Viegano AHA BHA LHA PHA Versus Zymogen Houttuynia Cordata Ferment Serum
Updated on May 07, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA and hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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Ingredient Info
Viegano AHA BHA LHA PHA 20 ingredients
Zymogen Houttuynia Cordata Ferment Serum 23 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Viegano AHA BHA LHA PHA 20 ingredients
Zymogen Houttuynia Cordata Ferment Serum 23 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Citrate
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Propanediol, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Gluconolactone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zinc PCA, Lactic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Lactate
BufferingPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Sophora Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ProtectingAzelaic Acid
Buffering
Aspergillus/Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate
HumectantSalicylic Acid
Masking
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientPPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether
EmulsifyingCoceth-7
EmulsifyingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Parfum
Masking
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Sodium Lactate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sophora Japonica Flower Extract, Azelaic Acid, Aspergillus/Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether, Coceth-7, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Panthenol, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Parfum, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Phenoxyethanol
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 GlycolHouttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
The components found in Heart Leaf give it antioxidant, hydrating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Heart Leaf is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, and more. It also contains polysaccharides, the most common type of carbs in food.
Flavonoids have been shown to be effective antioxidants. They help neutralize free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are unstable molecules that may damage our skin cells and DNA. The flavonoids in Heart Leaf also help soothe the skin.
Polysaccharides are naturally found in our skin. They play a role in hydrating and repairing the top layer of skin. The polysaccharides in Heart Leaf help moisturize our skin.
Studies show decanoyl acetaldehyde, a component of Heart Leaf oil, is effective at killing bacteria.
The name 'Fish Mint' comes from the herb's natural fishy smell. Is is native to southeast Asia and used throughout the continent for traditional cooking and medicine.
Learn more about Houttuynia Cordata ExtractLactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.
Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.
Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they don’t penetrate as deeply. This means they’re less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Like glycolic acid, it can:
Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.
Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skin’s microbiome.
To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.
Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.
Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidPanthenol 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 PanthenolSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
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