Naturium Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Gel 10% Versus Educated Mess Golden Hour Gold-Stabilized Vitamin C Serum
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and cruelty-free serums. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening 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
Naturium Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Gel 10% 20 ingredients
Educated Mess Golden Hour Gold-Stabilized Vitamin C Serum 32 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Naturium Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Gel 10% 20 ingredients
Educated Mess Golden Hour Gold-Stabilized Vitamin C Serum 32 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Propanediol
SolventSodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycerin
Humectant
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11
Emulsion StabilisingVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract
AstringentSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Acer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningMicrocitrus Australis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Glycolic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Microcitrus Australis Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Gold
Cosmetic ColorantGlutathione
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract
AstringentSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingAcer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Malic Acid
Buffering
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sorbitol
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Propanediol
SolventGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Water, Glycerin, Ascorbic Acid, Gold, Glutathione, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Sorbitol, Panthenol, Allantoin, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Propanediol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Titanium Dioxide, Mica
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 WaterGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.
Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.
Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.
When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.
The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.
Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidPropanediol 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 PropanediolSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideGlycerin 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 GlycerinWe don't have a description for Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract yet.
This ingredient is also called sugarcane extract. It is a moisturizing humectant and has skin soothing properties.
Similar to hyaluronic acid, sugarcane can attract moisture to your skin.
Glycolic acid is a derivative of sugarcane. While glycolic acid is an AHA with exfoliating properties, sugarcane is not an AHA.
A study from 2021 found the compounds in sugarcane extract to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity. The study also suggests these compounds can inhibit skin ageing enzymes and promote collagen synthesis.
Learn more about Saccharum Officinarum ExtractCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract is more commonly known as the bitter orange. Native to Southeast Asia, this extract is commonly found in both cosmetics and foods.
The bitter orange possesses antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
It can also be mildly exfoliating due to the citric acid, an AHA.
Citrus fruits are rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, and vitamin C.
Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit ExtractCitrus Limon Fruit Extract comes from lemons. While lemon extract is exfoliating and antimicrobial, it can also cause skin sensitivity.
Lemons contains antioxidants, which may help with anti-aging. They are also rich in citric acid, an AHA.
And of course, lemons are rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps with skin-brightening and increasing collagen production.
The acidity of lemons may work as an astringent for acne.
However, lemons can also cause skin sensitivity due to its limonene content. It can also increase photosensitivity, or sensitivity to the sun.
This ingredient is also used to add a lemon scent to products.
Learn more about Citrus Limon Fruit ExtractWe don't have a description for Acer Saccharum Extract yet.
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 HyaluronateHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Naturium Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Gel 10% 20 ingredients
Educated Mess Golden Hour Gold-Stabilized Vitamin C Serum 32 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Naturium Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Gel 10% 20 ingredients
Educated Mess Golden Hour Gold-Stabilized Vitamin C Serum 32 ingredients
I bought when on sale! I can’t say that this is as life changing as others have suggested (esp w/price). It does dry down quickly & no tackiness. I have almost used the entire bottle now and can say I have seen ABSOLUTELY no difference in my skin. I used Naturium Vit C complex serum and seen more results w/brightening (even commented by friends) so I can’t say it’s a bad product…just not worth the Show more
