Margin Active Moisturizer Versus Ghost Democracy Lightbulb Vitamin C Serum
Updated on June 04, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin C
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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Ingredient Info
Margin Active Moisturizer 35 ingredients
Ghost Democracy Lightbulb Vitamin C Serum 8 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Margin Active Moisturizer 35 ingredients
Ghost Democracy Lightbulb Vitamin C Serum 8 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Olivate
Triheptanoin
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Caffeine
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLeucojum Aestivum Bulb Extract
Skin ProtectingPropanediol
SolventCapryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningDiheptyl Succinate
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSilica
Abrasive
Amylopectin
Polydextrose
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDextrin
AbsorbentSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sodium Carbonate
BufferingSodium Chloride
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Triheptanoin, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycolic Acid, Bakuchiol, Caffeine, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Niacinamide, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Leucojum Aestivum Bulb Extract, Propanediol, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Diheptyl Succinate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Silica, Amylopectin, Polydextrose, Sodium Hydroxide, Dextrin, Sclerotium Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Chloride
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Bakuchiol 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 BakuchiolTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD) is a stable and oil-soluble form of Vitamin C.
THD is special in that it has the ability to travel deeper into skin than traditional ascorbic acid while maintaining the same skin benefits (double win!).
Because it’s oil-soluble, THD dives deep into your skin’s fatty layers (think ceramides and cholesterol) to fight off the kind of free radicals that mess with your skin barrier. This makes it a great pair with water-based vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that mainly works on the surface.
Even at just 0.1%, THD is already showing great antioxidant activity. When used up to 2%, it helps keep your skin happy and calm, especially when it’s stressed from pollution or sun.
Want to fade dark spots or tackle hyperpigmentation? You’ll want 5% or more. Pairing it with brightening buddies like niacinamide or licorice root gives even better results. One study even used 30% THD with other brighteners and saw real results on stubborn discoloration, even in melasma-prone skin.
A note on THD: It’s has a slightly silky, oily texture and usually shows up colorless or pale yellow (though the exact shade can vary by supplier).
While you can sneak it into water-based formulas, it really shines when paired with silicones or oils, which help your skin soak it up better.
THD is pretty stable, but it’s still vulnerable to degradation like ascorbic acid. Too much light or heat (above 113°F / 45°C) can break it down over time. Go for dark and opaque packaging that keeps it safe and shady!
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateIngredient Ratings
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