KAINE

KAINE Rosemary AHA Night Serum

Name: KAINE - Rosemary AHA Night Serum
Brand: KAINE

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation

Lactic acid, Allantoin

Works well

What the product description says

“Formulated with Lactic Acid to remove dead skin cells and skin impurities and help maintain skin moisture.”

Source: Lila Beauty

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: lactic acid.

Lactic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~4.6–7%

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~0.1–0.35%

Moisturizing

Lactic acid, Glycerin + 9 more

Works

What the product description says

“Formulated with Lactic Acid to remove dead skin cells and skin impurities and help maintain skin moisture.”

Source: Lila Beauty

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": betaine, glycerin.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

Lactic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~4.6–7%

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~2.7–4.1%

Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency~0.15–0.5%

BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.1–0.35%

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~0.05–0.2%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.05–0.15%

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~2.1–3.1%

Hydrolyzed viola tricolor extractUnder-dosedMight have some moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Can be added to products to create a nice smell.~0.15–0.55%

PanthenolUnder-dosedHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.1–0.3%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.1–0.35%

Hyaluronic acidUnder-dosedOne 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~0.05–0.25%

Anti-blemish

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Melia azadirachta leaf extract + 1 more

Not delivered

What the product description says

“Enriched with Succinic Acid to eliminate blackheads and reduce pore size for creating smooth and clear skin.”

Source: Lila Beauty

This product contains ingredients (rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract) that could help reduce blemishes and clogged pores in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractEffect: MediumCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~1–1.5%

Melia azadirachta leaf extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating~0.3–0.7%

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~0.1–0.35%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · Lactic acid

Works well

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

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-aging

Side benefit · Lactic acid, Hyaluronic acid

May help

This product contains lactic acid. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

Lactic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~4.6–7%

Hyaluronic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseOne 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~0.05–0.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract + 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

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritatingHigh~1–1.5%est.

Melia azadirachta leaf extractA plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.7%est.

Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extractUsed as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.2–0.75%est.

Hydrolyzed viola tricolor extractMight have some moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Can be added to products to create a nice smell.High~0.15–0.55%est.

Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~4.6–7%est.

MethylpropanediolHelps dissolve other ingredients in a formulationMedium~1.7–2.5%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.5–1.2%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.35–0.8%est.

Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.15–0.5%est.

Melia azadirachta flower extractA plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skinMedium~0.1–0.5%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

NINE LESS Molecule-Clear Lactic Acid Serum

CheaperHigher efficacy · 100/10064% match

$14.22

Shani Darden Skin Care Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum

Higher efficacy · 100/10063% match

$71.54

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~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Lactic acid~4.6–7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid

Dipropylene glycol~3.6–5.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol

Glycerin~2.7–4.1%

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

Butylene glycol~2.1–3.1%

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

Methylpropanediol~1.7–2.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about Methylpropanediol

Sodium hydroxide~1.4–2.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

1,2-hexanediol~0.5–1.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~1–1.5%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-blemishAnti-oxidationAntibacterial

Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract

Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.85–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose

Succinic acid~0.5–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Succinic acid

Propanediol~0.4–0.95%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.35–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Melia azadirachta leaf extract~0.3–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

AntibacterialAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating

More about Melia azadirachta leaf extract

Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract~0.2–0.75%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Used as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract

Hydrolyzed malt extract~0.15–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hydrolyzed malt extract

Hydrolyzed viola tricolor extract~0.15–0.55%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Might have some moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Can be added to products to create a nice smell.

More about Hydrolyzed viola tricolor extract

Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer~0.15–0.5%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency

More about Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer

Melia azadirachta flower extract~0.1–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Melia azadirachta flower extract

Allantoin~0.1–0.35%

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

Betaine~0.1–0.35%

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

Panthenol~0.1–0.3%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

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

More about Panthenol

Hyaluronic acid~0.05–0.25%

Under-dosed

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

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.05–0.2%

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

Sodium hyaluronate~0.05–0.15%

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

Ingredient list view

Water, Lactic acid, Dipropylene glycol, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Methylpropanediol, Sodium hydroxide, 1,2-hexanediol, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Succinic acid, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Melia azadirachta leaf extract, Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract, Hydrolyzed malt extract, Hydrolyzed viola tricolor extract, Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, Melia azadirachta flower extract, Allantoin, Betaine, Panthenol, Hyaluronic acid, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Sodium hyaluronate

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon USPrice as of 11/14 09:08 GMT

$29.00

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
	KAINERosemary AHA Night SerumYOUR PRODUCT	NINE LESSMolecule-Clear Lactic Acid Serum	Shani Darden Skin CareLactic Acid Exfoliating Serum	Makeup Artists' ChoiceLac-Luronic Serum – Lactic Hyaluronic
Match	—	64%	63%	61%
Price	$29.00	$14.22−$14.78	$71.54+$42.54	—
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 10	4 of 10	4 of 10
Key difference	—	Hexapeptide-9	Gluconolactone	Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum Environ Focus Care Radiance+ Vita-Botanical Mela-Fade Serum System

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

"KAINE - Buy Kaine Rosemary AHA Night Serum in Australia - Online Korean Skincare" is effective for: Evens skin tone and Exfoliation

This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing and Anti-aging, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

Exfoliating acids (lactic acid 4.60% - 7.00%). In this concentration, they will have a noticeable exfoliating effect. They can also have an anti-aging effect and stimulate collagen production in a long-run. Lactic Acid can also help to attract water to the upper layer (works as a humectant).
Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.05% - 0.15%, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid 0.05% - 0.20%, betaine 0.10% - 0.35%, glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer 0.15% - 0.50%, glycerin 2.70% - 4.10% and lactic acid 4.60% - 7.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.