Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of innisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum versus COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum .
Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on July 05, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 16 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, 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 common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Price
Ingredient Info
innisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum 43 ingredients
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum 34 ingredients
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 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
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 😥
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
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 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
innisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum 43 ingredients
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum 34 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
innisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum 43 ingredients
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum 34 ingredients
Water • Propanediol • Glycerin • 1,2-Hexanediol • 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid • Betaine • Erythritol • Butylene Glycol • Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate • Squalane • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Butyl Acrylate • Dextrin • Xanthan Gum • Tromethamine • Gluconolactone • Pyrus Malus Peel Extract • Panthenol • Carnosine • Niacinamide • Allantoin • Hyaluronic Acid • Caprylic Acid • Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract • Pentylene Glycol • Sodium Metaphosphate • Silica Dimethyl Silylate • Tocopherol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Cyclodextrin • Madecassoside • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate • Salix Alba Bark Extract • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Protease • Tranexamic Acid • Glutathione • Achillea Millefolium Extract • Sodium Hyaluronate • Beta-Carotene • Ferulic Acid • Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer • Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Water • Ascorbic Acid 23% • Propanediol • Dimethicone • Tromethamine • Panthenol • Ethyl Ether • Squalane • Caffeine • Sodium Chloride • Sodium Hyaluronate • Sodium Sulfite • Disodium EDTA • Glutathione • Adenosine • Acetyl Glucosamine • Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract • Allantoin • Dextrin • Tocotrienols • Tocopherol • Elaeis Guineensis Oil • Butylene Glycol • Arginine • Niacinamide • Pentylene Glycol • Alcohol Denat. • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Methyl Trimethicone • Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil • Camellia Japonica Seed Oil • Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract • Beta-Carotene
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 Waterinnisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum 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 Propanediolinnisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
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.
innisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.
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 Squalaneinnisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.
Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.
Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.
Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed Oilinnisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.
Dextrin is used to thicken a product and helps bind ingredients together. It is created from starch and glycogen.
As an emulsifier, dextrin prevents ingredients from separating. This helps elongate a product's shelf life.
Studies show coating UV filters with dextrin prevents these ingredients from being absorbed. This helps UV ingredients last longer on the skin.
Learn more about Dextrininnisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.
Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level 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.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about Tromethamineinnisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.
Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.
lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.
Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
Learn more about Panthenolinnisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about Niacinamideinnisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about Allantoininnisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract comes from the root commonly known as carrot (the orange kind we eat!).
This extract contains beta-carotene, a pigment responsible for giving plants the orange color. Beta-carotene is a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants may help reduce the signs of aging.
Beta-carotene is the reason we turn orange if we eat too many carrots.
It should be noted coming into contact with the leaves of wild carrots can cause skin irritation. The sap causes phytophotodermatitis, or sensitivity when the sap comes in contact with sunlight.
This ingredient is created using the edible parts of the carrot.
Learn more about Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extractinnisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 33.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can help thicken or emulsify a product. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene Glycolinnisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about Tocopherolinnisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.
Glutathione is an antioxidant naturally found in our bodies. It is made up of three amino acids: glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid.
As an antioxidant, it prevents oxidative damage to parts of our cell.
While glutathione is said to help with skin lightening, the results from research are inconclusive. Further studies are needed.
However, gluthatione has been shown to protect our skin from UV-B induced damage.
This ingredient is naturally occurring in plants, animals, fungi, and some bacteria.
Learn more about Glutathioneinnisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum contains this as ingredient number 37.
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.
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 Hyaluronateinnisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum contains this as ingredient number 39.
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.
Beta-Carotene is a carotenoid. It is an antioxidant that converts to Vitamin A. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
It gives plants the red, orange, and yellow color. Some foods with Beta-Carotene include sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, and cantaloupe.
innisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum contains this as ingredient number 40.
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 34.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
innisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum 43 ingredients
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum 34 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
innisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum 43 ingredients
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum 34 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
innisfree Vita C Green Tea Enzyme Dark Spot Toning Serum 43 ingredients
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum 34 ingredients
laila.21
I didn't like the consistency of this serum at all.
It felt like I was putting oil to my face, but since I always use the whole product to see...
I didn't like the consistency of this serum at all.
It felt like I was putting oil to my face, but since I always use the whole product to see results this did nothing to me other than feeling uncomfortable.
ChienYun_CY
Cured my acne scars
I had mix feelings when I first bought this as I read that the smell can be off-putting. But I am glad I bought it. My acne...
Cured my acne scars
I had mix feelings when I first bought this as I read that the smell can be off-putting. But I am glad I bought it. My acne scars faded a lot more after 3 days of using it and saw great results in one week. It also didn't break me out despite containing alcohols and oils. It does sting a little on the first application but doesn't irritate my skin. The smell can be quite strong when you first spread it on, but it slowly goes away after awhile.
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