Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-aging
- Moisturizing
- Anti-oxidation
Doesn't work for:
based on ingredients and %- Evens skin tone
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: high
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 2
Key actives
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Anti-Aging First Care Activating Serum
Source: From product name
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: madecassoside.
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.
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
An antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations
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
Anti-oxidation
This product contains antioxidants (madecassoside) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
An antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties
Plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and support skin barrier function, but research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking
A plant extract that might have an anti-oxidant effect and help even out skin tone, but solid evidence of effectiveness is lacking
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking
A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking
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
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
A post-cleanse serum-essence to visibly hydrate, brighten, and firm your skin while boosting absorption of the skincare products that follow it.
Source: Sephora
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": betaine, biosaccharide gum-1.
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: madecassoside
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin
An antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and attract water to it
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
Helps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
Plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and support skin barrier function, but research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties
A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
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
A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Used to create a nice product texture
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
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Dryness, and Dullness and Uneven Texture Formulation.
Source: Sephora
This product contains ingredients (glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract, madecassoside, paeonia lactiflora root extract, prunus mume fruit extract) that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.
Licorice root extract. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation
A plant extract that might have an anti-oxidant effect and help even out skin tone, but solid evidence of effectiveness is lacking
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking
An antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Evens skin tone |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 83/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
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| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Sulwhasoo Anti-Aging First Care Activating Serum | Current | $89.00 | |
Superegg Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum | 64% | $72.00 | |
 Sollalla Ultimate Hydrate Hyaluronic Serum | 62% | $24.00 | |
Lancôme Advanced Gnifique Sensitive Serum | 62% | $59.17 | |
 BANOBAGI Milk Thistle Repair Serum | 60% | $18.36 | |
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Key Actives
An antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin
Potential irritants
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking
Helps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulation
An antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
Plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and support skin barrier function, but research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking
Licorice root extract. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
Comedogenic ingredients
Helps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulation
All ingredients
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
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
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
A type of silicone that helps create a silky product finish and dissolve other ingredients
Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions
Helps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulation
Helps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen
Helps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen
An antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
Plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and support skin barrier function, but research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
Licorice root extract. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation
A plant extract that might have an anti-oxidant effect and help even out skin tone, but solid evidence of effectiveness is lacking
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.
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
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
A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking
Ingredient list view
Water, Alcohol denat., Butylene glycol, Betaine, 2-hexanol, Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, Glyceryl polymethacrylate, Carbomer, Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, Tromethamine, Propanediol, Glyceryl caprylate, Juglans regia seed extract, Dextrin, Theobroma cacao extract, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Limonene, Methyl trimethicone, Disodium edta, Xanthan gum, Cellulose gum, Carrageenan, Honey, Mel, Honey, Madecassoside, Rehmannia glutinosa root extract, Pentylene glycol, Ophiopogon japonicus root extract, Paeonia lactiflora root extract, Lilium candidum bulb extract, Linalool, Lycium chinense fruit extract, Polygonatum odoratum rhizome extract, Biosaccharide gum-1, Propylene glycol, Ziziphus jujuba fruit extract, Nelumbo nucifera flower extract, Pueraria lobata root extract, Natto gum, Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract, Prunus mume fruit extract, Citronellol, Citral, Geraniol, Hydrogenated lecithin, Bht, Citric acid, Lentinus edodes extract, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed soybean extract, Paeonia albiflora root extract, Zingiber officinale root extract
- Safety Assessment of Tromethamine as Used in Cosmetics
- Scutellaria baicalensis, the golden herb from the garden of Chinese medicinal plants
- Flavonoids in Treating Psoriasis
- Improvement of skin barrier dysfunction by Scutellaria baicalensis GEOGI extracts through lactic acid fermentation
- Safety Assessment of Scutellaria baicalensis-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
- Evaluation of anti-wrinkle efficacy of adenosine-containing products using the FOITS technique
- Centella asiatica in Dermatology: An Overview
- Protective effect of madecassoside on H2O2-induced oxidative stress and autophagy activation in human melanocytes
- Madecassoside, a triterpenoid saponin isolated from Centella asiatica herbs, protects endothelial cells against oxidative stress
- Madecassoside Inhibits Melanin Synthesis by Blocking Ultraviolet-Induced Inflammation
- Contact dermatitis due to Madecassol
- The Effects of a Standardized Extract of Centella asiatica on Postlaser Resurfacing Wound Healing on the Face: A Split-Face, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
- Stability Study of the Active Constituents in the Centella asiatica Extract Formulations
- Effects of steroidal saponins extract from Ophiopogon japonicus root ameliorates doxorubicin-induced chronic heart failure by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory response
- Cosmetic use of an ophiopogon japonicus active principle
- The skin-depigmenting potential of Paeonia lactiflora root extract and paeoniflorin: in vitro evaluation using reconstructed pigmented human epidermis
- Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitis
- Propylene Glycol
- Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycol
- Fermented Maesil (Prunus mume) with probiotics inhibits development of atopic dermatitis‐like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice
- Annex I: Clinical evidence regarding sensitisation to individual fragrance chemicals and to natural extracts
- Vitamin E in dermatology
- Vitamin E and Skin Health
- Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): A review of recent research