My Scheming 7% Alpha Arbutin Whitening Serum Versus FARSALI Unicorn Essence Antioxidant Primer Serum
Updated on February 13, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free serums. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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
My Scheming 7% Alpha Arbutin Whitening Serum 18 ingredients
FARSALI Unicorn Essence Antioxidant Primer Serum 21 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
My Scheming 7% Alpha Arbutin Whitening Serum 18 ingredients
FARSALI Unicorn Essence Antioxidant Primer Serum 21 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Lactobacillus
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Diglucosyl Gallic Acid
Water, Alpha-Arbutin, Glycerin, Propanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Lactobacillus, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Diglucosyl Gallic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Polyacrylate
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Astringent
Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract
AstringentTamarindus Indica Seed Polysaccharide
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingVanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil
Masking
CI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantBlue 1 Lake
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic Colorant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract, Tamarindus Indica Seed Polysaccharide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, CI 17200, CI 14700, Blue 1 Lake, Mica, Titanium Dioxide
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin (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.
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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
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 20Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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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