Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence - Rose Edition Versus SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (Pitera Essence)
This hydrating essence is formulated around Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate and Adenosine to hydrate skin and strengthen the skin barrier.
This barrier-repair essence is formulated around Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate to strengthen the skin barrier and hydrate skin.
What's inside
What's inside
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningRosa Centifolia Flower Water
Skin ConditioningXylitylglucoside
HumectantAnhydroxylitol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventGlucose
HumectantPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingWater, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Propanediol, Glucose, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Parfum
Reviews
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:
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 GlycolGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate (GFF) is a byproduct of fermenting Galactomyces yeast (the same yeast traditionally used to brew sake, Japan's beloved rice wine).
Sake brewers have long been known for their remarkably youthful hands. This is what actually first sparked scientific interest in GFF's skin benefits.
GFF works by stimulating filaggrin production in the skin. Filaggrin is a protein that binds structural proteins in the outer skin layer together to form a tight barrier that shields against allergens, bacteria, and moisture loss.
It's also a key building block of our natural moisturizing factors (NMF), or the network of compounds that keep skin plump and hydrated.
By boosting filaggrin, GFF helps strengthen both our barrier and our skin's ability to retain moisture.
Beyond hydration, GFF has notable antioxidant properties that help protect against oxidative stress and UV-induced inflammation.
Research also suggests it may help regulate sebum and keratin production. This could be an interesting option for those concerned about oiliness or skin texture.
Fungal acne:
This ingredient doesn't contain fatty acids or oils that could feed Malassezia, and the yeast used to make it (Galactomyces) is a different genera of fungi from Malassezia. The presence of one doesn't stimulate the other.
However, there is a concern raised by some communities that this ingredient could trigger a reaction in people who are broadly sensitive to yeast/fungal-derived ingredients.
Learn more about Galactomyces Ferment FiltratePentylene 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 GlycolWater. 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