Boots Ingredients Alpha Hydroxy Acid Serum Versus Skinstitut Even Blend Serum
Updated on December 11, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols
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
Boots Ingredients Alpha Hydroxy Acid Serum 17 ingredients
Skinstitut Even Blend Serum 25 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
Boots Ingredients Alpha Hydroxy Acid Serum 17 ingredients
Skinstitut Even Blend Serum 25 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Linseed Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingStephania Tetrandra Root Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Acetate
BufferingIsopropyl Alcohol
Solvent
Water, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Benzoate, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Hexylene Glycol, Stephania Tetrandra Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol
Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Extract
Antiseborrhoeic
Bellis Perennis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTrehalose
Humectant
Glycine
Buffering
Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningBackhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Malva Sylvestris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil
Skin Conditioning
Primula Veris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAlchemilla Vulgaris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
AstringentVeronica Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
AstringentMelissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAchillea Millefolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Bellis Perennis Flower Extract, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Alcohol, Ethoxydiglycol, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Xanthan Gum, Trehalose, Glycine, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Malva Sylvestris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Mentha Piperita Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil, Primula Veris Flower Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Veronica Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.
Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.
Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.
When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.
The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.
Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidSodium 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 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 WaterXanthan 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 GumIngredient Ratings
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