Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Versus iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Calm The Red Down Dual-Chamber Serum
Updated on January 03, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for 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 harsh alcohols, common allergens or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
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
Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster 21 ingredients
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Calm The Red Down Dual-Chamber Serum 91 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster 21 ingredients
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Calm The Red Down Dual-Chamber Serum 91 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAzelaic Acid
Buffering
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Skin Protecting
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPropanediol
Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Azelaic Acid, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Dimethicone, Salicylic Acid, Adenosine, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Magnesium Sulfate
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Squalane
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Tridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Meristem Cell Culture
Antioxidant
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Water
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Cholesterol
Emollient
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate
Cleansing
Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate
Emulsion Stabilising
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Behenic Acid
Cleansing
Cellulose Acetate
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Magnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Propylene Glycol Stearate
Skin Conditioning
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientAnnona Cherimola Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Heptapeptide-6
Skin Conditioning
Hexapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Glyceryl Glucoside
Humectant
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPhoenix Dactylifera Seed Extract
MoisturisingHumulus Lupulus Extract
AntimicrobialBacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Sphingomonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningTasmannia Lanceolata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Canina Fruit Oil
Emollient
Sorbitol
Humectant
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Phenylpropanol
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Phytate
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Water, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, CI 77891, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Triethylhexanoin, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Mica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Magnesium Sulfate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Squalane, Silica, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Centella Asiatica Meristem Cell Culture, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Water, Bisabolol, Panthenol, Allantoin, Sodium PCA, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenic Acid, Cellulose Acetate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Levulinate, Tocopherol, Magnesium Stearate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Propylene Glycol Stearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Triethyl Citrate, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77288, CI 77491, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Annona Cherimola Fruit Extract, Propanediol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Madecassoside, Heptapeptide-6, Hexapeptide-9, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Glyceryl Glucoside, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Phoenix Dactylifera Seed Extract, Humulus Lupulus Extract, Bacillus Ferment, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata Leaf Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Sorbitol, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, C14-22 Alcohols, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Phenylpropanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Phytate, Hydroxyacetophenone
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinBisabolol is famous for its skin soothing properties. It does this by blocking inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
This ingredient also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.
Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.
Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.
All these properties makes bisabolol a great skin barrier helper ingredient.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Note: Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Learn more about BisabololButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeGlycerin 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearatePropanediol 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 PropanediolWater. 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 WaterXanthan 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 GumIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster 21 ingredients
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Calm The Red Down Dual-Chamber Serum 91 ingredients
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