Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion versus Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum .
Last updated on October 27, 2023. Published on May 07, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 25 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Price
Ingredient Info
Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion 45 ingredients
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum 48 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion 45 ingredients
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum 48 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion 45 ingredients
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum 48 ingredients
Water • Butylene Glycol • Hydrogenated Polybutene • Octyldodecyl Myristate • Glycerin • Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate • Cetyl Ethylhexanoate • Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil • Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil • Cetearyl Alcohol • Stearic Acid • Glyceryl Stearate • Mangifera Indica Seed Butter • Phenoxyethanol • Dimethicone • Glyceryl Stearate Citrate • Propanediol • 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate • Parfum • Honey • Carbomer • Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract • Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract • Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract • Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract • Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract • Tromethamine • Ethylhexylglycerin • Disodium EDTA • Alcohol • Limonene • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Portulaca Oleracea Extract • Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract • Sodium Hyaluronate • Polysorbate 60 • Sorbitan Isostearate • Linalool • Beta-Glucan • Natto Gum • Citronellol • Citral • Geraniol • Tbhq • Tocopherol
Rosa Damascena Flower Water • Butylene Glycol • Alcohol • Glycerin • Betaine • Peg/Ppg-17/6 Copolymer • Glyceryl Polymethacrylate • Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract • Phenoxyethanol • Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane • Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil • Carbomer • Tromethamine • Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract • Parfum • Honey • Juglans Regia Seed Extract • Theobroma Cacao Extract • Dextrin • Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract • Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract • Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract • Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract • Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract • Xanthan Gum • Ethylhexylglycerin • Portulaca Oleracea Extract • Limonene • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Disodium EDTA • Phenyl Trimethicone • Chondrus Crispus • Linalool • Biosaccharide Gum-1 • Ziziphus Jujuba Leaf Extract • Natto Gum • Citronellol • Citral • Propylene Glycol • Geraniol • Chlorphenesin • Hydrogenated Lecithin • BHT • Sodium Dehydroacetate • Potassium Sorbate • Citric Acid • Sorbic Acid • Tocopherol
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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.
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.
Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 2.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
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 GlycerinSulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 5.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.
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.
Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 14.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.
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 ParfumSulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 19.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.
Honey comes from bees. It is mainly made up of fructose and glucose. Honey also contains amino acids, peptides, Vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamins A, C, and E all offer numerous skin benefits.
Honey is hydrating, antibacterial, anti-aging, and skin soothing.
The humectant property of honey makes it great at helping to hydrate the skin. Humectants draw moisture from the air to your skin.
Honey may help reduce the signs of aging due to its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect your skin against free-radical molecules. If left unchecked, these molecules may damage your skin cells and DNA. Fun fact: darker honey is a antioxidant than light honey.
The antibacterial property of honey may make it effective at helping to treat acne. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Many people wonder if honey is vegan. It is technically a byproduct from bees. This is because honey is created from the digestive enzymes in a bee's stomach.
Remember to be kind to bees :) They are important for many ecosystems and are endangered.
Learn more about HoneySulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 20.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.
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.
Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 21.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.
We don't have a description for Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract.
Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 22.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.
We don't have a description for Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract.
Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 23.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.
We don't have a description for Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract.
Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 24.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.
We don't have a description for Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract.
Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 25.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.
Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract comes from the Lotus Flower, Nelumbiumspeciosum.
Lotus flower extract has antioxidant properties from compounds such as flavonoids. Antioxidants may help reduce the signs of aging.
In traditional Asian medicine, Lotus flower seeds were used to help treat inflammation.
Learn more about Nelumbo Nucifera Flower ExtractSulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 26.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.
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 TromethamineSulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 27.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.
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.
Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 28.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.
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 EDTASulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 29.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
These alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
Learn more about AlcoholSulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 30.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
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.
Learn more about LimoneneSulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 31.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract has many benefits. It contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off free-radical molecules that damage skin cells. The antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties. Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. L-theanine is an amino acid that makes up most of the amino acids found in tea leaves. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract also contains Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract also has antimicrobial properties.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractSulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 32.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.
Portulaca Oleracea Extract is an extract of the whole plant of the Purslane, Portulaca oleracea L., Portulacaceae. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.
Purslane is very nutritious. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, NMFs, many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The vitamins found in purslane include: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E.
Purslane is a succulent with an extensive habitat. It is used in traditional Korean medicine to treat irritated skin.
Nowadays, it is becoming a superfood due to its highly nutritious content.
Learn more about Portulaca Oleracea ExtractSulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 33.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.
Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract comes from Chinese licorice. This plant is native to Asia and used in Chinese traditional medicine. Chinese licorice root contains antioxidants and polysaccharides.
Antioxidants may help with anti-aging by neutralizing free-radical molecules. Polysaccharides help moisturize the skin due to their ability to mimic our natural skin barrier.
Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 34.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.
Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Linalool has the same effect as Limonene when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
Linalool has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolSulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 38.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 33.
Natto Gum is created by fermenting a soy protein using Bacillus natto (a bacteria). It is used as a texture enhancer.
Natto gum contains nattokinase, an enzyme. It is currently being studied for its ability to improve blood circulation.
Studies also show fermented soy-based ingredients help boost antioxidant activity.
Learn more about Natto GumSulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 40.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 36.
Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolSulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 41.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 37.
Citral is a fragrance and used to add a lemon-like scent to products. It is both naturally found in plants and created synthetically. In plants, it is commonly occurring in lemon myrtle, lemongrass, lemon tea-tree, lemon verbena, and other citruses.
The EU mandates Citral be listed separately as a fragrance. It is a known allergen and may cause contact dermatitis. Citral can also used as a masking ingredient.
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.
The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.
Learn more about CitralSulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 42.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 38.
Geraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolSulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 43.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 40.
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 TocopherolSulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 45.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 48.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion 45 ingredients
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum 48 ingredients
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Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion 45 ingredients
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum 48 ingredients
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Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion 45 ingredients
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