Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough Face Serum
Works for
MoisturizingPalmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl oligopeptide + 9 moreWorks well
“provides super moisturization for stressed skin”
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:
allantoin, 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: palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, caprylyl glycol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: palmitoyl oligopeptide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Glutathione, Hydrolyzed soy proteinWorks 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).
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · Glutathione, Hydrolyzed soy proteinWorks well
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glutathione
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-agingSide benefit the brand mentions · Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl oligopeptide + 1 moreMay help
“facial firming serum with glutathione, peptides, vitamin c and e, and soy provides super moisturization for stressed skin antioxidants help restore cells and counteract free radical damage contains peptides to help firm the skin natural extracts to minimize roughness and help smooth skin helps retard facial hair growth philosophy® can be used a. m. and/or p. m. place 5 to 6 drops of serum into palm of your hand and apply serum directly to entire face, neck and chest area.”
This product contains palmitoyl oligopeptide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7. These ingredients 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?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Parfum, LimoneneMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Pentylene glycol~5.6–8.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolGlycerin~3.5–5.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinPalmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~2.8–4.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Palmitoyl oligopeptide~2.2–3.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl oligopeptideGlutathione~1.7–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 GlutathioneAllantoin~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinAloe barbadensis leaf juice~1.2–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice1,2-hexanediol~0.5–1.2%
Potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate~0.85–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize other ingredients in the formulation
More about Potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphateHydrolyzed soy protein~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and skin lightening properties, but solid evidence is missing
More about Hydrolyzed soy proteinCarbomer~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerButylene glycol~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolPeg-7 glyceryl cocoate~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oils and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent
More about Peg-7 glyceryl cocoateParfum~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumSodium hyaluronate~0.35–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateSodium hydroxide~0.3–0.75%
Caprylyl glycol~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolPolysorbate 20~0.15–0.65%
Glyceryl polyacrylate~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to create a nice product texture and spread the product more easily on the skin
More about Glyceryl polyacrylateLimonene~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneMaltodextrin~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil
More about MaltodextrinPotassium sorbate~0.05–0.3%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.3%
Disodium edta~0.05–0.25%
Chlorphenesin~0.05–0.2%
Bht~0.01–0.1%
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient list view
Water, Pentylene glycol, Glycerin, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl oligopeptide, Glutathione, Allantoin, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, 1,2-hexanediol, Potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate, Hydrolyzed soy protein, Carbomer, Butylene glycol, Peg-7 glyceryl cocoate, Parfum, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium hydroxide, Caprylyl glycol, Polysorbate 20, Glyceryl polyacrylate, Limonene, Maltodextrin, Potassium sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium edta, Chlorphenesin, Bht, Phenoxyethanol
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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.
| PhilosophyWhen Hope Is Not Enough Face SerumYOUR PRODUCT | ReventinFirming Collagen + Peptide Anti-Aging Face Serum | BASE SKNCARESuper Youth Serum | Advanced MDCollagen & Peptides Plumping Skin Care Facial Serum, Anti Aging Face Skincare Serum Helps Reduce Appearance Of Age Spots, Aging Complexions, Sagging Skin, & Wrinkles, Large | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 65% | 64% | 64% |
| Price | $52.00 | — | — | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 6 |
| Key difference | — | Avena Sativa Meal Extract | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | Avena Sativa Meal Extract |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: modest 10% Matrixyl + Hyaluronic Acid SerumMakeup Artists' Choice Transforming Anti Aging Serum V2
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.
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