The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang Soo Vital Hydrating Essence
Works for
MoisturizingPanthenol, Ceramide np + 24 moreWorks well
“Give your skin a moisture boost and restore its glow with Gongjinhyang Soo Vital Hydrating Essence by The History of Whoo.”
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, squalane.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np, panthenol
Evens skin toneNo ingredient credited for this claimNot delivered
“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.”
Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Saccharomyces/barley seed ferment filtrate, Cornus officinalis fruit extract + 5 moreMay help
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy10 strong irritants: Thymus vulgaris extract, Parfum + 8 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~5.7–6.9%
- 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 GlycerinDipropylene glycol~4.2–5.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycol1,2-hexanediol~2.1–2.6%
Triethylhexanoin~2–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about TriethylhexanoinDimethicone~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about DimethiconeCyclopentasiloxane~1.6–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxanePeg-150~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydrogenated lecithin~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 lecithinButylene glycol~0.65–1%
- 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 glycolPanthenol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolLactobacillus/soybean ferment extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about Lactobacillus/soybean ferment extractPanax ginseng root extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating
More about Panax ginseng root extractAngelica tenuissima root extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Bupleurum falcatum root extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
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
More about Bupleurum falcatum root extractSaccharomyces/potato extract ferment filtrate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Cnidium officinale root extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Platycodon grandiflorus root extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Schizonepeta tenuifolia extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Saccharomyces/barley seed ferment filtrate~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A yeast extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and can help attract water to its upper layers
More about Saccharomyces/barley seed ferment filtrateCornus officinalis fruit extract~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
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
More about Cornus officinalis fruit extractVelvet extract~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polygonum multiflorum root extract~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Angelica acutiloba root extract~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Thymus vulgaris extract~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
Asparagus cochinchinensis root extract~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polygonatum officinale rhizome/root extract~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Rehmannia chinensis root extract~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ophiopogon japonicus root extract~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and support skin barrier function, but research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking
More about Ophiopogon japonicus root extractPoria cocos sclerotium extract~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about Poria cocos sclerotium extractAchyranthes bidentata root extract~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Allium tuberosum seed extract~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Angelica gigas root extract~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Epimedium koreanum extract~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Eucommia ulmoides bark extract~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Lycium chinense fruit extract~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polygala tenuifolia root extract~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tribulus terrestris fruit extract~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Nelumbium speciosum flower extract~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Nelumbo nucifera root extract~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Nelumbo nucifera germ extract~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a silky product texture and add volume to products
More about Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymerSorbitol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about SorbitolHydrogenated polyisobutene~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrogenated polyisobutenePeg-5 glyceryl stearate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-5 glyceryl stearateCaprylic/capric triglyceride~0.2–0.35%
- 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 triglycerideC14-22 alcohols~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that helps stabilize product formulations
More about C14-22 alcoholsSqualane~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 SqualaneBehenic acid~0.25–0.45%
Stearic acid~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidBehenyl alcohol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholStearyl alcohol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholTheobroma grandiflorum seed butter~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might as well help to attract moisture to its upper layer
More about Theobroma grandiflorum seed butterCarbomer~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerMacadamia ternifolia seed oil~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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
More about Macadamia ternifolia seed oilArachidyl glucoside~0.15–0.3%
Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
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
More about Butyrospermum parkii butterPotassium hydroxide~0.15–0.3%
Tocopheryl acetate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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.
More about Tocopheryl acetateGlyceryl stearate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearatePeg-100 stearate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateXanthan gum~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumMyristic acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
More about Myristic acidPeg-10 phytosterol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-10 phytosterolLecithin~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinTrisodium edta~0.15–0.25%
Biosaccharide gum-1~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about Biosaccharide gum-1Silica~0.25–0.45%
Ceramide np~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 npCholesterol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolPeg-10 rapeseed sterol~0.25–0.5%
Polysorbate 80~0.2–0.35%
Tromethamine~0.15–0.3%
Glycolipids~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tocopherol~0.15–0.3%
- 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 TocopherolEthylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.25%
Parfum~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumAlpha-isomethyl ionone~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Alpha-isomethyl iononeBenzyl benzoate~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating
More about Benzyl benzoateCitral~0.05–0.1%
Citronellol~0.05–0.1%
Geraniol~0.1–0.2%
Hydroxycitronellal~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritating
More about HydroxycitronellalLimonene~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneLinalool~0.05–0.1%
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene glycol, Unknown, 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, C14-22 alcohols, 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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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.
| The History of WhooGongjinhyang Soo Vital Hydrating EssenceYOUR PRODUCT | su:m37Summa Elixir 8-Miracle Power Essence | TOSOWOONGCeramide Toner | ROUND LABSoybean Panthenol Toner | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 59% | 59% | 59% |
| Price | — | $97.30 | $20.90 | $16.10 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 11 of 15 | 6 of 15 | 6 of 15 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Niacinamide | Capryloyl Salicylic Acid |
| Irritancy | High | High | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | Contains drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: the Torriden Store Solid In EssenceSkinRx Lab MadeCera Cream Double Essence Firming Toner
Product summary
"The History of Whoo - Gongjinhyang Soo Vital Hydrating Essence" could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- Ceramides (ceramide np 0.05% - 0.20%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.
- Humectants (biosaccharide gum-1 0.05% - 0.15% and glycerin 4.20% - 6.30%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 47.81$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 27 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 6Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
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