Pour 2-3 shakes into hands, press over face and neck for 1 minute, pat until fully absorbed. Use twice daily after cleansing and toning, before serums or moisturizers.
Key Information
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Sensitive-safe
Non-comedogenic
Hypoallergenic
Microbiome-safe
Preservative-free
Eco-friendly
Pregnancy-safe
Oil-free
What SK-II Says
Product Description:
An ultra-rich essence for firm, smooth & radiant skin. Formulated with highest concentrated PITERA™, SK-II's signature ingredient condensed to its purest form, for 8X faster visible results. Improves firmness by hydrating intensely and boosting skin's retention of moisture.
About the Brand:
SK-II revolutionized skincare with its discovery of Pitera™, a naturally derived ingredient that transforms skin texture and radiance. With decades of research and innovation, this Japanese brand offers luxury treatments that deliver visible anti-aging results. Discover the secret to crystal-clear skin with SK-II's signature miracle ingredient.
Betaine, also known as trimethylglycine, is a naturally occurring compound found in various plants and animals. This versatile ingredient has gained significant attention in skincare formulations due to its multifaceted benefits. As a powerful humectant, betaine attracts and retains moisture in the skin, helping to maintain hydration levels and improve overall skin texture.
One of betaine's key attributes is its ability to function as an osmolyte, regulating cellular water balance and protecting against environmental stressors. This property makes it particularly effective in strengthening the skin barrier and enhancing its resilience. Additionally, betaine exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.
In skincare products, betaine is often used in concentrations ranging from 1% to 5%. It is compatible with a wide range of other ingredients and can be incorporated into various formulations, including serums, moisturizers, and cleansers. Betaine's gentle nature makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Its stability across different pH levels and temperatures further enhances its versatility in product formulation.
Butylene
Glycol
Butylene Glycol is a versatile organic compound widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulations. This colorless, viscous liquid functions as a humectant, solvent, and conditioning agent. Its molecular structure allows it to attract and retain moisture, making it an effective hydrating ingredient for various skin types.
In skincare products, Butylene Glycol serves multiple purposes. It acts as a penetration enhancer, facilitating the delivery of other active ingredients deeper into the skin layers. This property improves the overall efficacy of formulations containing beneficial compounds such as antioxidants or peptides. Additionally, it contributes to the smooth texture and spreadability of creams, serums, and lotions.
Butylene Glycol also exhibits antimicrobial properties, helping to preserve product integrity and extend shelf life. Its low molecular weight allows for quick absorption without leaving a greasy residue, making it suitable for both oily and dry skin types. While generally well-tolerated, some individuals with sensitive skin may experience mild irritation.
This ingredient is commonly found in a wide range of skincare products, including moisturizers, toners, and masks, typically at concentrations between 1% and 5%. Its multifunctional nature and compatibility with various formulations make Butylene Glycol a valuable component in modern skincare.
Galactomyces
Ferment
Filtrate
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate is a potent skincare ingredient derived from the fermentation process of Galactomyces, a nutrient-rich yeast strain. This bioactive compound gained popularity in the beauty industry due to its remarkable skin-enhancing properties. The filtrate contains a complex blend of vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes that work synergistically to improve overall skin health.
The ingredient is known for its ability to boost skin hydration by enhancing the skin's natural moisture barrier. It also exhibits brightening effects, helping to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate has been shown to promote cell turnover, contributing to a smoother skin texture and a more youthful appearance.
Additionally, this ferment demonstrates antioxidant properties, protecting the skin from environmental stressors and free radical damage. It may help in regulating sebum production, making it beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin. The ingredient is generally well-tolerated by most skin types and can be found in various skincare formulations, including essences, serums, and moisturizers. Its lightweight nature allows for easy absorption, making it an effective addition to multi-step skincare routines.
Glycerin
Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a versatile and widely used humectant in skincare formulations. This colorless, odorless, viscous liquid is derived from both natural and synthetic sources, including vegetable oils and petrochemicals. As a hygroscopic substance, glycerin attracts and retains moisture, making it highly effective in hydrating and moisturizing the skin.
In skincare products, glycerin typically comprises 0.5% to 5% of the formulation. It functions by drawing water from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface, enhancing skin hydration and improving barrier function. This moisture-binding property helps to reduce transepidermal water loss, leading to smoother, more supple skin.
Glycerin's low molecular weight allows it to penetrate the stratum corneum, providing hydration to deeper skin layers. It also exhibits emollient properties, helping to soften and smooth the skin's surface. Additionally, glycerin has been shown to enhance the penetration of other active ingredients in skincare formulations.
While generally well-tolerated, high concentrations of glycerin can potentially cause a tacky feel on the skin or draw out too much moisture in low-humidity environments. Therefore, it is often combined with other moisturizing agents for optimal efficacy and skin feel.
Hydroxyethyl
Urea
Hydroxyethyl urea is a potent humectant and moisturizing agent widely used in skincare formulations. This synthetic compound is derived from urea and ethylene oxide, resulting in a water-soluble molecule with exceptional hydrating properties. Its small molecular size allows for efficient penetration into the skin's outer layers, where it effectively attracts and retains moisture.
Hydroxyethyl urea works by binding water molecules, creating a reservoir of hydration within the skin. This action helps to maintain optimal moisture levels, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving skin barrier function. The ingredient is particularly beneficial for dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin types, as it provides long-lasting hydration without causing irritation.
