SKIN1004 Niacinamide 10 Boosting Shot Ampoule Versus Arencia Vitamin C Glutathione Booster Shot Essence
This brightening ampoule is formulated around Niacinamide and Ascorbyl Glucoside to fade the look of dark spots and brighten dull-looking skin.
This brightening essence is formulated around Niacinamide and Ascorbic Acid to brighten dull-looking skin and fade the look of dark spots.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
Smoothing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantPropanediol
SolventCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingMethylpropanediol
SolventTromethamine
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTranexamic Acid
AstringentCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sponge
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
BufferingSodium DNA
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantWater, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Propanediol, Carbomer, Methylpropanediol, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Tranexamic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polyglutamic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sponge, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium DNA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Madecassoside
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventNiacinamide
SmoothingButylene Glycol
HumectantMethyl Gluceth-20
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCoptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingGlycereth-25 PCA Isostearate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingZea Mays Kernel Extract
Disodium EDTA
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBetaine
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
MaskingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantGlutathione
Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract
EmollientHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantFructan
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlucose
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
Emollient3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantMadecassoside
AntioxidantOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentMorus Alba Fruit Extract
AntioxidantChaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract
AntioxidantVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantLycium Chinense Fruit Extract
AntioxidantPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningZiziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Viridis Extract
MaskingPrunus Avium Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
AbrasivePyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Salicina Fruit Extract
AntioxidantQuercus Robur Bark Extract
AstringentWater, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Propanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Arginine, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Zea Mays Kernel Extract, Disodium EDTA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Betaine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione, Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Fructan, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glucose, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Madecassoside, Oryza Sativa Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Ceramide NP, Allantoin, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Phytosphingosine, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract, Mentha Viridis Extract, Prunus Avium Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Prunus Salicina Fruit Extract, Quercus Robur Bark Extract
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
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 preservatives
Ascorbyl Glucoside (AA-2G) is one of the most stable vitamin C derivatives out there.
It's made by attaching a glucose molecule to ascorbic acid; this glucose "cap" shields the vitamin C from air, light, heat, and metal ions that normally cause pure ascorbic acid to oxidize.
Once on your skin, the enzyme alpha-glucosidase snips off the glucose and gradually releases active ascorbic acid right where it's needed. Basically, it behaves like a slow-release pro-vitamin C with less of a stinging that high-strength ascorbic acid can cause.
The research supports the classic vitamin C benefits as well. In lab and human studies, AA-2G slowed down the skin's production of melanin (the pigment behind dark spots) and helped shield skin cells against sun damage better than ascorbyl phosphate.
These studies also showed AA-2G released vitamin C over a longer period.
A frequently cited manufacturer trial found that a 2% AA-2G face cream significantly improved wrinkle depth and skin roughness after 45 days.
And in 2009, a clinical trial showed it meaningfully lightened dark patches on the gums compared to a placebo.
There's also collagen-synthesis support (since vitamin C is a required cofactor for that) and an antioxidant effect too.
Typical usage is usually between 0.5-5% and most studies/products land around 2%.
AA-2G performs best when formulated at a mildly acidic pH (~5-7) which is much gentler than the pH that pure vitamin C demands (~2.5-3.5).
Just one thing worth knowing: the in-skin conversation rate is only about 55-60% by weight. So a 5% AA-2G product delivers roughly 2.75-3% of actual active vitamin C. On top of that, skin absorption is relatively low because the ingredient is water-soluble.
Learn more about Ascorbyl GlucosideButylene 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 GlycolDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinMadecassoside is one of four active compounds found in Centella asiatica and is one of the main reasons Centella is so effective at calming irritated skin and supporting the moisture barrier.
There's a solid body of peer-reviewed research backing Madecassoside for several skin benefits. Studies have found:
Madecassoside pairs well with other hydrating or antioxidant ingredients like Ascorbic Acid or Hyaluronic Acid.
Learn more about MadecassosideMethylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.
Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.
Learn more about MethylpropanediolNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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. Remember to 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 Gum