THE PLANT BASE

THE PLANT BASE Pore N Tightening Essence

Name: THE PLANT BASE - Pore N Tightening Essence
Brand: THE PLANT BASE

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging

Retinol, Resveratrol + 5 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Provides anti-oxidant properties to skin to combat signs of aging”

Source: Lila Beauty

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

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: resveratrol.

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.

RetinolHeroEffect: HighTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating~0.1–0.35%

ResveratrolKey activeEffect: MediumHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone2.05%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: HighMight 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)~0.1–0.4%

Ascorbyl palmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.~0.05–0.25%

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateUnder-dosedA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)~0.15–0.6%

NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs 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~0.1–0.4%

Oleanolic acidUnder-dosedMight be helpful against blemishes, work as an anti-oxidant, reduce inflammation and improve skin's ability to hold on to moisture, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness when applied topically to human skin~0.1–0.45%

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Cyclopentasiloxane + 18 more

Works well

What the product description says

“The Plant Base Pore N Tightening Essence is formulated with 44% Tannin Extract to help tighten pores and nourish skin.”

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: betaine, 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, phenyl trimethicone.

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

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.1–0.4%

CyclopentasiloxaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~23–34%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~3.7–5.5%

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~2.7–4%

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.~1.5–2.2%

BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.6–1.4%

Phenyl trimethiconeKey active· OcclusiveEffect: HighA type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture~0.2–0.75%

Glycine soja oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.~0.15–0.55%

Glyceryl linolenateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.6%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: MediumMight 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)~0.1–0.4%

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~4.1–6.1%

Cyclohexasiloxane· EmollientEffect: LowA silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels~1.6–2.4%

Isohexadecane· EmollientEffect: LowImproves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent~0.45–1.1%

Polysilicone-11Effect: LowA silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel~0.35–0.8%

Glyceryl polymethacrylate· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture~0.35–0.85%

Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~0.1–0.35%

BiotinEffect: LowMight have some moisturising properties. Is not effective when applied topically beyond some moisturizing effect~0.1–0.4%

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)~0.15–0.6%

Exfoliation

Side benefit · Retinol

Works well

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: retinol.

RetinolKey activeEffect: HighTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating~0.1–0.35%

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Retinol, Moroccan lava clay + 2 more

Works well

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: retinol. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

Moroccan lava clayEffect: LowHelps absorb oil (for the time of application) and creates a thicker product consistency~0.15–0.65%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Resveratrol, Arbutin + 11 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (resveratrol, retinol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - arbutin also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

ResveratrolKey activeEffect: HighHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone2.05%

ArbutinKey activeEffect: MediumBeta-arbutin. Can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and has an anti-oxidant effect when used in high enough concentration. Is less effective compared to alpha-arbutin~1.1–1.6%

Morus alba bark extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have anti-oxidant properties and help even out skin tone, but solid evidence is lacking~0.1–0.4%

Opuntia coccinellifera fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin~0.1–0.4%

AdenosineEffect: LowMight 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)~0.1–0.4%

Enantia chlorantha bark extractEffect: LowA bark extract that might help clam down inflammation and neutralize free radicals , but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking~0.1–0.4%

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~0.1–0.45%

Pelargonium graveolens flower oilEffect: LowAn essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidation~0.1–0.5%

Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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.~0.1–0.5%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · Retinol, Arbutin + 5 more

Works well

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

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: arbutin, glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, morus alba bark extract, resveratrol.

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.

ResveratrolEffect: LowHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone2.05%

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~0.1–0.45%

Morus alba bark extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have anti-oxidant properties and help even out skin tone, but solid evidence is lacking~0.1–0.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

7 strong irritants: Citrus paradisi peel oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil + 5 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 24 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Fomes officinalis extractA fungus extract that can help to create a temporary tightening feeling on the skinHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

Citrus paradisi peel oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.35%est.

Enantia chlorantha bark extractA bark extract that might help clam down inflammation and neutralize free radicals , but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lackingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.35%est.

