Ilia True Skin Radiant Priming Serum Versus Merit Beauty Great Skin Instant Glow Serum
Updated on October 26, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe . They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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
Ilia True Skin Radiant Priming Serum 29 ingredients
Merit Beauty Great Skin Instant Glow Serum 20 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Ilia True Skin Radiant Priming Serum 29 ingredients
Merit Beauty Great Skin Instant Glow Serum 20 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Maltose
MaskingGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingPropanediol
Solvent
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract
AstringentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pistacia Lentiscus Gum
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLithothamnion Calcareum Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingBenzoic Acid
Masking
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingDehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Maltose, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Propanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Pistacia Lentiscus Gum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Mica, Calcium Gluconate, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract, Beta-Glucan, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzoic Acid, Phenethyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Potassium Sorbate, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Isononyl Isononanoate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Coptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingDextrin
AbsorbentTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Water, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isononyl Isononanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Dextrin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCitric 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 AcidEthylhexylglycerin (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.
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 PropanediolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Ilia True Skin Radiant Priming Serum 29 ingredients
Merit Beauty Great Skin Instant Glow Serum 20 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
