Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum versus Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer .
Last updated on August 14, 2023. Published on July 26, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 15 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Day Moisturizer
Day Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin during the daytime.
Price
Ingredient Info
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum 71 ingredients
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer 65 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum 71 ingredients
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer 65 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 7 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 7 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 7 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 8 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 7 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.
Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum 71 ingredients
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer 65 ingredients
Water • Butylene Glycol • Propanediol • Ethylhexyl Olivate • Cetearyl Alcohol • Chlorogenic Acids • Niacinamide • Lauryl Lactate • Dimethyl Isosorbide • Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Allyl Ester • Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate • Ergothioneine • Benzylidene Dimethoxydimethylindanone • Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract • Carnosine • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract • Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract • Curcuma Longa Root Extract • Olea Europaea Fruit Extract • Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract • Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2 • Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract • Coffea Arabica Leaf Cell Extract • Crocus Sativus Leaf Cell Culture Extract • Superoxide Dismutase • Ubiquinone • Plankton Extract • Micrococcus Lysate • Arginine • Zingiber Officinale Root Extract • Ceramide NP • Ceramide AP • Ceramide EOP • Linoleic Acid • Linolenic Acid • Sea Whip Extract • Bisabolol • Tocopherol • Tocopheryl Acetate • Cholesterol • Phytosphingosine • Jojoba Esters • Sodium PCA • Pentylene Glycol • Methyl Gluceth-20 • Glycerin • Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax • Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax • Lecithin • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Dicetyl Phosphate • Propanediol Dicaprylate/Caprate • Polyglycerin-3 • Ceteth-20 Phosphate • Diisostearyl Malate • Xanthan Gum • Steareth-2 • Acacia Senegal Gum • Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate • Carbomer • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Dextran • Ricinoleth-40 • Sodium Hydroxide • Citric Acid • Sodium Phytate • Ethylhexylglycerin • Phenoxyethanol
Water • Glycerin • Squalane • Propanediol • Butylene Glycol • Ppg-24-Glycereth-24 • Jojoba Wax Peg-120 Esters • Hydroxyethyl Urea • Trehalose • Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate • Allantoin • Hyaluronic Acid • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters • Biosaccharide Gum-1 • Ethylhexylglycerin • Sodium PCA • Sodium Levulinate • Ergothioneine • Beta-Carotene • Lactobacillus Ferment • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Centella Asiatica Extract • Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Verbascum Thapsus Extract • Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract • Glycine Soja Oil • Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract • Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil • Raspberry Ketone • Jasminum Sambac Flower Extract • Santalum Album Oil • Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract • Bisabolol • Cystine • Glycine • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans • Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer • Sodium Hyaluronate • Pentylene Glycol • Caprylyl Glycol • Tocopherol • Mannitol • Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate • Sodium Hydroxide • Phytic Acid • Citric Acid • Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil • C12-13 Pareth-3 • Xanthan Gum • Sclerotium Gum • Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 • Ascorbyl Methylsilanol Pectinate • Glyceryl Caprylate • P-Anisic Acid • Benzyl Glycol • Methylpropanediol • Sodium Benzoate • Potassium Sorbate • Limonene
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterSkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 1.
Butylene 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.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 5.
Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.
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 PropanediolSkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 4.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Learn more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractSkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 26.
Ergothioneine is an antioxidant.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 19.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract has many benefits. It contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off free-radical molecules that damage skin cells. The antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties. Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. L-theanine is an amino acid that makes up most of the amino acids found in tea leaves. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract also contains Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract also has antimicrobial properties.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractSkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 23.
Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.
Bisabolol comes from German chamomile essential oil. Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Bisabolol helps soothe skin. It does this by blocking the inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
Bisabolol 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.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Learn more about BisabololSkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 40.
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 38.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolSkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 41.
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 47.
Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid and is naturally occurring on human skin.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
Sodium PCA is a has conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.
Learn more about Sodium PCASkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 46.
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 17.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can help thicken or emulsify a product. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolSkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 47.
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 45.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinSkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 49.
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 2.
Xanthan 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 GumSkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 59.
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 55.
Sodium 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 HydroxideSkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 67.
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 50.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidSkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 68.
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 52.
Ethylhexylglycerin (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.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 70.
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 16.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum 71 ingredients
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer 65 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum 71 ingredients
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer 65 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 4 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum.
See 4 alternativesWe haven't detected any alternatives for Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer.