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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Balance Active Formula Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum versus Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti Aging Serum .

Last updated on August 30, 2023. Published on September 15, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and dark spots

Free From

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

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

Serum British Brand United Kingdom
Serum American Brand United States

Serum

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

Serum

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

Price

Shop

Buy Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum

Shop

Buy Vitamin C Anti Aging Serum

Starts at $12.95

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
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

Niacinamide

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

Eczema

Notable Ingredients

AHA (2)
Vitamin C
Vitamin E

Benefits

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

Concerns

Irritating (2)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (2)
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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

Balance Active Formula Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti Aging Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

Balance Active Formula Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.

Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti Aging Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.

3
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Caprylyl 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 Glycol

Balance Active Formula Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti Aging Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.

4
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Mixed

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide

Balance Active Formula Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.

Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti Aging Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.

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

38% are loved or liked
15% have mixed ratings
46% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet
58% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
32% are disliked or very disliked
0% 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 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Balance Active Formula Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 19 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti Aging Serum.

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