mCaffeine Clear Glow Advanced Pigmentation Serum Versus Pilgrim Squalane Glow Crème Serum
Updated on June 25, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 8 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, oily 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
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
mCaffeine Clear Glow Advanced Pigmentation Serum 22 ingredients
Pilgrim Squalane Glow Crème Serum 22 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
mCaffeine Clear Glow Advanced Pigmentation Serum 22 ingredients
Pilgrim Squalane Glow Crème Serum 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningTranexamic Acid
Astringent
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Caffeine
Skin ConditioningCeramide 1
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide 2
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide 3
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide 4
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide 6 Ii
Skin Conditioning
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingCetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentWater, Tranexamic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caffeine, Ceramide 1, Ceramide 2, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 4, Ceramide 6 Ii, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Panthenol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Gluconate, Maltodextrin
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Squalane
Emollient
Propanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Betaine
Humectant
Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Carica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Lecithin
Emollient3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Water, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Squalane, Propanediol, Glycerin, Betaine, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Alpha-Arbutin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Lecithin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan Gum, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate
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 WaterTranexamic Acid is best used for treating hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and melasma. It can also help build a stronger skin barrier.
Once applied, Tranexamic Acid starts decreasing inflammation from UV exposure. Tranexamic Acid also prevents our skin cells from meeting the pigment production cells.
Its brightening property makes it great at reducing the appearance of acne scars and marks.
Fun fact: Tranexamic Acid is also a medication used to reduce heavy bleeding.
This acid is derived from lysine, an amino acid.
Learn more about Tranexamic AcidAlpha-Arbutin is made from hydroquinone and glucose. It may also be derived from the fermentation of soybeans.
This ingredient an antioxidant, meaning it helps protect your skin cells against damage.
Studies show this ingredient helps improve hyperpigmentation and fade discoloration.
Alpha-Arbutin may be used with other ingredients that help with hyperpigmentation. These ingredients include retinol, Vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid.
Learn more about Alpha-ArbutinPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
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 HyaluronateXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
mCaffeine Clear Glow Advanced Pigmentation Serum 22 ingredients
Pilgrim Squalane Glow Crème Serum 22 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
mCaffeine Clear Glow Advanced Pigmentation Serum 22 ingredients
Pilgrim Squalane Glow Crème Serum 22 ingredients
I really love this serum! It’s very gentle and didn’t irritate my sensitive skin. I introduced it slowly into multiple routine over a month, and I use it about 3 times a week.
Only con is that you have to give it lots of time to soak in or it will pill with other products. It must be applied on clean, non-oily skin. I’m able to use a gel moisturizer over it after it sinks in!
