Spot's Lab Serum Ultra Hidratante Anti-Manchas Versus AMOREPACIFIC Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Serum
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBetaine
HumectantOctyldodecanol
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Propanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentDimethiconol
EmollientPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientPalmitic Acid
EmollientImidazolidinyl Urea
PreservativeStearic Acid
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTrideceth-6
EmulsifyingBHT
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Malva Sylvestris Extract
AstringentMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPrimula Veris Extract
Skin ConditioningAlchemilla Vulgaris Extract
AstringentVeronica Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningMelissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAchillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingAlcohol
AntimicrobialLavandula Angustifolia Herb Oil
PerfumingCyclotetrasiloxane
EmollientBarosma Betulina Leaf Extract
PerfumingBoerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantLinalool
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Niacinamide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Betaine, Octyldodecanol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Dimethiconol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Palmitic Acid, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Trideceth-6, BHT, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Malva Sylvestris Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Primula Veris Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Veronica Officinalis Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Alcohol, Lavandula Angustifolia Herb Oil, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Linalool, Geraniol
Phyllostachys Bambusoides Juice
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialGlycerin
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantSqualane
EmollientPEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
SolventCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantOpuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Phyllostachys Bambusoides
HumectantHydrolyzed Camellia Sinensis Leaf
HumectantTheanine
EmollientEpigallocatechin Gallate
AntioxidantKaempferol
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Flower Extract
PerfumingNatto Gum
Caffeine
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantPCA Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Tocopherol
AntioxidantPhytantriol
HumectantC12-16 Alcohols
EmollientBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientHydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Stearyl Behenate
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPalmitic Acid
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingMannan
Poloxamer 407
EmulsifyingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Tromethamine
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingPhyllostachys Bambusoides Juice, Alcohol, Glycerin, Water, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine, Betaine, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Phyllostachys Bambusoides, Hydrolyzed Camellia Sinensis Leaf, Theanine, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Kaempferol, Camellia Sinensis Flower Extract, Natto Gum, Caffeine, Beta-Glucan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Methyl Gluceth-20, PCA Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Tocopherol, Phytantriol, C12-16 Alcohols, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Stearyl Behenate, Dimethiconol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Palmitic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Mannan, Poloxamer 407, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholBetaine is a humectant. Like hyaluronic acid, it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. It’s known for being gentle and for helping the skin maintain balanced hydration.
Betaine is mainly used to improve hydration and support calmer skin. It helps skin cells regulate water balance because it functions as an osmolyte.
Some studies suggest betaine may support making skin tone more even.
Fun fact: Betaine naturally exists in the skin and the body. In cosmetic products, it can be either plant-derived (most commonly from sugar beets) or synthetically produced for consistency and stability.
Betaine is also known as trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineButylene 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 GlycolCyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.
Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.
As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.
Learn more about CyclohexasiloxaneCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethiconol is a silicone that resembles the popular dimethicone. Like other silicones, it is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient helps to create a silky texture and improve spreadability. Due to its high molecular weight and thickness, it is often combined with cyclopentasiloxane.
Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
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.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePalmitic Acid is a fatty acid naturally found in our skin and in many plant and animal sources.
In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It serves many purposes in skincare, acting as a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.
Interestingly, topically applied Palmitic Acid can be elongated into longer chain fatty acids and ceramides. A 2019 study found low levels of Palmitic Acid lead to slower development of cells, suggesting it plays a role in keeping your skin's renewal process on track.
The CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) panel determined it safe as used in cosmetics at concentrations up to 13%. It is non-irritating and non-sensitizing in clinical studies.
The culprit behind fungal acne, the Malassezia yeast, feeds on fatty acids with carbon chain lengths between C11-C24. Palmitic Acid, at C16, falls right into that sweet spot.
In vitro studies have shown that Palmitic Acid is one of the fatty acids that induce rapid Malassezia growth in lab settings.
It's worth noting that what feeds yeast in a lab doesn't necessarily feed it on your face since formulation and your skin's chemistry play a bigger role.
Learn more about Palmitic AcidPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
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 PropanediolTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water