ilso

ilso ER Firming Serum

Name: ilso - ER Firming Serum
Brand: ilso

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Evens skin tone

Retinol, Niacinamide + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Enriched with Niacinamide and Adenosine to brighten up dull skin tone and create plump and vibrant skin.”

Source: Lila Beauty

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: retinol.

In addition, this product contains niacinamide. This ingredient (ingredients) might help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the effect, if any, is likely to be small.

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.

RetinolHeroEffect: HighTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating~0.25–0.45%

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs 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~1.6–2%

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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~0.15–0.3%

Anti-aging

Retinol, Niacinamide + 4 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Effectively helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.”

Source: Lila Beauty

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains retinol, adenosine, 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.

AdenosineKey activeEffect: HighMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.15–0.3%

Beta-glucanEffect: LowHelps 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~0.15–0.3%

Hyaluronic acidEffect: LowOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.15–0.25%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.2–0.4%

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Panthenol + 27 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Formulated with 0.1% Retinol and 1% Ectoin to mildly strengthen skin barrier with rich moisture while minimizing enlarged pores for a smooth and bright look.”

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: 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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, squalane.

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

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs 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~1.6–2%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~1.4–1.7%

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~4.7–5.7%

Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)Key active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~3–3.7%

BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~1.8–2.2%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~1.3–1.5%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1–1.2%

EctoinKey activeEffect: HighSoftens the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~0.6–0.85%

Macadamia ternifolia seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumPlant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredients~0.3–0.55%

CholesterolKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.25–0.4%

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.~0.25–0.4%

Brassica campestris sterolsKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelp soften the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin~0.2–0.35%

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAttracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%

Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycansKey active· HumectantEffect: HighLong sugars that help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%

ChitosanKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumInhibits acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Can help to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. Helps neutralize free radicals in skin. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%

TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.3%

Hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.15–0.25%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.3%

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~0.15–0.3%

Soluble collagenKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA typically plant-derived compound that is supposed mimic human collagen. Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.25%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: MediumMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.15–0.3%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.35–0.65%

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~0.25–0.5%

Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.25–0.4%

Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.3–0.5%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.15–0.3%

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateUnder-dosedA 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~0.15–0.3%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Retinol, Chitosan + 4 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (retinol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - chitosan also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

RetinolKey activeEffect: HighTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating~0.25–0.45%

ChitosanKey activeEffect: MediumInhibits acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Can help to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. Helps neutralize free radicals in skin. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%

AdenosineEffect: LowMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.15–0.3%

Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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.~0.45–0.7%

TocopherolUnder-dosedPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.2–0.4%

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Retinol + 3 more

Works well

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide, retinol. These ingredients is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

In addition, this product contains chitosan. It can help in reducing blemishes, even though it is less effective.

ChitosanKey activeEffect: HighInhibits acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Can help to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. Helps neutralize free radicals in skin. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%

AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.15–0.3%

Exfoliation

Side benefit · Retinol, Allantoin

Works well

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: retinol.

AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.15–0.3%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Retinol

Medium risk

We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

RetinolTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

MethylpropanediolHelps dissolve other ingredients in a formulationMedium~4–4.9%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~1.2–1.5%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~1.3–1.5%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA 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.Medium~0.45–0.7%est.

Macadamia ternifolia seed oilPlant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredientsMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonateUsed to stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Polyglyceryl-10 laurateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Potassium cetyl phosphateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

ChitosanInhibits acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Can help to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. Helps neutralize free radicals in skin. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerAttracts water into the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Benzyl glycolHelps dissolve other ingredients and preserve productsMedium~0.2–0.35%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 texture2/5~1–1.2%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

SKIN&LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Cheaper91% match

$13.89

Standard Seoul Firming Bouncy Boost Serum

Cheaper87% match

$22.21

View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?

No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~4.7–5.7%

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

Methylpropanediol~4–4.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about Methylpropanediol

Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)~3–3.7%

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)

1,2-hexanediol~1.2–1.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Betaine~1.8–2.2%

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

Niacinamide~1.6–2%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialReduces redness

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

More about Niacinamide

Panthenol~1.4–1.7%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

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

More about Panthenol

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1.3–1.5%

Key activeIrritant · 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

Cetearyl alcohol~1–1.2%

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

Ectoin~0.6–0.85%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function

More about Ectoin

Tocopheryl acetate~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

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.

