Some By Mi Galactomyces Glutathione Glow Milky Toner Versus iUNIK Beta-Glucan Lacto Barrier Milk Essence
This brightening toner is formulated around Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid to brighten dull-looking skin and hydrate skin.
This barrier-repair essence is formulated around Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate and Panthenol to strengthen the skin barrier and hydrate skin.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventDicaprylyl Carbonate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveCetearyl Olivate
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingWater
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingBisabolol
AntioxidantAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSqualane
EmollientLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingEclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingCoptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningFructooligosaccharides
HumectantSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Propanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Methyl Trimethicone, Silica, Cetearyl Olivate, Panthenol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Water, Sorbitan Olivate, Bisabolol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dipropylene Glycol, Squalane, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Adenosine, Fructooligosaccharides, Sorbitan Isostearate, T-Butyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Beta-Glucan, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Ceramide NP, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Ceramide AP, Ceramide As, Ceramide Ns, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceramide Ng, Ceramide EOP, Linalool, Limonene
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantIsopentyldiol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Glucoside
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
MaskingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Beta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCynanchum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientBakuchiol
AntimicrobialPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Phosphate
BufferingAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningNonapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Isopentyldiol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Glucoside, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Beta-Glucan, Niacinamide, Adenosine, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Lecithin, Bakuchiol, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Phosphate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Hexapeptide-9, Nonapeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-1
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Adenosine is a purine nucleoside that your body already makes in every cell. In skincare, it acts mainly as a skin conditioning and anti-aging agent.
The way it works is fairly well mapped out:
Your skin has cells called fibroblasts that build collagen (the stuff that keeps skin firm and smooth). Adenosine basically flips a switch on these cells that tells them to get to work making more collagen and other proteins. These cells slow down on their own as skin ages, so Adenosine helps give them a little nudge to keep going.
The clinical backing is pretty solid too.
A blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 126 women aged 45-65 tested a 0.1% cream twice daily and found real improvements in crow's feet and frown lines using a precise 3D skin-mapping technique; these changes showed up by week 3 and held at 2 months.
A later study using Adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches reported gains in wrinkle depth, dermal density, elasticity, and hydration.
On concentrations, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has set 0.04% as the approved functional anti-wrinkle level. You'll typically see this ingredient used somewhere in the 0.04-0.1% range since it works at low doses.
This ingredient has been found safe for cosmetics with the data showing no irritation or sensitization.
Overall, this is a great ingredient for any anti-aging routine and has no photosensitizing effect, so it suits both AM and PM use.
Learn more about AdenosineBeta-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 GlycolCetearyl Olivate is a plant-derived emulsifier and texture enhancer. It helps keep the oil and water phases from separating so your formulas stay stable.
You'll likely see it combined with Sorbitan Olivate (together sold as the trade name Olivem 1000). This combination generates a liquid crystal structure that closely resemble the lipid organization of the stratum corneum.
These "skin-like" liquid crystals improve skin barrier integrity and promote the delivery of actives into the skin.
This ingredient is well-tolerated and has no significant sensitization data.
Because it is derived from the fatty acids in olive oil, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is a more stable version of lecithin.
It's made by taking lecithin (a phospholipid commonly found in soybeans and egg yolks) and hydrogenating it. This just means the unsaturated fatty acids are turned into saturated ones so they don't go bad as easily.
This ingredient is an emollient, emulsifier, and penetration enhancer. As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Hydrogenated Lecithin can form tiny spherical structures made of phospholipid bilayers called liposomes. These liposomes are able to capture compounds inside their structure and deliver them through the skin barrier.
Because phospholipids are a natural component of our cell membranes, this ingredient is inherently compatible with skin.
A 2021 study found lecithin-based surfactants were less harsh and more tolerable comared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Learn more about Hydrogenated LecithinPanthenol 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 PanthenolSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Cetearyl Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateWater. 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 WaterXanthan 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 Gum