IMAGE skincare the MAX Crème Versus ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum
Updated on November 13, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain peptides and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances, silicones and 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
IMAGE skincare the MAX Crème 72 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum 34 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
IMAGE skincare the MAX Crème 72 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum 34 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Dimethicone
Emollient
Sucrose Palmitate
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Glyceryl Linoleate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Pullulan
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCeteth-10 Phosphate
CleansingDicetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingMalus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Isomalt
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Glycine Soja Sterols
Emollient
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Nannochloropsis Oculata Extract
HumectantPhospholipids
Skin Conditioning
PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientImperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Echinacea Purpurea Extract
MoisturisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture
Skin ConditioningPvp
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Lactate
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningSuperoxide Dismutase
Antioxidant
Lecithin
Emollient
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
PEG-8
HumectantHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Skin Conditioning
Phaseolus Radiatus Meristem Cell Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylamide
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract
Antioxidant
Argania Spinosa Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningPlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Dextran Sulfate
Gel Forming
Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
Citral
Perfuming
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Humectant
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicWater, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Sucrose Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Linoleate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Stearic Acid, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Limonene, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Pullulan, Sclerotium Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Isomalt, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Propylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycine Soja Sterols, Linoleic Acid, Nannochloropsis Oculata Extract, Phospholipids, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture, Pvp, Sodium Lactate, Carbomer, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Glycine Soja Protein, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Superoxide Dismutase, Lecithin, Polysorbate 20, PEG-8, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Phaseolus Radiatus Meristem Cell Culture Extract, Polyacrylamide, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Argania Spinosa Callus Culture Extract, Plankton Extract, Sodium Dextran Sulfate, Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Citral, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Laureth-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Biotin
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
PEG-12 Dimethicone Crosspolymer
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSodium Phosphate
BufferingPanthenyl Triacetate
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Magnesium Sulfate
Hydrolyzed Sericin
Skin ConditioningEthyl Linoleate
Emollient
Buddleja Davidii Meristem Cell Culture
Skin ConditioningAngelica Polymorpha Sinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus/Panax Ginseng Root Extract Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningDisodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tyrosine
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
Emollient
Oleyl Alcohol
Emollient
Proline
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine Triphosphate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dipropylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, PEG-12 Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Phosphate, Panthenyl Triacetate, Phospholipids, Magnesium Sulfate, Hydrolyzed Sericin, Ethyl Linoleate, Buddleja Davidii Meristem Cell Culture, Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis Root Extract, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Lactobacillus/Panax Ginseng Root Extract Ferment Filtrate, Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate, Acetyl Tyrosine, Dimethiconol, Oleyl Alcohol, Proline, Parfum, Tocopherol, Beta-Glucan, Adenosine Triphosphate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Sodium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol
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 WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconePhenoxyethanol 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.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolPropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolPhospholipids are naturally found in our skin as they are the main component of cell membranes. Phospholipids have humectant, emollient, antioxidant properties.
Phospholipids are complex lipids that contain glycerin, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group. Some foods that contain phospholipids include soybeans and milk. The phospholipids found in soy come from Lecithin. This ingredient can also be synthetically created.
Due to their hygroscopic nature, they act as both humectants and emollients. Humectants draw moisture from the air to your skin, while emollients help trap moisture in.
The phospholipids in our skin can be naturally depleted. Replenishing the phospholipids in our skin can help hydrate your skin.
Studies show phospholipids display antioxidant activity and may help with reducing the signs of aging.
This ingredient is non-occlusive.
Some types of phospholipids:
Learn more about PhospholipidsXanthan 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 GumThis small molecule peptide has similar benefits to Argireline, the "botox" peptide.
According to the manufacturer, this peptide mimics snake venom to freeze muscles. This prevents muscle movement and contractions to prohibit the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
While this seems promising, research is lacking in proving this ingredient to be as effective as botox.
Learn more about Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide DiacetateWe don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein yet.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
IMAGE skincare the MAX Crème 72 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum 34 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
IMAGE skincare the MAX Crème 72 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum 34 ingredients
TL;DR: Very soothing, VERY expensive, but works VERY well. Strong perfume smell you need to get used to.
...This works and I'm MAD about it.
I got suckered into this at my plastic surgeon's office during a laser consult by the esthetician, and...$168 later walked out with it thinking "WHAT HAVE I DONE?" Committed, I begrudgingly tried this praying I'd hate it so I wouldn't have to repurchase Show more
