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LANEIGE Water Bank Aqua Facial Serum BHA + AHA - Gently Exfoliate, Hydrate & Glow

This LANEIGE serum aims for the 'glass skin' aesthetic with a blend of exfoliants and hydrators. It promises to gently buff away dead skin cells while plumping the skin with moisture, making it a good option for those seeking a smoother, brighter complexion.

Sephora price

$36.00

Price matters most when you are trying to learn whether this lane belongs in your routine without turning the test into a luxury gamble.

Sephora reviews

4.7 / 5

About 383 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

Hyaluronic AcidGood for: Uneven TextureGood for: DrynessGood for: Skin BarrierAHA/Glycolic AcidCeramide

These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.

Glass take

4.7 / 5 overall fit

A hydrating serum with a gentle acid complex that smooths texture and boosts glow without irritation.

LANEIGE Water Bank Aqua Facial Serum BHA + AHA - Gently Exfoliate, Hydrate & Glow

Sephora snapshot refreshed April 23, 2026

Price, rating, review count, and source status come from Sephora. Glass adds the routine fit, overlap risk, and what to compare next.

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What Sephora says

What this product is supposed to do

A daily serum inspired by Korean glass skin facials that gently exfoliates, hydrates, and boosts glow.

NormalDryand OilyDrynessDullnessand Uneven Texture

Twist open the cap on the bottom tip

Press the white button on top of the bottle to release drops

Apply 2-3 drops of serum onto each cheek and forehead, then spread and gently massage over entire face

Apply daily morning & night as your serum step after cleansing and toning

Use sunscreen during the day

Beginners: Start 2-3 times a week and work up to daily if desired

PACKAGING INSTRUCTIONS:

A sticker will mark the correct end to open for easy access to the nozzle. As the bottle uses air-pressure dispensing, a small leak may occur on first opening

this is normal and should not persist.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

This serum is a solid choice for daily exfoliation and hydration. It's well-formulated to address dullness and uneven texture without compromising the skin barrier, making it suitable for most skin types, including dry and sensitive.

Hydration and Glow

Many users rave about the serum's ability to hydrate deeply, leaving their skin plump, dewy, and noticeably glowing.

Texture Improvement

The gentle exfoliation is frequently praised for smoothing rough patches and improving overall skin texture.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

Dry or dehydrated skin
Dullness and uneven texture
Those seeking a gentle daily exfoliant
Achieving a 'glass skin' look

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

You are already using multiple strong exfoliants
Your skin is currently very irritated or compromised
You prefer a serum focused solely on hydration without any exfoliating acids

Routine fit

How to incorporate it into your routine

Apply after cleansing and toning, both morning and night. Follow with your moisturizer. If you're new to acids, start using it 2-3 times a week and gradually increase frequency as your skin tolerates it. Always wear sunscreen during the day when using products with AHAs/BHAs.

Why it works

Where it earns the slot and where it does not

The useful question is not whether this product is good in a vacuum. It is whether it makes your routine easier to run or just adds one more bottle with a familiar ingredient on it.

What it actually does well

Gentle yet effective exfoliation
Significant hydration boost
Supports skin barrier health
Improves skin texture and radiance
Pleasant user experience

Where it starts to feel redundant

May be redundant if your routine already includes strong exfoliants
Requires consistent sunscreen use due to exfoliating acids

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Morning and Night

This serum is designed for daily use, both morning and night, after cleansing and toning. Its hydrating and exfoliating properties make it suitable for all-day wear. Remember to apply sunscreen in the morning.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.7/ 5 overall

A hydrating serum with a gentle acid complex that smooths texture and boosts glow without irritation.

Hydration

4.8 / 5

The combination of hyaluronic acid and ceramides delivers noticeable hydration and supports the skin barrier.

Exfoliation

4.5 / 5

The 7.7% acid complex effectively smooths texture and brightens, but it's gentle enough for daily use.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Solvent

Water/Aqua/Eau

Badness

0.0 / 10

The base of the formulation.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Betaine

Badness

0.0 / 10

A moisturizing ingredient derived from sugar beets that helps retain water.

Usually helps with

Dry, sensitive skin

Watch for

None

Exfoliant (PHA)

Gluconolactone

Badness

1.0 / 10

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that exfoliates gently and has humectant properties, making it less irritating than AHAs.

Usually helps with

Sensitive, dry skin

Watch for

Can cause mild tingling

Humectant

Glycerin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A common and effective humectant that draws moisture to the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant/Solvent

Butylene Glycol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A humectant that also helps to improve product texture.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Solvent/Humectant

Dipropylene Glycol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A solvent that can also act as a humectant, though it can be a mild irritant for some.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

Potential for mild irritation in very sensitive individuals

Humectant/Exfoliant

Sodium Lactate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A salt of lactic acid, it acts as a humectant and can provide mild exfoliation.

