Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum versus Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum .
Published on January 20, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both serums. They have a total of 23 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
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 sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Price
Ingredient Info
Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum 37 ingredients
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum 37 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
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 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Contains Parabens
Ingredients in this product that are types of parabens:
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum 37 ingredients
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum 37 ingredients
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum 37 ingredients
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum 37 ingredients
Water • Hexyldecanol • Niacinamide • Pentylene Glycol • Glycerin • Butylene Glycol • Xylitol • Tapioca Starch • Panthenol • Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate • Dimethicone • Boron Nitride • Polysorbate 20 • Tocopheryl Acetate • Mica • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Inositol • Phenoxyethanol • Peg-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone • Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Polyacrylamide • Benzyl Alcohol • Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine • Aminomethyl Propanol • C13-14 Isoparaffin • Parfum • Disodium EDTA • Sodium Benzoate • Ascorbyl Glucoside • Laureth-7 • Polymethylsilsesquioxane • Magnesium Aspartate • Zinc Gluconate • Copper Gluconate • CI 77891 • CI 19140 • CI 16035
Water • Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate • Butylene Glycol • Cyclopentasiloxane • Niacinamide • Triethylhexanoin • Glycerin • Pentylene Glycol • Nylon-12 • Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate • Inositol • Polymethylsilsesquioxane • Boron Nitride • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Panthenol • Peg-20 Sorbitan Cocoate • Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Phenoxyethanol • Peg-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone • Polyacrylamide • Laureth-7 • Benzyl Alcohol • Aminomethyl Propanol • C13-14 Isoparaffin • Disodium EDTA • Methylparaben • Hexyldecanol • Sodium Benzoate • Xanthan Gum • Ascorbyl Glucoside • Laminaria Saccharina Extract • Tocopherol • Zea Mays Oil • Methicone • CI 77492 • CI 75130
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 WaterOlay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
We don't have a description for Hexyldecanol.
Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.
Niacinamide 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 NiacinamideOlay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can help thicken or emulsify a product. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolOlay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.
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 GlycerinOlay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.
lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.
Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
Learn more about PanthenolOlay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.
We don't have a description for Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate.
Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.
Boron Nitride is compound consisting of boron and nitrogen. It is used to absorb oil and modify adherence/ slip in products.
This means it is often used in makeup products to help them last longer.
Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is also an emulsifier. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.
Inositol is a sugar alcohol naturally found in the human body. Our bodies use this ingredient in the process of growing new cells.
Studies show inositol to be a key component for keratinocyte growth.
Keratinocytes make up the majority of the outermost layer of skin. These cells protect our skin from UV exposure, infection, and help keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient is also considered a humectant. Humectants help hydrate the skin by drawing moisture to it.
Learn more about InositolOlay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.
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.
Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.
Peg-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.
Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.
Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.
Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer. It is used to stabilize products and bind ingredients. When hydrated, Polyacrylamide forms a soft gel.
Polyacrylamide is low-toxicity. If source properly, it is deemed safe to use in cosmetics.
It should be noted the precursor to Polyacrylamide is acrylamide. Acrylamide is a carcinogen. Most reputable sources of Polyacrylamide will screen for residual acrylamide to make sure the count is in a safe range. Acrylamide is not able to be absorbed through the skin.
We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about PolyacrylamideOlay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.
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 AlcoholOlay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.
Aminomethyl Propanol is used to adjust the pH of products. It is also used as a base to create other organic compounds. Having a balanced pH is important for protecting your skin.
Aminomethyl propanol is safe to use in cosmetics up to 1%. It is soluble in water.
Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.
C13-14 Isoparaffin is created from petroleum-based mineral oils. It is an emollient and helps thicken a product.
As an emollient, it helps keep the skin soft and smooth by creating a barrier on top. This barrier traps moisture in, keeping the skin hydrated.
C13-14 Isoparaffin may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about C13-14 IsoparaffinOlay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAOlay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.
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 BenzoateOlay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.
When applied to skin, Ascorbyl Glucoside turns into Ascorbic Acid.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage skin cells.
It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl GlucosideOlay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 31.
Laureth-7 is created by the ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol using ethylene oxide. Lauryl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with hydrating properties.
Laureth-7 is an emulsifier and cleansing ingredient. As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps cleanse the skin by gathering dirt, oil, and pollutants to be rinsed away.
Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneOlay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum contains this as ingredient number 31.
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum 37 ingredients
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum 37 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum 37 ingredients
Sk-II GenOptics Spot Essence Serum 37 ingredients
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