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Filorga NCEF-Essence Versus COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Essence
Essence
French Brand France
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on May 20, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both essences. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, sensitive skin and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens or parabens

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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients
ph level
6.5

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
NCEF-Essence
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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.

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Capryloyl Glycine Cleansing

Capryloyl Glycine is created by adding an acyl group to glycine and caprylic acid chloride.

Citric Acid Buffering, Masking
AHA IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
AHAAHA Icon 4 Benefits 2 Concerns

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

Disliked Full details ->
Dimethicone Peg-7 Phosphate Cleansing, Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Dimethicone Peg-7 Phosphate.

Unknown Full details ->
Sodium Hydroxide Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

Sodium Polyacrylate Starch Absorbent, Emulsion Stabilising

We don't have a description for Sodium Polyacrylate Starch.

Unknown Full details ->
Ethylhexyl Salicylate UV Absorber, UV Filter
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
Chemical UV FilterChemical UV Filter Icon 2 Concerns

Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked Full details ->
Parfum Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon 2 Concerns

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Chloride Masking
Can worsen Dry Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
3 Concerns

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Sucrose Palmitate Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Sucrose Palmitate.

Unknown Full details ->
Cetrimonium Bromide Antimicrobial, Emulsifying, Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Cetrimonium Bromide is a preservative.

Unknown Full details ->
Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum.

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane UV Absorber, UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
Chemical UV FilterChemical UV Filter Icon 2 Concerns

Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Salvia Sclarea Extract Antiseborrhoeic, Astringent, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Salvia Sclarea Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Glyceryl Linoleate Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Linoleate isn't fungal acne safe.

Unknown Full details ->
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate Skin Protecting

We don't have a description for Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate.

Unknown Full details ->
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil Skin Conditioning
3 / 0 Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil comes from the sweet almond, a tree native to Iran. This oil has no fragrance and is non-volatile.

3 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Potassium Sorbate Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.

Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Benzoate Masking, Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Disliked Full details ->
Glucose Humectant

Glucose is a simple sugar and is the most important source of energy in all organisms.

Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum Emulsion Stabilising, Masking

Guar gum is made from the guar bean, a plant native to India. It is considered a form of polysaccharide and naturally contains sugar.

Unknown Full details ->
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.

Disliked Full details ->
Alteromonas Ferment Extract Skin Conditioning

Alteromonas Ferment Extract is derived from a bacteria from in deep sea water.

Disliked Full details ->
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.

Potassium Chloride
May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin Icon
2 Concerns

Potassium Chloride can be bad for oily skin and be bad for acne prone skin.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Calcium Chloride Astringent

We don't have a description for Calcium Chloride.

Unknown Full details ->
Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon
Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic Acid Icon

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

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Magnesium Sulfate
Sulfate Icon
SulfateSulfate Icon

Magnesium Sulfate is a salt. It can be naturally found in sea water or mineral deposits.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Glutamine Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Glutamine.

Sodium Phosphate Buffering

We don't have a description for Sodium Phosphate.

Unknown Full details ->
Alcohol Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking
Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
AlcoholAlcohol Icon 5 Concerns

Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Ascorbic Acid Antioxidant, Buffering, Masking
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon
Vitamin CVitamin C Icon AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon 6 Benefits

Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.

Sodium Acetate Buffering, Masking

We don't have a description for Sodium Acetate.

Unknown Full details ->
Tristearyl Citrate Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Tristearyl Citrate.

Unknown Full details ->
Lysine Hcl Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon
Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Lysine HCl is an alpha amino acid salt.

Arginine Hcl Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Arginine Hcl.

Alanine Masking, Skin Conditioning

Alanine is an amino acid and is already found in the human body.

Histidine Hcl Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Histidine Hcl.

Unknown Full details ->
Valine Masking, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Valine.

Leucine Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Leucine.

Threonine

Threonine is an amino-acid. It helps hydrate the skin and has antioxidant benefits.

Isoleucine Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Isoleucine.

Tryptophan Masking

We don't have a description for Tryptophan.

Unknown Full details ->
Phenylalanine Masking, Skin Conditioning

Phenylalanine is an amino acid. It is a skin soothing and hydrating ingredient. Amino acids play a crucial role in wound healing and skin hydration.

Tyrosine Masking, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Tyrosine.

Glycine Buffering, Skin Conditioning

Glycine is an amino acid that helps build proteins. It is already present in our skin as our bodies produce them naturally.

Polysorbate 80 Emulsifying
0 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
2 Concerns

Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant and emulsifier. It is used to keep ingredients together, and prevent oils and waters from separating.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Serine Masking, Skin Conditioning

Serine is an amino acid naturally found in our body. Our bodies use amino acids to create protein.

Cystine Masking

We don't have a description for Cystine.

Unknown Full details ->
Cyanocobalamin Skin Conditioning

Cyanocobalamin is the manufactured version of vitamin B12. Our bodies use B12 for cell production.

Glutathione

Glutathione is an antioxidant naturally found in our bodies. It is made up of three amino acids: glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid.

Asparagine Masking, Skin Conditioning

Asparagine is one building block of all proteins in our body. It is an antioxidant and may help with anti-aging.

Disliked Full details ->
Aspartic Acid Masking, Skin Conditioning

Aspartic Acid is an amino acid that our bodies produce naturally. It is an antioxidant.

Ornithine Hcl Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Ornithine Hcl.

Unknown Full details ->
Glutamic Acid Humectant

Glutamic Acid is an amino acid that is found in all living organisms. Our bodies use this to help nerve cells in the brain communicate with other cells.

