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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of AHC Beauty Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ versus Skin&Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum .

Published on July 05, 2022

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and Vitamin C

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Sunscreen South Korean Brand South Korea
Serum South Korean Brand South Korea

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Price

Shop

Buy Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++

Shop

Buy Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Starts at $17.79

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (4)
PHA
Vitamin C (2)
Exfoliators
Niacinamide
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (6)
Reduces Irritation (5)
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging (5)
Dark Spots (4)
Scar Healing (4)
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid
Vitamin C (2)
Vitamin E (2)
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid (4)
Peptides (2)

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (4)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture (3)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (5)
Dark Spots (3)
Scar Healing (4)
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (7)

Concerns

Irritating
Eczema
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Water • Dibutyl Adipate • Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate • Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine • Alcohol Denat. • Niacinamide • Butyloctyl Salicylate • Ethylhexyl Triazone • Butylene Glycol • Eclipta Prostrata Extract • Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract • Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil • Peucedanum Graveolens Extract • Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil • Hibiscus Abelmoschus Seed Extract • Thymus Serpyllum Extract • Achillea Millefolium Extract • Alpha-Arbutin • Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate • Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract • Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil • Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract • Xylitylglucoside • Gossypium Herbaceum Extract • Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract • Xylitol • Yeast Ferment Extract • Cichorium Intybus Root Extract • Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract • Orthosiphon Stamineus Extract • Thermus Thermophillus Ferment • Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment • Mentha Suaveolens Leaf Extract • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract • Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract • Calamine • Chlorella Ferment • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract • Panax Ginseng Root Extract • Perilla Frutescens Extract • Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract • Adenium Obesum Leaf Cell Extract • Eugenia Caryophyllus Bud Extract • Solidago Virgaurea Extract • Soluble Collagen • Caprylyl Methicone • Hexyl Laurate • Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate • Polysilicone-15 • 1,2-Hexanediol • Pentylene Glycol • Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2 • Polymethylsilsesquioxane • Silica • Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide • Hydroxyethyl Urea • Isopropyl Myristate • Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate • Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide • Hydroxyacetophenone • C30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane • Trehalose • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • Adenosine • Propanediol • Allantoin • Biosaccharide Gum-1 • Albatrellus Confluens Extract • Ethylhexylglycerin • Citric Acid • Glycerin • Ascorbic Acid • Madecassoside • Ectoin • Glutathione • Hydroxystearic Acid • Panthenol • Phenylethyl Resorcinol • Tranexamic Acid • Palmitoyl Glycine • Ellagic Acid • 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol • Anhydroxylitol • Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Dipotassium Phosphate • Acetyl Glutamine • Cerium Oxide • Hydrogen Dimethicone • Triethoxycaprylylsilane • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid • Biosaccharide Gum-4 • Ceramide NP • Maltodextrin • Gluconolactone • Polyhydroxystearic Acid • Caprylyl Glycol • Ascorbyl Palmitate • Cellulose Gum • Calcium Gluconate • Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate • Disodium EDTA • Xanthan Gum • Sodium Benzoate • CI 77015

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

AHC Beauty Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

Skin&Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.

When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.

Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.

Learn more about Niacinamide

AHC Beauty Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 6.

Skin&Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.

3
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Butylene 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.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

AHC Beauty Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 9.

Skin&Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

The leaves of this tree contain flavonoids and polyphenols. These two compounds are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Further research is needed as to their effects when applied on skin.

Learn more about Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract

AHC Beauty Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 11.

Skin&Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.

5
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.

Low molecular weight HA has been shown to hydrate and increase elasticity of the skin. Increasing elasticity is also associated with reduction of wrinkle depth.

One study found topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. However, we always recommend speaking with a professional about your skin concerns.

Hyaluronic acids are a humectant. This means they draw moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.

Read more about other common forms of hyaluronic acid:

Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

AHC Beauty Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 39.

Skin&Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

AHC Beauty Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 52.

Skin&Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

7
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

We don't have a description for Hydroxyethyl Urea.

AHC Beauty Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 58.

Skin&Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.

8
What it does: Humectant, Moisturising
Community Rating: Loved

Trehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.

As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.

Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.

In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.

Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.

Learn more about Trehalose

AHC Beauty Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 64.

Skin&Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.

9
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.

Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.

In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.

Learn more about Adenosine

AHC Beauty Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 66.

Skin&Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 32.

10
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

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 Propanediol

AHC Beauty Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 67.

Skin&Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.

11
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Ethylhexylglycerin (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.

AHC Beauty Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 71.

Skin&Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 36.

12
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

AHC Beauty Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 72.

Skin&Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 35.

13
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin 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 Glycerin

AHC Beauty Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 73.

Skin&Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.

14
What it does: Antioxidant, Buffering, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.

Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.

Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.

Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!

Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.

Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.

The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.

Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.

Learn more about Ascorbic Acid

AHC Beauty Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 74.

Skin&Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 40.

15
What it does:
Community Rating: Loved

Glutathione is an antioxidant naturally found in our bodies. It is also naturally occurring in plants, animals, fungi, and some bacteria. As an antioxidant, Glutathione helps prevent oxidative damage to parts of our cell.

While Glutathione is said to help with skin lightening, the results from research are inconclusive. Further studies are needed.

AHC Beauty Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 77.

Skin&Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 49.

16
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.

Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

Learn more about Panthenol

AHC Beauty Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 79.

Skin&Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

17
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum

AHC Beauty Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 107.

Skin&Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 55.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

36% are loved or liked
10% have mixed ratings
21% are disliked or very disliked
33% have no rating yet
71% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
7% are disliked or very disliked
9% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 6 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to AHC Beauty Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Skin&Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum.

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