What's In My Jar
Sand & Sky Australian Emu Apple - Dreamy Glow Drops Serum
Sand & Sky

Sand & Sky Australian Emu Apple - Dreamy Glow Drops Serum

Efficacy62/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Coco-caprylate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride + 12 more
Works
What the product description says
“The unique complex of 5 Hyaluronic Acids instantly hydrates, attracts and retains moisture, and reinforces the skin barrier to reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.”
Source: Sephora Hong Kong

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, hyaluronic acid.

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, helianthus annuus seed oil.

Coco-caprylateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product texture~4.6–5.6%
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~1.8–2.2%
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~1.5–1.9%
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~0.45–0.65%
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~0.4–0.65%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.6%
Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAttracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.6%
Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycansKey active· HumectantEffect: HighLong sugars that help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.55%
Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~0.3–0.6%
Dicaprylyl carbonate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin~3.2–4%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.2–0.4%
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~0.15–0.25%
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~0.3–0.55%
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilUnder-dosedSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~0.3–0.55%
Anti-aging
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Hyaluronic acid + 1 more
Not delivered
What the product description says
“The unique complex of 5 Hyaluronic Acids instantly hydrates, attracts and retains moisture, and reinforces the skin barrier to reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.”
Source: Sephora Hong Kong

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.These ingredients - 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid - could be helpful for preventing or repairing signs of aging in theory, but there is no evidence that it actually works.

This ingredient 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin and help it fight off some of the sun damage.

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidEffect: LowA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help 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~1.2–1.4%
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~0.45–0.65%
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~0.3–0.55%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Syzygium luehmannii fruit extract + 5 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid) 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.

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidKey activeEffect: MediumA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help 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~1.2–1.4%
Syzygium luehmannii fruit extractEffect: Low~0.7–1%
Achillea millefolium extractEffect: LowPlant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritating~0.5–0.75%
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking~0.5–0.8%
Michelia alba flower oilEffect: LowA plant essential oil. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating~0.25–0.45%
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin~0.25–0.45%
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~0.3–0.55%
Evens skin tone
Not advertised by the brand · 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid
May help

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid.

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidKey activeEffect: MediumA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help 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~1.2–1.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
13 strong irritants: Kunzea pomifera fruit extract, Achillea millefolium extract + 11 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 24 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help 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 productsHigh~1.2–1.4%est.
Kunzea pomifera fruit extract—High~0.95–1.15%est.
Syzygium luehmannii fruit extract—High~0.7–1%est.
Tasmannia lanceolata fruit extract—High~0.55–0.85%est.
Achillea millefolium extractPlant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.5–0.75%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Citrus paradisi peel oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Citrus sinensis peel oil expressed—High~0.25–0.45%est.
Michelia alba flower oilA plant essential oil. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Pelargonium graveolens leaf oilAn essential oil used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skinHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Santalum spicata wood oil—High~0.2–0.4%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.
Coco-caprylateAn emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product textureMedium~4.6–5.6%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~1.8–2.2%est.
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lackingMedium~0.5–0.8%est.
Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerAttracts water into the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.35–0.6%est.
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~0.3–0.55%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Serum Oil-Cocktail Night Repair- 1 pcs
Pure & Care Serum Oil-Cocktail Night Repair- 1 pcs
Higher efficacy · 87/10059% match
Vitamin C Brightening Serum
SKIN&LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum
CheaperHigher efficacy · 100/10057% match
$13.89
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
Coco-caprylate~4.6–5.6%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product texture

More about Coco-caprylate
C13-15 alkane~4.5–5.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps dissolve other ingredients in the formula

More about C13-15 alkane
Dicaprylyl carbonate~3.2–4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin

More about Dicaprylyl carbonate
Propanediol~2.4–3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Propanediol
Almond/borage/linseed/olive acids/glycerides~2.1–2.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Almond/borage/linseed/olive acids/glycerides
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1.8–2.2%
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
Glycerin~1.5–1.9%
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
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid~1.2–1.4%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-aging

A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help 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 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid
Kunzea pomifera fruit extract~0.95–1.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Kunzea pomifera fruit extract
Syzygium luehmannii fruit extract~0.7–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation
More about Syzygium luehmannii fruit extract
Tasmannia lanceolata fruit extract~0.55–0.85%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Tasmannia lanceolata fruit extract
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract~0.5–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking

More about Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract
Achillea millefolium extract~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Achillea millefolium extract
Hyaluronic acid~0.45–0.65%
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
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.4–0.65%
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
Sodium hyaluronate~0.4–0.6%
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
Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer~0.35–0.6%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer
Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans~0.3–0.55%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Long sugars that help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.3–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Tocopherol~0.3–0.55%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

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
Parfum~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Citrus paradisi peel oil~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citrus paradisi peel oil
Citrus sinensis peel oil expressed~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Citrus sinensis peel oil expressed
Hibiscus sabdariffa flower~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Hibiscus sabdariffa flower
Michelia alba flower oil~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant essential oil. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Michelia alba flower oil
Pelargonium graveolens leaf oil~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Pelargonium graveolens leaf oil
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterial

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil
Santalum spicata wood oil~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Santalum spicata wood oil
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.3–0.55%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil
Xanthan gum~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Citric acid~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Limonene~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Citronellol~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Geraniol~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Linalool~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Pentylene glycol~0.2–0.4%
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
Butylene glycol~0.15–0.25%
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
Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Potassium sorbate~0.1–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Ci 60730~0.1–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 60730
Ingredient list view

Water, Coco-caprylate, C13-15 alkane, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Propanediol, Almond/borage/linseed/olive acids/glycerides, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glycerin, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Kunzea pomifera fruit extract, Syzygium luehmannii fruit extract, Tasmannia lanceolata fruit extract, Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, Achillea millefolium extract, Hyaluronic acid, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Tocopherol, Parfum, Citrus paradisi peel oil, Citrus sinensis peel oil expressed, Hibiscus sabdariffa flower, Michelia alba flower oil, Pelargonium graveolens leaf oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil, Santalum spicata wood oil, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Xanthan gum, Citric acid, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Pentylene glycol, Butylene glycol, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Ci 60730

Compare prices

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/5 15:16 GMT
$44.00
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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
Sand & SkyAustralian Emu Apple - Dreamy Glow Drops SerumYOUR PRODUCTPure & CareSerum Oil-Cocktail Night Repair- 1 pcsSKIN&LABVitamin C Brightening SerumJin Jung sungOmega Vegan Vita Serum
Match—59%57%55%
Price$44.00—$13.89−$30.11$31.40−$12.60
Shared key ingredients—7 of 117 of 118 of 11
Key difference—Oligopeptide-5RetinolNiacinamide
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 21 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Antioxidant Ability and Stability Studies of 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a Cosmetic Tyrosinase Inhibitorncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    The chemotherapeutic potential of Terminalia ferdinandiana: Phytochemistry and bioactivityncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Contact dermatitis as an adverse reaction to some topically used European herbal medicinal products – part 1: Achillea millefolium–Curcuma longaonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
Sand & Sky Australian Emu Apple - Dreamy Glow Drops Serum
Sand & SkyAustralian Emu Apple - Dreamy Glow Drops Serum
Buy on Amazon$44.00 · as of 11/5 15:16 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy on Amazon$44.00 · as of 11/5 15:16 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.