Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir Versus Ilia True Skin Radiant Priming Serum
Updated on October 26, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, 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
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir 66 ingredients
Ilia True Skin Radiant Priming Serum 29 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
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir 66 ingredients
Ilia True Skin Radiant Priming Serum 29 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Glycereth-26
Humectant
Triheptanoin
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Methyl Gluceth-20
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Quartz Powder
Abrasive
Amethyst Powder
Abrasive
Ruby Powder
Skin ConditioningGold
Cosmetic ColorantButyrospermum Parkii Oil
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Octyldodecyl Oleate
Emollient
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf Extract
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
Emollient
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSaussurea Involucrata Callus Extract
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Polyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
Humectant
Magnesium Aspartate
Skin ConditioningZinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
Astringent
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Octyldodecanol
EmollientSodium Benzoate
Masking
Propanediol
Solvent
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingParfum
Masking
Plumeria Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPlumeria Rubra Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLithothamnion Calcareum Extract
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCopper Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Hydrated Silica
Abrasive
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Solanum Tuberosum Pulp Extract
SmoothingAcetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Glutathione
Limonene
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Water, Niacinamide, Glycereth-26, Triheptanoin, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Silica, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Quartz Powder, Amethyst Powder, Ruby Powder, Gold, Butyrospermum Parkii Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Polysorbate 20, Glyceryl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Benzyl Alcohol, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf Extract, PEG-100 Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Carbomer, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Saussurea Involucrata Callus Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Polyglutamic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Octyldodecanol, Sodium Benzoate, Propanediol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Plumeria Alba Flower Extract, Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract, Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract, Lactic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylyl Glycol, Copper Gluconate, Hydrated Silica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Solanum Tuberosum Pulp Extract, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Dehydroacetic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalool, Citral
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Maltose
MaskingGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingPropanediol
Solvent
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract
AstringentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pistacia Lentiscus Gum
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLithothamnion Calcareum Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingBenzoic Acid
Masking
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingDehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Maltose, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Propanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Pistacia Lentiscus Gum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Mica, Calcium Gluconate, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract, Beta-Glucan, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzoic Acid, Phenethyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Potassium Sorbate, CI 77891
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycerinBenzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.
Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.
Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholChondrus Crispus Extract comes from a red algae native to the northern Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America. It helps hydrate the skin and is rich in antioxidants.
The antioxidants in chondrus crispus include lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein has the ability to filter blue light from screens.
Other contents of chondrus crispus include polysaccharides, peptides, and amino acids. These help hydrate the skin.
What's the difference between algae and seaweed? Algae is a broad term that includes seaweed. Not all algae is seaweed.
Learn more about Chondrus Crispus ExtractSodium 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 HydroxideAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice comes from leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is best known for helping to soothe sunburns. It is also anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and can help heal wounds.
Aloe is packed with good stuff including Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are antioxidants, which help fight free-radicals and the damage they may cause. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice also contains sugars. These sugars come in the form of monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, and choline. These sugars are able to help bind moisture to skin.
It also contains minerals such as calcium, 12 anthraquinones, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceSodium 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 BenzoatePropanediol 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 PropanediolXanthan 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 GumWe don't have a description for Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract yet.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateCaprylyl 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 Glycol1,2-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
Citric 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 AcidDehydroacetic Acid is fungicide and bactericide. It is used as a preservative in cosmetics. Preservatives help elongate the shelf life of a product.
Dehydroacetic Acid is not soluble in water.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir 66 ingredients
Ilia True Skin Radiant Priming Serum 29 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir 66 ingredients
It looks nice but I haven’t noticed many results.
