Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum versus Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence .
Last updated on November 29, 2023. Published on December 30, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 17 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones 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 need an update? Let us know.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Essence
Essences are used to prep skin for further treatment and may provide extra skin benefits. They are usually used before serum and moisturizers. Essences are thought to have originated in either Japan or Korea and is an essential step in K-Beauty.
Ingredient Info
Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum 46 ingredients
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence 36 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum 46 ingredients
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence 36 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum 46 ingredients
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence 36 ingredients
Water • Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract • 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid • Panthenol • 1,2-Hexanediol • Ascorbic Acid • Tocopherol • Niacin • Calcium Pantothenate • Thiamine Hcl • Riboflavin • Pyridoxine • Folic Acid • Biotin • Butylene Glycol • Niacinamide • Dipropylene Glycol • Propanediol • Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate • Sodium Hyaluronate • Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate • Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Hyaluronic Acid • Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer • Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate • Potassium Hyaluronate • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Carbomer • Tromethamine • Xanthan Gum • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer • Ethylhexylglycerin • Adenosine • Disodium EDTA • Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil • Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract • Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract • Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract • Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract • Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract • Curcuma Longa Root Extract • Corallina Officinalis Extract • Allantoin • Taurine • Limonene
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract • Glycerin • Water • Butylene Glycol • Niacinamide • Benzyl Glycol • Panthenol • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • Propanediol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Sodium Hyaluronate • Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate • Carbomer • Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate • Arginine • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Disodium EDTA • Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer • Squalane • 1,2-Hexanediol • Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment • Lactobacillus • Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract • Saccharomyces/Potato Extract Ferment Filtrate • Saccharomyces Lysate • Whey Filtrate • Citrus Grandis Peel Oil • Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans • Glutathione • Peg-Crosspolymer • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate • Hyaluronic Acid • Sodium Iodide • Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate • Limonene
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterDr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence contains this as ingredient number 3.
Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.
lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.
Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
Learn more about PanthenolDr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence contains this as ingredient number 7.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.
Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence contains this as ingredient number 20.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence contains this as ingredient number 4.
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
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.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideDr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence contains this as ingredient number 5.
Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.
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 PropanediolDr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence contains this as ingredient number 9.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is an ester of lauric acid and Polyglycerin-10.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is a cleansing agent and emulsifier. It helps gather dirt, oil, and other pollutants to be rinsed away. As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating, such as oil and water.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-10 LaurateDr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence contains this as ingredient number 12.
Sodium 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 HyaluronateDr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence contains this as ingredient number 11.
This form of hyaluronic acid is produced through fermentation.
According to a manufacturer, it has a positive charge by ionic binding to help moisturize and give hair a smooth feel. This is why you'll find this ingredient in shampoos and body washes.
Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence contains this as ingredient number 33.
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is a type of Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic Acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read about common types of Hyaluronic Acid here: Sodium Hyaluronate Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic Acid
Learn more about Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateDr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence contains this as ingredient number 36.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.
Low molecular weight HA has been shown to hydrate and increase elasticity of the skin. Increasing elasticity is also associated with reduction of wrinkle depth.
One study found topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. However, we always recommend speaking with a professional about your skin concerns.
Hyaluronic acids are a humectant. This means they draw moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read more about other common forms of hyaluronic acid:
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidDr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence contains this as ingredient number 32.
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.
Hyaluronic Acid has the capacity to bind to large amounts of water. This ingredient helps hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.
Fun fact: It is already naturally found in our bodies, such as the fluids of our eyes and our joints.
Studies find this ingredient to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This can help speed up wound-healing,
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidDr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence contains this as ingredient number 34.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateDr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence contains this as ingredient number 16.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.
Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum contains this as ingredient number 31.
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence contains this as ingredient number 13.
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.
Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum contains this as ingredient number 35.
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence contains this as ingredient number 10.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTADr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum contains this as ingredient number 37.
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence contains this as ingredient number 17.
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneDr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum contains this as ingredient number 49.
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence contains this as ingredient number 37.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum 46 ingredients
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence 36 ingredients
Usage
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When to use
Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum 46 ingredients
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence 36 ingredients
Reviews
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Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum 46 ingredients
Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence 36 ingredients
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