In recent years, Mercadona’s cosmetics section has become one of the most sought-after in this supermarket chain. With a rapid pace of new product presentations that can sometimes feel overwhelming, they have kept up with the latest trendy ingredients. They were a bit slow to join the centella asiatica fever, but with their new exosome and cica mist, they have certainly made a catch-up move.
This product promises to hydrate, strengthen, and energize the skin at any time of the day. Additionally, Mercadona claims it reduces expression lines and helps stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis, reinforcing the skin barrier. This makes it ideal for dry and/or sensitive skin, though it’s suitable for anyone.
To evaluate its effectiveness, I have been using this product for a week. While this may not be enough time to observe significant results, my initial impressions, coupled with an analysis of its ingredients, reveal that Mercadona’s exosome and cica mist deserves a closer look.
What is the INCI?
Before diving into the ingredients, it’s crucial to understand that INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) lists all components of a product in descending order of concentration. This means that the most abundant ingredients appear first and those present in smaller amounts follow. It’s important not only to identify the ingredients but also to assess their positions within the INCI. Sometimes brands emphasize specific ingredients that may appear at the end of the list, significantly diminishing their expected impact.
Keep in mind that ingredients below 1% concentration can be listed in any order, which means that the last few ingredients may not necessarily be arranged by their concentration levels.
What is in the INCI of this Exosome and Cica Mist from Mercadona?
The first ingredient in this mist is water, which serves as an excellent solvent, providing the base for the remaining components. Following water, the next ingredient is glycerin, which is commonly used in moisturizing products due to its threefold hydrating abilities: it can be humectant, occlusive, or emollient.
In addition to glycerin, other moisturizing ingredients include propanediol, ribose, and hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate. Vitamin E (tocopherol), known for its antioxidant properties, is also included later in the list.
Special Mention to Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica)
Notably, centella asiatica, widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory and skin-regenerative properties, is the third ingredient on the INCI list after water. Its key active components—asiatic acid, asiaticoside, and madecassoside—have been shown in studies to promote healing, stimulate collagen synthesis, and provide anti-inflammatory effects. This makes it a worthy option for sensitive and damaged skin, especially as collagen production begins to decline after age 30.
However, while it appears prominently on the list, the concentration remains uncertain without further disclosure from the brand.
What About Exosomes?
Exosomes are tiny vesicles released by cells that facilitate communication and substance transfer. The cosmetic industry is beginning to embrace plant-derived exosomes, which can offer beneficial substances like proteins and lipids. However, a notable issue is that there are no regulatory obligations to list exosomes in the INCI. Mercadona may mention plant extracts, but the specific presence of centella asiatica exosomes remains unverified.
Other Ingredients
Following tocopherol, many of the remaining ingredients focus on the product’s usability rather than directly affecting the user’s skin. This includes preservatives, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and pH regulators. The presence of perfume also warrants a note—while added fragrance can offer a pleasant scent, it is often a trigger for allergic reactions in sensitive skin. Thankfully, it appears low on the INCI list.
Phenoxyethanol is a commonly regulated preservative, and its low concentration in the mist alleviates some concerns. Nevertheless, the environmental impact of certain components, like tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, raises some questions about sustainability practices.
My Opinion on Mercadona’s Exosome and Cica Mist
After a week of testing, I found that the product indeed provides a hydration boost, making it a refreshing option—especially on hot summer days when kept in the refrigerator. Still, I noticed that the hydration effect was not particularly long-lasting. If used alone, without the addition of serums or heavier creams, the soothing sensation faded more quickly than anticipated.
It appears that glycerin plays a significant role in the immediate hydrating effect, but may overshadow the effectiveness of other ingredients, which might be present in lower concentrations. Ultimately, I perceive the mention of exosomes as more of a marketing strategy than a game-changer for efficacy.
Would I repurchase? Possibly, as I’m fond of hydrating mists, but I would not consider it the premier low-cost gotu kola product on the market. While pleasant and genuinely hydrating, it’s not a miracle solution.
Images | Mercadona/Freepik
In Xataka: “There is something even more profitable for Mercadona than prepared food: the fever for Deliplus and imitations of luxury cosmetics.”