COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence Versus SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Brightening Toner
This hydrating essence is formulated around Snail Secretion Filtrate and Allantoin to hydrate skin and calm redness.
This brightening toner is formulated around Centella Asiatica Leaf Water and Niacinamide to brighten dull-looking skin and hydrate skin.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingWater
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningXylitol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-6 Dioleate
EmulsifyingPyrus Communis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Laurate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningIris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingHedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract
AntimicrobialSodium Phytate
ChelatingMethylpropanediol
SolventXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingArtemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingCentella Asiatica Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Water, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Xylitol, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyglyceryl-6 Dioleate, Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Adenosine, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract, Sodium Phytate, Methylpropanediol, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglutamic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NP, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Betaine is a humectant. Like hyaluronic acid, it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. It’s known for being gentle and for helping the skin maintain balanced hydration.
Betaine is mainly used to improve hydration and support calmer skin. It helps skin cells regulate water balance because it functions as an osmolyte.
Some studies suggest betaine may support making skin tone more even.
Fun fact: Betaine naturally exists in the skin and the body. In cosmetic products, it can be either plant-derived (most commonly from sugar beets) or synthetically produced for consistency and stability.
Betaine is also known as trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water