Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion versus Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment .
Last updated on July 17, 2023. Published on July 17, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe . They have a total of 22 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid and peptides
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Toner
Toners are used as a “last-step” cleanser, a pH balancer, add moisture to the skin, or may help in reducing impurities on the skin. They have a liquid consistency and are usually used after cleansers but before treatments.
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.
Price
Ingredient Info
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion 23 ingredients
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment 29 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
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:
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
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 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
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 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion 23 ingredients
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment 29 ingredients
Benefits
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion 23 ingredients
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment 29 ingredients
Water • Bifida Ferment Lysate • Peg-75 • Propanediol • Butylene Glycol • Betaine • Pentylene Glycol • Lactobacillus Ferment • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 • Acetyl Glucosamine • Trehalose • Caffeine • Sodium Hyaluronate • Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil • Caprylyl Glycol • Carbomer • Ppg-5-Ceteth-20 • Citric Acid • Potassium Sorbate • Sodium Citrate • Tromethamine • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol
Water • Bifida Ferment Lysate • Propanediol • Butylene Glycol • Lactobacillus Ferment • Oryza Sativa Lees Extract • Prunus Lannesiana Flower Extract • Algae Extract • Laminaria Saccharina Extract • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 • Acetyl Glucosamine • Sodium Hyaluronate • Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract • Caffeine • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Betaine • Maltodextrin • Carbomer • Tromethamine • Citric Acid • Trehalose • Caprylyl Glycol • Pentylene Glycol • Peg-75 • Ppg-5-Ceteth-20 • Disodium EDTA • Sodium Citrate • Phenoxyethanol • Potassium Sorbate
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 WaterEstée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 1.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 1.
Bifida Ferment Lysate is derived from the fermentation of Bifida bacteria (often with dairy). It is a probiotic and helps to strengthen our skin's microbiome.
Having a healthy microbiome helps protect our skin against infection. It also helps our skin stay hydrated and healthy.
Studies also show this ingredient to be a promising soothing ingredient for sensitive skin.
Learn more about Bifida Ferment LysateEstée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 2.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 2.
We don't have a description for Peg-75.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 3.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 24.
Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.
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 PropanediolEstée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 4.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 3.
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.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 5.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 4.
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 BetaineEstée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 6.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 16.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can help thicken or emulsify a product. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolEstée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 7.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 23.
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 FermentEstée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 8.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 5.
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-8Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 9.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 10.
Acetyl Glucosamine is an antioxidant and humectant. It is a form of Vitamin C.
Acetyl Glucosamine helps the skin produce hyaluronic acid and boost hydration.
Antioxidants help fight off free-radicals, molecules that may damage skin cells.
When paired with niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine has been shown to be effective at reducing discoloration.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Acetyl GlucosamineEstée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 10.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 11.
Trehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseEstée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 11.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 21.
Caffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and anti-aging.
Caffeine is an antioxidants, which help with the signs of aging. This is because antioxidants help fight skin-damaging free radical molecules.
While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.
Learn more about CaffeineEstée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 12.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 14.
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 HyaluronateEstée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 13.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 12.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolEstée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 15.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 22.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 16.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 18.
We don't have a description for Ppg-5-Ceteth-20.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 17.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 25.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidEstée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 18.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 20.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
Potassium sorbate is potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
Potassium sorbate is often used with stronger preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateEstée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 19.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 29.
Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Sodium Citrate helps maintain the pH of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Sodium Citrate is a chelating agent. It neutralizes metal ions from water and prevents them from binding to other ingredients. This ensures the other ingredients will not be altered.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateEstée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 20.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 27.
Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineEstée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 21.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 19.
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 EDTAEstée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 22.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 26.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion contains this as ingredient number 23.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment contains this as ingredient number 28.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion 23 ingredients
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment 29 ingredients
Usage
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When to use
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion 23 ingredients
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment 29 ingredients
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