Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Mario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid versus Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum .
Published on October 25, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 21 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
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, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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
Mario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid 40 ingredients
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum 70 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 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
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 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
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 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Mario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid 40 ingredients
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum 70 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
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:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 6 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 3 ingredients 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:
Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.
Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Mario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid 40 ingredients
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum 70 ingredients
Water • Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate • Glycerin • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice • Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate • 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate • Azelaic Acid • Inulin • Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 • Phenoxyethanol • Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract • Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract • Betaine • Polysorbate 20 • Chlorphenesin • Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide • Caprylyl Glycol • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • Sodium PCA • Sodium Lactate • Sodium Sulfite • PCA • Lactic Acid • Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate • Serine • Sodium Benzoate • Alanine • Sodium Chloride • Glycine • Polyglycerin-6 • Glutamic Acid • Lysine Hcl • Threonine • Arginine • Potassium Sorbate • Orthosiphon Stamineus Leaf Extract • Hydroxyacetophenone • Proline • 1,2-Hexanediol • Citric Acid
Water • Peg-8 • Glycerin • Methylpropanediol • Propanediol • Ppg-24-Glycereth-24 • 1,2-Hexanediol • Xylitylglucoside • Butylene Glycol • Hydroxyethyl Urea • Panthenol • Hydroxyacetophenone • Lactic Acid • Hyaluronic Acid • Sodium Hyaluronate • Dunaliella Salina Extract • Avena Sativa Kernel Extract • Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil • Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil • Citrus Limon Peel Oil • Santalum Album Oil • Laminaria Digitata Extract • Jasminum Sambac Flower Extract • Chondrus Crispus Extract • Gigartina Stellata Extract • Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract • Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil • Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract • Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil • Cupressus Sempervirens Oil • Cistus Ladaniferus Leaf/Stem Extract • Juniperus Virginiana Oil • Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract • Tagetes Minuta Flower Oil • Rosa Damascena Flower • Hydrolyzed Rice Protein • Pentylene Glycol • Sodium PCA • Anhydroxylitol • Xylitol • Polyglutamic Acid • Lactobacillus Ferment • Lysine Hcl • Betaine • Sclerotium Gum • Sodium Lactate • PCA • Glucose • Serine • Alanine • Glycine • Silanetriol • Pantolactone • Glutamic Acid • Threonine • Arginine • Proline • Xanthan Gum • Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate • Polysorbate 20 • Sorbitan Isostearate • Citric Acid • Sodium Hydroxide • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Amylopectin • Hydroxyethylcellulose • Sodium Benzoate • Potassium Sorbate • Limonene • Linalool
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 WaterMario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 1.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinMario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 3.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
Betaine is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies show betaine may help with uneven skin tones.
Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The form found within cosmetic products can be either plant-dervied or synthetic.
Learn more about BetaineMario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 13.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 44.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Mario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 14.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 60.
Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid and is naturally occurring on human skin.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
Sodium PCA is a has conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.
Learn more about Sodium PCAMario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 19.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 38.
Sodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, an AHA. It is a humectant and used to adjust the pH of a product.
Sodium Lactate is part of our skin's NMF, or natural moisturizing factor. Our NMF is essential for the hydration of our top skin layers and plasticity of skin.
It also influences our skin's natural acid mantle and pH, which protects our skin from harmful bacteria.
Our NMF is formed from amino acids, lactic acid, sugars, minerals, peptides, and electrolytes. As we age, our NMF naturally depletes. Other sources of NMF depletion include harsh and drying ingredients such as denatured alcohol. Sodium lactate can help replenish our NMF, leading to more hydrated and plump skin.
High percentages of Sodium Lactate can have an exfoliating effect.
Sodium Lactate is produced from fermented sugar.
Learn more about Sodium LactateMario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 20.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 46.
PCA is derived from amino acids and is naturally found in our skin's barrier.
As a humectant, PCA helps draw and hold moisture to the skin. Studies show it is effective at helping the skin stay hydrated long-term.
Mario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 22.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 47.
Lactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.
Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.
Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.
Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidMario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 23.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.
Serine is an amino acid naturally found in our body. Our bodies use amino acids to create protein.
Amino-acids help give keep our skin hydrated. They play an important role in the skin barrier, which keeps the skin plump and firm.
Serine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning we don't need to obtain it from eating foods.
Learn more about SerineMario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 25.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 49.
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
Sodium Benzoate is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateMario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 26.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 67.
Alanine is an amino acid and is already found in the human body.
Alanine has antioxidant properties and can help with anti-aging.
Alanine is used by fibrous proteins such as collagen, elastin, and keratin. These three help make a strong skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier leads to more plump and youthful skin.
Learn more about AlanineMario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 27.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 50.
Glycine is an amino acid that helps build proteins. It is already present in our skin as our bodies produce them naturally.
Glycine helps keep skin hydrated and reduce signs of aging. Amino acids help transport moisture throughout our skin; glycine already plays a role in helping keep our skin moisturized.
As collagen is made up of glycine and other amino acids, it is believed Glycine may help our skin produce more collagen. Collagen helps keep skin plump and firm.
Learn more about GlycineMario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 29.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 51.
Glutamic Acid is an amino acid that is found in all living organisms. Our bodies use this to help nerve cells in the brain communicate with other cells.
In cosmetics, glutamic acid is a famous humectant. It draws water from the air to your skin, keeping your skin hydrated (like hyaluronic acid).
An in-vitro study from 2024 found glutamic acid to play a role in inhibiting inflammation and thus a potential skin-soothing ingredient.
Other studies show it to be have potential wound healing, skin barrier repair, and hair growth properties.
Glutamic acid has poor solubility in water and other solvents.
Learn more about Glutamic AcidMario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 31.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 54.
Lysine HCl is an alpha amino acid salt.
Our skin uses amino acids as a precursor for building protein, and therefore keratins, collagen and elastin.
Mario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 32.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 43.
Threonine is an amino-acid. It helps hydrate the skin and has antioxidant benefits.
Threonine is vital for creating collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin support youthful and firm skin. Our bodies decrease collagen production naturally with age.
Humans are not able to create threonine and must get it through eating foods such as fish, lentils, poultry, sesame seeds, and more.
Learn more about ThreonineMario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 33.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 55.
Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.
As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.
Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineMario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 34.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 56.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
Potassium sorbate is potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
Potassium sorbate is often used with stronger preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateMario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 35.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 68.
Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant and helps with skin conditioning.
Antioxidants help fight off free-radical molecules. These unstable molecules may damage your skin cells. By helping stabilize free-radicals, antioxidants may help in anti-aging.
Hydroxyacetophenone boosts the efficiency of other preservatives.
Learn more about HydroxyacetophenoneMario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 37.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.
Proline is an amino-acid. It helps moisturize the skin and plays an important role in creating proteins.
Proline is one of the building blocks for producing collagen. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen. Collagen helps the skin look plump and firm.
In medicine, proline is used as an osmoprotectant. This means it helps prevent oxidative degradation in other drugs.
Our bodies are able to produce proline naturally, but certain conditions may inhibit this production. In that case, proline can be obtained from eating egg whites, soy protein, dairy products, asparagus, mushrooms, and seaweed.
Learn more about ProlineMario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 38.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 57.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.
Mario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 39.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
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.
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 look more even.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidMario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid contains this as ingredient number 40.
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum contains this as ingredient number 62.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Mario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid 40 ingredients
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum 70 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Mario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid 40 ingredients
Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum 70 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Mario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid 40 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 27 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Mario Badescu Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid.
See 27 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 35 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum.
See 35 alternatives