Estée Lauder Micro Essence Treatment Lotion Fresh With Sakura Ferment Versus Numbuzin No.1 Pure-Full Calming Herb Toner
This barrier-repair essence is formulated around Bifida Ferment Lysate and Lactobacillus Ferment to strengthen the skin barrier and hydrate skin.
This calming toner is formulated around Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract and Houttuynia Cordata Extract to calm redness and strengthen the skin barrier.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Oryza Sativa Lees Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Lannesiana Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Betaine
Humectant
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Trehalose
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
PEG-75
HumectantPPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
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
Water
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
Masking
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Polygonum Multiflorum Extract
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Hyacinthus Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Carbomer, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Arginine, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Polygonum Multiflorum Extract, Betaine, Hyacinthus Orientalis Extract, Panthenol, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCarbomer is a synthetic thickening and gelling agent. It's basically the ingredient that gives a lot of serums, gels, creams, and sunscreens their smooth, non-sticky texture.
Although legally permitted at very high levels, carbomers are normally used at concentrations below 1%.
It also needs to be neutralized to actually thicken, and because it is a large molecule, it doesn't really penetrate the skin barrier.
Allergy-wise, the risk is very low. Clinical studies show carbomers have low potential for skin irritation/sensitization even at concentrations up to 100%.
A 2024 UK study patch-tested 1,302 patients and found true allergy to the parent group of carbomer to be rare with no confirmed relevant reactions.
Learn more about CarbomerDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAPropanediol 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 PropanediolWater. 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
