Regimen Lab Level Serum Versus Q + A Azelaic Acid Balancing Serum
Updated on December 27, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, 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
Regimen Lab Level Serum 23 ingredients
Q + A Azelaic Acid Balancing Serum 24 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Regimen Lab Level Serum 23 ingredients
Q + A Azelaic Acid Balancing Serum 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventNiacinamide
Smoothing
Betaine
Humectant
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventTranexamic Acid
Astringent
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
Antioxidant
Hexylresorcinol
AntimicrobialDimethylmethoxy Chromanol
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPullulan
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Betaine, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tranexamic Acid, Acetyl Glucosamine, Alpha-Arbutin, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Hexylresorcinol, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Betaine
Humectant
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Triticum Vulgare Seed Extract
BufferingTriticum Turgidum Durum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningEragrostis Tef Seed Extract
EmollientChenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientSodium Anisate
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Propylene Glycol, Azelaic Acid, Betaine, Zinc PCA, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Glycerin, Triticum Vulgare Seed Extract, Triticum Turgidum Durum Seed Extract, Eragrostis Tef Seed Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Levulinate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Anisate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Gluconate, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid
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 WaterBetaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Learn more about BetaineXanthan 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 GumSodium 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 HydroxideCaprylyl 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 GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Regimen Lab Level Serum 23 ingredients
Q + A Azelaic Acid Balancing Serum 24 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Regimen Lab Level Serum 23 ingredients
PIE/PIH Killer
A lot of my post-acne marks have faded significantly after using this. Good texture, no pilling. No discernible smell.
So great for dark spots and is not irritating!
Q + A Azelaic Acid Balancing Serum 24 ingredients
Did basically nothing
Saw no change in my acne or hyperpigmentation, I thought I was purging while using it but my acne only stopped once I stopped using this product, didn't deliver any of the benefits of azelaic acid
Good & reliable azelaic acid product
I like this product because the formulation is effective and straightforward, it gets the job done without causing any irritation, it has no compatibility issues with other products , it feels right on the skin and it's affordable and easy to get if you live in europe. There are formulations I like a little bit better (Peach Slices) but they are way too Show more
