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Institut Esthederm · Serums

Intensive Hyaluronic Sérum

$75·30 ml·Leave-on
85
Low concern

Why this score

Concern51 / 55
  • Fragrance: watch if sensitive

How much genuine, cited concern the ingredients carry, weighted by how much of each is likely present and whether the product stays on or rinses off.

Transparency12 / 20
  • Uses an undisclosed "fragrance/parfum" blend, so its scent allergens are hidden.

Whether the full ingredient list, and any fragrance, are actually disclosed.

Formulation restraint22 / 25
  • 1 known irritant or fragrance-allergen ingredient: Fragrance.

Needless irritant or allergen load for the product type. A clean, purposeful formula scores well without any "free-from" theater.

Scored by PlainBody Editorial against the PlainScore method · Label checked July 2026

What’s inside

WaterGenerally safe

The base most products are built on. It carries the other ingredients and has no safety concern.

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GlycerinGenerally safe

A humectant that draws water into the skin. One of the best-studied, best-tolerated ingredients in personal care.

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Isononyl IsononanoateGenerally safe

This branched ester is a CIR-reviewed emollient used to give creams and lotions a silky, fast-absorbing after-feel. It is generally rated non-comedogenic and has not shown irritation or sensitization concerns in the available safety data.

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Butylene GlycolCommonly feared, low concern

A lightweight humectant and solvent similar in role to propylene glycol, used to carry actives and give lotions a lighter feel. CIR has reviewed it and considers it safe as used in cosmetics.

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Ethylhexyl PalmitateGenerally safe

An ester of palmitic acid and ethylhexanol, commonly used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It is well studied and well tolerated in cosmetics.

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Hyaluronic AcidGenerally safe

A humectant that holds water at the skin surface for a more hydrated look. No safety concern.

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Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6Generally safe

A cross-linked polymer used to thicken formulas and create lightweight gel textures. The large molecular weight prevents penetration into the skin and is not absorbed; well tolerated in cosmetics.

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Pentylene GlycolGenerally safe

Pentylene glycol is a humectant and solvent that also offers mild antimicrobial support in formulas. It is generally well tolerated, with only rare reports of irritation, mostly in already sensitive or compromised skin.

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FragranceWatch if sensitive

An undisclosed scent blend that can contain dozens of components. The single most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy, and the blend is not itemized, so you cannot see what is in it.

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Caprylyl GlycolGenerally safe

Caprylyl glycol is a plant-derived humectant that also has mild antimicrobial properties, so it is commonly paired with other preservatives to allow lower overall preservative levels. Available data do not point to meaningful irritation or sensitization concerns at typical use levels.

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Disodium EDTACommonly feared, low concern

A chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working properly. It is not a functional skincare "active" and only a very small amount is used, with minimal skin penetration expected.

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Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid CopolymerGenerally safe

A synthetic copolymer used to thicken and stabilize gels, serums, and emulsions. CIR has determined it is safe as used in cosmetics. The polymer is high molecular weight, which minimizes penetration and contact sensitization risk.

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Propylene GlycolCommonly feared, low concern

A small humectant and solvent molecule that helps other ingredients dissolve and helps skin hold water. It is one of the most studied cosmetic ingredients and is considered safe at the concentrations used in personal care products.

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PhenoxyethanolCommonly feared, low concern

A widely used preservative, safe at the legal limit of 1% or less. Often the "paraben-free" replacement.

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CarnosineGenerally safe

A naturally occurring dipeptide with antioxidant properties, studied for skin health and barrier function support. It is widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulations with a strong safety history. No known contact allergens or sensitization reactions have been documented.

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Laminaria Digitata ExtractGenerally safe

An extract from brown kelp (oarweed) rich in polysaccharides and trace minerals, used in cosmetics for moisturizing and antioxidant support. The extract is widely used with a consistent safety profile, though individuals with iodine sensitivity should be cautious.

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Hexylene GlycolGenerally safe

This small glycol is used to thin out formulas and help preservatives work better, similar in role to propylene glycol and butylene glycol already in wide use. Industry and EU safety reviewers have set purity and concentration conditions for its use rather than restricting it outright, and no consumer-relevant hazard has been established at typical cosmetic levels.

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Note: this product hides its scent as an undisclosed “fragrance/parfum” blend, so its specific allergens are not on the label.

Lower-concern alternatives

Same category, higher PlainScore.

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Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. Concern ratings are evidence-graded and cited on each ingredient page. See how we score.