Isntree Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum Versus SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Teca Plumping Ampoule
This hydrating serum is formulated around Panthenol and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate skin and strengthen the skin barrier.
This hydrating ampoule is formulated around Niacinamide and Sodium Hyaluronate to hydrate skin and strengthen the skin barrier.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Sea Water
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Betaine
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Tromethamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Malachite Extract
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
ChelatingGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantGlyceryl Glucoside
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Calcium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Sulfated Hyaluronate
EmollientMadecassoside
Antioxidant
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Stearoyl Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Oleoyl Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSea Water, Water, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Pentylene Glycol, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Allantoin, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Panthenol, Malachite Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Glyceryl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Calcium Hyaluronate, Sodium Sulfated Hyaluronate, Madecassoside, Beta-Glucan, Sodium Stearoyl Hyaluronate, Sodium Oleoyl Hyaluronate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Methylpropanediol
SolventSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Methyl Gluceth-20
Humectant
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Octyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingSodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer
Arginine
Masking
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin Conditioning
Hexyldecyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
C12-13 Alketh-9
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Phytate
ChelatingGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantTrehalose
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin Conditioning
Musa Sapientum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Masking
Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningFicus Carica Fruit Extract
Humectant
Prunus Domestica Fruit Extract
MoisturisingCucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract
AntimicrobialOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Glycolipids
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Asiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Fructooligosaccharides
Humectant
Cyperus Rotundus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Collagen
Moisturising
Glycine
Buffering
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Glutamic Acid
Humectant
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Glutathione
Resveratrol
Antioxidant
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Soluble Collagen
Humectant
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Sodium Chloride
MaskingMannose
HumectantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Polyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Glucose
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Hexapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Water, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Methylpropanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Methyl Gluceth-20, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butylene Glycol, Octyldodeceth-16, Sodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer, Arginine, Carbomer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Hexyldecyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, C12-13 Alketh-9, Adenosine, Sodium Phytate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Trehalose, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Musa Sapientum Flower Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Prunus Domestica Fruit Extract, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract, Octyldodecanol, Asiaticoside, Ceramide NP, Glycolipids, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Fructooligosaccharides, Cyperus Rotundus Root Extract, Tocopherol, Collagen, Glycine, Beta-Glucan, Glutamic Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Glutathione, Resveratrol, Madecassoside, Soluble Collagen, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Mannose, Copper Tripeptide-1, Polyglutamic Acid, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Glucose, Citric Acid, Hexapeptide-9
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Beta-Glucan is a soluble polysaccharide (a chain of glucose sugars) sourced from the cells walls of oats, baker's yeast, mushrooms, and seaweed.
It's a rare ingredient that pulls double-duty as a heavy-duty hydrator and skin-soothing repair agent.
On the surface, it acts as a humectant that holds water in place and reduces moisture loss for a plumper, smoother feel, while its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a great pick for calming redness or sensitive skin
The more interesting story is underneath:
Despite its large molecular size, oat beta-glucan has been shown to penetrate the epidermis and reach the dermis by slipping between skin cells. Here, it interacts with fibroblasts and macrophages to nudge collagen synthesis and support wound repair.
A small 2005 split-face clinical study of 27 subjects found topical beta-glucan produced measurable reductions in wrinkle depth, height, and roughness after 8 weeks of use.
It is worth noting the trial was small and the penetration testing used frozen, irradiated skin so the anti-aging data is encouraging rather than definitive.
This ingredient gets along with pretty much everything and is typically used around 0.1-1%.
Fungal acne: This ingredient is not a food source for the Malassezia yeast because it is a glucose polysaccharide with no fatty acid or ester component.
Learn more about Beta-GlucanButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl 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 CarbomerEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinMadecassoside is one of four active compounds found in Centella asiatica and is one of the main reasons Centella is so effective at calming irritated skin and supporting the moisture barrier.
There's a solid body of peer-reviewed research backing Madecassoside for several skin benefits. Studies have found:
Madecassoside pairs well with other hydrating or antioxidant ingredients like Ascorbic Acid or Hyaluronic Acid.
Learn more about MadecassosideMethylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.
Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.
Learn more about MethylpropanediolPentylene Glycol (1,2-pentanediol) is a multitasking little diol with three main roles in a formula:
Research on alkanediols (the family pentylene glycol belongs to) show they work by disrupting microbial cell membranes. This disruption helps the primary preservative system in a product work more effectively at lower doses.
On the safety side, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient to be safe as used in current cosmetic practices + concentrations.
Typical use levels in a formula run about 1-5%.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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
