Perricone MD

Perricone MD H2 Elemental Energy Hydrating Booster Serum

Name: Perricone MD - H2 Elemental Energy Hydrating Booster Serum
Brand: Perricone MD

Efficacy100/100IrritancyLow

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Methyl gluceth-20 + 12 more

Works well

What the product description says

“H2 Elemental Energy Hydrating Booster Serum”

From product name

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

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).

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

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.85–1.3%

Methyl gluceth-20Key active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it~5–7.5%

BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~2.7–4.1%

EctoinKey activeEffect: HighSoftens the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~2.1–3.2%

Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronateKey activeEffect: HighAttracts water into the upper layer of the skin~1.7–2.6%

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA 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~1.5–2.2%

Sea whip extractKey activeEffect: HighMight help neutrlize free radicals, calm down inflammation, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin~1.3–1.9%

Lactobacillus fermentKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative~1–1.6%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.55–1.3%

Saccharide isomerateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.45–1%

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~0.15–0.55%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.15–0.55%

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~0.5–1.1%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.35–0.8%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · Ascorbyl glucoside, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate

May help

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: ascorbyl glucoside, dipotassium glycyrrhizate.

Ascorbyl glucosideKey activeEffect: MediumA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products~3.9–5.8%

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateEffect: LowA 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~1.5–2.2%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Ascorbyl glucoside, Sea whip extract + 2 more

May help

This product contains antioxidants (ascorbyl glucoside) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Sea whip extractEffect: LowMight help neutrlize free radicals, calm down inflammation, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin~1.3–1.9%

Lactobacillus fermentEffect: LowA fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative~1–1.6%

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~0.5–1.1%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Ascorbyl glucoside, Tocopherol

May help

This product contains ascorbyl glucoside. 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.

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

7 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 7 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Ascorbyl glucosideA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in productsMedium~3.9–5.8%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.7%est.

Acrylates/vinyl isodecanoate crosspolymerUsed to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen), evenly disperse pigements and create a nice product consistencyMedium~0.15–0.7%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.15–0.55%est.

Potassium hydroxideUsed to adjust the pH level of productsMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateUsed to improve stability of the formulationMedium~0.05–0.15%est.

PhosphatidylcholineUsed to enhance the delivery of other ingredientsMedium~0.05–0.2%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

The closest match we found

Paula's choice 10% Niacinamide Booster

Closest match55% match

$50.18

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Methyl gluceth-20~5–7.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it

More about Methyl gluceth-20

Ascorbyl glucoside~3.9–5.8%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products

More about Ascorbyl glucoside

Betaine~2.7–4.1%

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

Ectoin~2.1–3.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Ectoin

Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate~1.7–2.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~1.5–2.2%

Key active

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

Sea whip extract~1.3–1.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

Might help neutrlize free radicals, calm down inflammation, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Sea whip extract

Lactobacillus ferment~1–1.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationReduces irritation

A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative

More about Lactobacillus ferment

Panthenol~0.85–1.3%

Hero · Moisturizing

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

Sodium hyaluronate~0.55–1.3%

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

Tocopherol~0.5–1.1%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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

Saccharide isomerate~0.45–1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharide isomerate

Allantoin~0.35–0.8%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces 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

1,2-hexanediol~0.15–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Acrylates/vinyl isodecanoate crosspolymer~0.15–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen), evenly disperse pigements and create a nice product consistency

More about Acrylates/vinyl isodecanoate crosspolymer

Butylene glycol~0.15–0.55%

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

Caprylyl glycol~0.15–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Polysorbate 20~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20

Potassium hydroxide~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to adjust the pH level of products

More about Potassium hydroxide

Sodium borohydride~0.05–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Sodium borohydride

Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to improve stability of the formulation

More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate

Phosphatidylcholine~0.05–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Used to enhance the delivery of other ingredients

More about Phosphatidylcholine

Ingredient list view

Water, Methyl gluceth-20, Ascorbyl glucoside, Betaine, Ectoin, Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Sea whip extract, Lactobacillus ferment, Panthenol, Sodium hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Saccharide isomerate, Allantoin, 1,2-hexanediol, Acrylates/vinyl isodecanoate crosspolymer, Butylene glycol, Caprylyl glycol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium hydroxide, Sodium borohydride, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Phosphatidylcholine

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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
	Perricone MDH2 Elemental Energy Hydrating Booster SerumYOUR PRODUCT	Paula's choice10% Niacinamide Booster	BIODANCEPore tightening collagen ampoule	ISNTREEUltra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Match	—	55%	51%	51%
Price	—	$50.18	$34.32	$15.86
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 12	4 of 12	5 of 12
Key difference	—	Niacinamide	Niacinamide	Madecassoside
Irritancy	Low	Low	Low	Low
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 17 studies and safety reviews.

1
The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Healthncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Stability, transdermal penetration, and cutaneous effects of ascorbic acid and its derivativesncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
Ameliorating effect of dipotassium glycyrrhizinate on an IL-4- and IL-13-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin-equivalent modelresearchgate.net
4
Final report on the safety assessment of Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Potassium Glycyrrhetinate, Disodium Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate, Glyceryl Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhetinyl Stearate, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium Glycyrrhizate, Trisodium Glycyrrhizate, Methyl Glycyrrhizate, and Potassium Glycyrrhizinate.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5
Marine ingredients and the skinmdedge.com
6
The effect of probiotics on immune regulation, acne, and photoagingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
Comparison of clinical and histological effects between lactobacillus-fermented Chamaecyparis obtusa and tea tree oil for the treatment of acne: an eight-week double-blind randomized controlled split-face studyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
8
Use of Probiotics for Dermal Applicationsresearchgate.net
9
Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
10
Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
11
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
12
Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
13
Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
14
Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
15
Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoinscielo.br
16
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
17
Safety Assessment of Cross-Linked Alkyl Acrylates as Used in Cosmeticsjournals.sagepub.com

Perricone MDH2 Elemental Energy Hydrating Booster Serum

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