COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum Versus Anua Green Lemon Vita C Blemish Serum
Updated on June 26, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
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
COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum 24 ingredients
Anua Green Lemon Vita C Blemish Serum 67 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
COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum 24 ingredients
Anua Green Lemon Vita C Blemish Serum 67 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Propolis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEctoin
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Asiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Sucrose Distearate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Propolis Extract, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ectoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Sucrose Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dipropylene Glycol, Ceramide NP
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Propanediol
Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingC12-14 Alketh-12
EmulsifyingBisabolol
Masking
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingWater
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Glutathione
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Oil
Astringent
Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
Masking
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil
Astringent
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract
Perfuming
N-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitol
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sucrose Stearate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearates
Emollient
Beta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Thioctic Acid
Antioxidant
Lycopodium Clavatum Extract
Skin ConditioningEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Pyridoxine
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Folic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Cyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningThiamine Hcl
MaskingRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantLinoleic Acid
Cleansing
Hesperidin
EmollientErgothioneine
Antioxidant
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sodium Hydroxide, C12-14 Alketh-12, Bisabolol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Water, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Glycerin, Glutathione, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Adenosine, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Disodium EDTA, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil, Tocopherol, Ferulic Acid, Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract, N-Butyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sorbitol, Panthenol, Beta-Glucan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Sucrose Stearate, Glyceryl Stearates, Beta-Carotene, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Niacinamide, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Thioctic Acid, Lycopodium Clavatum Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Pyridoxine, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Ceramide NP, Ubiquinone, Cyanocobalamin, Thiamine Hcl, Riboflavin, Linoleic Acid, Hesperidin, Ergothioneine, Limonene, Linalool, Citral
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 GlycolNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePanthenol 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 Panthenol1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
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 preservativesÂ
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.
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 GlycerinAllantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinSodium 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 HyaluronateHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.
Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.
Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.
Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created stabilizer and solvent. It is a part of the glycol class in the alcohol family.
Dipropylene Glycol helps dissolve and evenly distribute ingredients. It also helps decrease viscosity and thin out texture.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolCeramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP
Learn more about Ceramide NPIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum 24 ingredients
Anua Green Lemon Vita C Blemish Serum 67 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum 24 ingredients
Anua Green Lemon Vita C Blemish Serum 67 ingredients
I really like this vitamin C serum! I have sensitive, combination skin and struggled with redness and pigmentation. i use a generous amount after cleanser and toner, and then leave it to really absorb into my skin for 15 minutes, then moisturise.
I've been using it for nearly a month (once every 3 days) and noticed a significant improvement in my pigmentation and pore size. gives a lovely, Show more