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon
2 Benefits

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide can be good for be good for sensitive skin. It can help to reduce the effects of aging.

Unknown Full details ->
Tocopherol Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay cause irritation Icon
Vitamin EVitamin E Icon AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon 4 Benefits May cause irritationMay cause irritation Icon

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

0-3 Com. / 0-3 Irr.
Proline Skin Conditioning

Proline is an amino-acid. It helps moisturize the skin and plays an important role in creating proteins.

Methionine Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Methionine.

Taurine Buffering

We don't have a description for Taurine.

Unknown Full details ->
Hydroxyproline Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Hydroxyproline.

Unknown Full details ->
Glucosamine Hcl

We don't have a description for Glucosamine Hcl.

Coenzyme A Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Coenzyme A.

CI 17200 Cosmetic Colorant
1 / 2

Ci 17200 is a synthetic reddish-purple dye.

1 Com. / 2 Irr.
Unknown Full details ->
Sodium Glucuronate Humectant, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Sodium Glucuronate.

Unknown Full details ->
Thiamine Diphosphate Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Thiamine Diphosphate.

Unknown Full details ->
Retinyl Acetate Skin Conditioning
Retinoid IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay cause irritation Icon
RetinoidRetinoid Icon 7 Benefits 2 Concerns

Retinyl Acetate is a form of retinoid. It can be good for be good for oily skin. It can help to improve skin texture, reduce large pores, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, heal scars, and fight acne. It can be bad for dry skin and cause irritation.

Inositol Humectant

Inositol is a sugar alcohol naturally found in the human body. Our bodies use this ingredient in the process of growing new cells.

Niacin Smoothing
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Dark Spots Icon
2 Benefits

Niacin is the other form of B3, with the other being niacinamide. The two have similar skin benefits: reducing inflammation, strengthening the skin barrier, and fading dark spots.

Niacinamide Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Dark Spots IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon
NiacinamideNiacinamide Icon 6 Benefits

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

Pyridoxine Hcl Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Pyridoxine Hcl.

Unknown Full details ->
Biotin Antiseborrhoeic, Skin Conditioning

Biotin is a B vitamin that is naturally produced by our bodies. It is also called Vitamin H.

Calcium Pantothenate

Calcium Pantothenate is calcium salt from Vitamin B5. It can be naturally found in plants and animals.

Riboflavin Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Conditioning

Riboflavin is Vitamin B2. Our bodies use riboflavin in the creation of skin, digestive tract lining, and blood cells.

Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate Antioxidant, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate is an antioxidant.

Unknown Full details ->
Thiamine Hcl Masking, Skin Conditioning

Thiamine Hcl is Vitamin B1. The HCL stands for hydrochloride. Thiamine HCL is created using thiamine chloride and hydrochloric acid.

Folic Acid Skin Conditioning

Folic acid is a form of Vitamin B9. Our bodies use folic acid for creating new cells and for DNA repair.

Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Snail Secretion Filtrate Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon
3 Benefits

Snail Secretion Filtrate is the excretion from snails. It is an effective moisturizer and promotes collagen production.

Betaine Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon
3 Benefits

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.

Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

Sodium Polyacrylate Absorbent, Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising

Sodium Polyacrylate is the sodium salt of polyacrylic acid.

Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon
Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic Acid Icon

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

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Allantoin Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
0 / 0 Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon
3 Benefits

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Ethyl Hexanediol Solvent

Ethyl Hexanediol is an aliphatic alcohol. It is a solvent.

Carbomer Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
1 / 0

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Panthenol Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps reduce irritation Icon
Helps reduce irritationHelps reduce irritation Icon

Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It can be found naturally in our skin and hair.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Arginine Masking, Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Mixed

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.

Preservative
Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Loved

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

Ingredient Ratings

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

NCEF-Essence
35
5
17
24
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
5
5
2
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

1 Routine
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day
14,373 Routines
48% use in am
52% use in pm
98% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Filorga NCEF-Essence 81 ingredients

NCEF-Essence hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 12 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 196 ratings
Absorbs Well (29) Hydrating (28) Works Well (26)
elinstrandh's avatar

elinstrandh

6 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

I enjoy the super hydrated glowy effect that this gives on the skin, also that it is unscented.
However, over time my skin does not appreciate...

I enjoy the super hydrated glowy effect that this gives on the skin, also that it is unscented.
However, over time my skin does not appreciate this product. After a few days my skin feels like it’s thinning and getting more and more responsive. Also contains phenyoxyethanol, something to watch out for if you use a lot of products containing it in your routine.

cgi's avatar

cgi

6 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

this snail mucin essence really is one of the best ones out there— it's a holy grail. this product was my very first impression of cosrx, and the...

this snail mucin essence really is one of the best ones out there— it's a holy grail. this product was my very first impression of cosrx, and the short ingredient list is very surprising with how effective it is. i've been using it for about a year now, and it's become a staple in my routine. after my first couple weeks of use, a lot of my dark spots disappeared and calmed down my hormonal acne & redness like magic. makes my skin looks like glass, so smooth and supple. it has a sticky texture (obviously), but it immediately absorbs like water and leaves my skin feeling so soft. i only need one pump for my whole face and pat it in. i don't use too much not only to save product but also because it'll feel a bit heavy on my oily skin. i love how hydrating it is for my dehydrated oily skin and has hyaluronic acid as an ingredient, locking in moisture. doesn't leave a greasy feeling or oily film, just pure hydration. i use it daily, morning and night. my only con is how expensive it is, which is why i'm glad i only need to use a little amount each time. absolutely in love, never taking this out of my routine.