Skinfood

Skinfood Lemongrass Niacinamide 20 Serum

Name: Skinfood - Lemongrass Niacinamide 20 Serum
Brand: Skinfood

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Ceramide np + 13 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Contains high content niacinamide to care for pores and whitening, soothing trouble spots, improving skin barrier, sebum control, and moisturizing.”

Source: Lila Beauty

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: squalane, ethylhexyl palmitate.

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

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs 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~5.5–6.7%

Ceramide npHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.1–0.2%

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~3.1–3.7%

Ethylhexyl palmitateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture~1.5–1.8%

SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~1.3–1.6%

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~0.25–0.45%

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~0.2–0.4%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%

GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.15–0.25%

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~4–4.9%

Cetyl ethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture~1.7–2.1%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.15–0.3%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.2%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.6–0.9%

Galactomyces ferment filtrateUnder-dosedA 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~0.3–0.55%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Galactomyces ferment filtrate

Works well

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

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.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs 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~5.5–6.7%

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Galactomyces ferment filtrate

Works 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.

Galactomyces ferment filtrateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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~0.3–0.55%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid + 1 more

Works well

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.

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.

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~0.25–0.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

2 strong irritants: Cymbopogon martini oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil

Medium risk

We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Cymbopogon martini oilAromatic plant oil used in cosmetics as a fragrance. A likely irritantHigh~0.3–0.6%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~0.25–0.5%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.95–1.15%est.

Cetyl ethylhexanoateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product textureMedium~1.7–2.1%est.

HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.6–0.95%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~0.6–0.9%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.45–0.65%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Comedogenic

2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

2 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Ethylhexyl palmitateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture3/5~1.5–1.8%est.

Zea mays kernel extract—3/5~0.45–0.65%est.

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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

Niacinamide~5.5–6.7%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-blemishAnti-agingMoisturizingReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

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 Niacinamide

Butylene glycol~4–4.9%

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

Glycerin~3.1–3.7%

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

Dipropylene glycol~2.2–2.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Dipropylene glycol

1,2-hexanediol~0.95–1.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Cetyl ethylhexanoate~1.7–2.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture

More about Cetyl ethylhexanoate

Ethylhexyl palmitate~1.5–1.8%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Ethylhexyl palmitate

Squalane~1.3–1.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane

Propanediol~1–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

Carbomer~0.75–1.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Hydroxyacetophenone~0.6–0.95%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone

Sucrose distearate~0.6–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Sucrose distearate

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.6–0.9%

Under-dosedIrritant · 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

Tromethamine~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Hydrogenated lecithin~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin

Glycereth-25 pca isostearate~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Glycereth-25 pca isostearate

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Zea mays kernel extract~0.45–0.65%

Comedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

More about Zea mays kernel extract

Cymbopogon martini oil~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Aromatic plant oil used in cosmetics as a fragrance. A likely irritant

More about Cymbopogon martini oil

Extract (300 ppm)

Not recognized

Disodium edta~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Galactomyces ferment filtrate~0.3–0.55%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingMattifyingEvens skin toneAnti-blemish

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 filtrate

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

AntibacterialAnti-oxidation

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

Hyaluronic acid~0.25–0.45%

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~0.2–0.4%

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~0.2–0.35%

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

Pine leaf oil

Not recognized

Fructan~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Fructan

Glucose~0.15–0.25%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose

Pentylene glycol~0.15–0.3%

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

Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Ceramide np~0.1–0.2%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide np

Ingredient list view

Water, Niacinamide, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Cetyl ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexyl palmitate, Squalane, Propanediol, Carbomer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sucrose distearate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Tromethamine, Hydrogenated lecithin, Glycereth-25 pca isostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Zea mays kernel extract, Cymbopogon martini oil, Unknown, Disodium edta, Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil, Hyaluronic acid, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Sodium hyaluronate, Unknown, Fructan, Glucose, Pentylene glycol, Caprylyl glycol, Ceramide np

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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
	SkinfoodLemongrass Niacinamide 20 SerumYOUR PRODUCT	BYOMABrightening Serum	THE RAPUEZLive Hydro Intensive Serum	MISSHATime Revolution Red Algae Revitalizing Serum
Match	—	89%	88%	88%
Price	$19.90	$15.99−$3.91	$47.10+$27.20	$16.52−$3.38
Shared key ingredients	—	6 of 9	8 of 9	8 of 9
Key difference	—	Phytosphingosine	Anhydroxylitol	Adenosine
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Skinfood - Buy Lemongrass Niacinamide 20 Serum in Australia - Korean Skincare Online" is effective for: Moisturizing, Evens skin tone, Anti-blemish and Anti-aging

Ingredient callouts

A good concentration of Niacinamide (5.50% - 6.70%). 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.
Ceramides (ceramide np 0.10% - 0.20%). Ceramides are a type of lipids that our skin produces itself. They are a building block of the skin's barrier. Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or extracted from plants. They work well for softening the skin surface and "patch holes" in the skin's barrier.
Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.20% - 0.35%, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid 0.20% - 0.40%, hyaluronic acid 0.25% - 0.45% and glycerin 3.10% - 3.70%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.