Isntree Ultra Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Zinc Aqua Cream Versus COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
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
Isntree Ultra Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Zinc Aqua Cream 32 ingredients
COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream 19 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Isntree Ultra Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Zinc Aqua Cream 32 ingredients
COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sea Water
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Glyceryl Glucoside
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningZinc Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentLavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
Antioxidant
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Sea Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glyceryl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Zinc Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Maltodextrin, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Zinc PCA
Hippophae Rhamnoides Water
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBetaine
Humectant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Arginine
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHippophae Rhamnoides Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Betaine, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine, Panthenol, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
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
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.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Learn more about BetaineAllantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinXanthan 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 GumPanthenol 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 PanthenolEthylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinSodium 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 HyaluronateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Isntree Ultra Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Zinc Aqua Cream 32 ingredients
COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream 19 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Isntree Ultra Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Zinc Aqua Cream 32 ingredients
Texture 10/10
Ingredients 10/10
Hydration 10/10
This moisturizer deserves to go viral more than any other Isntree moisturizer. It’s super lightweight, non-greasy, and non-sticky—perfect for dehydrated, oily skin in humid summers or even dry climates. I hope more people take an interest in this moisturizer so the brand won’t discontinue this lovely formula.
Isntree, hear me out—you need to Show more
COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream 19 ingredients
This cream is perfect for repairing a compromised skin barrier and providing moisture, especially during dry periods of the year. I would describe this as a heavy but very hydrating cream. I’ve used it in the AM and PM but I think most people would enjoy applying it in the PM. Avoid applying around your eyes as this product spreads once it enters the upper skin layer.
Such a good moisturizer even everyone told me it’s for dry skin but since mine is combo dehydrated it went well with it.
The only downside is how it feels like it doesn’t sink well even when i apply it into damp skin so i can feel how sticky it gets, and sometimes it sticks to my pillow even i apply my skincare 1-2 hours or more before bed.
Did not cause any breakouts or issues even my skin is Show more
