Sunday Riley Tidal Deep Hydration + Plumping Serum Versus Summer Fridays Jet Lag Deep Hydration Serum
This hydrating serum is formulated around Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil and Sodium Hyaluronate to hydrate skin and strengthen the skin barrier.
This hydrating serum is formulated around Squalane and Sodium Hyaluronate to hydrate skin and strengthen the skin barrier.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
C15-19 Alkane
SolventPolyglycerin-6
HumectantJojoba Esters
Emollient
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Glycoproteins
Skin Conditioning
Xylitylglucoside
Humectant
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTrehalose
Humectant
Arginine
Masking
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Anhydroxylitol
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
C12-13 Alkyl Glyceryl Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin Conditioning
Isododecane
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXylitol
Humectant
Glyceryl Glucoside
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantAdipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin Conditioning
Lauryl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Polyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11
Emulsion StabilisingFibroin
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Phytate
ChelatingHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Copper Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Citric Acid
Buffering
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberTris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate
StabilisingPinene
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil
Citrus Limon Peel Oil
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Glycerin, C15-19 Alkane, Polyglycerin-6, Jojoba Esters, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Glycoproteins, Xylitylglucoside, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Trehalose, Arginine, Phenyl Trimethicone, Anhydroxylitol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, C12-13 Alkyl Glyceryl Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Isododecane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Carbomer, Xylitol, Glyceryl Glucoside, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Lauryl Dimethicone, Polyglutamic Acid, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11, Fibroin, Benzoic Acid, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Phytate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Copper Gluconate, Sodium PCA, Pentylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Citric Acid, Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate, Pinene, Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Squalane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polyester-5
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Avena Sativa Kernel Flour
Abrasive
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Arginine
Masking
Aspartic Acid
Masking
PCA
Humectant
Glycine
Buffering
Alanine
Masking
Serine
Masking
Valine
MaskingProline
Skin Conditioning
Threonine
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
Masking
Histidine
Humectant
Sodium Lactate
Buffering
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
ChelatingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
ChelatingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Water, Propanediol, Squalane, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polyester-5, Sodium Hyaluronate, Avena Sativa Kernel Flour, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, Ceramide NP, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Histidine, Sodium Lactate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propylene Glycol
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.
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 preservatives
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Rosacea skin has a lower threshold for acids generally, with 62.5% of rosacea subjects in one study reacting to lactic acid in a sting test. This is why we mark citric acid as a potential rosacea trigger.
However, this ingredient shows up as a pH adjuster or chelator at roughly 0.1-1% in many products. These low levels are unlikely to be an issue for rosacea skin and becomes a potential trigger at exfoliating concentrations (20%). Because everybody's skin is unique, we recommend a patch test if you are unsure.
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycerin (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 GlycerinPotassium 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 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
