Phytomer HydraSea Ultra-Moisturizing Polarized Water Serum

Phytomer HydraSea Ultra-Moisturizing Polarized Water Serum
5.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.9 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity

Review

Does Phytomer HydraSea Ultra-Moisturizing Polarized Water Serum work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Phytomer HydraSea Ultra-Moisturizing Polarized Water Serum:

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.

Lightweight moisturizer ideal for oily skin and a humectant boost for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, Phytomer HydraSea Ultra-Moisturizing Polarized Water Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.9 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), Betaine (est. ≈4.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients. It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

Such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Isononyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Triethylhexanoin
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
Function:
Origin:
Glycereth-26
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Sea Salt
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Algin
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Function:
Origin:
Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
Function:
Origin:
Salicornia Herbacea Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sea Water
Function:
Origin:
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
14.7
6
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.8
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 14.7 10
10.0
6
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.8 20
0.9
1.5
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 14.7 10
10
All humectants
14.7
6
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.5
0.3
All occlusives 1.8 20
0.9
All occlusives
1.8
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.2 3 No
All antioxidants
1.2
Hydrolyzed Algin
0.3
Salicornia Herbacea Extract
0.3
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
0.3
BHT
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Betaine
Est. %4
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
Isononyl Isononanoate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Isononyl IsononanoateAn ester of a branched fatty acid with a branched fatty alcohol. It is an easily spreadable emollient that has a silky, dry, non-greasy feel on the skin.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Triethylhexanoin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
TriethylhexanoinAn occlusive and emollient ester of glycerin and a fatty acid. It is easily spreadable and does not leave a sticky after-feel.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl SilaneA silicone with the unusual trait of being able to disperse in water. It moisturizes the skin as a humectant and leaves a soft and smooth after-feel. This ingredient also has foam-boosting properties.
Glycereth-26
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycereth-26

A glycerin-based ingredient with humectant moisturizing properties. It is an excellent emulsifier and thickener.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-5-Ceteth-20A synthetic emulsifier that can also contribute to the smooth feel of a product.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
Sea Salt
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sea SaltA mixture of minerals from saltwater. The studies show that sea salt may help to restore skin health by improving skin barrier function, improving moisturization, reducing inflammation, and reducing skin roughness and redness.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
Sorbitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SorbitolA sweet-tasting alcohol derived from glucose. Aside from its sweet taste (for which it is used as a very common sweetener), Sorbitol is also very good at retaining water and is used in skincare as a humectant.
Hydrolyzed Algin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed AlginA humectant moisturizing mixture of algae-based polysaccharides, also known as alginate, that have undergone the process of hydrolysis.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Biosaccharide Gum-1A polysaccharide with humectant moisturizing and soothing properties.
Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Undaria Pinnatifida ExtractAn extract of Wakame, an edible seaweed from Asian countries. It contains a moisturizing and thickening agal polysaccharide called fucoidan.
Salicornia Herbacea Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salicornia Herbacea ExtractA soothing and antioxidant extract derived from common glasswort. It contains plenty of minerals, various flavonoids, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides, and has the potential to perform anti-pigment activity.
Sea Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sea WaterA water obtained from oceans, seas, and large saltwater lakes. The water has been purified, and what remains is a complex mixture of various mineral salts that have beneficial effects on the skin. Sea water is used as a humectant and a solvent.
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chlorella Vulgaris ExtractA dried mass of tiny, single-cell green algae. It is widely used as a food source or dietary supplement since it is rich in proteins, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. This dark green extract is used as an antioxidant agent in skincare.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)A red colorant also known as red iron oxide. This is an EU-approved colorant used in a wide variety of products.