Works for:
based on ingredients and %- 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
Product Summary
"The History of Whoo - Gongjinhyang Soo Vital Hydrating Essence" could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- Ceramides (ceramide np 0.05% - 0.20%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.
- Humectants (biosaccharide gum-1 0.05% - 0.15% and glycerin 4.20% - 6.30%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 47.81$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Anti-oxidation
This product contains antioxidants (cornus officinalis fruit extract, saccharomyces/barley seed ferment filtrate) 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.
A plant extract that contains anti-oxidants. It might help to neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used to help preserve the product formulation
A yeast extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and can help attract water to its upper layers
Plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and support skin barrier function, but research on its effectiveness in skin 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
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Gongjinhyang Soo Vital Hydrating Essence
Source: From product name
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:
biosaccharide gum-1, 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: dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane.
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might as well help to attract moisture to its upper layer
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
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Plant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredients
A mushroom extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might be able to help reduce irritation and support restoration of skin barrier
A yeast extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and can help attract water to its upper layers
A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus out of soybean. The fermented product helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and has anti-bacterial properties. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation and could be helpful in evening out skin tone, but studies are lacking
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
A plant extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but it is not well studied. It can be irritating
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
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
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
Plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and support skin barrier function, but research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
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.
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
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
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
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin
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
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Essence is also infused with soybean ferment extract to brighten and moisturize skin, thyme extract to soothe inflammation, and Japanese angelica root extract to improve overall skin tone.
Source: Yesstyle
Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Moisturizing | |
| Evens skin tone |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 37/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
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| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang Soo Vital Hydrating Essence | Current | $47.81 | |
 su:m37 Summa Elixir 8-Miracle Power Essence | 56% | $97.30 | |
 ASANA 360 Oriental Prestige Prime Essence | 55% | $292.40 | |
 celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner | 55% | $17.46 | |
 TOSOWOONG Ceramide Toner | 54% | $24.62 | |
 ROUND LAB Soybean Nourishing Toner | 53% | $26.00 |
Key Actives
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
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
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
A yeast extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and can help attract water to its upper layers
A mushroom extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might be able to help reduce irritation and support restoration of skin barrier
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
A plant extract that contains anti-oxidants. It might help to neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used to help preserve the product formulation
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.
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might as well help to attract moisture to its upper layer
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
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating
A plant extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but it is not well studied. It can be irritating
A plant extract that contains anti-oxidants. It might help to neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used to help preserve the product formulation
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating
Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
Plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and support skin barrier function, but research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking
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
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might as well help to attract moisture to its upper layer
Plant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredients
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
Comedogenic ingredients
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
All ingredients
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
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.
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 can help improve skin barrier function
A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus out of soybean. The fermented product helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and has anti-bacterial properties. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation and could be helpful in evening out skin tone, but studies are lacking
A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating
A plant extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but it is not well studied. It can be irritating
A yeast extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and can help attract water to its upper layers
A plant extract that contains anti-oxidants. It might help to neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used to help preserve the product formulation
Plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and support skin barrier function, but research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking
A mushroom extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might be able to help reduce irritation and support restoration of skin barrier
Used to create a silky product texture and add volume to products
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin
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
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
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.
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might as well help to attract moisture to its upper layer
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
Plant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredients
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
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
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
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
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating
Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene glycol, Unknown, Alcohol, 1,2-hexanediol, Triethylhexanoin, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Peg-150, Hydrogenated lecithin, Butylene glycol, Panthenol, Lactobacillus/soybean ferment extract, Panax ginseng root extract, Angelica tenuissima root extract, Bupleurum falcatum root extract, Saccharomyces/potato extract ferment filtrate, Cnidium officinale root extract, Platycodon grandiflorus root extract, Schizonepeta tenuifolia extract, Saccharomyces/barley seed ferment filtrate, Cornus officinalis fruit extract, Velvet extract, Polygonum multiflorum root extract, Angelica acutiloba root extract, Thymus vulgaris extract, Asparagus cochinchinensis root extract, Polygonatum officinale rhizome/root extract, Rehmannia chinensis root extract, Ophiopogon japonicus root extract, Poria cocos sclerotium extract, Achyranthes bidentata root extract, Allium tuberosum seed extract, Angelica gigas root extract, Epimedium koreanum extract, Eucommia ulmoides bark extract, Lycium chinense fruit extract, Polygala tenuifolia root extract, Tribulus terrestris fruit extract, Nelumbium speciosum flower extract, Nelumbo nucifera root extract, Nelumbo nucifera germ extract, Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer, Sorbitol, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, Peg-5 glyceryl stearate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Unknown, Alcohol, Squalane, Behenic acid, Stearic acid, Behenyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol, Theobroma grandiflorum seed butter, Carbomer, Macadamia ternifolia seed oil, Arachidyl glucoside, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Potassium hydroxide, Tocopheryl acetate, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Xanthan gum, Myristic acid, Peg-10 phytosterol, Lecithin, Trisodium edta, Biosaccharide gum-1, Silica, Ceramide np, Cholesterol, Peg-10 rapeseed sterol, Polysorbate 80, Tromethamine, Glycolipids, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Benzyl benzoate, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool
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