Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Dr. Levy Booster Cream versus Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream .
Last updated on December 26, 2023. Published on December 26, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 17 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, retinoid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
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, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, 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 need an update? Let us know.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
Ingredient Info
Dr. Levy Booster Cream 52 ingredients
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream 50 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
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 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
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 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dr. Levy Booster Cream 52 ingredients
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream 50 ingredients
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Dr. Levy Booster Cream 52 ingredients
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream 50 ingredients
Water • Glycerin • Caprylic Acid • Niacinamide • Squalane • Propanediol • Cetearyl Alcohol • Coco-Caprylate/Caprate • Myristyl Myristate • 1,2-Hexanediol • Diglycerin • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Cetearyl Glucoside • Sodium Hyaluronate • Argania Spinosa Callus Culture Extract • Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract • Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide • Tocopheryl Acetate • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate • Panthenol • Retinyl Palmitate • Tocopherol • Calendula Officinalis Seed Oil • Pyridoxine Hcl • Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice • Tocotrienols • Brassica Campestris Seed Oil • Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 • Lecithin • Xanthan Gum • Carbomer • Cyclodextrin • Squalene • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside • Sorbitan Oleate • Psilanthus Bengalensis Leaf Cell Culture Extract • Carnosine • Ethylhexylglycerin • Potassium Cetyl Phosphate • Elaeis Guineensis Oil • Phenoxyethanol • Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Dicaprylyl Ether • Parfum • Polyisobutene • Sodium Hydroxide • Alcohol • Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate • Phytosterols
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice • Caprylic Acid • Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters • Pentylene Glycol • Coco-Caprylate/Caprate • Dimethicone • Glyceryl Glucoside • Niacinamide • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate • Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Sodium Hyaluronate • Cetyl Acetate • Tetrapeptide-2 • Squalane • Ceteareth-20 • Glyceryl Stearate • Peg-100 • Zinc Stearate • Glyceryl Linoleate • Peg-20 • Butylene Glycol • Cetearyl Alcohol • Cetyl Alcohol • Phytosteryl Macadamiate • Phytosterols • Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate • Hexylresorcinol • Polysorbate 60 • Sucrose • Sorbitan Tristearate • 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid • Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract • Hibiscus Abelmoschus Extract • Bellis Perennis Flower Extract • Arnica Montana Flower Extract • Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract • Brassica Oleracea Italica Seed Oil • Tocopheryl Acetate • Tocopherol • Sucrose Palmitate • Retinol • Biosaccharide Gum-1 • Xanthan Gum • Caprylyl Glycol • Hexylene Glycol • Phenoxyethanol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Sodium Hydroxide • Parfum
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.
Caprylic Acid is a fatty acid commonly found in plant oils, such as palm and coconut oils.
Much of the research is based on caprylic acid derived from coconut oil. Coconut oil is an emollient and helps moisturize the skin.
Caprylic Acid has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Several studies found it to be effective at treating yeast infections. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Besides cosmetics, this ingredient is also used for a variety of medical purposes such as treating digestive disorders.
This ingredient is minimally soluble in water.
Read more about a similar ingredient Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.
Learn more about Caprylic AcidDr. Levy Booster Cream contains this as ingredient number 3.
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream contains this as ingredient number 2.
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. Levy Booster Cream contains this as ingredient number 4.
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream contains this as ingredient number 8.
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 SqualaneDr. Levy Booster Cream contains this as ingredient number 5.
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream contains this as ingredient number 15.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholDr. Levy Booster Cream contains this as ingredient number 7.
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream contains this as ingredient number 23.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is a lightweight emollient. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Once applied, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is absorbed quickly and leaves a silky feel.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateDr. Levy Booster Cream contains this as ingredient number 8.
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream contains this as ingredient number 5.
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is a plant lipid from the fruit of the Shea Tree. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.
Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterDr. Levy Booster Cream contains this as ingredient number 12.
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream contains this as ingredient number 9.
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. Levy Booster Cream contains this as ingredient number 14.
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream contains this as ingredient number 12.
Tocopheryl 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 AcetateDr. Levy Booster Cream contains this as ingredient number 18.
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream contains this as ingredient number 39.
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 skin’s 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 TocopherolDr. Levy Booster Cream contains this as ingredient number 22.
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream contains this as ingredient number 40.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice comes from leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is best known for helping to soothe sunburns. It is also anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and can help heal wounds.
Aloe is packed with good stuff including Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are antioxidants, which help fight free-radicals and the damage they may cause. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice also contains sugars. These sugars come in the form of monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, and choline. These sugars are able to help bind moisture to skin.
It also contains minerals such as calcium, 12 anthraquinones, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceDr. Levy Booster Cream contains this as ingredient number 26.
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.
Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumDr. Levy Booster Cream contains this as ingredient number 32.
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream contains this as ingredient number 44.
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. Levy Booster Cream contains this as ingredient number 41.
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream contains this as ingredient number 48.
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. Levy Booster Cream contains this as ingredient number 44.
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream contains this as ingredient number 47.
This long ingredient is a copolymer of sodium acrylate and sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers.
It is used to help stabilize other ingredients and create a thicker gel-like texture.
Emulsifiers prevent oils and waters from separating.
Learn more about Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerDr. Levy Booster Cream contains this as ingredient number 45.
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream contains this as ingredient number 11.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. 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. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumDr. Levy Booster Cream contains this as ingredient number 47.
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream contains this as ingredient number 50.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideDr. Levy Booster Cream contains this as ingredient number 49.
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream contains this as ingredient number 49.
We don't have a description for Phytosterols.
Dr. Levy Booster Cream contains this as ingredient number 52.
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream contains this as ingredient number 26.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Dr. Levy Booster Cream 52 ingredients
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream 50 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Dr. Levy Booster Cream 52 ingredients
Karam MD Illuminate All-In-One Cream 50 ingredients
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Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Dr. Levy Booster Cream.
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