e.l.f. cosmetics Vitamin C Serum Versus Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
e.l.f. cosmetics Vitamin C Serum 17 ingredients
Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum 12 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
e.l.f. cosmetics Vitamin C Serum 17 ingredients
Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum 12 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthoxydiglycol
Humectant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Punica Granatum Extract
AstringentButylene Glycol
Humectant
Coceth-7
EmulsifyingPPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether
EmulsifyingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Disodium EDTA
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Water, Ethoxydiglycol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Punica Granatum Extract, Butylene Glycol, Coceth-7, PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
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 WaterPropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSodium 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 HyaluronateCaprylyl 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 GlycolPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
e.l.f. cosmetics Vitamin C Serum 17 ingredients
Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum 12 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
e.l.f. cosmetics Vitamin C Serum 17 ingredients
I use it in the morning and love it for the hydration and skin conditioning effects
It's very light and hydrating. I use it in my morning routine and I love it.
Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum 12 ingredients
This says it's fungal acne safe but on the website the ingredients says it has castor oil extract or something in here, personally I avoid anything with castor oil so beware.
Its been a few years, but from what I remember, I got this as a "only affordable option available at the store" when I ran out of Vit C serum and needed more - and I did not like this.
Felt like a waste of money. It didn't really do anything, I didn't see my usual results.
It also, oddly, did not oxidize...for like more than a year, as long as it took me to finish the bottle. That's weird to Show more
