Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Estée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist versus Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion .
Published on August 06, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe essences. They have a total of 15 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
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.
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.
Price
Ingredient Info
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist 32 ingredients
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion 32 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 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
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 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
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 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist 32 ingredients
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion 32 ingredients
Benefits
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist 32 ingredients
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion 32 ingredients
Water • Propanediol • Butylene Glycol • Sucrose • Trehalose • Betaine • Acetyl Glutamine • Citrus Medica Vulgaris Fruit Extract • Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract • Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract • Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract • Artemia Extract • Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 • Glycerin • Bifida Ferment Lysate • Lactobacillus Ferment • Caffeine • Sodium Lactate • Sodium Hyaluronate • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Lecithin • Sodium PCA • Caprylyl Glycol • Ppg-5-Ceteth-20 • Tromethamine • Citric Acid • Sodium Benzoate • Disodium EDTA • Sodium Citrate • Potassium Sorbate • Phenoxyethanol
Water • Glycereth-26 • Butylene Glycol • Yeast Extract • Ascorbyl Glucoside • Glycerin • Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Leaf Extract • Phytic Acid • Salicylic Acid • Acetyl Glucosamine • Sodium Hyaluronate • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Caffeine • Sucrose • Algae Extract • Hydrolyzed Prunus Domestica • Laminaria Saccharina Extract • Molasses Extract • Sorbitol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Citric Acid • Sodium Hydroxide • Ppg-5-Ceteth-20 • Ppg-6-Decyltetradeceth-30 • Caprylyl Glycol • Propanediol • Sodium Citrate • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • Potassium Sorbate
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 WaterEstée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist contains this as ingredient number 1.
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 PropanediolEstée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist contains this as ingredient number 2.
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion contains this as ingredient number 28.
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.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist contains this as ingredient number 3.
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion contains this as ingredient number 3.
Sucrose is a natural sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It is the main constituent of white sugar.
In skincare, sucrose is a humectant and can be a mild exfoliant.
Sucrose is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water. This makes it an effective humectant and helps hydrate the skin.
Studies show sugars may worsen acne-prone skin due to it disrupting the skin's natural biome. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
In some products such as body scrubs, sucrose is used as an gentle exfoliant.
The term 'sucrose' comes from the french word for sugar, 'sucre'.
Learn more about SucroseEstée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist contains this as ingredient number 4.
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion contains this as ingredient number 16.
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 GlycerinEstée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist contains this as ingredient number 15.
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion contains this as ingredient number 6.
Caffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and anti-aging.
Caffeine is an antioxidants, which help with the signs of aging. This is because antioxidants help fight skin-damaging free radical molecules.
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 CaffeineEstée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist contains this as ingredient number 18.
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion contains this as ingredient number 15.
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 HyaluronateEstée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist contains this as ingredient number 20.
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion contains this as ingredient number 13.
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 GlycyrrhizateEstée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist contains this as ingredient number 21.
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion contains this as ingredient number 8.
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 GlycolEstée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist contains this as ingredient number 24.
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion contains this as ingredient number 27.
We don't have a description for Ppg-5-Ceteth-20.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist contains this as ingredient number 25.
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion contains this as ingredient number 25.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidEstée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist contains this as ingredient number 27.
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion contains this as ingredient number 23.
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 EDTAEstée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist contains this as ingredient number 29.
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion contains this as ingredient number 30.
Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Sodium Citrate helps maintain the pH of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Sodium Citrate is a chelating agent. It neutralizes metal ions from water and prevents them from binding to other ingredients. This ensures the other ingredients will not be altered.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateEstée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist contains this as ingredient number 30.
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion contains this as ingredient number 29.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
Potassium sorbate is potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
Potassium sorbate is often used with stronger preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateEstée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist contains this as ingredient number 31.
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion contains this as ingredient number 32.
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.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist contains this as ingredient number 32.
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion contains this as ingredient number 31.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist 32 ingredients
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion 32 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical™ Mist 32 ingredients
Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Essence Lotion 32 ingredients
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