HYGGEE

HYGGEE One Step Facial Essence Balance

Name: HYGGEE - One Step Facial Essence Balance
Brand: HYGGEE

Efficacy50/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Ceramide np, Macadamia integrifolia seed oil + 16 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Hyggee One Step Facial Essence Balance helps to effectively hydrate and protect skin.”

Source: Lila Beauty

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, 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: arginine, helianthus annuus seed oil.

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

Ceramide npHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.15–0.6%

Macadamia integrifolia seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin~4.9–7.3%

Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~3.8–5.6%

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~2.9–4.3%

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.~2.1–3.2%

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~0.3–0.75%

Lactococcus ferment lysateKey activeEffect: HighConsists of remains of dead bacteria cells. Is likely helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals in skin~0.2–0.75%

CholesterolKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.15–0.6%

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~0.15–0.6%

PhytosterolsKey active· EmollientEffect: HighLipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function~0.15–0.6%

PhospholipidsKey activeEffect: MediumEmollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product~0.15–0.5%

ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn 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~0.05–0.3%

Octyldodecanol· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation~4.3–6.5%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~1.2–1.8%

Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.5–1.15%

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~0.4–0.9%

Bifida ferment lysateUnder-dosedConsists of remains of dead yeast bacteria cells. Helps to hydrate the skin and reduce irritation. Might has some anti-oxidant effect~0.3–0.7%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.2–0.7%

Exfoliation

No ingredient credited for this claim

Not delivered

What the product description says

“Gently exfoliates to refine uneven texture”

Source: Ulta

This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Limonene + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Pyrus malus seed oilCan contain essential oil that can be irritating. Can help to soften the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicalsHigh~1–1.5%est.

Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilA plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.35–0.8%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.3–0.75%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.8%est.

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~2.9–4.3%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.45–1.05%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~1.2–1.8%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.6%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~0.2–0.7%est.

PhytosterolsLipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier functionMedium~0.15–0.6%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Herbivore Milky Way Sérum Exfoliant 10% Acide Lactique

Higher efficacy · 100/10057% match

Herbivore Botanicals Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum

Higher efficacy · 100/10057% match

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Betula platyphylla japonica juice~22–34%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Betula platyphylla japonica juice

Macadamia integrifolia seed oil~4.9–7.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Macadamia integrifolia seed oil

Octyldodecanol~4.3–6.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation

More about Octyldodecanol

Helianthus annuus seed oil~3.8–5.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil

Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~2.9–4.3%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil

Squalane~2.1–3.2%

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

1,2-hexanediol~0.45–1.05%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Pentylene glycol~1.2–1.8%

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

Pyrus malus seed oil~1–1.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Can contain essential oil that can be irritating. Can help to soften the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals

More about Pyrus malus seed oil

Water~0.8–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Sodium chloride~0.55–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride

Glyceryl caprylate~0.5–1.15%

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

Butylene glycol~0.4–0.9%

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

Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.35–0.8%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil

Limonene~0.3–0.75%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

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

More about Limonene

Xanthan gum~0.35–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Lactobacillus ferment~0.3–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationReduces 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

Lactococcus ferment lysate~0.2–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

Consists of remains of dead bacteria cells. Is likely helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals in skin

More about Lactococcus ferment lysate

Linalool~0.2–0.8%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Bifida ferment lysate~0.3–0.7%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationEvens skin tone

Consists of remains of dead yeast bacteria cells. Helps to hydrate the skin and reduce irritation. Might has some anti-oxidant effect

More about Bifida ferment lysate

Streptococcus thermophilus ferment~0.2–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Streptococcus thermophilus ferment

Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Glycerin~0.15–0.6%

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

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.2–0.7%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Phospholipids~0.15–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product

More about Phospholipids

Ceramide np~0.15–0.6%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide np

Cholesterol~0.15–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

More about Cholesterol

Arginine~0.05–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Arginine

Phytosterols~0.15–0.6%

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

Ingredient list view

Betula platyphylla japonica juice, Macadamia integrifolia seed oil, Octyldodecanol, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Squalane, 1,2-hexanediol, Pentylene glycol, Pyrus malus seed oil, Water, Sodium chloride, Glyceryl caprylate, Butylene glycol, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Limonene, Xanthan gum, Lactobacillus ferment, Lactococcus ferment lysate, Linalool, Bifida ferment lysate, Streptococcus thermophilus ferment, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Phospholipids, Ceramide np, Cholesterol, Arginine, Phytosterols

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Ulta3.72 oz

$35.00

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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
	HYGGEEOne Step Facial Essence BalanceYOUR PRODUCT	Herbivore BotanicalsMilky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum	HerbivoreMilky Way Sérum Exfoliant 10% Acide Lactique	haruharu USBlack Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence
Match	—	57%	57%	55%
Price	$35.00	—	—	$16.71−$18.29
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 12	5 of 12	7 of 12
Key difference	—	Gluconolactone	Gluconolactone	Pitera
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"HYGGEE - One Step Facial Essence Balance" is effective for: Moisturizing

Ingredient callouts

Ceramides (ceramide 3 0.15% - 0.70%). Ceramides are a type of lipids that our skin produces itself. They are a building block of the skin's barrier. Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or extracted from plants. They work well for softening the skin surface and "patch holes" in the skin's barrier.
Humectants (arginine 0.10% - 0.35%, glycerin 0.35% - 0.80% and lactobacillus ferment 0.40% - 1.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.