Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Smoothing Serum Versus Olaplex Nº.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
Updated on May 21, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens and fragrances
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
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Smoothing Serum 76 ingredients
Olaplex Nº.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum 31 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
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Smoothing Serum 76 ingredients
Olaplex Nº.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum 31 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Methyl Gluceth-20
Humectant
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientAscorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
Emollient
Glycereth-26
Humectant
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Lactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningCitrus Grandis Peel Oil
Masking
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Sodium Lactate
Buffering7-Dehydrocholesterol
Emulsion StabilisingZea Mays Oil
Emulsifying
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Beta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningSerine
Masking
Glutamic Acid
Humectant
Cereus Grandiflorus Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Aspartic Acid
Masking
Leucine
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningArginine
Masking
Tyrosine
MaskingPhenylalanine
Masking
Threonine
Valine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningHistidine
Humectant
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
PEG-8
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingJojoba Wax PEG-120 Esters
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
T-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Glycine
Buffering
Limonene
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Sodium Citrate
BufferingDisodium EDTA
BHT
Antioxidant
Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Butylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Niacinamide, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Glycereth-26, Acetyl Glucosamine, Lactobacillus Ferment, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Caffeine, Cholesterol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactis Proteinum, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Sodium Lactate, 7-Dehydrocholesterol, Zea Mays Oil, Sodium PCA, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Beta-Carotene, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Cereus Grandiflorus Flower Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Valine, Proline, Isoleucine, Histidine, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Polysorbate 20, PEG-8, Sodium Hydroxide, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Jojoba Wax PEG-120 Esters, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Citric Acid, Panthenol, T-Butyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Glycine, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Citral, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Betaine
Humectant
Quaternium-22
Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Cetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPvp
Emulsion StabilisingGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningFurcellaria Lumbricalis Extract
Skin ConditioningPelvetia Canaliculata Extract
Skin ProtectingXylitylglucoside
Humectant
Polyquaternium-44
Anhydroxylitol
Humectant
Maltitol
HumectantCitric Acid
Buffering
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Xylitol
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSorbic Acid
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Citral
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Water, Propanediol, Betaine, Quaternium-22, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Panthenol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Pvp, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Furcellaria Lumbricalis Extract, Pelvetia Canaliculata Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Polyquaternium-44, Anhydroxylitol, Maltitol, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Xylitol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Citral, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citral is a fragrance and used to add a lemon-like scent to products. It is both naturally found in plants and created synthetically. In plants, it is commonly occurring in lemon myrtle, lemongrass, lemon tea-tree, lemon verbena, and other citruses.
The EU mandates Citral be listed separately as a fragrance. It is a known allergen and may cause contact dermatitis. Citral can also used as a masking ingredient.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.
Learn more about CitralCitric 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 AcidCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium 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 HyaluronateSodium 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 HydroxideWater. 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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When to use
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Smoothing Serum 76 ingredients
Olaplex Nº.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum 31 ingredients
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