Works for
Evens skin toneGalactomyces ferment filtrate, Niacinamide + 3 moreWorks well
“Dark spots .”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide, undecylenoyl phenylalanine
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: galactomyces ferment filtrate, prunus mume fruit extract.
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-oxidationSide benefit · Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate + 5 moreWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (galactomyces ferment filtrate) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Anti-agingSide benefit · Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Niacinamide + 2 moreWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: galactomyces ferment filtrate.
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.
MoisturizingSide benefit · Niacinamide, Panthenol + 13 moreWorks well
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:
galactomyces ferment filtrate, 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: phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, hexyldecanol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide, panthenol
Anti-blemishSide benefit · Niacinamide, Galactomyces ferment filtrateWorks 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?
Irritancy6 strong irritants: Citrus reticulata peel extract, Parfum + 4 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Galactomyces ferment filtrate~6.1–7.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A yeast ferment filtrate (also known as Pitera - a trademarked name for the filtrate reserved by the SK-II brand). It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, can help neutralize antioxidants and can be helpful in evening out the skin tone. It might be somewhat helpful in preventing premature skin aging but solid evidence is lacking. A small manufacturer study also shows that, when used in high concentrations, it can help reduce sebum production and help against blocked pores
More about Galactomyces ferment filtrateNiacinamide~4.6–5.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 NiacinamideButylene glycol~3–3.7%
- 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 glycolTriethylhexanoin~2.1–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about TriethylhexanoinPentylene glycol~2–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolGlycerin~1.7–2.1%
- 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 GlycerinNylon-12~1.6–1.9%
Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate~1.3–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A mix of amino acids and plant-based lipids. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss over time
More about Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamatePolymethylsilsesquioxane~1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
More about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneBoron nitride~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to absord oil and evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in product formulation
More about Boron nitridePanthenol~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolPeg-20 sorbitan cocoate~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to create a nice product consistency
More about Peg-20 sorbitan cocoateInositol~0.45–0.65%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triglycerideMica~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaPhenoxyethanol~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerPeg-11 methyl ether dimethicone~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-11 methyl ether dimethiconePolyacrylamide~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
More about PolyacrylamideAminomethyl propanol~0.25–0.45%
Undecylenoyl phenylalanine~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
An amino-acid based compound that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help lighten sun spots and support more even skin tone.
More about Undecylenoyl phenylalanineBenzyl alcohol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholC13-14 isoparaffin~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency
More about C13-14 isoparaffinDisodium edta~0.25–0.4%
Hydrolyzed prunus domestica~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties
More about Hydrolyzed prunus domesticaXanthan gum~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumSodium benzoate~0.25–0.45%
Hexyldecanol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about HexyldecanolLaureth-7~0.25–0.45%
Citrus reticulata peel extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
A likely irritant. Might have some anti-oxidant activity, but is mostly used as a fragrance in cosmetic products
More about Citrus reticulata peel extractMethylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Ascorbyl glucoside~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 glucosidePrunus mume fruit extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A plant extract that might have an anti-oxidant effect and help even out skin tone, but solid evidence of effectiveness is lacking
More about Prunus mume fruit extractTocopherol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolParfum~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumLimonene~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneCitronellol~0.1–0.25%
Linalool~0.1–0.2%
Geraniol~0.1–0.2%
Ci 77891~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Titanium dioxide~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxideIngredient list view
Water, Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Niacinamide, Butylene glycol, Triethylhexanoin, Pentylene glycol, Glycerin, Nylon-12, Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Boron nitride, Panthenol, Peg-20 sorbitan cocoate, Inositol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Mica, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Peg-11 methyl ether dimethicone, Polyacrylamide, Aminomethyl propanol, Undecylenoyl phenylalanine, Benzyl alcohol, C13-14 isoparaffin, Disodium edta, Hydrolyzed prunus domestica, Xanthan gum, Sodium benzoate, Hexyldecanol, Laureth-7, Citrus reticulata peel extract, Methylparaben, Ascorbyl glucoside, Prunus mume fruit extract, Tocopherol, Parfum, Limonene, Citronellol, Linalool, Geraniol, Ci 77891, Titanium dioxide
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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.
| SK-IIGenOptics Aura Essence SerumYOUR PRODUCT | numbuzinNo.3 Bifida Bakuchiol Zero Pore Serum | OlayLuminous Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum | mixsoonPremium Galactomyces Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 88% | 87% | 86% |
| Price | — | $17.81 | $18.42 | $29.16 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 12 | 8 of 12 | 3 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Adenosine | Magnesium Aspartate | Alpha-Arbutin |
| Irritancy | High | Low | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: TOUN28 Galactomyces + Niacinamide Serumdaymellow Galactomy bakuchiol serum
Product summary
"SK-II - GenOptics Aura Essence Serum" is effective for: Reduces redness, Anti-oxidation, Anti-aging, Evens skin tone, Moisturizing and Anti-blemish
This product could be helpful for: Reduces irritation, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (4.60% - 5.60%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- An effective concentration of Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 0.55% - 0.80%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.
- Humectants (inositol 0.45% - 0.65%, panthenol 0.55% - 0.80%, glycerin 1.70% - 2.10% and pitera 6.10% - 7.40%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 21 studies and safety reviews.
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