The Saem

The Saem Urban Eco Harakeke Deep Moisture Essence

Name: The Saem - Urban Eco Harakeke Deep Moisture Essence
Brand: The Saem

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Phytosphingosine, Ceramide np + 13 more

Works well

What the product description says

“This essence is enriched with 70 percent of New Zealand Harakeke extract that delivers moisture and nourishment.”

Source: Yesstyle

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, trehalose.

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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, ribes nigrum seed oil.

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

PhytosphingosineHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect~1.3–1.9%

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~1.2–1.8%

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

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~2.8–4.3%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~1.8–2.8%

Vitis vinifera seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~1–1.5%

Ribes nigrum seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.~0.6–1.35%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.15–0.55%

TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.4%

Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)Key active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~0.1–0.45%

Phormium tenax seed oilKey activeEffect: MediumA plant oil rich in linoleic acid. Can help soften the upper layer of the skin and support the barrier function~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~4.3–6.4%

Portulaca oleracea extract· HumectantEffect: LowA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.5%

Glyceryl stearate citrate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.45%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.1–0.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

2 strong irritants: Calendula officinalis flower extract, Parfum

Medium risk

We flagged 11 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Calendula officinalis flower extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.8%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.01–0.05%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~1.1–1.7%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~1.8–2.8%est.

Vitis vinifera seed oilA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~1–1.5%est.

Ribes nigrum seed oilAn emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.Medium~0.6–1.35%est.

Ribes nigrum fruit extractA fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skinMedium~0.3–0.75%est.

Portulaca oleracea extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.15–0.5%est.

Polyglyceryl-10 laurateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.3%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.01–0.05%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

ARZTIN A-Cera Barrier Ampoule Toner

Cheaper62% match

$6.96

celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner

Cheaper59% match

$4.08

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Dipropylene glycol~23–34%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Dipropylene glycol

Butylene glycol~4.3–6.4%

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

Propanediol~3.5–5.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

Glycerin~2.8–4.3%

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

1,2-hexanediol~1.1–1.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1.8–2.8%

Key activeIrritant · 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

Ceramide np~1.2–1.8%

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

Phytosphingosine~1.3–1.9%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect

More about Phytosphingosine

Vitis vinifera seed oil~1–1.5%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties

More about Vitis vinifera seed oil

Ribes nigrum seed oil~0.6–1.35%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.

More about Ribes nigrum seed oil

Calendula officinalis flower extract~0.35–0.8%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating

More about Calendula officinalis flower extract

Ribes nigrum fruit extract~0.3–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin

More about Ribes nigrum fruit extract

Phormium tenax root extract71%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Phormium tenax root extract

Portulaca oleracea extract~0.15–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Portulaca oleracea extract

Trehalose~0.1–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Trehalose

Phormium tenax seed oil~0.1–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A plant oil rich in linoleic acid. Can help soften the upper layer of the skin and support the barrier function

More about Phormium tenax seed oil

Piper methysticum root extract~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Piper methysticum root extract

Hydrogenated lecithin~0.1–0.45%

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

Panthenol~0.1–0.4%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

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

More about Panthenol

Water~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Dipropylene glycol~0.05–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Dipropylene glycol

Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)~0.1–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)

Cetearyl olivate~0.1–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Cetearyl olivate

Glyceryl stearate~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Cetearyl olivate~0.05–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Cetearyl olivate

Polyglyceryl-3 distearate~0.1–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Polyglyceryl-3 distearate

Sorbitan olivate~0.05–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan olivate

Cetyl alcohol~0.15–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol

Polyglyceryl-10 laurate~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-10 laurate

Polyglyceryl-10 myristate~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Polyglyceryl-10 myristate

Xanthan gum~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Carbomer~0.05–0.3%

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

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Tromethamine~0.05–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Glyceryl stearate citrate~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin

More about Glyceryl stearate citrate

Disodium edta~0.01–0.05%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Parfum~0.01–0.05%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Ingredient list view

Dipropylene glycol, Butylene glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Ceramide np, Phytosphingosine, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Ribes nigrum seed oil, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Ribes nigrum fruit extract, Phormium tenax root extract, Portulaca oleracea extract, Trehalose, Phormium tenax seed oil, Piper methysticum root extract, Hydrogenated lecithin, Panthenol, Water, Dipropylene glycol, Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin), Cetearyl olivate, Glyceryl stearate, Cetearyl olivate, Polyglyceryl-3 distearate, Sorbitan olivate, Cetyl alcohol, Polyglyceryl-10 laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 myristate, Xanthan gum, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tromethamine, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Disodium edta, Parfum

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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 SaemUrban Eco Harakeke Deep Moisture EssenceYOUR PRODUCT	ARZTINA-Cera Barrier Ampoule Toner	celimaxDual Barrier Creamy Toner	Paula's choicePore-Reducing Toner
Match	—	62%	59%	59%
Price	—	$6.96	$4.08	$21.28
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 8	5 of 8	4 of 8
Key difference	—	Niacinamide	Ceramide As	Niacinamide
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"The Saem - Urban Eco Harakeke Deep Moisture Essence" is effective for: Moisturizing

Ingredient callouts

Ceramides (phytosphingosine 1.30% - 1.90% and ceramide np 1.20% - 1.80%). 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 (trehalose 0.10% - 0.40% and glycerin 2.80% - 4.20%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.