Skin Republic Vitamin C 6% & Alpha Arbutin 1.5% Serum Versus Garnier Skin Naturals Vitamin C Glow Jelly
This brightening serum is formulated around Ascorbic Acid and Alpha-Arbutin to fade the look of dark spots and brighten dull-looking skin.
This brightening moisturizer is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Ascorbyl Glucoside to brighten dull-looking skin and refine skin texture.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventAlcohol
AntimicrobialPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSalicylic Acid
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingParfum
MaskingIngredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Limonene is the compound that gives citrus peel its smell.
In skincare, it shows up as a standalone fragrance ingredient or as a natural compound of citrus and other essential oils.
You'll typically see this ingredient used in very small amounts; anything above 0.001% in a leave-on product or 0.01% in a rinse-off has to be named on the label in the EU. The citrus oils that carry it sit around 0.5-1% in a finished formula.
Fresh limonene is a weak allergen; the real issue is that it slowly reacts with air and then breaks down from oxidation to create hydroperoxides (which are strong sensitizers). This is why suppliers are required to keep the peroxide value below 20 mmol.
Positive reactions in people being investigated for eczema vary:
It's worth skipping if you have a known fragrance allergy or a compromised barrier, but the risk is low for most people.
Older or long-opened products are also more likely to bother you than fresh ones due to oxidation.
Learn more about Limonene