.00 | |
Marcelle 10% Vitamin C + Probiotics Serum | 54% | - | |
BABOR POWER SERUM AMPOULE: VITAMIN C | 53% | $27.85 | |
Soraya I Love Serum Brightening Serum | 53% | - | |
Biodroga MD 15% Vitamin C Skin Booster Serum | 52% | $50.00 |
Key Actives
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
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
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.
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
An emollient that helps soften the skin
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. It might help reduce inflammation and support the barrier function. This compound is naturally present in animal and plant tissue
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
Potential irritants
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
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.
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
Comedogenic ingredients
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
All ingredients
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients
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.
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
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
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 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
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize formulations
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. It might help reduce inflammation and support the barrier function. This compound is naturally present in animal and plant tissue
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
Ingredient list view
Water, Dicaprylyl ether, Squalane, Glycerin, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 mono/dioleate, Polyglyceryl-3 oleate, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Angelica polymorpha sinensis root extract, Squalene, Tocopheryl acetate, Dunaliella salina extract, Hydrogenated polydecene, Glycine soja sterols, Glyceryl cocoate, Behenyl behenate, Caprylyl glycol, Cetyl alcohol, Xanthan gum, Hexylene glycol, Cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose, Phosphatidylglycerol, Disodium edta, Sodium hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Antioxidant Ability and Stability Studies of 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a Cosmetic Tyrosinase Inhibitor
- Squalene and its potential clinical uses
- Biological and Pharmacological Activities of Squalene and Related Compounds: Potential Uses in Cosmetic Dermatology
- Enhanced comedo formation in rabbit ear skin by squalene and oleic acid peroxides
- 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 cells
- Biochemical composition and bioactivity screening of various extracts from Dunaliella salina, a green microalga
- Safety Assessment of Polyene Group as Used in Cosmetics
- Soy Phosphatidylglycerol Reduces Inflammation in a Contact Irritant Ear Edema Mouse Model In Vivo
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care