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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum versus Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum .

Published on February 15, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 21 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and niacinamide

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols, fragrances and silicones

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

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

Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Niacinamide

Benefits

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

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (3)

Notable Ingredients

Exfoliators
Niacinamide

Benefits

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

Concerns

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

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

Rosa Damascena Flower Water • Alcohol Denat. • Propanediol • Peg/Ppg-17/6 Copolymer • Polyglycerin-3 • Dimethicone • Glycerin • Cetyl Ethylhexanoate • Niacinamide • Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate • 1,2-Hexanediol • Butylene Glycol • Phenyl Trimethicone • Caprylyl Methicone • C14-22 Alcohols • Glyceryl Stearate • Peg-100 Stearate • Polymethyl Methacrylate • Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer • Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Carbomer • Parfum • C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside • Thymol Trimethoxycinnamate • CI 77891 • Cetearyl Alcohol • Tromethamine • Glyceryl Caprylate • Dimethiconol • Synthetic Fluorphlogopite • Disodium EDTA • Ethylhexylglycerin • Adenosine • Mica • Methoxy Peg-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone • Morus Alba Root Extract • Linalool • Sorbitan Isostearate • Polysorbate 60 • Tranexamic Acid • Panax Ginseng Root Extract • Limonene • Honey • Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract • Phenoxyethanol • Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins • Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract • Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract • Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract • Tin Oxide • Glucose • Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract • Tocopherol

Rosa Damascena Flower Water • Butylene Glycol • Glycerin • Glycereth-26 • Alcohol • Cyclopentasiloxane • Cyclohexasiloxane • Niacinamide • 1,2-Hexanediol • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane • Avena Sativa Kernel Extract • Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil • Xanthan Gum • Pvp • Propanediol • Dimethiconol • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Tromethamine • Sodium Polyacrylate • Parfum • Methoxy Peg-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone • Disodium EDTA • Adenosine • Phenoxyethanol • Sorbitan Isostearate • Polysorbate 60 • Citrus Junos Fruit Extract • Honey • Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract • Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract • Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract • Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract • Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract • Ethylhexylglycerin • Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract • Pinus Koraiensis Seed Extract • Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract • Prunus Mume Fruit Extract • Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract • Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract • Theobroma Cacao Extract • Dextrin • Beta-Glucan • Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract • Prunus Mume Flower Extract • Potassium Hydroxide • Acetic Acid • BHA

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: Masking, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Liked

Rosa Damascena Flower Water comes from the Damask rose. It is a dilluted version of the Rose Essential oil.

The Damask Roses' petals have been found to help sooth skin. The petals also contain antioxidant compounds.

Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons. This may help reduce the signs of aging.

The fragrance of Rosa Damascena Flower Water may be used for masking. Masking ingredients are used to obscure or block properties of other ingredients. They are commonly used to block the scent of a product.

Learn more about Rosa Damascena Flower Water

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

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 Propanediol

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.

3
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

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
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

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.

5
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.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

6
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.

7
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Disliked

This is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.

It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

8
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.

9
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

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.

10
What it does: Emollient, Moisturising
Community Rating: Disliked

Dimethiconol 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.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.

11
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 32.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.

12
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 33.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 35.

13
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

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 34.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.

We don't have a description for Methoxy Peg-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 36.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.

15
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.

As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.

Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.

Learn more about Sorbitan Isostearate

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 39.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.

16
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.

Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.

In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.

Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.

Learn more about Polysorbate 60

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 40.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.

17
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Honey comes from bees. It is mainly made up of fructose and glucose. Honey also contains amino acids, peptides, Vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamins A, C, and E all offer numerous skin benefits.

Honey is hydrating, antibacterial, anti-aging, and skin soothing.

The humectant property of honey makes it great at helping to hydrate the skin. Humectants draw moisture from the air to your skin.

Honey may help reduce the signs of aging due to its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect your skin against free-radical molecules. If left unchecked, these molecules may damage your skin cells and DNA. Fun fact: darker honey is a antioxidant than light honey.

The antibacterial property of honey may make it effective at helping to treat acne. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.

Many people wonder if honey is vegan. It is technically a byproduct from bees. This is because honey is created from the digestive enzymes in a bee's stomach.

Remember to be kind to bees :) They are important for many ecosystems and are endangered.

Learn more about Honey

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 44.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.

18
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 45.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 34.

19
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 46.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.

20
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 49.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.

21
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract comes from the Lotus Flower, Nelumbiumspeciosum.

Lotus flower extract has antioxidant properties from compounds such as flavonoids. Antioxidants may help reduce the signs of aging.

In traditional Asian medicine, Lotus flower seeds were used to help treat inflammation.

Learn more about Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum contains this as ingredient number 53.

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 32.

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

26% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
43% are disliked or very disliked
20% have no rating yet
31% are loved or liked
10% have mixed ratings
37% are disliked or very disliked
22% have no rating yet

Usage

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

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