Curology Brightening Vitamin C Serum Versus Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Treatment Serum
Updated on October 23, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates
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
Curology Brightening Vitamin C Serum 26 ingredients
Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Treatment Serum 47 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Curology Brightening Vitamin C Serum 26 ingredients
Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Treatment Serum 47 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Cetearyl Olivate
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-6 Stearate
Emollient
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCamellia Sinensis Flower Extract
Perfuming
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Dimethiconol
Emollient
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolyglyceryl-6 Behenate
Emulsion Stabilising
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Water, Dimethicone, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Cetearyl Olivate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Glycerin, Behenyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Camellia Sinensis Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Dimethiconol, Sclerotium Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventC9-12 Alkane
SolventPsidium Guajava Fruit Extract
AstringentTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion Stabilising3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Psidium Guajava Seed Oil
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Antioxidant
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMusa Sapientum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Communis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Betaine
Humectant
Lecithin
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Dipalmitate
Emollient
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Phytate
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Propanediol, C9-12 Alkane, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tranexamic Acid, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Psidium Guajava Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ferulic Acid, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Extract, Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Betaine, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Dipalmitate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Phytate, Potassium Sorbate, Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. 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 WaterMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) is a form of Vitamin C and is an antioxidant. It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
MAP is created by combining ascorbic acid with magnesium salt. While MAP more gentle on the skin than ascorbic acid, it is thought to be less easily-absorbed into the skin.
Due to MAP's stability up to a pH level of 7, it is more stable to air and sunlight exposure than ascorbic acid. The best pH range for MAP is between 5 and 6.
Like other forms of Vitamin C, MAP has been shown to help reduce hyperpigmentation and simulate collagen production.
As an antioxidant, it helps protect your skin against the signs of aging.
Learn more about Magnesium Ascorbyl PhosphateTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD) is a stable and oil-soluble form of Vitamin C.
THD is special in that it has the ability to travel deeper into skin than traditional ascorbic acid while maintaining the same skin benefits (double win!).
Because itโs oil-soluble, THD dives deep into your skinโs fatty layers (think ceramides and cholesterol) to fight off the kind of free radicals that mess with your skin barrier. This makes it a great pair with water-based vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that mainly works on the surface.
Even at just 0.1%, THD is already showing great antioxidant activity. When used up to 2%, it helps keep your skin happy and calm, especially when itโs stressed from pollution or sun.
Want to fade dark spots or tackle hyperpigmentation? Youโll want 5% or more. Pairing it with brightening buddies like niacinamide or licorice root gives even better results. One study even used 30% THD with other brighteners and saw real results on stubborn discoloration, even in melasma-prone skin.
A note on THD: Itโs has a slightly silky, oily texture and usually shows up colorless or pale yellow (though the exact shade can vary by supplier).
While you can sneak it into water-based formulas, it really shines when paired with silicones or oils, which help your skin soak it up better.
THD is pretty stable, but itโs still vulnerable to degradation like ascorbic acid. Too much light or heat (above 113ยฐF / 45ยฐC) can break it down over time. Go for dark and opaque packaging that keeps it safe and shady!
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateAscorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.
When applied to skin, Ascorbyl Glucoside turns into Ascorbic Acid.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage skin cells.
It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl GlucosideThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglyceridePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.ย
Itโs 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 PropanediolGlycerin 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 GlycerinSodium Stearoyl Glutamate is an emulsifier and helps condition the skin. It is amino acid-based.
In higher amounts, it may act as a cleansing agent.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skinโs lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.ย
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 preservativesย
Caprylyl 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 GlycolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Curology Brightening Vitamin C Serum 26 ingredients
Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Treatment Serum 47 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Curology Brightening Vitamin C Serum 26 ingredients
Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Treatment Serum 47 ingredients
โ.เณเฟ*:๏ฝฅ ๐ค
๐ฅฅ ๐๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐ค๐ข๐ง ๐ญ๐ฒ๐ฉ๐: ๐๐ซ๐ฒ/๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐, ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ณ๐๐ฆ๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐.
๐ชด ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฌ:
ยทห เผโยท ออออ๊ฐโณ ๐๐ญ'๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐ค๐ข๐ง ๐ญ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง. ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐ญ๐๐ฑ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐, ๐ง๐จ๐ญ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ค๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ค๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐ฐ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ. ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฉ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐จ๐จ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐ซ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐จ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ .
๐ต ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฌ:
โฐโโค ๐ ๐ ๐จ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ฌ ๐ "๐๐ซ๐๐ ๐ ๐ข๐๐ญ" (๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ณ๐๐) ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ๐จ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐๐ง'๐ญ ๐ก๐๐ฏ๐ ๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ ๐ข๐ญ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ Show more
Full of amazing ingredients; has totally reduced the need for me to cocktail and upset my ph balance.
