Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Brightening Gel-Cream Versus Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream
Updated on July 18, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Brightening Gel-Cream 34 ingredients
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream 39 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Brightening Gel-Cream 34 ingredients
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream 39 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningGlucosamine Hcl
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCitrus Paradisi Peel Oil
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientTocopherol
Antioxidant
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Dimethicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Ferulic Acid, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Lactobacillus Ferment, Glucosamine Hcl, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Butylene Glycol, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Tocopherol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Trehalose
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Sodium PCA
HumectantSqualane
Emollient
Isostearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Butylene Glycol Cocoate
Emulsifying
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylcellulose
Propanediol
SolventPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Methylpropanediol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Betaine, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium PCA, Squalane, Isostearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol Cocoate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Ethylcellulose, Propanediol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
AAVC is able to increase the consistency and viscosity of products due to its large molecule size. It also prevents ingredients from separating.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualaneCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.
While Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil can be volatile due to its fragrant properties, the fragrance components are usually removed in the leaf extract.
Rosemary Leaf Extract can help protect your skin against damage from free-radical molecules. It contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid.
Rosemarinic acid has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Brightening Gel-Cream 34 ingredients
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream 39 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Brightening Gel-Cream 34 ingredients
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream 39 ingredients
SO SO SO SO SO GOOD. Not only does it make my skin look like glass, it moistens my skin without having oil residue and breakouts, I literally moan while putting it on because it feels so silky and smooth. I really love it, it has a perfect consistency, leaves me moistened the whole day and is infused with five different hyaluronic acids and if you don’t know isntree is THE it brand for hyaluronic Show more
AMAZING
This is the best lightweight moisturizer for combo/oily skin! But it is more better for oily skin. For me, my cheeks are usually dry because I have combo skin, so it does less well for that patch, I just add another layer in that area. But it’s only a little problem, and is AWESOME FOR THE REST OF MY FACE. It’s good because it’s lightweight, non sticky AND MOISTURIZING. It did not clog Show more
