Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence Versus Estée Lauder Micro Essence Treatment Lotion Fresh With Sakura Ferment
This brightening essence is formulated around Ascorbyl Glucoside and Squalane to fade the look of dark spots and brighten dull-looking skin.
This barrier-repair essence is formulated around Bifida Ferment Lysate and Lactobacillus Ferment to strengthen the skin barrier and hydrate skin.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Ceteareth-20
CleansingIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientSqualane
Emollient
Boron Nitride
Absorbent
Dimethicone
Emollient
Acrylates Copolymer
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicParfum
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAlchemilla Vulgaris Extract
AstringentXylitol
Humectant
Malpighia Emarginata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingRhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract
HumectantWater, Sorbitan Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ceteareth-20, Isononyl Isononanoate, Squalane, Boron Nitride, Dimethicone, Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Biotin, Parfum, Citric Acid, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Xylitol, Malpighia Emarginata Seed Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Oryza Sativa Lees Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Lannesiana Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Betaine
Humectant
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Trehalose
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
PEG-75
HumectantPPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Lactobacillus Ferment, Oryza Sativa Lees Extract, Prunus Lannesiana Flower Extract, Algae Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Glucosamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Caffeine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Betaine, Maltodextrin, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Citric Acid, Trehalose, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-75, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidPentylene Glycol (1,2-pentanediol) is a multitasking little diol with three main roles in a formula:
Research on alkanediols (the family pentylene glycol belongs to) show they work by disrupting microbial cell membranes. This disruption helps the primary preservative system in a product work more effectively at lower doses.
On the safety side, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient to be safe as used in current cosmetic practices + concentrations.
Typical use levels in a formula run about 1-5%.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
