Nioxin Scalp Relief Scalp Soothing Serum Versus Nioxin Scalp & Hair Treatment Natural Hair With Light Thinning
Updated on February 27, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both scalp treatments. They have a total of 16 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and niacinamide
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 and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances and oils
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
Nioxin Scalp Relief Scalp Soothing Serum 24 ingredients
Nioxin Scalp & Hair Treatment Natural Hair With Light Thinning 43 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Nioxin Scalp Relief Scalp Soothing Serum 24 ingredients
Nioxin Scalp & Hair Treatment Natural Hair With Light Thinning 43 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
Parfum
Masking
Steareth-20
CleansingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingIsostearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Acetamide Mea
HumectantPEG-23m
Emulsion StabilisingTetrasodium EDTA
Boswellia Serrata Gum
Masking
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Emulsifying
Trideceth-6
EmulsifyingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
BHT
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Sulfite
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Parfum, Steareth-20, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Isostearyl Alcohol, Acetamide Mea, PEG-23m, Tetrasodium EDTA, Boswellia Serrata Gum, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Trideceth-6, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Silica, BHT, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Sulfite, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Caffeine
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Acetamide Mea
HumectantTriethanolamine
BufferingPEG-23m
Emulsion StabilisingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Tetrasodium EDTA
Methyl Nicotinate
SoothingParfum
Masking
Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil
Masking
Mentha Piperita Oil
Masking
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Emulsifying
Trideceth-6
EmulsifyingLimonene
Perfuming
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Silica
Abrasive
Cystine Bis-Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicLecithin
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Humulus Lupulus Extract
AntimicrobialCitrus Paradisi Peel Extract
Perfuming
Urtica Dioica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAcer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Peel Extract
EmollientSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingVaccinium Myrtillus Leaf Extract
AstringentFaex Extract
Skin ConditioningPropylparaben
Preservative
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingBHT
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentMethylparaben
Preservative
Ethylparaben
Preservative
Butylparaben
Masking
Water, Niacinamide, Caffeine, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 60, Acetamide Mea, Triethanolamine, PEG-23m, Propylene Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methyl Nicotinate, Parfum, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Trideceth-6, Limonene, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Silica, Cystine Bis-Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Biotin, Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Humulus Lupulus Extract, Citrus Paradisi Peel Extract, Urtica Dioica Leaf Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Citrus Limon Peel Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Leaf Extract, Faex Extract, Propylparaben, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, BHT, Potassium Sorbate, Maltodextrin, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben
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 WaterNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumSodium 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.
It 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 BenzoatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Benzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.
Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.
Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Triethanolamine is an emulsifier and pH adjuster. It is created using ethylene oxide and ammonia. This gives Triethanolamine a nitrogen core and a similar scent to ammonia.
As an emulsifier, it prevents ingredients from separating and enhances texture by adding volume to a product.
PH adjusters are common in cosmetic products. The pH of a product can affect the effectiveness of other ingredients. A product with a high pH may also irritate the skin.
Learn more about TriethanolamineWe don't have a description for Acetamide Mea yet.
We don't have a description for PEG-23m yet.
Tetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable.
Tetrasodium EDTA comes as a white solid and is soluble in water.
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate isn't fungal acne safe.
We don't have a description for Trideceth-6 yet.
Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.
Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.
Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.
Learn more about SilicaBHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateIngredient Ratings
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