Citrus aurantium dulcis oilUsed as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivityHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

Opuntia coccinellifera fruit extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skinHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

Morus alba bark extractA plant extract that might have anti-oxidant properties and help even out skin tone, but solid evidence is lackingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

Lavandula angustifolia oilAn essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

Litsea cubeba fruit oilAn essential oil with a lemon-like smell that is extracted from a fruit grown in Asia. Used as a fragranceHigh~0.1–0.35%est.

Pelargonium graveolens flower oilAn essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidationHigh~0.1–0.5%est.

Santalum album oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

RetinolTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritatingHigh~0.1–0.35%est.

ResveratrolHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin toneMedium2.05%

ArbutinBeta-arbutin. Can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and has an anti-oxidant effect when used in high enough concentration. Is less effective compared to alpha-arbutinMedium~1.1–1.6%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.6%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA 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.Medium~0.1–0.5%est.

Sodium metabisulfiteA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicalsMedium~0.1–0.45%est.

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)Medium~0.15–0.6%est.

Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.Medium~0.15–0.55%est.

Glyceryl linoleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.6%est.

Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.5%est.

Glyceryl arachidonateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.55%est.

Ascorbyl palmitateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.Medium~0.05–0.25%est.

Comedogenic

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

1 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

Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.2/5~0.15–0.55%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

APLB Retinol Vitamin C Vitamin E Facial Toner

Cheaper74% match

$11.32

Some By Mi Retinol Bakuchiol Bubble Toner

Cheaper67% match

$15.84

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Diospyros kaki leaf extract21.88%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Diospyros kaki leaf extract

Castanea crenata shell extract21.42%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Castanea crenata shell extract

Cyclopentasiloxane~23–34%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane

Dimethicone~3.7–5.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone

Butylene glycol~4.1–6.1%

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

Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~3.6–5.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture

More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer

Glycerin~2.7–4%

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

Silica~2.2–3.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Cyclohexasiloxane~1.6–2.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels

More about Cyclohexasiloxane

Resveratrol2.05%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin tone

Helps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone

More about Resveratrol

Squalane~1.5–2.2%

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

Arbutin~1.1–1.6%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-oxidation

Beta-arbutin. Can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and has an anti-oxidant effect when used in high enough concentration. Is less effective compared to alpha-arbutin

More about Arbutin

Betaine~0.6–1.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine

Polysorbate 20~0.5–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20

Isohexadecane~0.45–1.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Isohexadecane

Glyceryl polymethacrylate~0.35–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture

More about Glyceryl polymethacrylate

Water~0.2–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Polysilicone-11~0.35–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MattifyingMoisturizing

A silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel

More about Polysilicone-11

Phenyl trimethicone~0.2–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture

More about Phenyl trimethicone

Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

1,2-hexanediol~0.15–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.2–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer

Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.15–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer

Tocopheryl acetate~0.1–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

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 acetate

Polysorbate 80~0.15–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polysorbate 80

Fomes officinalis extract~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fungus extract that can help to create a temporary tightening feeling on the skin

More about Fomes officinalis extract

C12-14 pareth-12~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about C12-14 pareth-12

Adenosine~0.1–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

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)

More about Adenosine

Citrus paradisi peel oil~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citrus paradisi peel oil

Enantia chlorantha bark extract~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

A bark extract that might help clam down inflammation and neutralize free radicals , but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Enantia chlorantha bark extract

Sodium metabisulfite~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium metabisulfite

Propylene glycol~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol

Niacinamide~0.1–0.4%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-blemishAnti-agingMoisturizingEvens skin toneReduces irritationReduces rednessAntibacterialAnti-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

Panthenol~0.1–0.4%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Citrus aurantium dulcis oil~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis oil

Cedrus atlantica bark oil~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Cedrus atlantica bark oil

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryReduces rednessEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationAntibacterial

A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals

More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract

Opuntia coccinellifera fruit extract~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Opuntia coccinellifera fruit extract

Morus alba bark extract~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have anti-oxidant properties and help even out skin tone, but solid evidence is lacking

More about Morus alba bark extract

Moroccan lava clay~0.15–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-blemish

Helps absorb oil (for the time of application) and creates a thicker product consistency

