K-SECRET

K-SECRET SEOUL 1988 Boosting Serum : Collagen Complex 7 + Red Ginseng

Name: K-SECRET - SEOUL 1988 Boosting Serum : Collagen Complex 7 + Red Ginseng
Brand: K-SECRET

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging

Niacinamide, Adenosine + 4 more

Works well

What the product description says

“This firming serum enriched with 7 types of collagen helps plump and smooth skin while reducing the appearance of wrinkles for a more radiant complexion”

Source: Yesstyle

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

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: atelocollagen, sh-oligopeptide-1.

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.

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~1.4–1.8%

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)~0.25–0.5%

AtelocollagenKey activeEffect: MediumA protein that helps to attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin and might be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.25–0.5%

Sh-oligopeptide-1Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.2%

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~0.25–0.4%

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~0.2–0.35%

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Ceramide np + 19 more

Works well

What the product description says

“This firming serum enriched with 7 types of collagen helps plump and smooth skin while reducing the appearance of wrinkles for a more radiant complexion”

Source: Yesstyle

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, hydrolyzed collagen.

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, hydrolyzed collagen.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np, niacinamide, sh-oligopeptide-1

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~1.4–1.8%

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~0.3–0.5%

Sh-oligopeptide-1HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.2%

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~2.5–3.1%

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.~0.75–1.1%

Polyglycerin-3Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.6–0.85%

Hydrolyzed collagenKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: 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~0.3–0.55%

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~0.25–0.4%

Collagen amino acidsKey activeEffect: HighHelp attract water to the upper layer of the skin, soften it and support the skin barrier function~0.25–0.45%

CyanocobalaminKey activeEffect: HighCan support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin~0.25–0.45%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%

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~0.25–0.5%

AtelocollagenKey activeEffect: HighA protein that helps to attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin and might be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.25–0.5%

CollagenKey activeEffect: MediumCannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products~0.25–0.45%

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)~0.25–0.5%

GlutathioneKey activeEffect: HighA peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.3%

Polyglutamic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin.~0.15–0.3%

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~4.3–5.2%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~1–1.2%

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~0.4–0.65%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Glutathione, Adenosine + 4 more

Works well

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

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)~0.25–0.5%

Coptis japonica root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties~0.25–0.45%

Panax ginseng root extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating~0.3–0.55%

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~0.2–0.35%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Glutathione

Works well

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

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Beta-glucan

Works well

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.

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

11 flagged ingredients

Medium risk

We flagged 11 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Panax ginseng root extractA plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

Coptis japonica root extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Ethyl hexanediolUsed to dissolve other ingredients. Might be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

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

MethylpropanediolHelps dissolve other ingredients in a formulationMedium~1.2–1.4%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~1–1.2%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~0.4–0.65%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

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

GlutathioneA peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Medicube Age-R Glutathione Glow Serum

Cheaper85% match

$6.18

FULLight Re:dence Hyaluron Ectoin Serum

Cheaper82% match

$12.06

View all alternatives

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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

Collagen water~5–6.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Collagen water

Butylene glycol~4.3–5.2%

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

Propanediol~3.2–3.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

Glycerin~2.5–3.1%

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

1,2-hexanediol~1–1.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Glycereth-26~1.7–2.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps create a thicker product consistency

More about Glycereth-26

Niacinamide~1.4–1.8%

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

Methylpropanediol~1.2–1.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about Methylpropanediol

Pentylene glycol~1–1.2%

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

Squalane~0.75–1.1%

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

Polyglycerin-3~0.6–0.85%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Polyglycerin-3

Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer

Carbomer~0.45–0.7%

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

Cetearyl olivate~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Cetearyl olivate

Xanthan gum~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Sorbitan olivate~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan olivate

Tromethamine~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.4–0.65%

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

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Adenosine~0.25–0.5%

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

Atelocollagen~0.25–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A protein that helps to attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin and might be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Atelocollagen

Desamido collagen~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Desamido collagen

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

Disodium edta~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Hydrolyzed collagen~0.3–0.55%

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 Hydrolyzed collagen

Sodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.45%

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

Panax ginseng root extract~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating

More about Panax ginseng root extract

Coptis japonica root extract~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Coptis japonica root extract

Cyanocobalamin~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

Can support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin

More about Cyanocobalamin

Soluble collagen~0.25–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Soluble collagen

Ceramide np~0.3–0.5%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

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

Collagen~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products

More about Collagen

Collagen amino acids~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Help attract water to the upper layer of the skin, soften it and support the skin barrier function

More about Collagen amino acids

Beta-glucan~0.25–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-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

Ethyl hexanediol~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used to dissolve other ingredients. Might be irritating

More about Ethyl hexanediol

Procollagen~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Procollagen

Cellulose~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Can be used to help absorb oil as well as add volume and imporve texture of products.

More about Cellulose

Tocopherol~0.2–0.35%

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

Polyglutamic acid~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin.

More about Polyglutamic acid

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

Glutathione~0.15–0.3%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glutathione

Hydrolyzed elastin~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hydrolyzed elastin

Sh-oligopeptide-1~0.1–0.2%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Sh-oligopeptide-1

Ingredient list view

Water, Collagen water, Butylene glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, Glycereth-26, Niacinamide, Methylpropanediol, Pentylene glycol, Squalane, Polyglycerin-3, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Carbomer, Cetearyl olivate, Xanthan gum, Sorbitan olivate, Tromethamine, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Atelocollagen, Desamido collagen, Hydrogenated lecithin, Disodium edta, Hydrolyzed collagen, Sodium hyaluronate, Panax ginseng root extract, Coptis japonica root extract, Cyanocobalamin, Soluble collagen, Ceramide np, Collagen, Collagen amino acids, Beta-glucan, Ethyl hexanediol, Procollagen, Cellulose, Tocopherol, Polyglutamic acid, Polyglyceryl-10 laurate, Glutathione, Hydrolyzed elastin, Sh-oligopeptide-1

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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
	K-SECRETSEOUL 1988 Boosting Serum : Collagen Complex 7 + Red GinsengYOUR PRODUCT	HanskinCollagen Peptide Hydra Ampoule	CuskinCu:Vitamin U Serum	MedicubeAge-R Glutathione Glow Serum
Match	—	85%	85%	85%
Price	$17.60	$22.37+$4.77	—	$6.18−$11.42
Shared key ingredients	—	9 of 18	7 of 18	11 of 18
Key difference	—	Pentapeptide-18	Oligopeptide-1	Panthenol
Irritancy	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"K Secret - SEOUL 1988 Boosting Serum: Collagen Complex 7 + Red Ginseng" is effective for: Anti-aging, Moisturizing, Evens skin tone and Anti-blemish

Ingredient callouts

Ceramides (ceramide np 0.30% - 0.50%). 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.
Peptides (sh-oligopeptide-1 0.10% - 0.20%). Peptides are a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of aminoacids. Our skin produces Peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of Peptides is, but it is very likely that theynare helpful. Peptides might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.
Adenosine 0.25% - 0.50%. 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).
Humectants (polyglutamic acid 0.15% - 0.30%, soluble collagen 0.25% - 0.50%, sodium hyaluronate 0.25% - 0.45%, hydrolyzed collagen 0.30% - 0.55%, polyglycerin-3 0.60% - 0.85% and glycerin 2.50% - 3.10%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.