the SKIN HOUSE

the SKIN HOUSE XYCOS Vita Propolis Serum

Name: the SKIN HOUSE - XYCOS Vita Propolis Serum
Brand: the SKIN HOUSE

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Evens skin tone

Niacinamide, Camellia sinensis leaf extract + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Offers intensive whitening care to skin with Vitamin B&C and Propolis.”

Source: Yesstyle

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

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.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs 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~0.5–1.15%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.1–0.4%

Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~0.05–0.3%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Camellia sinensis leaf extract + 1 more

Works well

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

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.

Moisturizing

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Glycoproteins + 15 more

Works well

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: arginine, betaine.

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: arginine, squalane.

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

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs 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~0.5–1.15%

GlycoproteinsKey activeEffect: High~4.9–7.3%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~3.4–5.1%

BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~2.7–4%

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~1.7–2.6%

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.~0.9–1.3%

ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~0.15–0.55%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.15–0.6%

HoneyKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen~0.1–0.35%

Propolis extractKey activeEffect: MediumA complex substance produced by honey bees. Can have anti-bacterial and some anti-oxidant effect. Is an allergen and can be irritating~0.1–0.5%

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~2–3%

Cetyl ethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture~1.3–1.9%

Hydrogenated polydecene· EmollientEffect: LowHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~1–1.5%

Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.35–0.85%

Macadamia integrifolia seed oilUnder-dosedA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.95%

LanolinUnder-dosedSebum of wool-bearing animals (most commonly sheep). Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce the skin water loss. In rare cases could be an allergen. Not suitable for vegans~0.3–0.7%

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Camellia sinensis leaf extract

Works well

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

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Sorbitan sesquioleate, Hamamelis virginiana extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 7 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Sorbitan sesquioleateUsed to help oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.75%est.

Propolis extractA complex substance produced by honey bees. Can have anti-bacterial and some anti-oxidant effect. Is an allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.5%est.

Hamamelis virginiana extractA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.35%est.

Ascorbic acidThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of agingHigh~0.05–0.3%est.

Pelargonium graveolens oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.5–1.2%est.

Cetyl ethylhexanoateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product textureMedium~1.3–1.9%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

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.15–0.6%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycoproteins~4.9–7.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Glycoproteins

Sodium hyaluronate~3.4–5.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Betaine~2.7–4%

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

Butylene glycol~2–3%

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

Glycerin~1.7–2.6%

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~0.5–1.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Cetyl ethylhexanoate~1.3–1.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture

More about Cetyl ethylhexanoate

Hydrogenated polydecene~1–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Hydrogenated polydecene

Squalane~0.9–1.3%

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

Niacinamide~0.5–1.15%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-blemishMoisturizingAnti-agingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAntibacterial

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

Macadamia integrifolia seed oil~0.4–0.95%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Macadamia integrifolia seed oil

Sorbitan isostearate~0.35–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan isostearate

Sorbitan sesquioleate~0.3–0.75%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Cleansing

Used to help oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Sorbitan sesquioleate

Cetearyl olivate~0.2–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Cetearyl olivate

Sorbitan olivate~0.2–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan olivate

Stearic acid~0.35–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid

Lanolin~0.3–0.7%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Sebum of wool-bearing animals (most commonly sheep). Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce the skin water loss. In rare cases could be an allergen. Not suitable for vegans

More about Lanolin

Arginine~0.15–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine

Cetearyl alcohol~0.15–0.6%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Propolis extract~0.1–0.5%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

MoisturizingAntibacterialAnti-oxidation

A complex substance produced by honey bees. Can have anti-bacterial and some anti-oxidant effect. Is an allergen and can be irritating

More about Propolis extract

Camellia sinensis callus culture extract~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Camellia sinensis callus culture extract

Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

AntibacterialAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract

Hamamelis virginiana extract~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating

More about Hamamelis virginiana extract

Leontopodium alpinum extract~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Leontopodium alpinum extract

Honey~0.1–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAntibacterial

Helps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen

More about Honey

Ascorbic acid~0.05–0.3%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging

More about Ascorbic acid

Melissa officinalis extract~0.05–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Melissa officinalis extract

Dipropylene glycol~0.05–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Dipropylene glycol

Carbomer~0.05–0.15%

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

Pelargonium graveolens oil~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Pelargonium graveolens oil

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycoproteins, Sodium hyaluronate, Betaine, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, Cetyl ethylhexanoate, Hydrogenated polydecene, Squalane, Niacinamide, Macadamia integrifolia seed oil, Sorbitan isostearate, Sorbitan sesquioleate, Cetearyl olivate, Sorbitan olivate, Stearic acid, Lanolin, Arginine, Cetearyl alcohol, Propolis extract, Camellia sinensis callus culture extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Leontopodium alpinum extract, Honey, Ascorbic acid, Melissa officinalis extract, Dipropylene glycol, Carbomer, Pelargonium graveolens oil

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$14.80

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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 SKIN HOUSEXYCOS Vita Propolis SerumYOUR PRODUCT	Carenology 95RE:BLUE Deep Concentrate Ampoule	ArenciaDeep Water Surge Serum 30	SollallaUltimate Hydrate Hyaluronic Serum
Match	—	85%	84%	84%
Price	$14.80	$13.50−$1.30	$15.74+$0.94	—
Shared key ingredients	—	6 of 10	7 of 10	8 of 10
Key difference	—	Copper Tripeptide-1	Copper Tripeptide-1	Madecassoside
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: AESTURA A-CICA365 Soothing Redness Relief Face Serum pH4.5 with Centella Asiatica + Hyaluronic SKIN&LAB Red Serum

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Product summary

"the SKIN HOUSE - XYCOS Vita Propolis Serum" could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

This product also contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). It can be an effective active for anti-aging and evening out the skin tone, but in this product it is used for stabilizing other ingredients in the formulation. In this concentration (0.05% - 0.30%) it cannot have a noticeable benefit for the skin.
Humectants (arginine 0.15% - 0.55%, glycerin 1.70% - 2.60%, betaine 2.70% - 4.00% and sodium hyaluronate 3.40% - 5.10%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails for 12.16$ 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 14 studies and safety reviews.

1
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
3
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5
Safety Assessment of Polyene Group as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
6
Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
8
Fatty acids profile of oil from nine varieties of Macadamia nuttandfonline.com
9
Sorbitan sesquioleate, a common emulsifier in topical corticosteroids, is an important contact allergenncbi.nlm.nih.gov
10
The lanolin paradox revisited Matiz, Catalina et al. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 64, Issue 1, 197jaad.org
11
Propolis: A Wonder Bees Product and Its Pharmacological Potentialsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
12
Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy of Topical Preparations with 10% Hamamelis Distillate in a UV Erythema Testkarger.com
13
Anti-inflammatory activity of hamamelis distillate applied topically to the skin link.springer.com
14
ASSESSMENT REPORT ON HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA L., CORTEX HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA L., FOLIUM HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA L., FOLIUM ET CORTEX AUT RAMUNCULUS DESTILLATUM ema.europa.eu

the SKIN HOUSEXYCOS Vita Propolis Serum

Buy at Yesstyle$14.80 Amazon

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Yesstyle$14.80 Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.