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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum versus COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum .

Last updated on February 19, 2024. Published on August 11, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, 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, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain oils

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Serum South Korean Brand South Korea
Serum South Korean Brand South Korea

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Price

Shop

Buy Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum

Starts at $19.64
Shop

Buy The Vitamin C 23 Serum

Starts at $14.90

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
ph level
4

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin C (2)
Vitamin E
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (6)
Reduces Irritation (3)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (4)
Dark Spots (3)
Scar Healing (5)
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (5)

Concerns

Irritating

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots (3)
Scar Healing (4)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Galactomyces Ferment FiltrateDipropylene GlycolGlycerinAscorbic Acid1,2-HexanediolNiacinamideTromethamineTrehaloseC12-14 Pareth-12AllantoinHydroxyethylcelluloseXanthan GumEthylhexylglycerinAdenosineCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit OilHydrogenated LecithinGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid CopolymerSodium HyaluronatePvm/Ma CopolymerPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate Lavandula Angustifolia OilPanthenolSodium Ascorbyl PhosphatePhenylethyl ResorcinolPropolis ExtractAronia Melanocarpa Fruit ExtractBambusa Vulgaris ExtractAspalathus Linearis ExtractSaccharide HydrolysateMaltodextrinFicus Carica Fruit ExtractPhoenix Dactylifera Fruit ExtractTuber Magnatum ExtractPyridoxineHouttuynia Cordata ExtractFolic AcidBiotinOpuntia Ficus-Indica ExtractOpuntia Coccinellifera Fruit ExtractCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideAdansonia Digitata Seed ExtractLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateSparassis Crispa ExtractCalendula Officinalis Flower ExtractBrassica Oleracea Italica ExtractTocopherolCyanocobalaminVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit ExtractVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit ExtractVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit ExtractRubus Idaeus Fruit ExtractRubus Fruticosus Fruit ExtractRibes Nigrum Fruit ExtractEuterpe Oleracea Fruit ExtractSpirulina Maxima ExtractThiamine HclLinoleic AcidInositolAstaxanthinCaramelLinaloolLimonene

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Antioxidant, Buffering, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.

Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.

Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.

Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!

Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.

Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.

The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.

Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.

Learn more about Ascorbic Acid

Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.

COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.

2
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

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 Niacinamide

Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.

COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.

3
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Liked

Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.

As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.

Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.

Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.

1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-

Learn more about Tromethamine

Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.

COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
Community Rating: Loved

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.

Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.

Learn more about Allantoin

Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.

Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.

In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.

Learn more about Adenosine

Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.

COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.

6
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate

Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.

COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.

7
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.

Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

Learn more about Panthenol

Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.

COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.

8
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Tocopherol

Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum contains this as ingredient number 46.

COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

53% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
13% are disliked or very disliked
23% have no rating yet
56% are loved or liked
12% have mixed ratings
26% are disliked or very disliked
6% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum 62 ingredients

Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum 34 ingredients

3.3 /5
from 7 reviews
laila.21's Avatar'
Jan 19, 2024

I didn't like the consistency of this serum at all.
It felt like I was putting oil to my face, but since I always use the whole product to see results this did nothing to me other than feeling uncomfortable.

I didn't like the consistency of this serum at all.
It felt like I was putting oil to my face, but since I always use the whole product to see results this did nothing to me other than feeling uncomfortable.

Oily
Strong Scent
Works Well
ChienYun_CY's Avatar'
Jul 1, 2023

Cured my acne scars
I had mix feelings when I first bought this as I read that the smell can be off-putting. But I am glad I bought it. My acne scars faded a lot more after 3 days of using it and saw great results in one week. It also...

Cured my acne scars
I had mix feelings when I first bought this as I read that the smell can be off-putting. But I am glad I bought it. My acne scars faded a lot more after 3 days of using it and saw great results in one week. It also didn't break me out despite containing alcohols and oils. It does sting a little on the first application but doesn't irritate my skin. The smell can be quite strong when you first spread it on, but it slowly goes away after awhile.

AshN.'s Avatar'
Apr 4, 2024

(Started Dec 2023) I would say that this is a great high concentration serum that was gentle enough on my sensitive skin. By March 2024, I managed to get through two bottles and I can't say there have been any notable changes, which is...

(Started Dec 2023) I would say that this is a great high concentration serum that was gentle enough on my sensitive skin. By March 2024, I managed to get through two bottles and I can't say there have been any notable changes, which is disappointing considering how expensive this is. My main complaint is that I found the scent of this formulation to be very strong with initial application, but it dissipates over time and another complaint is it leaves my face feeling very sticky for a serum (As it is not the last part of my routine, my moisturizing step usually resolves this).

Absorbs Well
Sticky
Strong Scent
Expensive
Doesn't Work

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