Updated on June 13, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both 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 scar healing
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 Peptide Serum 21 ingredients
ISANA Balance Serum 14 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
ISANA Peptide Serum 21 ingredients
ISANA Balance Serum 14 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAspartic Acid
Masking
Soluble Collagen
Humectant
Sodium Salicylate
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Benzoate
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingTetrasodium Iminodisuccinate
Fumaric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingMaleic Acid
BufferingMalic Acid
Buffering
Water, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Aspartic Acid, Soluble Collagen, Sodium Salicylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate, Fumaric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Maleic Acid, Malic Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
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 even out skin tone.
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.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
ISANA Peptide Serum 21 ingredients
ISANA Balance Serum 14 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
