AlumierMD Ultimate Boost Serum Versus EltaMD, Inc Skin Recovery Serum
Updated on June 19, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 15 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
AlumierMD Ultimate Boost Serum 42 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc Skin Recovery Serum 28 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
AlumierMD Ultimate Boost Serum 42 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc Skin Recovery Serum 28 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Polysilicone-11
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientBoswellia Serrata Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
Humectant
Tetrapeptide-14
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Phosphate
BufferingSaccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTapioca Starch
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Sorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingDisodium EDTA
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Polysilicone-11, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract, Honey Extract, Tetrapeptide-14, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Tocopherol, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Phosphate, Saccharide Isomerate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tapioca Starch, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Sorbitan Stearate, Decyl Glucoside, Glycine Soja Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Phosphate, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Isododecane
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Polysilicone-11
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Taurine
BufferingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Isohexadecane
EmollientCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Carboxyethyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingPolysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Glycine
Buffering
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Water, Propanediol, Isododecane, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysilicone-11, Panthenol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Taurine, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Arginine, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Isohexadecane, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Carboxyethyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Coco-Glucoside, Polysorbate 80, Decyl Glucoside, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Glycine, Sodium Hyaluronate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
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 even out skin tone.
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.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidCoco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is a lightweight emollient. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Once applied, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is absorbed quickly and leaves a silky feel.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateDecyl Glucoside is a glucose-based surfactant and emulsion stabilizer. It is created by reacting glucose with the fatty acids from plants.
Surfactants help clean the skin by trapping oil, sebum, and dirt to be washed away. As an emulsion stabilizer, it stabilizes the ingredients in a product by preventing them from separating.
This ingredient is biodegradable and non-toxic. This ingredient is commonly found in baby shampoos.
Decyl Glucoside is sometimes used to stabilize the UV filter Tinosorb.
Learn more about Decyl GlucosideDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeGlycerin 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 GlycerinHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneWe don't have a description for Polysilicone-11 yet.
Propanediol 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 PropanediolSodium 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 HyaluronateTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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