KORRES Black Pine Primus 6xHA Wrinkle Smoothing Youth Activator Booster Serum Versus Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Rapid Firm + Lift Serum
This anti-aging serum is formulated around Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate to soften the look of wrinkles and hydrate skin.
This anti-aging serum is formulated around Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 to soften the look of wrinkles.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Alanine
Masking
Arginine
Masking
Avena Strigosa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Cellulase
Citric Acid
Buffering
Dictyopteris Polypodioides Extract
EmollientDisodium Phosphate
BufferingEpigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGallyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Glutamic Acid
Humectant
Glycine
Buffering
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Soy Flour
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Lecithin
Emollient
Linolenic Acid
Cleansing
Lysine Hcl
Skin Conditioning
Pancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingPCA
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Pinus Nigra Bud/Needle Extract
Antimicrobial
Proline
Skin Conditioning
Propyl Gallate
Antioxidant
Serine
Masking
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Sodium Lactate
Buffering
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Sodium Phosphate
BufferingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Threonine
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Alanine, Arginine, Avena Strigosa Seed Extract, Betaine, Caprylyl Glycol, Cellulase, Citric Acid, Dictyopteris Polypodioides Extract, Disodium Phosphate, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Gallyl Glucoside, Glutamic Acid, Glycine, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Soy Flour, Hydroxyacetophenone, Lactic Acid, Lecithin, Linolenic Acid, Lysine Hcl, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, PCA, Pentylene Glycol, Pinus Nigra Bud/Needle Extract, Proline, Propyl Gallate, Serine, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Phosphate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Threonine, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Polysilicone-11
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Hexapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Skin ConditioningSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Phoenix Dactylifera Fruit Extract
EmollientHydrolyzed Algin
Bambusa Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Coffea Arabica Seed Oil
Masking
Spinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate
Skin ProtectingPisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin Conditioning
Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Algae Extract
EmollientSqualane
Emollient
Glycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningZea Mays Kernel Extract
Hordeum Distichon Extract
Skin ProtectingCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Coffea Arabica Seed Extract
Masking
Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientGlucosamine Hcl
Potassium Gluconate
Skin ProtectingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
Buffering
Whey Protein
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientMethyl Gluceth-20
Humectant
Isohexadecane
EmollientSodium PCA
Humectant
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Triolein
Skin Conditioning
Trehalose
Humectant
Sodium Polyacrylate Starch
AbsorbentUrea
Buffering
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Triacetin
AntimicrobialAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Polyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-8
HumectantPhytosteryl Canola Glycerides
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Oleic Acid
Emollient
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingParfum
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSilica
Abrasive
Calcium Chloride
AstringentTocopherol
Antioxidant
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
BHT
Antioxidant
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polysorbate 20, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hexapeptide-9, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Phoenix Dactylifera Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Algin, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Oil, Spinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate, Pisum Sativum Extract, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, Caffeine, Algae Extract, Squalane, Glycine Soja Protein, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Zea Mays Kernel Extract, Hordeum Distichon Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Glucosamine Hcl, Potassium Gluconate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Lactate, Whey Protein, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Methyl Gluceth-20, Isohexadecane, Sodium PCA, Phospholipids, Triolein, Trehalose, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Urea, Polysorbate 80, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sorbitan Oleate, Triacetin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Polyquaternium-51, Dipropylene Glycol, PEG-8, Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides, Pentylene Glycol, Linoleic Acid, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Sodium Hydroxide, Silica, Calcium Chloride, Tocopherol, Stearic Acid, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, CI 77891
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline) is a synthetic hexapeptide that is often called a "topical Botox alternative".
It works by mimicking how Botox relaxes muscles; it interferes with the signaling process that tells your facial muscles to contract. This can help soften expression lines like forehead wrinkles or crow's feet over time.
The comparison to Botox does have limits because the molecule is water-loving and relatively large.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has a hard time absorbing deeply enough through the skin's outer barrier to actually reach the muscles.
So whether it truly works the way Botox does at a biological level is still up for debate, but early clinical outcomes are fairly encouraging.
A 12 week human study of a multi-ingredient regimen containing this ingredient saw:
While some studies have observed improvements in wrinkle appearance, it is important to note that more consistent results are seen in multi-ingredient formulations (vs just Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 alone).
Some research studies also used higher concentrations (up to 10%) while this ingredient is usually found in concentrations up to 0.005% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Caprylyl 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 GlycolEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinPentylene 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 GlycolPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium 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 HyaluronateSodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, an AHA. It is a humectant and sometimes used to adjust the pH of a product.
This ingredient is part of our skin's NMF, or natural moisturizing factor. Our NMF is essential for the hydration of our top skin layers and plasticity of skin. NMF also influences our skin's natural acid mantle and pH, which protects our skin from harmful bacteria.
High percentages of Sodium Lactate can have an exfoliating effect.
Fun fact: Sodium Lactate is produced from fermented sugar.
Learn more about Sodium LactateSodium PCA (the salt of PCA) is one of the most well-established humectants in skincare.
Why is it so special? Your skin already makes it naturally; it's a natural component of your skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), or the mix of water-binding compounds inside your skin cells that keeps things soft and hydrated.
As a cosmetic ingredient, it grabs water and holds it in the upper layers of skin to smooth roughness and ease dehydration.
There's some clinical support for the NMF approach with a study showing that a cream built to mimic the skin's NMF significantly boosted hydration.
Safety-wise, this ingredient non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and non-phototoxic in testing, with minimal skin absorption.
It also works really well with other hydrators like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, and typical usage is somewhere between 0.2-4%.
Learn more about Sodium PCAWater. 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