More about Tocopheryl acetate

Glyceryl stearate~0.35–0.65%

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

Hydrogenated lecithin~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin

Macadamia ternifolia seed oil~0.3–0.55%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Plant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredients

More about Macadamia ternifolia seed oil

Carbomer~0.25–0.45%

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

Butylene glycol~0.25–0.5%

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

Retinol~0.25–0.45%

Hero · Anti-aging, Evens skin tone, Anti-blemishIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-blemishMattifyingExfoliationAnti-aging

Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating

More about Retinol

Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to stabilize the product formulation

More about Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate

Tromethamine~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Brassica campestris sterols~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Help soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Brassica campestris sterols

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Allantoin~0.15–0.3%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.15–0.3%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

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

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate

Xanthan gum~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Adenosine~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)

More about Adenosine

Palmitic acid~0.25–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid

Cholesterol~0.25–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingCleansing

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

More about Cholesterol

Polyglyceryl-10 laurate~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-10 laurate

Stearic acid~0.3–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid

Phytosteryl/behenyl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Phytosteryl/behenyl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate

Sodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Squalane~0.25–0.4%

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

Trehalose~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Trehalose

Aluminum/magnesium hydroxide stearate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Aluminum/magnesium hydroxide stearate

Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to increase stability of product formulations

More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate

Potassium cetyl phosphate~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Potassium cetyl phosphate

Beta-glucan~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-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

Chitosan~0.2–0.35%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

AntibacterialAnti-blemishAnti-oxidationMoisturizing

Inhibits acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Can help to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. Helps neutralize free radicals in skin. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Chitosan

Tris(tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) citrate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Tris(tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) citrate

Tocopherol~0.2–0.4%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol

Propanediol~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer~0.2–0.4%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer

Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans~0.2–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Long sugars that help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans

Benzyl glycol~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps dissolve other ingredients and preserve products

More about Benzyl glycol

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.2–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin

More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid

Aluminum sucrose octasulfate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Aluminum sucrose octasulfate

Soluble collagen~0.15–0.25%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A typically plant-derived compound that is supposed mimic human collagen. Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Soluble collagen

Hyaluronic acid~0.15–0.25%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation

More about Hyaluronic acid

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin), 1,2-hexanediol, Betaine, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Cetearyl alcohol, Ectoin, Tocopheryl acetate, Glyceryl stearate, Hydrogenated lecithin, Macadamia ternifolia seed oil, Carbomer, Butylene glycol, Retinol, Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate, Tromethamine, Brassica campestris sterols, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Xanthan gum, Adenosine, Palmitic acid, Cholesterol, Polyglyceryl-10 laurate, Stearic acid, Phytosteryl/behenyl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, Sodium hyaluronate, Squalane, Trehalose, Aluminum/magnesium hydroxide stearate, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Beta-glucan, Chitosan, Tris(tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) citrate, Tocopherol, Propanediol, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans, Benzyl glycol, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Aluminum sucrose octasulfate, Soluble collagen, Hyaluronic acid

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Find on Amazon

🇦🇺 Lila Beauty (AU)30 ml

≈ $24.13

Buy

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

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
	ilsoER Firming SerumYOUR PRODUCT	SKIN&LABVitamin C Brightening Serum	Standard SeoulFirming Bouncy Boost Serum	GoodalBlack Carrot Vita-A Retinol Ampoule Firming Pore Tightening
Match	—	91%	87%	84%
Price	—	$13.89	$22.21	$27.27
Shared key ingredients	—	12 of 22	14 of 22	13 of 22
Key difference	—	3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid	Bakuchiol	Oatmeal Extract
Irritancy	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: IOPE Expert Retinol RX 2% Reti-Jection Serum for Wrinkles Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Bubble Serum

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.

We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.

Open dupe finder

Product summary

"ilso - Buy ER Firming Serum in Australia - Korean Skincare Online" is effective for: Evens skin tone, Anti-aging, Moisturizing, Anti-blemish and Exfoliation

Ingredient callouts

A good concentration of Niacinamide (1.60% - 2.00%). 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.
This product contains an effective form of Retinoids (vitamin A): retinol 0.25% - 0.45%. Retinoids are potent multitasking actives. They work to improve and prevent early signs of aging, reduce hyperpigmentation (age spots and post-acne marks), and prevent inflamed blemishes and clogged pores. The downside of Retinoids is that they can be irritating. If you are not already using a Retinoid in your routine, it is best to start slowly and apply the Retinoid product only a few times per week. If your skin tolerates it well, you can gradually increase the frequency to daily.
Adenosine 0.15% - 0.30%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).
An effective concentration of Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 1.40% - 1.70%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.
Humectants (hyaluronic acid 0.15% - 0.25%, soluble collagen 0.15% - 0.25%, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid 0.20% - 0.35%, hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans 0.20% - 0.35%, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer 0.20% - 0.40%, trehalose 0.15% - 0.30%, sodium hyaluronate 0.15% - 0.30%, panthenol 1.40% - 1.70%, betaine 1.80% - 2.20% and glycerin 4.70% - 5.70%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.