Usually helps with

Dry skin

Watch for

None

Emollient/Humectant

Glycereth-26

Badness

0.0 / 10

A moisturizing agent that provides a smooth feel.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Active

Niacinamide

Badness

2.0 / 10

Vitamin B3 helps improve skin tone, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the skin barrier.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially acne-prone and sensitive

Watch for

Can cause flushing or irritation in high concentrations for some

Solvent

Dimethyl Isosorbide

Badness

0.0 / 10

A solvent that can enhance the penetration of other ingredients.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

pH Adjuster

Tromethamine

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Probiotic Extract

Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A byproduct of fermented bacteria, it can help support the skin's microbiome and barrier function.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially sensitive

Watch for

None

Humectant/Preservative Booster

1,2-Hexanediol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A humectant and preservative booster that also has antimicrobial properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Antioxidant/Soothing

Caffeine

Badness

1.0 / 10

Can help reduce redness and puffiness, and has antioxidant properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Diethoxyethyl Succinate

Badness

0.0 / 10

An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract

Badness

0.0 / 10

Extract from blueberries, rich in antioxidants.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Soothing/Moisturizing

Allantoin

Badness

0.0 / 10

Soothes and protects the skin, promoting healing.

Usually helps with

Sensitive, irritated skin

Watch for

None

Thickener/Humectant

Dextrin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A carbohydrate that can help thicken formulations and provide some hydration.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant/Solvent

Propanediol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A humectant that also acts as a solvent and can improve the feel of the product.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Thickener

Pectin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A gelling agent derived from fruit.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Source of Glycolic Acid

Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract

Badness

2.0 / 10

A natural source of glycolic acid, an AHA that exfoliates the skin.

Usually helps with

Dull skin, uneven texture

Watch for

Can cause stinging or irritation, especially for sensitive skin or when overused

Exfoliant (BHA)

Salicylic Acid

Badness

3.0 / 10

A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates pores to exfoliate and help with acne and blackheads.

Usually helps with

Oily, acne-prone skin

Watch for

Can be drying or irritating, especially for dry or sensitive skin

Chelating Agent

Sodium Gluconate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A chelating agent that helps stabilize the formula.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Probiotic Extract

Sphingomonas Ferment Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

A microbial extract that can help support the skin's barrier function and hydration.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Exfoliant (AHA)

Lactic Acid

Badness

2.0 / 10

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the surface of the skin, improving texture and hydration.

Usually helps with

Dry, dull skin

Watch for

Can cause stinging or irritation, especially for sensitive skin

Exfoliant (AHA)

Glycolic Acid

Badness

3.0 / 10

A potent alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates deeply, improving texture and tone.

Usually helps with

Dull skin, uneven texture

Watch for

Can cause stinging, redness, and increased sun sensitivity

Preservative Booster/Emollient

Ethylhexylglycerin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Thickener

Xanthan Gum

Badness

0.0 / 10

A common thickening agent.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Antioxidant/Fragrance

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

Contains antioxidants but can also be a source of fragrance and potential photosensitivity.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

Potential for photosensitivity and irritation in sensitive skin

Antioxidant/Fragrance

Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

Contains antioxidants but can also be a source of fragrance and potential photosensitivity.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

Potential for photosensitivity and irritation in sensitive skin

Encapsulation Agent

Cyclodextrin

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to encapsulate and stabilize ingredients.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Film Former/Thickener

Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to create a smooth film on the skin and thicken the formula.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Badness

0.0 / 10

A smaller molecule form of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate deeper into the skin for hydration.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dehydrated

Watch for

None

Humectant

Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract

Badness

0.0 / 10

A mushroom extract known for its hydrating properties, often compared to hyaluronic acid.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dry

Watch for

None

Humectant

Hyaluronic Acid

Badness

0.0 / 10

A powerful humectant that draws moisture to the skin, plumping and hydrating.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dehydrated

Watch for

None

Source of AHAs

Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract

Badness

2.0 / 10

Contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids that help exfoliate the skin.

Usually helps with

Dull skin, uneven texture

Watch for

Can cause stinging or irritation, especially for sensitive skin or when overused

Enzyme Exfoliant

Protease

Badness

2.0 / 10

An enzyme that helps break down dead skin cells, offering a gentle form of exfoliation.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

Can cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals

Viscosity Adjuster

Calcium Chloride

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to adjust the viscosity of the product.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Skin-Replenishing

Ceramide NP

Badness

0.0 / 10

A type of ceramide that helps to restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier.

Usually helps with

Dry, compromised skin

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Glutathione

Badness

1.0 / 10

A potent antioxidant that can help protect skin from environmental damage and brighten the complexion.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Polyglutamic Acid

Badness

0.0 / 10

A humectant that can hold more water than hyaluronic acid, providing intense hydration.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dry

Watch for

None

Humectant

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer-6

Badness

0.0 / 10

A cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid that provides long-lasting hydration and forms a protective film.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emulsifier/Skin Conditioning

Glyceryl Caprylate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Skin Conditioning

Hydrolyzed DNA

Badness

0.0 / 10

A form of DNA that can help condition and moisturize the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Compare before you buy

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FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Is this serum good for sensitive skin?

While it contains gentle exfoliants like PHA and enzyme protease, it also includes AHAs and BHAs. If you have very sensitive skin, it's recommended to start with 2-3 times a week and monitor your skin's reaction. Patch testing is advised.

Can I use this serum with other active ingredients?

It's best to introduce this serum gradually. Avoid using it on the same day as other strong exfoliants (like high-concentration AHAs/BHAs or retinoids) to prevent irritation. Once your skin is accustomed to it, you can incorporate it into a routine with other actives, but always listen to your skin.

What is the '7.7% Acid Complex'?

This complex includes Gluconolactone (PHA), Salicylic Acid (BHA), and Lactic Acid (AHA), along with Glycolic Acid and Protease. Together, they work to exfoliate, smooth, and soften the skin.

See If This Is Compatible With My Skin