innisfree

innisfree HYALURONIC ACID WATER ESSENCE

Name: innisfree - HYALURONIC ACID WATER ESSENCE
Brand: innisfree

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Panthenol + 20 more

Works well

What the product description says

“HYALURONIC ACID WATER ESSENCE”

From product name

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, opuntia ficus-indica seed oil.

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~0.55–0.8%

Polyglycerin-3Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~3.9–4.8%

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~3–3.7%

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~2.4–2.9%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~1.4–1.7%

BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~1.1–1.4%

Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.95–1.15%

TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~0.6–0.9%

Opuntia ficus-indica seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin's barrier function due to its high content of linoleic acid. It also has anti-microbial properties~0.55–0.8%

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAttracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.7%

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~0.45–0.7%

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~0.45–0.65%

Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronateKey activeEffect: HighAttracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%

Sodium acetylated hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA type of hyaluronic acid that works as an excellent moisturizer by attracting water into the upper layer of the skin. Is typically feels less sticky on the skin compared to the usual hyaluronic acid~0.2–0.35%

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%

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)~0.15–0.25%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.3–0.55%

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~0.25–0.45%

Polyquaternium-51Effect: LowAn emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin~0.1–0.2%

CyclohexasiloxaneEffect: Low, below effective doseA silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels~0.25–0.5%

Avena sativa kernel extractUnder-dosedAn effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties~0.4–0.6%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · Niacinamide

Works well

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.

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%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Adenosine + 2 more

Works well

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains 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)~0.15–0.25%

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~0.45–0.7%

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%

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Beta-glucan

May help

This product might be able to help reduce blemishes and clogged pores because it contains niacinamide.

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

9 flagged ingredients

Medium risk

We flagged 9 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Cynara scolymus leaf extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

MethylpropanediolHelps dissolve other ingredients in a formulationMedium~6.4–7.8%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~2.4–2.9%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.65–1%est.

Opuntia ficus-indica seed oilA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin's barrier function due to its high content of linoleic acid. It also has anti-microbial propertiesMedium~0.55–0.8%est.

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerAttracts water into the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.15%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

The closest match we found

ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence

Closest match100% match

$15.65

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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

Methylpropanediol~6.4–7.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about Methylpropanediol

Polyglycerin-3~3.9–4.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Polyglycerin-3

Glycerin~3–3.7%

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

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~2.4–2.9%

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

1,2-hexanediol~0.65–1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Niacinamide~1.6–2%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishMoisturizingReduces 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

Sodium hyaluronate~1.4–1.7%

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

Betaine~1.1–1.4%

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

Sodium pca~0.95–1.15%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca

Xanthan gum~0.7–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Trehalose~0.6–0.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Trehalose

Panthenol~0.55–0.8%

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

Opuntia ficus-indica seed oil~0.55–0.8%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin's barrier function due to its high content of linoleic acid. It also has anti-microbial properties

More about Opuntia ficus-indica seed oil

Hyaluronic acid~0.45–0.7%

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

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer~0.45–0.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.45–0.65%

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

Ascorbyl propyl hyaluronate~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ascorbyl propyl hyaluronate

Avena sativa kernel extract~0.4–0.6%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces rednessAnti-oxidation

An effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties

More about Avena sativa kernel extract

Pteris multifida extract~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Pteris multifida extract

Cynara scolymus leaf extract~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be irritating

More about Cynara scolymus leaf extract

Hydrogenated lecithin~0.3–0.55%

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

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Pentylene glycol~0.3–0.55%

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

Cyclohexasiloxane~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels

More about Cyclohexasiloxane

Butylene glycol~0.25–0.45%

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

Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate

Sodium acetylated hyaluronate~0.2–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of hyaluronic acid that works as an excellent moisturizer by attracting water into the upper layer of the skin. Is typically feels less sticky on the skin compared to the usual hyaluronic acid

More about Sodium acetylated hyaluronate

Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate~0.2–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate

Beta-glucan~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

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

Adenosine~0.15–0.25%

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

Carbomer~0.15–0.25%

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

Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer

Disodium edta~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Polyquaternium-51~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin

More about Polyquaternium-51

Tromethamine~0.05–0.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Ingredient list view

Water, Methylpropanediol, Polyglycerin-3, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, 1,2-hexanediol, Niacinamide, Sodium hyaluronate, Betaine, Sodium pca, Xanthan gum, Trehalose, Panthenol, Opuntia ficus-indica seed oil, Hyaluronic acid, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Ascorbyl propyl hyaluronate, Avena sativa kernel extract, Pteris multifida extract, Cynara scolymus leaf extract, Hydrogenated lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butylene glycol, Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate, Sodium acetylated hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, Beta-glucan, Adenosine, Carbomer, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Disodium edta, Polyquaternium-51, Tromethamine

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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
	innisfreeHYALURONIC ACID WATER ESSENCEYOUR PRODUCT	ISNTREEHyaluronic Acid Water Essence	Some By MiBeta Panthenol Repair Toner	APRIL SKINTXA+Niacinamide 99 Pink Milky Toner
Match	—	100%	84%	82%
Price	—	$15.65	$16.80	$10.00
Shared key ingredients	—	17 of 17	14 of 17	12 of 17
Key difference	—	—	Ceramide Np	Alpha-Arbutin
Irritancy	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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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
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
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 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
7
Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
8
Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
9
The Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Potential of Opuntia ficus indica L. inermis Extracted Oil from Tunisiancbi.nlm.nih.gov
10
Allergic contact dermatitis due to Opuntia ficus‐indica var. sabotenpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
11
Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
12
Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
13
Acetylated Hyaluronic Acid: Enhanced Bioavailability and Biological Studieshindawi.com
14
β-Glucans: Multi-Functional Modulator of Wound Healingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
15
Anti-Wrinkle Therapy: Significant New Findings in the Non-Invasive Cosmetic Treatment of Skin Wrinkles with Beta-Glucanonlinelibrary.wiley.com
16
Skin Health Promotion Effects of Natural Beta-Glucan Derived from Cereals and Microorganisms: A Reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
17
Anticancer properties of low molecular weight oat beta-glucan – An in vitro studysciencedirect.com
18
A critical review on production and industrial applications 2 of beta-glucanssciencedirect.com
19
Improving skin function with CM-glucan, a biological response modifier from yeastonlinelibrary.wiley.com
20
Preparation, characterization, and biological properties of β-glucansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
21
Characterization of a new beta(1-3)-glucan branching activity of Aspergillus fumigatusncbi.nlm.nih.gov
22
Evaluation of anti-wrinkle efficacy of adenosine-containing products using the FOITS techniquencbi.nlm.nih.gov
23
Safety Assessment of Tromethamine as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org

innisfreeHYALURONIC ACID WATER ESSENCE

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