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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence versus Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence .

Published on January 24, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe essences. They have a total of 30 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, oils or parabens

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols, fragrances, silicones and sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Essence South Korean Brand South Korea
Essence South Korean Brand South Korea

Essence

Essences are used to prep skin for further treatment and may provide extra skin benefits. They are usually used before serum and moisturizers. Essences are thought to have originated in either Japan or Korea and is an essential step in K-Beauty.

Essence

Essences are used to prep skin for further treatment and may provide extra skin benefits. They are usually used before serum and moisturizers. Essences are thought to have originated in either Japan or Korea and is an essential step in K-Beauty.

Price

Shop

Buy Water Bank Moisture Essence

Starts at $29.00
Shop

Buy Water Bank Hydro Essence

Starts at $34.50

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin C
Vitamin E

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Brightening (3)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger (2)
Rosacea
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin C
Vitamin E

Benefits

Hydrating
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Acne Trigger
Rosacea
Eczema
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Liked

Rosa Damascena Flower Water comes from the Damask rose. It is a dilluted version of the Rose Essential oil.

The Damask Roses' petals have been found to help sooth skin. The petals also contain antioxidant compounds.

Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons. This may help reduce the signs of aging.

The fragrance of Rosa Damascena Flower Water may be used for masking. Masking ingredients are used to obscure or block properties of other ingredients. They are commonly used to block the scent of a product.

Learn more about Rosa Damascena Flower Water

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 1.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use.

It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 2.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Glycerin

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 3.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 5.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Hexyldecyl Myristoyl Methylaminopropionate.

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 5.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 3.

5
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Isostearyl Neopentanoate comes from Isostearyl Alcohol and neopentanoic acid.

It is an emollient, meaning it helps moisturize the skin.

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 6.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 4.

6
What it does: Humectant, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

We don't have a description for Sea Water.

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 9.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 7.

7
What it does: Humectant
Community Rating: Liked

Saccharide Isomerate comes from sugars found in corn. It is altered so the structure is more similar to the carbohydrates found in our skin. Its ability to match these carbohydrates makes it a great moisturizer and humectant.

Humectants help draw moisture from the air to our skin. Studies show Saccharide Isomerate to be an effective moisturizer.

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 10.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 8.

8
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Disliked

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a texture enhancer and pH adjuster.

It is be used to thicken water-based products and create a gel-texture with a velvet feel.

One manufacturer claims this ingredient to have a pH range of 2-8 and to be biodegradable.

Learn more about Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 11.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 10.

9
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Liked

Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.

As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.

Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. 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.

Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.

1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-

Learn more about Tromethamine

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 12.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 11.

10
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Mixed

Glyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid, a fatty acid from coconut.

Glyceryl Caprylate is used for its emollient and emulsifier properties.

As an emollient, it helps hydrate your skin. Emollients work by creating a barrier on your skin to trap moisture in, helping to keep your skin soft and smooth.

Glyceryl Caprylate helps keep the ingredients such as oil and water together as an emulsifier.

Learn more about Glyceryl Caprylate

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 13.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 14.

11
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
Community Rating: Disliked

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 14.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 15.

12
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 15.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 13.

13
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is also an emulsifier. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 16.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 16.

14
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Ethylhexylglycerin (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.

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 17.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 18.

15
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 18.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 19.

16
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 19.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 20.

17
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 20.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 17.

18
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract.

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 21.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 21.

19
What it does:
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Magnesium Sulfate is a salt. It can be naturally found in sea water or mineral deposits.

In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.

You might recognize Magnesium Sulfate as epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.

One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.

Learn more about Magnesium Sulfate

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 22.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 22.

20
What it does: Astringent

We don't have a description for Calcium Chloride.

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 23.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 23.

21
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

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.

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 look more even.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 24.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 26.

22
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Mixed

Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.

Sodium Citrate helps maintain the pH of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. 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.

Sodium Citrate is a chelating agent. It neutralizes metal ions from water and prevents them from binding to other ingredients. This ensures the other ingredients will not be altered.

Learn more about Sodium Citrate

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 25.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 25.

23
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 26.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 24.

24
What it does: Perfuming, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

T-Butyl Alcohol it is most commonly used as a solvent.

At room temperature, T-Butyl Alcohol melts and has a similar smell to camphor.

This ingredient is derived from isobutane. It is the simplest form of a tertiary alcohol. Due to its chemical structure, it is more resistant to oxidation.

Learn more about T-Butyl Alcohol

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 27.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 27.

25
What it does: Skin Conditioning

Manganese Sulfate is a type of sulfate.

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 29.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 29.

26
What it does: Antimicrobial, Astringent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Zinc Sulfate is a type of sulfate.

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 30.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 30.

27
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of fatty acids. These fatty acids usually are a mixture of phosphoric acid's choline ester connected to stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Most lecithins are created from plant ingredients scuh as sunflower.

Lecithin is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.

As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin. The phospholipids in Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.

Learn more about Lecithin

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 31.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 32.

28
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.

Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.

You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.

There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.

Learn more about Tocopherol

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 34.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 34.

29
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract.

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 35.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 35.

30
What it does: Antioxidant
Community Rating: Liked

Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.

When applied to skin, Ascorbyl Glucoside turns into Ascorbic Acid.

Ascorbyl Glucoside is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage skin cells.

It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Learn more about Ascorbyl Glucoside

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence contains this as ingredient number 36.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence contains this as ingredient number 36.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

25% are loved or liked
14% have mixed ratings
36% are disliked or very disliked
25% have no rating yet
28% are loved or liked
14% have mixed ratings
42% are disliked or very disliked
17% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence 36 ingredients

Water Bank Moisture Essence hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence 36 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 2 ratings
TaylorForman_1's avatar

TaylorForman_1

9 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

HOLY GRAIL Essence
This used to be my holy grail product. It jump started me into my research of Korean skincare methods. I love the ingredients...

HOLY GRAIL Essence
This used to be my holy grail product. It jump started me into my research of Korean skincare methods. I love the ingredients and miss the product. Unfortunately discontinued. I have been searching for something similar that matches the ingredients. Perfect for my acne prone skin. This helped me to start building my skin barrier and cleaned up dark spots and acne with regular use.

If anyone has an equivalent please let me know.

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