Skincare by Dr V Trio Blemish PM Gel Moisturizer Versus Skincare by Dr V Antioxidant Power Serum
Updated on July 25, 2024
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid and Vitamin C
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils or sulfates
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Ingredient Info
Skincare by Dr V Trio Blemish PM Gel Moisturizer 34 ingredients
Skincare by Dr V Antioxidant Power Serum 11 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
Skincare by Dr V Trio Blemish PM Gel Moisturizer 34 ingredients
Skincare by Dr V Antioxidant Power Serum 11 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSebacic Acid
BufferingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Phytic Acid
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Octadecenedioic Acid
Emulsifying
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Olive Glycerides
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid
Skin Conditioning1,10-Decanediol
SolventTriethanolamine
BufferingCyclohexane
SolventButylene Glycol
Humectant
Methylparaben
Preservative
Propylparaben
Preservative
BHT
Antioxidant
BHA
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Carbomer, Sebacic Acid, Niacinamide, Retinol, Phytic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Allantoin, Alpha-Arbutin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Retinal, Ascorbic Acid, Ceramide NP, Octadecenedioic Acid, Phospholipids, Ferulic Acid, Olive Glycerides, Salicylic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid, 1,10-Decanediol, Triethanolamine, Cyclohexane, Butylene Glycol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, BHT, BHA, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycerinPolysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD) is a stable and oil-soluble form of Vitamin C.
THD is special in that it has the ability to travel deeper into skin than traditional ascorbic acid while maintaining the same skin benefits (double win!).
Because it’s oil-soluble, THD dives deep into your skin’s fatty layers (think ceramides and cholesterol) to fight off the kind of free radicals that mess with your skin barrier. This makes it a great pair with water-based vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that mainly works on the surface.
Even at just 0.1%, THD is already showing great antioxidant activity. When used up to 2%, it helps keep your skin happy and calm, especially when it’s stressed from pollution or sun.
Want to fade dark spots or tackle hyperpigmentation? You’ll want 5% or more. Pairing it with brightening buddies like niacinamide or licorice root gives even better results. One study even used 30% THD with other brighteners and saw real results on stubborn discoloration, even in melasma-prone skin.
A note on THD: It’s has a slightly silky, oily texture and usually shows up colorless or pale yellow (though the exact shade can vary by supplier).
While you can sneak it into water-based formulas, it really shines when paired with silicones or oils, which help your skin soak it up better.
THD is pretty stable, but it’s still vulnerable to degradation like ascorbic acid. Too much light or heat (above 113°F / 45°C) can break it down over time. Go for dark and opaque packaging that keeps it safe and shady!
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateIngredient Ratings
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