Versus

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II Versus Darphin Stimulskin Plus Absolute Renewal Serum

Serum
Serum
American Brand United States
French Brand France

Overview

What they are

These products are both serums. They have a total of 19 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid, peptides and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin and sensitive skin

Free From

They both do not contain any 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II
Stimulskin Plus Absolute Renewal Serum

Water

Skin Conditioning

Propanediol

Solvent

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Glycereth-26

Humectant
0 / 0

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Humectant
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

Skin Conditioning

Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Caffeine

Skin Conditioning

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Gelidiella Acerosa Extract

Skin Protecting

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Humectant
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Ascorbyl Glucoside

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Olea Europaea Fruit Oil

Masking
0-2 / 0 Fragrance IconOil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Algae Extract

Emollient
May worsen Oily Skin Icon

Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hypnea Musciformis Extract

Skin Protecting

Pisum Sativum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Trehalose

Humectant

Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract

Skin Conditioning

Mannan

Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Laminaria Saccharina Extract

Skin Protecting

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glucosamine Hcl

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking

Cetearyl Olivate

Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Althaea Officinalis Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Commiphora Mukul Resin Extract

Skin Conditioning

Micrococcus Lysate

Skin Conditioning

Oryza Sativa Bran Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sodium Rna

Skin Conditioning

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract

Bleaching
Good for Dark Spots Icon

Sorbitan Olivate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydrolyzed Rice Protein

Skin Conditioning

Linoleic Acid

Cleansing
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Laminaria Digitata Extract

Skin Protecting

Molasses

Skin Conditioning

Saccharum Officinarum Extract

Moisturising

Lactobacillus Ferment

Skin Conditioning

Marrubium Vulgare Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hordeum Vulgare Extract

Emollient

Bambusa Vulgaris Extract

Skin Conditioning

Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract

Skin Conditioning

Brassica Campestris Seed Oil

Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sodium Hydroxide

Buffering

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside

Emulsifying

Dextran

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate

Emulsifying

Carbomer

Emulsion Stabilising
1 / 0

Lecithin

Emollient

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

Emulsion Stabilising

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate

Emulsifying
4 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

T-Butyl Alcohol

Perfuming
Alcohol IconFragrance IconCan worsen Dry Skin Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Oleth-3

Emulsifying
5 / 2

C14-22 Alcohols

Emulsion Stabilising

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Citronellol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Limonene

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Geraniol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Sodium Citrate

Buffering

Tetrasodium EDTA

May worsen Eczema Icon

Sodium Benzoate

Masking
Preservative Icon

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

CI 19140

Cosmetic Colorant

CI 15985

Cosmetic Colorant

Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Caffeine, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Algae Extract, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Pisum Sativum Extract, Trehalose, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Mannan, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Squalane, Glucosamine Hcl, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Olivate, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Commiphora Mukul Resin Extract, Micrococcus Lysate, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Sodium Rna, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Linoleic Acid, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Molasses, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Dextran, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Carbomer, Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Citric Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, T-Butyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Oleth-3, C14-22 Alcohols, Parfum, Citronellol, Limonene, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Tocopherol, Sodium Citrate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 19140, CI 15985

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Solvent

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin. 

It’s often used to:

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
Skin Conditioning

Caffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.

While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.

Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.

Learn more about Caffeine
Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.

This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.

As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.

As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.

This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.

Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.

We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.

Learn more about Lecithin
Skin Conditioning

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.

Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Sodium Rna yet.

Humectant

Glycereth-26 is a synthetic ingredient and polyethylene glycol ether of Glycerin. Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin and helps keep your skin moisturized.

It is a humectant and helps add texture to products. It can make your product thicker.

As a humectant, it helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps your skin stay hydrated.

Learn more about Glycereth-26
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

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
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

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 Hyaluronate
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

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
Skin Conditioning

Lactobacillus Ferment is created by fermenting the Lactobacillus bacteria. It helps keep our skin's natural barrier and microbiome healthy.

Studies show lactobacillus ferment to be effective at repairing the skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier helps keep your skin healthy and hydrated. It also protects against bad bacteria.

As a probiotic/prebiotic/postbiotic, Lactobacillus ferment can help regular our natural biome. In fact, one study found a lack of diversity in our natural skin biome can trigger acne.

Learn more about Lactobacillus Ferment
Emulsifying

Oleth-3 comes from oleyl alcohol. It is an emulsifier that helps reduce surface tension of dirt and pollutants to be washed away.

The 3 stands for the average number of ethylene oxide units.

Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.

This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.

Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

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 Acetate
Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.

A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.

Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

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 Gum
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol 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.

Cosmetic Colorant

CI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.

Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.

Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.

Learn more about CI 19140

When to use

187 Routines
22% use in am
78% use in pm
89% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II 40 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 6 ratings
Absorbs Well (4) Expensive (3) Hydrating (3)
mikey420x's avatar

mikey

10 months ago
Review

made my skin SO smooth and supple, since including in my nightly routine my older PIE has been reduced significantly

#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
#light scent
renatatjan's avatar

Renata

9 months ago
Review

It gives radiance, glow, evens out my skin texture, and most importantly is malassezia safe. Post-acne dark spots also healed a lot quicker. Been using it since 2019 in my mid-20s and planning on using it forever. It's truly a HG for me. Please don't make any unnecessary reformulations on this one.

#great value
#expensive
#hydrating
#light

Darphin Stimulskin Plus Absolute Renewal Serum 81 ingredients

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