Herbivore Nova 15% Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum Versus Herbivore Super Nova 5% THD Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 24 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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
Herbivore Nova 15% Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum 33 ingredients
Herbivore Super Nova 5% THD Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream 41 ingredients
- Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
- Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
- Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
- Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
- Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
- Cetearyl Olivate
- Sorbitan Olivate
- Stearyl Stearate
- Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate
- Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
- Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
- Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Herbivore Nova 15% Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum 33 ingredients
Herbivore Super Nova 5% THD Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream 41 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
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Ingredients Side-by-side
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.
Antioxidant 4 Benefits Not safe for Fungal Acne
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is a version of ascorbic acid, or pure Vitamin C.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
C9-12 Alkane is synethically created using alkanes, or paraffins. It is added to products as a solvent. This means its main purpose is to help dissolve ingredients and create even texture.
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate is an emulsifier and helps condition the skin. It is amino acid-based.
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.
Cetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
Curcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract is from the Kakadu plum. The Kakadu plum is native to northern Australia. The Kakadu plum holds the record for having the highest amount of natural vitamin C.
4 Benefits May cause irritation
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.
Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Sclerotium Gum is a polysaccharide gum made by the fungus, Sclerotium rolfssii. It is similar to xanthan gum.
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate isn't fungal acne safe.
Sodium levulinate is the a sodium salt of Levulinic Acid. If dissolved in an aqueous solution, the two ingredients become identical.
Sodium Anisate comes from fennel. It is used as a preservative and to add flavoring.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract comes from the Holy Basil plant. Holy Basil is native to India.
Sodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Antioxidant Helps brighten skin
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.
Ananas Sativus Fruit Juice comes from the pineapple fruit. Pineapples are native to South America.
Corallina Officinalis Extract is from the red seaweed, Corallina Officinalis. This seaweed is found all over the world but is most common in the rocky shores of Great Britain and Ireland.
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate is a natural preservative. It comes from fermenting radish roots with a bacteria called leuconostoc. Leuconostoc comes from lactic acid. This bacteria is used to make the traditional Korean side-dish, kimchi. It is also used to make sourdough bread (both incredibly yummy foods).
4 Benefits 2 Concerns
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
Water, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Glycerin, C9-12 Alkane, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Propanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Terminalia Chebula Fruit Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Sclerotium Gum, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butylene Glycol, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Sodium Phytate, Averrhoa Carambola Fruit Extract, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Ananas Sativus Fruit Juice, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Citric Acid
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.
Antioxidant 4 Benefits Not safe for Fungal Acne
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is a version of ascorbic acid, or pure Vitamin C.
2 Concerns
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is a plant lipid from the fruit of the Shea Tree. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2 is lipid-based synthetic skin-conditioning agent. As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate the skin.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
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.
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Not safe for Fungal Acne
This ingredient is the fixed oil extracted from seeds of the desert shrub Jojoba. It is more commonly known as jojoba oil. The seed oil is liquid wax ester from the plant. It is non-comedogenic.
Cetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate is an emulsifier and helps condition the skin. It is amino acid-based.
A type of fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as traditional alcohols.
Caffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and anti-aging.
Curcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract is from an herb called Huang Qi. The roots of this plant have traditionally used in traditional Chinese medicine.
We don't have a description for Spilanthes Acmella Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract.
4 Benefits May cause irritation
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.
Helps with Anti-Aging
Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10) is a molecule already found in our bodies. It is a potent antioxidant and skin-soothing ingredient.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Carthamus tinctorius seed oil comes from safflower, one of humanity's oldest crops.
Sclerotium Gum is a polysaccharide gum made by the fungus, Sclerotium rolfssii. It is similar to xanthan gum.
C9-12 Alkane is synethically created using alkanes, or paraffins. It is added to products as a solvent. This means its main purpose is to help dissolve ingredients and create even texture.
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate isn't fungal acne safe.
Sodium levulinate is the a sodium salt of Levulinic Acid. If dissolved in an aqueous solution, the two ingredients become identical.
Sodium Anisate comes from fennel. It is used as a preservative and to add flavoring.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.
Sodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Antioxidant Helps brighten skin
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.
Corallina Officinalis Extract is from the red seaweed, Corallina Officinalis. This seaweed is found all over the world but is most common in the rocky shores of Great Britain and Ireland.
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.
Glyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid, a fatty acid from coconut.
4 Benefits 2 Concerns
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
Water, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Triheptanoin, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Propanediol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Stearyl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Glycerin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Behenyl Alcohol, Caffeine, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Spilanthes Acmella Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Ubiquinone, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Sclerotium Gum, C9-12 Alkane, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Oil, Pinus Pinaster Leaf Extract, Sodium Phytate, Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Xanthan Gum, Bacillus Ferment, Glyceryl Caprylate, Citric Acid
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 WaterAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is a version of ascorbic acid, or pure Vitamin C.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate has many benefits including reducing wrinkles, skin soothing, dark spot fading, and fighting against free radicals.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate interferes with the process of skin darkening, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation. It also encourages the skin to produce more collagen.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
One study found Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate to degrade in sunlight, but is stabilized when conbined with acetyl zingerone.
Learn more about Ascorbyl TetraisopalmitateGlycerin 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 GlycerinC9-12 Alkane is synethically created using alkanes, or paraffins. It is added to products as a solvent. This means its main purpose is to help dissolve ingredients and create even texture.
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate is an emulsifier and helps condition the skin. It is amino acid-based.
In higher amounts, it may act as a cleansing agent.
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 PropanediolCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
Sorbitan Olivate is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateCurcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.
Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant. Antioxidants help neutralize unstable free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules may damage your skin's cells and DNA. Curcumin may help with anti-aging.
Curcumin also has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe skin and reduce irritation. On top of that, curcumin has been shown to help prevent hyperpigmentation from sun damage.
The anti-microbial property of turmeric can make it effective in treating acne. It has also been shown to help regulate the production of sebum.
Learn more about Curcuma Longa Root ExtractHyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.
This ingredient helps hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.
What makes hyaluronic acid so hydrating? It has the capacity to bind or hold large amounts of water.
Fun fact: It is already naturally found in our bodies, such as the fluids of our eyes and our joints.
Studies find this ingredient to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This can help speed up wound-healing,
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidPolyglyceryl-6 Stearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Sclerotium Gum is a polysaccharide gum made by the fungus, Sclerotium rolfssii. It is similar to xanthan gum.
In cosmetics, Sclerotium Gum is used to thicken the texture and to help stabilize other ingredients.
As an emulsifier, Sclerotium Gum helps prevent ingredients from separating, such as water and oil.
Learn more about Sclerotium GumPolyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate isn't fungal acne safe.
Sodium levulinate is the a sodium salt of Levulinic Acid. If dissolved in an aqueous solution, the two ingredients become identical.
It is a skin conditioning agent, meaning it helps soften and hydrate your skin.
According to Cosmetic Ingredient Review, the highest amounts of sodium levulinate are found in mouthwashes at 0.62%.
Learn more about Sodium LevulinateSodium Anisate comes from fennel. It is used as a preservative and to add flavoring.
Sodium Anisate has antimicrobial properties.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
The flowers of this tree are lilac colored.
Learn more about Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractCoco-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/CaprateMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
The leaves of this tree contain flavonoids and polyphenols. These two compounds are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Further research is needed as to their effects when applied on skin.
Learn more about Melia Azadirachta Leaf ExtractSodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate isn't fungal acne safe.
We don't have a description for Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract.
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 AcetateCorallina Officinalis Extract is from the red seaweed, Corallina Officinalis. This seaweed is found all over the world but is most common in the rocky shores of Great Britain and Ireland.
Corallina Officinalis Extract contains antioxidant and emollient properties.
Extracted polysaccharides, galactose and xylose, in red algae showed antioxidant activity. Antioxidants help with anti-aging by neutralizing free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules may damage your skin cells and DNA. Galactose is also a PHA.
Corallina Officinalis is structurally similar to coral due to its high calcium content.
Learn more about Corallina Officinalis ExtractCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
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 even out skin tone.
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.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidIngredient Ratings
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