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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Dr. Idriss The Depuffer versus Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness .

Published on April 11, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 24 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants 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 and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Serum American Brand United States
Serum American Brand United States

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Price

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Exfoliators
Niacinamide

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (2)

Notable Ingredients

Exfoliators
Niacinamide

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (2)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 1.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

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 Niacinamide

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 2.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Glycerin

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 3.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.

The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.

This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can help thicken or emulsify a product. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.

Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.

Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.

Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.

Learn more about Pentylene Glycol

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 4.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

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. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 5.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 5.

6
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

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 Propanediol

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 6.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 6.

7
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Disliked

This is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.

It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 7.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 7.

8
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan? This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Read more about squalene with an "e".

Learn more about Squalane

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 8.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 8.

9
What it does: Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Arnica Montana Flower Extract is a fragrance.

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 9.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 9.

10
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract comes from the leaves of an herb plant native to Southeast Asia. Centella Asiatica is rich in antioxidants and amino acids. It can help reduce irritation and soothe the skin.

Many active components found in centella asiatica, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside, encourage the skin to naturally produce hyaluronic acid. This helps keep our skin hydrated. Many of these components also show antioxidant activity and may help reduce the signs of aging.

Research shows centella asiatica can help increase Type I collagen production by increasing fibroblast production. Fibroblast helps form connective tissue.

The combination of all these properties makes centella asiatica leaf extract effective at soothing the skin.

Other components of centella asiatica leaf extract include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.

Recent studies found madecassoside may help prevent damage from UV rays by preventing UV-induced inflammation. Further research is needed.

This plant has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.

Learn more about Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 10.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 10.

11
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Fraxinus Excelsior Bark Extract.

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 11.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 11.

12
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Agastache Mexicana is a shrub from North America. All parts of this shrub contain antioxidants.

Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 12.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 12.

13
What it does: Abrasive, Antioxidant, Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Avena Sativa Kernel Extract is is derived from colloidal oatmeal. It is formed from grounded oatmeal and a liquid base.

Besides being a healthy breakfast, oats have many benefits in skincare too.

This ingredient helps sooth, hydrate, and protect the skin. The starches in colloidal oatmeal are able to bind water, keeping the skin hydrated.

The cellulose and fiber in colloidal oatmeal help reduce inflammation. This can also help the skin feel softer.

Colloidal Oatmeal is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radical molecules. These molecules may damage skin cells.

Avenacins found in colloidal oatmeal have anti-fungal properties. The saponins have a cleaning affect.

Overall, colloidal oatmeal is great at providing the skin with moisture and help sooth irritation. It also protects the skin in various ways.

Learn more about Avena Sativa Kernel Extract

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 13.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 13.

14
What it does: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent, Emollient, Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Tonic
Community Rating: Loved

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract has many benefits. It contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off free-radical molecules that damage skin cells. The antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.

Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties. Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. L-theanine is an amino acid that makes up most of the amino acids found in tea leaves. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract also contains Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract also has antimicrobial properties.

Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.

Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 14.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 14.

15
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid.

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 15.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 15.

16
What it does: Absorbent, Emulsion Stabilising, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide. It is derived from starch such as rice, corn, wheat, or potato starch.

In food, Maltodextrin is used to improve the texture and thicken a product. Due to its structure, it can help create a gel texture. As an emulsion stabilizer, it helps keep the ingredients in a product together.

As a polysaccharide, Maltodextrin has moisturizing properties. Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate. The top layer of skin uses polysaccharides to retain water, keeping the skin hydrated.

Maltodextrin is water soluble and has a sweet taste.

Learn more about Maltodextrin

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 16.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 16.

17
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone created by modifying dimethicone with hydrocarbon side chains. Due to its large size, it does not penetrate skin. It is considered non-occlusive.

Dimethicone Crosspolymer is used to stabilize and thicken products. It also helps give products a silky feel.

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 17.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 17.

18
What it does:

We don't have a description for Silanetriol.

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 18.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 18.

19
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.

As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.

Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.

Learn more about Sorbitan Isostearate

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 19.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 19.

20
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.

Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.

In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.

Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.

Learn more about Polysorbate 60

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 20.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 20.

21
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Glycol

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 21.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 21.

22
What it does: Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant. Glycols are a class of alcohols. Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant and emulsifier.

As a surfactant, Hexylene Glycol helps gather dirt and oil on your skin to be washed away.

As an emulsifier, Hexylene Glycol helps keep water and oil together. This prevents them from separating in a product. Hexylene Glycol also thins out the texture of a product by lessening viscosity.

Hexylene Glycol has a small molecular weight.

Learn more about Hexylene Glycol

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 22.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 22.

23
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

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. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 23.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 23.

24
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

Dr. Idriss The Depuffer contains this as ingredient number 24.

Pillowtalk Derm The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum for Redness and Puffiness contains this as ingredient number 24.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

46% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
25% are disliked or very disliked
17% have no rating yet
46% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
25% are disliked or very disliked
17% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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