In addition to its moisturizing effects, hydroxyethyl urea has been shown to enhance the efficacy of other active ingredients in skincare formulations. It can improve the skin's overall texture, softness, and elasticity while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The ingredient is stable, non-comedogenic, and compatible with a wide range of skincare products, including serums, creams, and lotions. Its versatility and effectiveness make hydroxyethyl urea a valuable component in modern skincare formulations targeting hydration and skin barrier support.
Methylparaben
Methylparaben is a widely used preservative in skincare, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products. This synthetic compound belongs to the paraben family and is derived from para-hydroxybenzoic acid. Its primary function is to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, thus extending the shelf life of products and ensuring their safety for consumer use.
With the chemical formula C8H8O3, methylparaben is a small molecule that easily penetrates the skin. It is highly effective at low concentrations, typically used at levels between 0.1% to 0.3% in formulations. Methylparaben exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and is particularly effective against gram-positive bacteria.
This ingredient is generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies, including the FDA and EU Cosmetics Regulation. However, some concerns have been raised about its potential estrogenic effects and possible link to breast cancer, though current scientific evidence does not conclusively support these claims at typical usage levels.
Methylparaben is water-soluble and stable across a wide pH range, making it versatile for various formulations. It often works synergistically with other preservatives, enhancing overall product protection.
Pentylene
Glycol
Pentylene Glycol is a versatile synthetic ingredient widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulations. This clear, colorless liquid acts as a multifunctional component, serving as a humectant, solvent, and preservative enhancer. Its molecular structure allows it to attract and retain moisture, helping to keep the skin hydrated and improving product texture.
As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol draws water from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface, promoting a plump and moisturized appearance. Its solvent properties aid in dissolving and dispersing other ingredients, enhancing product stability and efficacy. Additionally, it exhibits mild antimicrobial activity, contributing to product preservation and extending shelf life.
Pentylene Glycol is generally well-tolerated by most skin types and is often used in concentrations ranging from 1% to 5%. It can be found in various skincare products, including moisturizers, serums, and toners. While it shares some similarities with other glycols, such as Propylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol is often preferred for its lower potential for irritation and its ability to penetrate the skin barrier effectively, potentially enhancing the delivery of other active ingredients.
Sodium
Benzoate
Sodium benzoate is a widely used preservative in skincare and cosmetic formulations. This white, crystalline powder is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and is highly effective at inhibiting the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds in products with a pH below 5.5. Its antimicrobial properties help extend the shelf life of various skincare products, including cleansers, toners, and moisturizers.
In formulations, sodium benzoate typically appears at concentrations between 0.1% and 0.5%. It is water-soluble and works synergistically with other preservatives like potassium sorbate to provide broad-spectrum protection against microbial contamination. This ingredient is particularly useful in water-based products and emulsions.
While generally considered safe for use in cosmetics, sodium benzoate may cause irritation in some individuals with sensitive skin. It's important to note that in the presence of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), sodium benzoate can potentially form small amounts of benzene, a known carcinogen. Therefore, formulators must carefully consider product composition and pH levels when using this preservative.
Sodium benzoate is approved for use in personal care products by regulatory bodies worldwide, including the FDA and EU Cosmetics Regulation, making it a reliable choice for maintaining product stability and safety.
Sodium
Citrate
Sodium citrate is a versatile compound widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulations. This salt of citric acid serves multiple functions, including pH adjustment, chelation, and buffering. Its ability to regulate acidity makes it valuable for maintaining product stability and optimizing the effectiveness of other active ingredients.
In skincare, sodium citrate acts as a gentle exfoliant by promoting cell turnover and improving skin texture. It also exhibits mild antimicrobial properties, which can help in managing acne-prone skin. As a chelating agent, it binds to metal ions, preventing them from interfering with product performance and potentially irritating the skin.
The ingredient's buffering capacity helps create a more favorable environment for sensitive skin by reducing potential irritation from acidic or alkaline substances. Sodium citrate also enhances the penetration of certain active ingredients, improving their efficacy.
Its humectant properties contribute to skin hydration, helping to maintain moisture balance. Additionally, sodium citrate possesses antioxidant characteristics, offering some protection against free radical damage. Its safety profile is well-established, making it suitable for a wide range of skincare products, from cleansers and toners to serums and moisturizers.
Triethyl
Citrate
Triethyl Citrate is a versatile ester derived from citric acid and ethanol, widely used in cosmetic and personal care products. This colorless, odorless liquid functions primarily as a plasticizer, emollient, and fixative in various skincare formulations. Its molecular structure allows it to effectively soften and increase the flexibility of cosmetic films, making it particularly useful in nail polishes, hair sprays, and makeup products.
In skincare, Triethyl Citrate serves multiple purposes. It acts as a solvent, helping to dissolve and disperse other ingredients uniformly throughout a formulation. This property enhances the overall stability and efficacy of products. Additionally, it functions as an emollient, providing a smooth, non-greasy feel to the skin and improving the spreadability of creams and lotions.
Triethyl Citrate is also valued for its ability to reduce the tacky sensation often associated with certain cosmetic ingredients, particularly those used in sun protection products. Its low viscosity and quick-drying properties make it an excellent choice for formulations requiring a light, non-sticky finish. Furthermore, this ingredient exhibits antimicrobial properties, contributing to the preservation of cosmetic products and potentially offering mild antibacterial benefits to the skin.