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Product Comparison

Published on July 22, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 18 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain BHA, exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, 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 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

Shop

Buy Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment² + Vitamin C

Starts at $60.20
Shop

Buy Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter

Starts at $45.80

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

BHA
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (4)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

BHA
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

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

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema
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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.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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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

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment² + Vitamin C contains this as ingredient number 1.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
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.

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment² + Vitamin C contains this as ingredient number 2.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter contains this as ingredient number 6.

3
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment² + Vitamin C contains this as ingredient number 6.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
What it does: Antioxidant
Community Rating: Liked

Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.

When applied to skin, Ascorbyl Glucoside turns into Ascorbic Acid.

Ascorbyl Glucoside is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage skin cells.

It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Learn more about Ascorbyl Glucoside

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment² + Vitamin C contains this as ingredient number 8.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter contains this as ingredient number 7.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Acetyl Glucosamine is an antioxidant and humectant. It is a form of Vitamin C.

Acetyl Glucosamine helps the skin produce hyaluronic acid and boost hydration.

Antioxidants help fight off free-radicals, molecules that may damage skin cells.

When paired with niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine has been shown to be effective at reducing discoloration.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Learn more about Acetyl Glucosamine

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment² + Vitamin C contains this as ingredient number 11.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter contains this as ingredient number 21.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Liked

This ingredient is extracted from the germ part of the wheat plant. The germ of a plant refers to the seed embryo, or part that sprouts into a new plant.

Some studies have found wheat germ to help with wound healing.

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment² + Vitamin C contains this as ingredient number 19.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter contains this as ingredient number 17.

7
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Hordeum Vulgare Extract.

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment² + Vitamin C contains this as ingredient number 20.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter contains this as ingredient number 15.

8
What it does: Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.

Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.

Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.

It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.

In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.

While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.

If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.

Learn more about Salicylic Acid

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment² + Vitamin C contains this as ingredient number 22.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter contains this as ingredient number 16.

9
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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 Caffeine

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment² + Vitamin C contains this as ingredient number 24.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter contains this as ingredient number 23.

10
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

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment² + Vitamin C contains this as ingredient number 27.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter contains this as ingredient number 20.

11
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment² + Vitamin C contains this as ingredient number 30.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter contains this as ingredient number 22.

12
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment² + Vitamin C contains this as ingredient number 34.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter contains this as ingredient number 38.

13
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

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment² + Vitamin C contains this as ingredient number 38.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter contains this as ingredient number 33.

14
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Mixed

We don't have a description for Yeast Extract.

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment² + Vitamin C contains this as ingredient number 45.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter contains this as ingredient number 32.

15
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Mixed

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 Hydroxide

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment² + Vitamin C contains this as ingredient number 48.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter contains this as ingredient number 41.

16
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

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 EDTA

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment² + Vitamin C contains this as ingredient number 55.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter contains this as ingredient number 43.

17
What it does: Masking, Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.

Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.

Sodium Benzoate is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.

Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.

We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Sodium Benzoate

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment² + Vitamin C contains this as ingredient number 58.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter contains this as ingredient number 44.

18
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.

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment² + Vitamin C contains this as ingredient number 59.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter contains this as ingredient number 47.

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

41% are loved or liked
12% have mixed ratings
22% are disliked or very disliked
25% have no rating yet
35% are loved or liked
14% have mixed ratings
29% are disliked or very disliked
22% have no rating yet

Usage

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

Alternatives

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