Papa Recipe Blemish Serum Versus APRILSKIN Real Carrotene Blemish Clear Serum
Updated on March 21, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid 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 harsh alcohols, 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
Papa Recipe Blemish Serum 42 ingredients
APRILSKIN Real Carrotene Blemish Clear Serum 30 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Papa Recipe Blemish Serum 42 ingredients
APRILSKIN Real Carrotene Blemish Clear Serum 30 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Isopentyldiol
HumectantNiacinamide
Smoothing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment
Skin ProtectingLactobacillus/Wasabia Japonica Root Ferment Extract
Antioxidant
Lactobacillus/Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Saccharomyces/Viscum Album Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Imperata Cylindrica Root Ferment Extract
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingPvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Isopentyldiol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bakuchiol, Allantoin, Panthenol, Adenosine, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment, Lactobacillus/Wasabia Japonica Root Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Saccharomyces/Viscum Album Ferment Extract, Saccharomyces/Imperata Cylindrica Root Ferment Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propanediol, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Disodium EDTA, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Pvm/Ma Copolymer
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientDaucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Cetearyl Olivate
Propanediol
SolventCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Tromethamine
BufferingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Extensin
Skin ConditioningTricholoma Matsutake Extract
Skin ConditioningRhododendron Chrysanthum Leaf Extract
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Castanea Crenata Shell Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
Cleansing
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
CI 75130
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Propanediol, Carbomer, Sorbitan Olivate, Tromethamine, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Hydrolyzed Extensin, Tricholoma Matsutake Extract, Rhododendron Chrysanthum Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Centella Asiatica Extract, CI 75130
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 WaterButylene 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.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Niacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
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.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about Niacinamide1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.
Low molecular weight HA has been shown to hydrate and increase elasticity of the skin. Increasing elasticity is also associated with reduction of wrinkle depth.
One study found topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. However, we always recommend speaking with a professional about your skin concerns.
Hyaluronic acids are a humectant. This means they draw moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read more about other common forms of hyaluronic acid:
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.
This ingredient helps hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.
What makes hyaluronic acid so hydrating? It has the capacity to bind or hold large amounts of water.
Fun fact: It is already naturally found in our bodies, such as the fluids of our eyes and our joints.
Studies find this ingredient to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This can help speed up wound-healing.
Hyaluronic acid can be irritating if the molecule has a low-molecular weight, or if the molecules are small.
One study found low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be pro-inflammatory, meaning some people may experience irritation. This is because our bodies use hyaluronic acid in the wound-healing process to signal to our bodies, via irritation, that something needs healing.
The same study found high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be anti-inflammatory.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidSodium 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 HyaluronateCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Due to its olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Papa Recipe Blemish Serum 42 ingredients
APRILSKIN Real Carrotene Blemish Clear Serum 30 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Papa Recipe Blemish Serum 42 ingredients
Cons: Just found out it's not fungal acne safe, so there's that.
Pros: For a serum, it's really thick. I was expecting it to be a lot more watery than it is. Also got it for a relatively cheap price so it's hard to complain. Hydrating to the point where sleeping masks might just be unnecessary.
Will I buy this again? Maybe. Not sure if this is the right serum for me.
Not recommended for an oily face. heavy on the face, even if thinly applied. But did not cause me acne
APRILSKIN Real Carrotene Blemish Clear Serum 30 ingredients
Doesn't work for acne. Not worth it.
