innisfree Vitamin C Niacinamide Brightening Eye Serum Versus innisfree Green Tea PDRN Bounce Booster Eye & Lip Serum
This brightening eye moisturizer is formulated around Niacinamide and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid to brighten dull-looking skin and fade the look of dark spots.
This anti-aging eye moisturizer is formulated around Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate and Niacinamide to soften the look of wrinkles and strengthen the skin barrier.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingDiethoxyethyl Succinate
Solvent3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantBetaine
HumectantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCitrus Unshiu Fruit Water
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingPropanediol
SolventGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDextrin
AbsorbentCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Sphaerocarpa Peel Extract
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Metaphosphate
BufferingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCitrus Unshiu Peel Extract
MaskingTin Oxide
AbrasiveCyclodextrin
AbsorbentProtease
ExfoliatingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAcetyl Heptapeptide-4
HumectantHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcetyl Octapeptide-3
HumectantAcetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trehalose, Betaine, CI 77891, Citrus Unshiu Fruit Water, Citric Acid, Propanediol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Mica, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, Xanthan Gum, Dextrin, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Citrus Sphaerocarpa Peel Extract, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Metaphosphate, CI 77491, Sorbitan Isostearate, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Tin Oxide, Cyclodextrin, Protease, Caprylyl Glycol, Acetyl Heptapeptide-4, Hexapeptide-9, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Hydroxide, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Water
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientSqualane
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPvp
Emulsion StabilisingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPalmitic Acid
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingPolyacrylate-13
Glycine Soja Oil
EmollientCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantPolyisobutene
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasiveDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentKojyl Methylenedioxycinnamate
AntioxidantPolyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningRetinol
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSodium Metaphosphate
BufferingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingLactobacillus Extracellular Vesicles
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientLecithin
EmollientPullulan
Beta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingAcetyl Heptapeptide-4
HumectantZein
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin ConditioningPectin
Emulsion StabilisingAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcetyl Octapeptide-3
HumectantWater, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Squalane, Methyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pvp, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Synthetic Wax, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Polyacrylate-13, Glycine Soja Oil, Cetearyl Glucoside, Tocopherol, Polyisobutene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Sodium Polyacrylate, Kojyl Methylenedioxycinnamate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Adenosine, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Metaphosphate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lactobacillus Extracellular Vesicles, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Caprylyl Glycol, Lecithin, Pullulan, Beta-Carotene, Tromethamine, Acetyl Heptapeptide-4, Zein, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Pectin, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Hydroxide, Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Reviews
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
Acetyl Heptapeptide-4 is a peptide with hydrating properties.
According to a manufacturer, a combination of this ingredient and caprylyl glycol strengthens the skin barrier by keeping your skin's natural biome in balance.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline) is a synthetic hexapeptide that is often called a "topical Botox alternative".
It works by mimicking how Botox relaxes muscles; it interferes with the signaling process that tells your facial muscles to contract. This can help soften expression lines like forehead wrinkles or crow's feet over time.
The comparison to Botox does have limits because the molecule is water-loving and relatively large.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has a hard time absorbing deeply enough through the skin's outer barrier to actually reach the muscles.
So whether it truly works the way Botox does at a biological level is still up for debate, but early clinical outcomes are fairly encouraging.
A 12 week human study of a multi-ingredient regimen containing this ingredient saw:
While some studies have observed improvements in wrinkle appearance, it is important to note that more consistent results are seen in multi-ingredient formulations (vs just Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 alone).
Some research studies also used higher concentrations (up to 10%) while this ingredient is usually found in concentrations up to 0.005% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Acetyl Octapeptide-3 is a synthetic peptide also commonly known as SNAP-8. It is a lab-made peptide often marketed as a gentler, topical alternative to Botox.
It works by mimicking part of a protein involved in muscle contractions, which may help relax facial tension and reduce the appearance of fine lines (mostly around the eyes and forehead).
It’s considered a “next-gen” version of Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8), an older peptide with more research behind it that also supports collagen production.
SNAP-8 showed slightly better results than Argireline in one small manufacturer-funded study, but there’s limited independent research. Plus, most tests use concentrations higher than what’s typically found in skincare products.
This ingredient might offer a subtle smoothing effect but it won't don’t deliver the dramatic results of actual Botox injections.
Think of it more like a supporting actor in your skincare lineup.
Learn more about Acetyl Octapeptide-3This peptide is more commonly known as Thymulen 4 BG.
It is derived from a youth hormone called thymopoietin. Thymopoietin helps regulate the immune system and decreases naturally with age.
According to the manufacturer, this peptide boosts the skin's immune defenses and regenerates the outer layers of skin.
Learn more about Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2Butylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
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.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePropanediol 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 PropanediolSodium 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 HydroxideWe don't have a description for Sodium Metaphosphate yet.
Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, it keeps the water and oil ingredients from separating. This keeps formulas stable and smooth.
In a 24 hour occlusive patch test on 56 subjects, 10% sorbitan isostearate was completely non-irritating. Most formulas use less than 10%.
Because it's a fatty acid ester, it may not be fungal acne safe since the Malassezia yeast can utilize it as a nutrient source.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water