Updated on February 03, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin and sensitive skin
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
ISANA Calming Barrier Serum 24 ingredients
ISANA Balance Serum 14 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
ISANA Calming Barrier Serum 24 ingredients
ISANA Balance Serum 14 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Octyldodecanol
EmollientNiacinamide
Smoothing
Distarch Phosphate
AbsorbentDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPectin
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Dicaprylyl Ether
EmollientLauryl Alcohol
Emollient
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningChondrus Crispus Powder
Abrasive
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Phospholipids
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningSphingolipids
EmollientSodium Citrate
BufferingP-Anisic Acid
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Glycerin, Octyldodecanol, Niacinamide, Distarch Phosphate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Xanthan Gum, Pectin, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Dicaprylyl Ether, Lauryl Alcohol, Allantoin, Pentylene Glycol, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Madecassoside, Phospholipids, Cyanocobalamin, Sphingolipids, Sodium Citrate, P-Anisic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopherol
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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Panthenol 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
ISANA Calming Barrier Serum 24 ingredients
ISANA Balance Serum 14 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
ISANA Calming Barrier Serum 24 ingredients
This one works well for soothing skin and repairing barrier. I mainly used it on my exfoliation and retinol nights, and sometimes after niacinamide in the morning. It's pink colored, a bit thick, and has an interesting scent.
I love this product! It soothing, hydrating and keeps my skin barrier intact. However it does unfortunely pill, so just use it in the evening and it has a smell, which probably isn't for everyone.
ISANA Balance Serum 14 ingredients
It became easily my HG!
I use it as last step as mousterizer and not serum, because it has already 5% Squalane. It doesn’t break out, the application is very smooth!
Also the Panthenol in it works great on my skin.
Overall the combination of the ingredients is fantastic here.
Only thing I agree with the other review though, it would have been better in a pump bottle. It’s too thick in Show more
you cannot do anything wrong with this! :) has a nice milky look, feels very nourishing and hydrating but light enough to not be greasy
