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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum versus maru.derm Ginseng Serum .

Last updated on January 25, 2024. Published on February 03, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 28 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, 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.

Eye Moisturizer Turkish Brand Türkiye
Serum Turkish Brand Türkiye

Eye Moisturizer

Eye moisturizers help add moisture back into the skin around the eyes; these can be creams, gels, or serums.

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Price

Shop

Buy Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum

Shop

Buy Ginseng Serum

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

AHA
Hyaluronic Acid (4)
Peptides (3)

Benefits

Hydrating
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing (2)
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid (4)

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Irritating
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Water • Caffeine • Glycerin • Panthenol • Sodium Hyaluronate • Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 • Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 • Allantoin • Glycine • Alanine • Serine • Valine • Isoleucine • Proline • Threonine • Histidine • Phenylalanine • Arginine • Aspartic Acid • Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Hyaluronic Acid • Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer • Sodium Lactate • Sodium Benzoate • Potassium Sorbate • Sodium PCA • Propanediol • PCA • Hydroxyethylcellulose • Lactic Acid • Tetrasodium EDTA

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Glycerin

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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 Panthenol

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

4
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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 Hyaluronate

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
Community Rating: Loved

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 Allantoin

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.

6
What it does: Buffering, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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 Glycine

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.

7
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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 Alanine

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.

8
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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 Serine

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.

9
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

We don't have a description for Valine.

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.

10
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

We don't have a description for Isoleucine.

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.

11
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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 Proline

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.

12
What it does:
Community Rating: Loved

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 Threonine

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.

13
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

We don't have a description for Histidine.

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.

14
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Phenylalanine is an amino acid. It is a skin soothing and hydrating ingredient. Amino acids play a crucial role in wound healing and skin hydration.

Phenylalanine is also used to help even out skin tone due to its ability to disrupt the melanin production process.

Two structures of phenylalanine exist: L-phenylalanine and D-phenylalanine. L-phenylalanine is essential, this means our bodies cannot produce it naturally and we must get it from foods. Our bodies convert D-phenylalanine to neurotransmitters, and D-phenylalanine is found in our bodies naturally.

Some foods that contain L-phenylalanine include eggs, soybeans, beef, milk.

Learn more about Phenylalanine

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.

15
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

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 Arginine

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.

16
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Aspartic Acid is an amino acid that our bodies produce naturally. It is an antioxidant.

Our body uses Aspartic Acid to help build collagen and elastin. It also plays a role in hydrating skin.

Antioxidants help mitigate damage from free-radical molecules. These are molecules that originate from external sources such as pollution, cigarette smoke, or the sun.

Learn more about Aspartic Acid

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.

17
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans.

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.

18
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.

Low molecular weight HA has been shown to hydrate and increase elasticity of the skin. Increasing elasticity is also associated with reduction of wrinkle depth.

One study found topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. However, we always recommend speaking with a professional about your skin concerns.

Hyaluronic acids are a humectant. This means they draw moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.

Read more about other common forms of hyaluronic acid:

Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.

19
What it does: Humectant, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.

Hyaluronic Acid has the capacity to bind to large amounts of water. This ingredient helps hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.

Fun fact: It is already naturally found in our bodies, such as the fluids of our eyes and our joints.

Studies find this ingredient to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This can help speed up wound-healing,

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Hyaluronic Acid

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

20
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a type of hyaluronic acid. In fact, it is modified version of hyaluronic acid.

The structure of Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer allows it to stay in the skin's top layer for a longer period of time. This allows for even more hydration and humectant action than hyaluronic acid.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

21
What it does: Buffering, Humectant
Community Rating: Liked

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 Lactate

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.

22
What it does: Masking, Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Benzoate

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 32.

23
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Sorbate

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 33.

24
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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 PCA

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.

25
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

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 Propanediol

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 31.

26
What it does: Humectant, Moisturising
Community Rating: Loved

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.

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.

27
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising, Stabilising
Community Rating: Mixed

Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.

Hydroxyethylcellulose helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product.

This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients.

Learn more about Hydroxyethylcellulose

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 31.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 34.

28
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Tetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable.

Tetrasodium EDTA comes as a white solid and is soluble in water.

maru.derm Caffeine 5% Eye Contour Serum contains this as ingredient number 33.

maru.derm Ginseng Serum contains this as ingredient number 35.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

85% are loved or liked
6% have mixed ratings
9% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet
74% are loved or liked
6% have mixed ratings
9% are disliked or very disliked
11% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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