Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of AHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence versus Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum .
Last updated on May 04, 2024. Published on August 13, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 19 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, niacinamide, peptides, retinoid and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Essence
Essences are used to prep skin for further treatment and may provide extra skin benefits. They are usually used before serum and moisturizers. Essences are thought to have originated in either Japan or Korea and is an essential step in K-Beauty.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Price
Ingredient Info
AHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence 62 ingredients
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum 42 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
AHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence 62 ingredients
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum 42 ingredients
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
AHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence 62 ingredients
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum 42 ingredients
Water • Glycerin • Cyclohexasiloxane • Dicaprylyl Carbonate • Methylpropanediol • 1,2-Hexanediol • Betaine • Hydrogenated Polydecene • Tocopheryl Acetate • Butylene Glycol • Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil • Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Peg-100 Stearate • Glyceryl Stearate • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Sodium Polyacrylate • Bisabolol • Palmitic Acid • Stearic Acid • Xanthan Gum • Allantoin • Tromethamine • Ethylhexylglycerin • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Cholesterol • Dimethicone • Centella Asiatica Extract • Retinal • Silica • Brassica Campestris Sterols • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Peg-5 Rapeseed Sterol • Adenosine • Polyquaternium-51 • Ceteth-5 • Ceteth-3 • Ficus Carica Fruit Extract • Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract • Beta-Glucan • Cyclopentasiloxane • Tocopherol • Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate • Sucrose Distearate • Panax Ginseng Berry Extract • Potassium Cetyl Phosphate • Trideceth-6 • Cetyl Alcohol • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate • Bifida Ferment Lysate • Carbomer • Carnosine • Ceramide NP • Caprylyl Glycol • Polysorbate 20 • Myristic Acid • Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone • Niacinamide • Disodium EDTA • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 • Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Water • Butylene Glycol • Glycerin • Niacinamide • Dibutyl Adipate • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Bakuchiol 0.6% • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • 1,2-Hexanediol • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Betaine • Hydroxyacetophenone • Retinyl Palmitate 0.3% • Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate • Tocopherol • Retinol 1% • Allantoin • Panthenol • Polysorbate 20 • Adenosine • Cetearyl Alcohol • Disodium EDTA • Stearic Acid • Dipropylene Glycol • Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin • Polydextrose • Ceramide NP • Asiaticoside • Madecassic Acid • Asiatic Acid • Ceramide Ns • Cholesterol • Phytosphingosine • Ferulic Acid • Ceramide As • Ceramide AP • Copper Tripeptide-1 • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 • Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 • Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 • Ceramide EOP
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterAHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence contains this as ingredient number 1.
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinAHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence contains this as ingredient number 2.
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.
AHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence contains this as ingredient number 6.
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.
Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
Betaine is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies show betaine may help with uneven skin tones.
Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The form found within cosmetic products can be either plant-dervied or synthetic.
Learn more about BetaineAHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence contains this as ingredient number 7.
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
AHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence contains this as ingredient number 10.
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
We don't have a description for Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin.
AHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence contains this as ingredient number 12.
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideAHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence contains this as ingredient number 13.
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.
Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecule hydrogen and another element.
Hydrogenated Lecithin is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within.
The phospholipids in Hydrogenated Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier to be better absorbed.
As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Learn more about Hydrogenated LecithinAHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence contains this as ingredient number 16.
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidAHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence contains this as ingredient number 20.
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinAHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence contains this as ingredient number 22.
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.
Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolAHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence contains this as ingredient number 26.
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 32.
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineAHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence contains this as ingredient number 34.
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolAHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence contains this as ingredient number 42.
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP
Learn more about Ceramide NPAHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence contains this as ingredient number 54.
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20AHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence contains this as ingredient number 56.
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideAHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence contains this as ingredient number 59.
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAAHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence contains this as ingredient number 60.
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is a peptide. A common name for this peptide is Argireline.
Argireline has a similar function to botox. It prevents muscle movement and contractions. By preventing muscles from moving, Argireline also prohibits the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. However, research is lacking in proving this ingredient to be as effective as botox.
Argireline tells our body to create more collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8AHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence contains this as ingredient number 61.
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 38.
You might know this ingredients as Matrixyl. It is a peptide.
Peptides are building blocks for protein. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 consists of five amino acids. These amino acids include: 2 lysines, 2 threonines, and serine
This ingredients tells our body to create more collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.
Thus, Matrixyl may help improve the look of wrinkles.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4AHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence contains this as ingredient number 62.
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 39.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
AHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence 62 ingredients
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum 42 ingredients
Usage
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When to use
AHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence 62 ingredients
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum 42 ingredients
Reviews
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AHC Beauty Youth Focus Essence 62 ingredients
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