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 Water

Butylene Glycol

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene 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 Glycol

Propanediol

Solvent

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.

It’s often used to:

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate

Lactobacillus Ferment

Skin Conditioning

Lactobacillus Ferment is created by fermenting the Lactobacillus bacteria. It helps keep our skin's natural barrier and microbiome healthy.

Studies show lactobacillus ferment to be effective at repairing the skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier helps keep your skin healthy and hydrated. It also protects against bad bacteria.

As a probiotic/prebiotic/postbiotic, Lactobacillus ferment can help regular our natural biome. In fact, one study found a lack of diversity in our natural skin biome can trigger acne.

Learn more about Lactobacillus Ferment

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.

Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II

Circular Hydrating Serum

When to use

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II 40 ingredients

Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum 70 ingredients

188 Routines

22% use in am

78% use in pm

89% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

50 Routines

46% use in am

54% use in pm

78% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II 40 ingredients

5.0 /5

from 6 ratings

Absorbs Well (4) Expensive (3) Hydrating (3)

mikey

11 months ago

Review

made my skin SO smooth and supple, since including in my nightly routine my older PIE has been reduced significantly

#hydrating

#light

#absorbs well

#light scent

Estée Lauder

Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II

It gives radiance, glow, evens out my skin texture, and most importantly is malassezia safe. Post-acne dark spots also healed a lot quicker. Been using it since 2019 in my mid-20s and planning on using it forever. It's truly a HG for me. Please don't make any unnecessary reformulations on this one.

#great value

#expensive

#hydrating

#light

Estée Lauder

Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II