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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Some By Mi Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum versus iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum .

Last updated on February 26, 2024. Published on September 10, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid and niacinamide

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, 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 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 Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum

Starts at $19.70
Shop

Buy Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum

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

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Niacinamide
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid (3)

Benefits

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

Concerns

Rosacea
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

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

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

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: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Propolis Extract is also known as bee glue. It is a resinous mixture created from beeswax, bee saliva, and parts of trees.

Propolis Extract has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antioxidant properties. Studies show propolis helps fight against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This may help with reducing acne and accelerate wound healing.

The flavonoids found in propolis extract are potent antioxidants. Antioxidants may help with reducing the signs of aging.

A study from 2020 found propolis to help reverse skin damage from UV.

Bees use propolis as a sealant to close any gaps in their hives.

speeding up new healthy cell growth.

Learn more about Propolis Extract

Some By Mi Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.

2
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Glycerin

Some By Mi Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.

iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
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 Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.

iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

Some By Mi Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
What it does: Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing, Tonic
Community Rating: Loved

Centella Asiatica Extract is derived from an herb plant native to Southeast Asia. It is rich in antioxidants and amino acids. In skincare products, Centella Asiatica Extract is used for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Many active components found in Centella Asiatica Extract, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside, encourage the skin to naturally produce hyaluronic acid. This helps keep our skin hydrated. Many of these components also show antioxidant activity and may help reduce the signs of aging.

Research shows Centella Asiatica can help increase Type I collagen production by increasing fibroblast production. Fibroblast helps form connective tissue.

The combination of all these properties makes Centella Asiatica Extract effective at soothing the skin.

Other components of Centella Asiatic Extract include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.

Recent studies found madecassoside may help prevent damage from UV rays by preventing UV-induced inflammation. Further research is needed.

This plant has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.

Learn more about Centella Asiatica Extract

Some By Mi Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.

iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

This ingredient is created by fermenting soybean extract with the bacteria, lactobacillus.

Some studies have shown it to have antioxidant properties. One study found this ingredient to have stronger properties than non-fermented soybean extract.

Another study found in increase of isoflavones, amino acids, and peptides in fermented soy milk.

Learn more about Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract

Some By Mi Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.

7
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 Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.

iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.

8
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 Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.

iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.

9
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 Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.

iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.

10
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.

As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.

Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.

Learn more about Arginine

Some By Mi Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.

iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.

11
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
Community Rating: Disliked

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.

Some By Mi Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum contains this as ingredient number 35.

iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.

12
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

Some By Mi Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum contains this as ingredient number 36.

iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

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

59% are loved or liked
15% have mixed ratings
12% are disliked or very disliked
15% have no rating yet
58% are loved or liked
16% have mixed ratings
10% are disliked or very disliked
16% 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 Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum 41 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 2 ratings
jnlaohoo's avatar

jnlaohoo

2 years ago · Normal Skin
Review

Good quality and light on the pockets too!
Some By Mi Propolis Serum does the job of helping brighten old acne dark spots. I find that this product...

Good quality and light on the pockets too!
Some By Mi Propolis Serum does the job of helping brighten old acne dark spots. I find that this product worked better for my skin that TO's Niacinamide + Zinc. The consistency is just right, thick enough for my dry skin, but still lightweight enough for humid climates. Good value for money!

CustardBunny's avatar

CustardBunny

8 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

Felt good first..
I really liked the scent and feeling of this set at first but 2 weeks in and my face has never been so broken before. I have more...

Felt good first..
I really liked the scent and feeling of this set at first but 2 weeks in and my face has never been so broken before. I have more acne now than i have had in months! I will try this Companys other product line.. but this set was not for sensitive acne prone skin!

iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum 31 ingredients

3.8 /5
from 4 ratings
Hydrating (1) Light (1) No Scent (1) Works Well (1)
Klebeauty's avatar

Klebeauty

2 years ago · Combination Skin
Review

Light serum that radiates skin
I have dehydrated, sensitive-combo skin with random dry patches. I have issues of heavy products struggling to...

Light serum that radiates skin
I have dehydrated, sensitive-combo skin with random dry patches. I have issues of heavy products struggling to absorb or get deeper and instead break me out. Other times, light products would get in but nothing would hold it in.
With this moisturizing light serum, I did notice a difference immediately. My skin become supple, plump, and just be glowing and that's throughout the day. After a week, i found my skin clear, healthy, and stayed radiant. && to add, it didn't clog my pores!

MiroslavaBedrozova_812's avatar

MiroslavaBedrozova_812

2 months ago · Normal Skin
Review

Makes the skin supple and Hydrated. If I use it in the evening it makes my skin soft in the morning. It could be used instead of moisturizer in...

Makes the skin supple and Hydrated. If I use it in the evening it makes my skin soft in the morning. It could be used instead of moisturizer in the morning.

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Some By Mi Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum.

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