COSRX Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule Versus Balea Beauty Expert Hydration Toner
Updated on January 31, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and reef safe . They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
COSRX Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule 16 ingredients
Balea Beauty Expert Hydration Toner 29 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
COSRX Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule 16 ingredients
Balea Beauty Expert Hydration Toner 29 ingredients
Benefits
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningOctanediol
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Betaine
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Urea
Buffering
Sodium PCA
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingPCA
HumectantMagnesium Aspartate
Skin ConditioningZinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Phragmites Karka Extract
Skin ConditioningPoria Cocos Extract
Skin ConditioningPantolactone
HumectantSerine
MaskingAlanine
MaskingGlycine
Buffering
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin ConditioningGlutamic Acid
HumectantLysine Hcl
Skin Conditioning
Threonine
Arginine
Masking
Copper Gluconate
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningDisodium Phosphate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Glycerin, Panthenol, Betaine, Allantoin, Urea, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, PCA, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Phragmites Karka Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Pantolactone, Serine, Alanine, Glycine, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Glutamic Acid, Lysine Hcl, Threonine, Arginine, Copper Gluconate, Proline, Disodium Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinBetaine 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.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Learn more about BetaineEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
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 AllantoinPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
COSRX Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule 16 ingredients
Balea Beauty Expert Hydration Toner 29 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
COSRX Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule 16 ingredients
It’s hydrating but makes me get small pimples all over my face :(
Thankfully not sticky like other CosRx products, but this literally does nothing, it’s the equivalent to putting some water on your skin that’s it. So far, of all the soothing serums/ampoules I’ve tried, only the anua heartleaf ampoule has shown some result.
Balea Beauty Expert Hydration Toner 29 ingredients
A good hydrating toner. Doesn’t do overnight magic but it hydrates the skin and makes it look smooth and plump
Edit: caused breakouts
This drys my skin. This defeats the purpose. Overall i don’t like balea products .
