KORA Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum Versus Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum
Updated on August 17, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens, fragrances and oils
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
KORA Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum 37 ingredients
Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum 21 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
KORA Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum 37 ingredients
Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum 21 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Rosa Canina Seed Oil
Emollient
Isoamyl Laurate
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Betaine
Humectant
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningBakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Xylityl Sesquicaprylate
AntimicrobialLysolecithin
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Medicago Sativa Extract
TonicPullulan
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAnhydroxylitol
HumectantMorinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil
Masking
Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Silica
Abrasive
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Beta-Sitosterol
Emulsion StabilisingSqualene
Emollient
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingGeraniol
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Farnesol
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water, Glycerin, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Isoamyl Laurate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Betaine, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Bakuchiol, Xylityl Sesquicaprylate, Lysolecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Lactobacillus, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Medicago Sativa Extract, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Anhydroxylitol, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Silica, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Beta-Sitosterol, Squalene, Sodium Hydroxide, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Farnesol, Citronellol
Water
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Emollient
Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil
Skin Conditioning
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin ConditioningYeast Extract
Skin Conditioning
Soy Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Citric Acid
Buffering
Linalool
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Squalane, Niacinamide, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Bakuchiol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Yeast Extract, Soy Amino Acids, Lecithin, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid, Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene
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 WaterBakuchiol is a plant-derived antioxidant (it's vegan!). It is often called the replacement for retinol although it is not part of the same family.
It has similar effects as retinol: skin smoothing, reducing discoloration, and preventing wrinkles. It does not cause as much irritation as traditional retinoids.
Bakuchiol works by breaking down free radicals and stimulating collagen production in skin.
Combining bakuchiol with retinol will not have adverse side effects. Studies show using them will just boost the benefits. Bakuchiol is also found to help stabilize retinol.
While bakuchiol does not make the skin more sun sensitive, we recommend wearing SPF on a daily basis.
Read more about traditional retinol
Learn more about BakuchiolCitric 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 AcidGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
KORA Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum 37 ingredients
Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum 21 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
KORA Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum 37 ingredients
Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum 21 ingredients
Worked wonders on my eye lines, but too expensive.
