Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of SkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum versus SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum .
Published on July 13, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide, peptides and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Price
Ingredient Info
SkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum 39 ingredients
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum 71 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
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 🎉
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 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
SkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum 39 ingredients
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum 71 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
SkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum 39 ingredients
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum 71 ingredients
Water • Silica • Squalane • Glycerin • Niacinamide • Dimethicone • Butylene Glycol • Glyceryl Stearate • Peg-100 Stearate • Cetearyl Alcohol • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 • Polygonum Aviculare Extract • Physalis Angulata Extract • Dunaliella Salina Extract • Ubiquinone • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract • Alteromonas Ferment Extract • Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract • Bioflavonoids • Betaine • Melanin • Tocopheryl Acetate • Tocopherol • Hydroxyacetophenone • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Batyl Alcohol • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Panthenol • Ceteareth-20 • Xanthan Gum • Ethylhexylglycerin • Disodium EDTA • Propanediol • Caprylyl Glycol • Potassium Sorbate • Sorbic Acid • Phenoxyethanol
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
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 WaterSkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 GlycerinSkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 49.
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
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.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideSkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.
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.
SkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholSkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.
Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10) is a molecule already found in our bodies. It is a potent antioxidant and skin-soothing ingredient.
Aging and environmental exposure diminishes our skin's natural ubiquinone levels. This is much like our natural collagen and elastin.
The good news is: studies show applying this ingredient topically replenishes ubiquinone levels in our skin. This also comes with a ton of skin benefits. These benefits include:
Ubiquinone is considered a large molecule and cannot be absorbed into the lower layers of skin. This is why it is believed to be such an effective antioxidant: it protects our skin in the upper layers and prevents damage in the deeper layers.
When used in sunscreen, ubiquinone is shown to increase ingredient stability, increase SPF factor, and add to infrared protection.
Fun fact: ubiquinone is fat-soluble.
Learn more about UbiquinoneSkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.
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 ExtractSkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.
Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract comes from the Theobroma cacoa, or Cacao tree. Cacao trees are native to tropical landscapes.
Cacao seed butter extract antioxidants known as polyphenols. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules by stabilizing them. Unstable free-radicals may cause damage to your skin cells. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging.
SkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateSkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 42.
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 TocopherolSkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 41.
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 GumSkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 32.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 59.
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.
SkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 33.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 70.
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 PropanediolSkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 35.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
SkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 39.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 71.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
SkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum 39 ingredients
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum 71 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
SkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum 39 ingredients
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum 71 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to SkinMedica LUMIVIVE® Day Damage Defense Serum.
See 50 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 4 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum.
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