Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus versus Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum .
Published on November 19, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 24 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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.
Ingredient Info
Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus 32 ingredients
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum 35 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus 32 ingredients
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum 35 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus 32 ingredients
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum 35 ingredients
Water • Niacinamide • Propanediol • Glycerin • Cellulose Acetate Butyrate • Ascorbic Acid • CI 77480 • Glutathione • Retinyl Palmitate • Sodium Hyaluronate • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice • Salicylic Acid • Tricaprylin • Caprylyl Glycol • Tocopherol • Hydroxyethylcellulose • Carbomer • Tocopheryl Acetate • Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate • Glyceryl Polyacrylate • Potassium Sorbate • Hexylene Glycol • Sorbitol • Sodium Hydroxide • Xanthan Gum • 1,2-Hexanediol • Phenoxyethanol • Citric Acid • Sodium Benzoate • Disodium Phosphate • Polysorbate 60 • Sodium Phosphate
Water • Glycerin • Propanediol • Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate • Ascorbic Acid • Glutathione • Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract • Carica Papaya Fruit Extract • Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract • Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract • Pleiogynium Timoriense Fruit Extract • Podocarpus Elatus Fruit Extract • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice • Sodium Hyaluronate • Carbomer • Tocopheryl Acetate • Phenoxyethanol • Caprylyl Glycol • Citric Acid • Hydroxyethylcellulose • Sodium Hydroxide • Beta-Glucan • Potassium Sorbate • Hexylene Glycol • Sorbitol • Xanthan Gum • Algin • Benzoic Acid • Sorbic Acid • 1,2-Hexanediol • Sodium Benzoate • Disodium Phosphate • CI 77480 • Polysorbate 60 • Sodium Phosphate
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterNaturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 1.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 PropanediolNaturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 3.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
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 GlycerinNaturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 4.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.
Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.
Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!
Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.
Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.
The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.
Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidNaturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 6.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.
We don't have a description for Ci 77480.
Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 7.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 33.
Glutathione is an antioxidant naturally found in our bodies. It is also naturally occurring in plants, animals, fungi, and some bacteria. As an antioxidant, Glutathione helps prevent oxidative damage to parts of our cell.
While Glutathione is said to help with skin lightening, the results from research are inconclusive. Further studies are needed.
Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 8.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.
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 HyaluronateNaturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 10.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice comes from leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is best known for helping to soothe sunburns. It is also anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and can help heal wounds.
Aloe is packed with good stuff including Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are antioxidants, which help fight free-radicals and the damage they may cause. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice also contains sugars. These sugars come in the form of monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, and choline. These sugars are able to help bind moisture to skin.
It also contains minerals such as calcium, 12 anthraquinones, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceNaturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 11.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolNaturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 14.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.
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 HydroxyethylcelluloseNaturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 16.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.
Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 17.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateNaturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 18.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.
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 SorbateNaturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 21.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.
Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant. Glycols are a class of alcohols. Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, Hexylene Glycol helps gather dirt and oil on your skin to be washed away.
As an emulsifier, Hexylene Glycol helps keep water and oil together. This prevents them from separating in a product. Hexylene Glycol also thins out the texture of a product by lessening viscosity.
Hexylene Glycol has a small molecular weight.
Learn more about Hexylene GlycolNaturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 22.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol. It is a hydrating and moisturizing agent created from the reduction process of glucose.
Most sorbitol is usually made from potato starch. It is also found in fruits such as apples and pears.
As a humectant, Sorbitol helps draw water to the skin. This helps keep the skin hydrated. Sorbitol also helps create a thicker texture in products. You might find sorbitol in your toothpaste and other gels.
It is a non-irritating ingredient that is great for those with dry skin.
Sorbitol is a prebiotic. It helps promote the growth of healthy bacteria on your skin. The bacteria on your skin form a microbiome. This microbiome helps protect your skin from infection and harmful bacteria.
Learn more about SorbitolNaturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 23.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.
Sodium 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 HydroxideNaturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 24.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.
Xanthan 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 GumNaturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 25.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.
Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 26.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 27.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidNaturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 28.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.
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 BenzoateNaturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 29.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 31.
We don't have a description for Disodium Phosphate.
Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 30.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 32.
Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.
Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.
In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.
Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.
Learn more about Polysorbate 60Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 31.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 34.
We don't have a description for Sodium Phosphate.
Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus contains this as ingredient number 32.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains this as ingredient number 35.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus 32 ingredients
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum 35 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus 32 ingredients
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum 35 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus 32 ingredients
I prefer the regular vitamin c by this brand. But this one is ok.
I prefer the regular vitamin c by this brand. But this one is ok.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum 35 ingredients
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