Typology

Typology Bi-Phase Repairing Serum — 3% NMF Complex + Squalane

Name: Typology - Bi-Phase Repairing Serum — 3% NMF Complex + Squalane
Brand: Typology

Efficacy100/100IrritancyLow

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Urea, Squalane + 13 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Repairs the skin barrier of sensitive, atopic, and rosacea-prone skin to soothe redness and discomfort.”

Source: Typology US

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: alanine, 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: squalane, glycine soja oil.

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

UreaHero· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations~1.3–2%

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.~5.8–8.7%

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~3.5–5.2%

BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~2.1–3.2%

Mauritia flexuosa fruit oilKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.7–2.5%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~1.1–1.7%

Saccharide hydrolysateKey active· HumectantEffect: High~0.9–1.4%

AlanineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking~0.55–1.25%

GlycineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function~0.45–1.05%

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.~0.4–0.9%

Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.05–0.15%

Magnesium aspartateKey activeEffect: MediumMight be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and calm down inflammation in skin~0.01–0.05%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~2.8–4.2%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.1–0.35%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.15–0.65%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Creatine, Tocopherol + 1 more

May help

This product contains creatine. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

CreatineKey activeEffect: MediumCan support skin's ability to neutralize free radicals and produce collagen, though further research is needed to confirm effectiveness~0.1–0.45%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Creatine, Tocopherol

May help

This product contains antioxidants (creatine) 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.

CreatineKey activeEffect: MediumCan support skin's ability to neutralize free radicals and produce collagen, though further research is needed to confirm effectiveness~0.1–0.45%

TocopherolUnder-dosedPure 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~0.1–0.35%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

6 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 6 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~2.8–4.2%est.

Mauritia flexuosa fruit oilHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~1.7–2.5%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~0.4–0.9%est.

Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.15–0.65%est.

Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.05–0.15%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.1%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.2/5~0.4–0.9%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Ultra Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

Cheaper58% match

$15.17

Simply Pure Superdrug Simply Pure Hydrating Night Serum

Cheaper55% match

$5.33

View all alternatives

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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

Squalane~5.8–8.7%

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

Glycerin~3.5–5.2%

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

Pentylene glycol~2.8–4.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Betaine~2.1–3.2%

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

Mauritia flexuosa fruit oil~1.7–2.5%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Mauritia flexuosa fruit oil

Urea~1.3–2%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingExfoliation

Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations

More about Urea

Sodium hyaluronate~1.1–1.7%

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

Saccharide hydrolysate~0.9–1.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Saccharide hydrolysate

Alanine~0.55–1.25%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin tone

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking

More about Alanine

Glycine~0.45–1.05%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Glycine

Glycine soja oil~0.4–0.9%

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

Lactic acid~0.15–0.65%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid

Creatine~0.1–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingAnti-oxidation

Can support skin's ability to neutralize free radicals and produce collagen, though further research is needed to confirm effectiveness

More about Creatine

Tocopherol~0.1–0.35%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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 Tocopherol

Sodium lactate~0.05–0.15%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate

1,2-hexanediol~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Magnesium aspartate~0.01–0.05%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Might be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and calm down inflammation in skin

More about Magnesium aspartate

Ingredient list view

Water, Squalane, Glycerin, Pentylene glycol, Betaine, Mauritia flexuosa fruit oil, Urea, Sodium hyaluronate, Saccharide hydrolysate, Alanine, Glycine, Glycine soja oil, Lactic acid, Creatine, Tocopherol, Sodium lactate, 1,2-hexanediol, Magnesium aspartate

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Typology US

$44.90

Buy

Amazon USPrice as of 11/6 21:00 GMT

$99.00

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

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
	TypologyBi-Phase Repairing Serum — 3% NMF Complex + SqualaneYOUR PRODUCT	NeutrogenaHydro Boost Ultra Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid	111SKINThe Hydration Concentrate Serum	BasiclabEsteticus - serum with 10 % trehalose, peptide and hyaluronic acid
Match	—	58%	57%	57%
Price	$44.90	$15.17−$29.73	$49.88+$4.98	—
Shared key ingredients	—	7 of 13	5 of 13	5 of 13
Key difference	—	Allantoin	Niacinamide	Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Irritancy	Low	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: L300 INTENSIVE MOISTURE FACE SERUM Simply Pure Superdrug Simply Pure Hydrating Night Serum

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 16 studies and safety reviews.

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Topical urea in skincare: A reviewpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
5
Combination of amino acids reduces pigmentation in B16F0 melanoma cellsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
Effect of Topical Application of Glycine and Proline on Recalcitrant Leg Ulcers of Prolidase Deficiencyjamanetwork.com
7
Functional glycine receptor in cultured human keratinocytesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
8
Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
9
Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
10
Dermal penetration of creatine from a face-care formulation containing creatine, guarana and glycerol is linked to effective antiwrinkle and antisagging efficacy in male subjectsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
11
Folic acid and creatine improve the firmness of human skin in vivoncbi.nlm.nih.gov
12
The Creatine Kinase System in Human Skin: Protective Effects of Creatine Against Oxidative and UV Damage In Vitro and In Vivosciencedirect.com
13
Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
14
Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
15
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
16
Magnesium ions inhibit the antigen-presenting function of human epidermal Langerhans cells in vivo and in vitro. Involvement of ATPase, HLA-DR, B7 molecules, and cytokinesncbi.nlm.nih.gov

TypologyBi-Phase Repairing Serum — 3% NMF Complex + Squalane

Buy at Typology US$44.90 $99.00as of 11/6 21:00 GMT

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

Buy at Typology US$44.90 $99.00as of 11/6 21:00 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.