More about Moroccan lava clay

Biotin~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Might have some moisturising properties. Is not effective when applied topically beyond some moisturizing effect

More about Biotin

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate~0.15–0.6%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizing

A vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

More about Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate

Glycine soja oil~0.15–0.55%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

More about Glycine soja oil

Lavandula angustifolia oil~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Lavandula angustifolia oil

Glyceryl linoleate~0.15–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Glyceryl linoleate

Litsea cubeba fruit oil~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

An essential oil with a lemon-like smell that is extracted from a fruit grown in Asia. Used as a fragrance

More about Litsea cubeba fruit oil

Pelargonium graveolens flower oil~0.1–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

An essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidation

More about Pelargonium graveolens flower oil

Rhus semialata gall extract~0.1–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Rhus semialata gall extract

Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.15–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil

Elettaria cardamomum seed oil~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Elettaria cardamomum seed oil

Glyceryl linolenate~0.15–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Glyceryl linolenate

Santalum album oil~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Santalum album oil

Oleanolic acid~0.1–0.45%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-blemish

Might be helpful against blemishes, work as an anti-oxidant, reduce inflammation and improve skin's ability to hold on to moisture, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness when applied topically to human skin

More about Oleanolic acid

Retinol~0.1–0.35%

Hero · Anti-aging, Evens skin tone, Anti-blemishIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishMattifyingExfoliationAnti-oxidation

Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating

More about Retinol

Glyceryl arachidonate~0.15–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl arachidonate

Ascorbyl palmitate~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-agingAnti-oxidation

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.

More about Ascorbyl palmitate

Ingredient list view

Diospyros kaki leaf extract, Castanea crenata shell extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Butylene glycol, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Glycerin, Silica, Cyclohexasiloxane, Resveratrol, Squalane, Arbutin, Betaine, Polysorbate 20, Isohexadecane, Glyceryl polymethacrylate, Water, Polysilicone-11, Phenyl trimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-hexanediol, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Tocopheryl acetate, Polysorbate 80, Fomes officinalis extract, C12-14 pareth-12, Adenosine, Citrus paradisi peel oil, Enantia chlorantha bark extract, Sodium metabisulfite, Propylene glycol, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil, Cedrus atlantica bark oil, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Opuntia coccinellifera fruit extract, Morus alba bark extract, Moroccan lava clay, Biotin, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, Glycine soja oil, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Glyceryl linoleate, Litsea cubeba fruit oil, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, Rhus semialata gall extract, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Elettaria cardamomum seed oil, Glyceryl linolenate, Santalum album oil, Oleanolic acid, Retinol, Glyceryl arachidonate, Ascorbyl palmitate

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🇦🇺 Lila Beauty (AU)30 ml

≈ $17.73 Out of stock

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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
	THE PLANT BASEPore N Tightening EssenceYOUR PRODUCT	innisfreeRetinol Green Tea PDRN Toner for Smoothing & Firming	DAYCELLDr.VITA Vitamin Multi Essence	LANEIGEPerfect Renew Youth Skin Refiner
Match	—	85%	80%	79%
Price	—	$26.88	$35.40	$37.24
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 13	7 of 13	5 of 13
Key difference	—	Niacinamide	Niacinamide	Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Irritancy	High	Medium	High	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: APLB Retinol Vitamin C Vitamin E Facial Toner Some By Mi Retinol Bakuchiol Bubble Toner

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Product summary

"THE PLANT BASE - Pore N Tightening Essence" is effective for: Exfoliation, Evens skin tone, Anti-aging and Anti-blemish

This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

this product contains an effective form of Retinoids (vitamin A): retinol 0.10% - 0.35%. Retinoids are potent multitasking actives. They work to improve and prevent early signs of aging, reduce hyperpigmentation (age spots and post-acne marks), and prevent inflamed blemishes and clogged pores. The downside of Retinoids is that they can be irritating. If you are not already using a Retinoid in your routine, it is best to start slowly and apply the Retinoid product only a few times per week. If your skin tolerates it well, you can gradually increase the frequency to daily.
Adenosine 0.10% - 0.40%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).
Humectants (betaine 0.60% - 1.40% and glycerin 2.70% - 4.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.