This brightening serum is formulated around Ascorbic Acid and Ferulic Acid to fade the look of dark spots and brighten dull-looking skin.
This barrier-repair serum is formulated around Squalane to strengthen the skin barrier and soften the look of wrinkles.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid 20%
Antioxidant
Ferulic Acid 2%
Antimicrobial
Glutathione
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
4-Butylresorcinol
Antioxidant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Citric Acid
Buffering
Dimethyl Sulfone
SolventArginine
Masking
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Water
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
C14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion Stabilising
Glycerin
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingChlamydomonas Reinhardtii Extract
HumectantPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingCirsium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingGlucose
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingHexapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Water, Squalane, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Saccharide Isomerate, C14-22 Alcohols, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii Extract, Potassium Hydroxide, Cirsium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Pentylene Glycol, Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Glucose, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Hexapeptide-9
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric 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 AcidWater. 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
