Updated on February 03, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
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 Calming Barrier Serum 24 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 Calming Barrier Serum 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
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
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Octyldodecanol
EmollientNiacinamide
Smoothing
Distarch Phosphate
AbsorbentDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPectin
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Dicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
Lauryl Alcohol
Emollient
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningChondrus Crispus Powder
Abrasive
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Cyanocobalamin
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.
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 GlycerinSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
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.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateSodium 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.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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 WaterXanthan 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.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
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When to use
ISANA Peptide Serum 21 ingredients
ISANA Calming Barrier Serum 24 ingredients
Reviews
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