SkinBetter Science EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream Versus ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Eye Serum
Updated on June 12, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe eye moisturizers. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, peptides and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens 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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
SkinBetter Science EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream 43 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Eye Serum 56 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
SkinBetter Science EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream 43 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Eye Serum 56 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
C10-18 Triglycerides
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Ethylhexyl Olivate
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-6 Palmitate/Succinate
Emulsifying
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Triheptanoin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventEthyl Lactyl Retinoate
Abrasive
Acetyl Hexapeptide-37
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glyceryl Glucoside
Humectant
Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Astaxanthin
Skin Conditioning
Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract
Antioxidant
Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningJasminum Sambac Flower Extract
Masking
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin Conditioning
Tremella Fuciformis Extract
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingSucrose Stearate
EmollientC9-12 Alkane
SolventGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantPolyurethane-10
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Phytate
Citric Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Propanediol, Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, C10-18 Triglycerides, Glycerin, Jojoba Esters, Niacinamide, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Polyglyceryl-6 Palmitate/Succinate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Triheptanoin, Butylene Glycol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ethyl Lactyl Retinoate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-37, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glyceryl Glucoside, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Astaxanthin, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract, Jasminum Sambac Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Tocopherol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Sucrose Stearate, C9-12 Alkane, Gluconolactone, Calcium Gluconate, Polyurethane-10, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Bellis Perennis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Lupinus Albus Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil
Emollient
PEG-35 Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Hieracium Pilosella Extract
MaskingScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentCordyceps Militaris Mycelium Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBuddleja Davidii Meristem Cell Culture
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
Masking
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningPhospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Tocopheryl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Sericin
Skin ConditioningCera Alba
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Panthenyl Triacetate
Acetyl Tyrosine
Skin ConditioningEthyl Linoleate
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningOleyl Alcohol
Emollient
Tristearyl Citrate
EmollientDipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Silica Silylate
EmollientBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate
Skin ConditioningAdenosine Triphosphate
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPEG-12 Glyceryl Laurate
EmulsifyingAcetyl Tetrapeptide-5
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Bellis Perennis Flower Extract, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Lupinus Albus Seed Oil, Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil, PEG-35 Castor Oil, Hieracium Pilosella Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Cordyceps Militaris Mycelium Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract, Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis Root Extract, Buddleja Davidii Meristem Cell Culture, Lactobacillus, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Lactobacillus Ferment, Phospholipids, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Sericin, Cera Alba, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Panthenyl Triacetate, Acetyl Tyrosine, Ethyl Linoleate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Proline, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Oleyl Alcohol, Tristearyl Citrate, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Silica, Silica Silylate, Beta-Glucan, Tocopherol, Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate, Adenosine Triphosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, PEG-12 Glyceryl Laurate, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Pvp, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene 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 GlycolCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
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 even out skin tone.
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.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycerin 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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateTocopherol (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 TocopherolWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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SkinBetter Science EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream 43 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Eye Serum 56 ingredients
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