Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum ingredients, decoded
What Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum is mostly made of, which ingredients do the work and what to watch for — based on the ingredient list the brand publishes.
Antioxidant serum with parsley seed, vitamin E and red algae that fortifies and hydrates skin and forms a breathable film against airborne pollutants.
What it targets
Based on which ingredients are in it, how high up the list they are, and whether they are key actives.
Also listed, but probably in too small an amount to do its usual job, so not counted above: Lactic Acid.
Key ingredients
Vitamin B3. Helps even out tone, supports the barrier and reduces the look of oiliness.
Ingredient guide →Provitamin B5. Soothes, hydrates and supports barrier repair.
Ingredient guide →Worth knowing
- Fragrance allergens listed: Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol. In the EU these must be named when above 0.001% in leave-on or 0.01% in rinse-off products.
- Alcohol appears at #12, lower down the list, so the amount is likely small.
- Contains exfoliating acids (Lactic Acid), which can make skin more sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen during the day.
What most of it is made of
- WaterBase
- GlycerinHumectant
- NiacinamideActive ingredient
- Polysorbate 20Emulsifier
- 1,2-HexanediolHumectant
1% line: from Sodium Dehydroacetate (#16) onward, ingredients are probably at 1% or less. Sodium Dehydroacetate is limited to 0.6% in the EU, and ingredients at 1% or less may be listed in any order. Products made only for other markets can use more.
Full ingredient list, decoded (34)
| 1 | Water정제수The base of most creams and toners; dissolves the water-loving ingredients. | Base |
| 2 | Glycerin글리세린A classic humectant that draws water into the outer skin layer. Well tolerated by almost everyone. | Humectant |
| 3 | Niacinamide나이아신아마이드Vitamin B3. Helps even out tone, supports the barrier and reduces the look of oiliness.Ingredient guide → | Active ingredient |
| 4 | Polysorbate 20폴리솔베이트20Emulsifier that keeps oil and water mixed. | Emulsifier |
| 5 | 1,2-Hexanediol1,2-헥산다이올Humectant that also helps preserve the formula; very common in Korean skincare. | Humectant |
| 6 | Polysorbate 80폴리솔베이트80Emulsifier that keeps oil and water mixed. | Emulsifier |
| 7 | Trehalose트레할로오스Sugar humectant that helps skin hold water. | Humectant |
| 8 | Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract타라열매추출물Plant extract, usually present in small amounts for conditioning. | Plant extract |
| 9 | Panthenol판테놀Provitamin B5. Soothes, hydrates and supports barrier repair.Ingredient guide → | Soothing |
| 10 | Hydroxyethylcellulose하이드록시에틸셀룰로오스Cellulose-based thickener. | Thickener / texture |
| 11 | Sodium Gluconate소듐글루코네이트Binds metal ions so the formula stays stable. | Chelating agent |
| 12 | Alcohol에탄올Ethanol: solvent and texture lightener; drying when used at high levels. | Solvent |
| 13 | Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil라벤더오일Fragrance component (essential oil or aroma chemical) on the EU list of allergens that must be named on the label — the list was extended in 2023. | Fragrance allergen |
| 14 | Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract코토니추출물Plant extract, usually present in small amounts for conditioning. | Plant extract |
| 15 | Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil피이지-40하이드로제네이티드캐스터오일Emulsifier or solubiliser that keeps oil and water mixed. | Emulsifier |
| 1% line — probably 1% or less below this point | ||
| 16 | Sodium Dehydroacetate소듐데하이드로아세테이트Preservative or preservative booster. | Preservative |
| 17 | Bisabolol비사보롤Calming component of chamomile. | Soothing |
| 18 | Xanthan Gum잔탄검Natural gum thickener. | Thickener / texture |
| 19 | Maltodextrin말토덱스트린Thickener, film-former or powder that sets the texture and finish. | Thickener / texture |
| 20 | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract녹차추출물Green tea extract: antioxidant and soothing. | Plant extract |
| 21 | Tocopherol토코페롤Vitamin E. Antioxidant that also protects oils in the formula from going rancid. | Antioxidant |
| 22 | Citric Acid시트릭애씨드pH adjuster; usually at low levels where it does not exfoliate. | pH adjuster |
| 23 | Ormenis Multicaulis Oil오르메니스 물티카울리스오일Plant oil that softens and nourishes dry skin. | Plant oil |
| 24 | Sodium Acetate소듐아세테이트Emollient that softens skin and helps the formula spread. | Emollient |
| 25 | Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract포도씨추출물Plant extract, usually present in small amounts for conditioning. | Plant extract |
| 26 | Biosaccharide Gum-1바이오사카라이드검-1Fermented sugar that hydrates and feels silky. | Humectant |
| 27 | Cellulose셀룰로오스Thickener, film-former or powder that sets the texture and finish. | Thickener / texture |
| 28 | Sodium Benzoate소듐벤조에이트Preservative, often used in "paraben-free" formulas. | Preservative |
| 29 | Lactic Acid Trace락틱애씨드Gentler AHA that exfoliates and hydrates. Increases sun sensitivity.Ingredient guide → | Exfoliant |
| 30 | Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Seed Oil카룸 페트로셀리눔씨오일Plant oil that softens and nourishes dry skin. | Plant oil |
| 31 | Potassium Sorbate포타슘솔베이트Mild preservative, effective at lower pH. | Preservative |
| 32 | Linalool리날룰Fragrance component the EU requires brands to name on the label because it can trigger allergies in some people. | Fragrance allergen |
| 33 | Limonene리모넨Fragrance component the EU requires brands to name on the label because it can trigger allergies in some people. | Fragrance allergen |
| 34 | Geraniol제라니올Fragrance component the EU requires brands to name on the label because it can trigger allergies in some people. | Fragrance allergen |
Based on the ingredient list the brand publishes; formulas can change and differ by country. The order shows relative amounts, not exact percentages. General information, not medical advice.
Ingredient list as published on the brand’s official website. Formulas change and can differ by country, so check the list on your pack too. General information, not medical advice.