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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Boots Scar Reduction Serum versus No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle .

Last updated on September 16, 2023. Published on November 05, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free serums. They have a total of 19 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain peptides and Vitamin C

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, fragrances or oils

What's Inside

They both contain parabens, silicones and 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 British Brand United Kingdom

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 Scar Reduction Serum

Shop

Buy Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle

Starts at $27.99

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

Vitamin C
Peptides (2)

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Redness Reducing (2)
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

BHA
Retinoid
Vitamin C
Vitamin E (2)
Peptides (3)

Benefits

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

Concerns

Drying (3)
May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (4)
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Ingredients Compared

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

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: 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.

Boots Scar Reduction Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle contains this as ingredient number 3.

2
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone created by modifying dimethicone with hydrocarbon side chains. Due to its large size, it does not penetrate skin. It is considered non-occlusive.

Dimethicone Crosspolymer is used to stabilize and thicken products. It also helps give products a silky feel.

Boots Scar Reduction Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
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

Boots Scar Reduction Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle contains this as ingredient number 4.

4
What it does: Antioxidant
Community Rating: Liked

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a form of Vitamin C. It is the salt of ascorbic acid.

This ingredient is more gentle than ascorbic acid. It is also more stable when exposed to light and oxygen.

Vitamin C helps reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.

Your skin uses Vitamin C to produce collagen and collagen production plays a role in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. As an antioxidant, this ingredient also helps reduce the signs of aging such as fine-lines and wrinkles.

VItamin C helps brighten skin by blocking the process of skin darkening.

In a 2011 study, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate was found to have antibacterial properties. This may help treat acne.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Learn more about Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Boots Scar Reduction Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle contains this as ingredient number 6.

5
What it does:
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Magnesium Sulfate is a salt. It can be naturally found in sea water or mineral deposits.

In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.

You might recognize Magnesium Sulfate as epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.

One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.

Learn more about Magnesium Sulfate

Boots Scar Reduction Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle contains this as ingredient number 8.

6
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Boots Scar Reduction Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle contains this as ingredient number 7.

7
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.

Boots Scar Reduction Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle contains this as ingredient number 9.

8
What it does: Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

This ingredient is a high molecular weight silicone. It has emulsifying and skin conditioning properties.

Boots Scar Reduction Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle contains this as ingredient number 10.

9
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Hexyl Laurate isn't fungal acne safe.

Boots Scar Reduction Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle contains this as ingredient number 12.

10
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Boots Scar Reduction Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle contains this as ingredient number 11.

11
What it does: Tonic
Community Rating: Loved

Medicago Sativa Extract is derived from Alfalfa. It contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

Alfalfa is also known as lucerne in the UK, South Africa, and the oceania countries. Ancient Greece and Rome used this plant to feed livestock.

Boots Scar Reduction Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle contains this as ingredient number 22.

12
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Methylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben. It is used to prevent the growth of fungus, mold, and other harmful bacteria. Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in both cosmetics and food.

Methylparaben can be synthetically created. It can also be found naturally in some fruits, such as blueberries.

Oftentimes, Methylparaben is combined with other parabens to help increase the shelf life.

The safety of Methylparaben is currently being studied. While ongoing studies are looking into the safety of parabens, the results have been very mixed. Some studies have not found Methylparaben to be harmful.

Learn more about Methylparaben

Boots Scar Reduction Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle contains this as ingredient number 19.

13
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Ethylparaben is a preservative, is a paraben, and is not reef safe.

Boots Scar Reduction Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle contains this as ingredient number 20.

14
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.

This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.

Those with sensitive skin or conditions may deliver a rash when using this ingredient.

Learn more about Propylene Glycol

Boots Scar Reduction Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle contains this as ingredient number 15.

15
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
Community Rating: Disliked

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.

Boots Scar Reduction Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle contains this as ingredient number 21.

16
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.

Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.

The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.

Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polysorbate 20

Boots Scar Reduction Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle contains this as ingredient number 23.

17
What it does: Emollient, Skin Protecting, Tonic
Community Rating: Loved

Panax Ginseng Root is a popular herb from Asia. This root contains antioxidants, favonoids, and vitamins B12 and D.

Ginseng Root helps increase skin hydration, even out texture and tone, and helps improve wrinkles.

Ginseng root helps improve blood circulation and oxygen flow. This in turn helps nourish the skin and improve wrinkles. By speeding up circulation, ginseng root can also help drain fluids.

Ginseng root contains both Vitamin D and B12. Both of these vitamins help boost collagen production in your skin. Collagen gives you skin the appearance of looking plump and firm.

Ginseng Root can also aid in decreasing inflammation.

Studies also show ginseng may help with hyperpigmentation. Ginseng disrupts the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme that starts the process of skin darkening.

Historically, people in East Asia have used ginseng as both food and medicine.

Learn more about Panax Ginseng Root Extract

Boots Scar Reduction Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle contains this as ingredient number 25.

18
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.

Boots Scar Reduction Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle contains this as ingredient number 30.

19
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a peptide. Peptides are building blocks for protein.

This ingredient consists of four amino acids and palmitic acid. These amino acids are arginine, proline, glutamine, and glycine.

This ingredient has many benefits. These benefits include boosting collagen production, fighting inflammation, and reversing UV damage.

By preventing our bodies from producing interleukins, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 helps fight inflammation. An interleukin is a chemical that signals to the body to produce an inflammatory response. Interleukin production is accelerated by UV radiation.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 tells our body to create more collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

Boots Scar Reduction Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle contains this as ingredient number 32.

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

29% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
54% are disliked or very disliked
11% have no rating yet
34% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
50% are disliked or very disliked
3% have no rating yet

Usage

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

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Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 17 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Boots Scar Reduction Serum.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 2 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum Bottle.

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