MediCube Azelaic Acid 16 BB Calming Serum Versus VT Cosmetics A1 Calming Ampoule
Updated on July 15, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, 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 common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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
MediCube Azelaic Acid 16 BB Calming Serum 31 ingredients
VT Cosmetics A1 Calming Ampoule 34 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
MediCube Azelaic Acid 16 BB Calming Serum 31 ingredients
VT Cosmetics A1 Calming Ampoule 34 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAzelaic Acid
Buffering
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Citric Acid
Buffering
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pantothenic Acid
Skin ConditioningNicotinamide Mononucleotide
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Pea Protein
EmollientPhytosterols
Skin Conditioning
Lecithin
Emollient
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Water, Azelaic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Citric Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Panthenol, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Pantothenic Acid, Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Phytosterols, Lecithin, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ceramide NP
Water
Skin ConditioningAzelaic Acid
Buffering
Propanediol
Solvent
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Tromethamine
BufferingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus/Soymilk Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Xylitylglucoside
Humectant
Anhydroxylitol
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningXylitol
Humectant
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Dextrin
AbsorbentHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningWater, Azelaic Acid, Propanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Cyanocobalamin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lactobacillus/Soymilk Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Pentylene Glycol, Xylitol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tocopherol, Madecassoside, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Dextrin, Hyaluronic Acid, Asiaticoside, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Azelaic acid is a multitasker ingredient that helps treat acne, pigmentation, and irritation. It is a great option for sensitive skin.
What makes azelaic special?
The best thing about azelaic acid is it's gentleness. It's generally well-tolerated and safe to use alongside other actives like niacinamide or salicylic acid.
Unlike AHAs, azelaic acid will not make you photosensitive/sun sensitive.
You can find this ingredient naturally occurring in grains like wheat, rye, and barley. In cosmetics, azelaic acid is typically lab-made, which is more stable and effective.
Learn more about Azelaic AcidButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractPanthenol 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 PanthenolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
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 PropanediolWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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