Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum versus La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence .
Last updated on October 27, 2023. Published on April 30, 2022
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 Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils 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.
Price
Ingredient Info
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum 48 ingredients
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence 116 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
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 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are 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
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum 48 ingredients
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence 116 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum 48 ingredients
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence 116 ingredients
Rosa Damascena Flower Water • Butylene Glycol • Alcohol • Glycerin • Betaine • Peg/Ppg-17/6 Copolymer • Glyceryl Polymethacrylate • Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract • Phenoxyethanol • Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane • Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil • Carbomer • Tromethamine • Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract • Parfum • Honey • Juglans Regia Seed Extract • Theobroma Cacao Extract • Dextrin • Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract • Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract • Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract • Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract • Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract • Xanthan Gum • Ethylhexylglycerin • Portulaca Oleracea Extract • Limonene • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Disodium EDTA • Phenyl Trimethicone • Chondrus Crispus • Linalool • Biosaccharide Gum-1 • Ziziphus Jujuba Leaf Extract • Natto Gum • Citronellol • Citral • Propylene Glycol • Geraniol • Chlorphenesin • Hydrogenated Lecithin • BHT • Sodium Dehydroacetate • Potassium Sorbate • Citric Acid • Sorbic Acid • Tocopherol
Algae Extract • Dimethicone • Isododecane • Polysilicone-11 • Glycerin • Butylene Glycol • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Peg-10 Dimethicone • Coco-Caprylate/Caprate • Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil • Medicago Sativa Seed Powder • Helianthus Annuus Seedcake • Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal • Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil • Sodium Gluconate • Copper Gluconate • Calcium Gluconate • Glycine • Zinc Gluconate • Tocopheryl Succinate • Niacin • Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder • Water • Propanediol • Hypnea Musciformis Extract • Gelidiella Acerosa Extract • Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract • Whey Protein • Caffeine • Acetyl Glucosamine • Pisum Sativum Extract • Helichrysum Arenarium Extract • Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract • Bambusa Vulgaris Extract • Centaurium Erythraea Extract • Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane • Laminaria Digitata Extract • Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract • Coffea Arabica Seed Extract • Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract • Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract • Rubus Idaeus Leaf Extract • Corallina Officinalis Extract • Sucrose • Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil • Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract • Crithmum Maritimum Extract • Glycine Soja Seed Extract • Jania Rubens Extract • Peg-8 • Hordeum Vulgare Extract • Molasses Extract • Chlorella Vulgaris Extract • Tocopheryl Acetate • Laminaria Saccharina Extract • Micrococcus Lysate • Saccharomyces Lysate Extract • Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride • Palmaria Palmata Extract • Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 • Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate • Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein • Polysorbate 20 • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • Sodium PCA • Urea • Hydrogenated Polyisobutene • Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer • Glyceryl Polymethacrylate • Sodium Hyaluronate • Glycosaminoglycans • Parfum • Isohexadecane • Pentylene Glycol • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate • Tetraacetylphytosphingosine • Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline • Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer • Squalane • Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil • Ruby Powder • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 • Hydrolyzed Rice Extract • Tourmaline • Hydrolyzed Algin • Potassium Sorbate • CI 77480 • Glucosamine Hcl • Caprylyl Glycol • Yeast Polysaccharides • Polysorbate 80 • Trehalose • Polyquaternium-51 • Hexylene Glycol • Yeast Extract • Cholesterol • Zea Mays Kernel Extract • Glycyrrhetinic Acid • Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin • Lecithin • Maltodextrin • Alcohol Denat. • Xanthan Gum • Polymethylsilsesquioxane • Trimethylsiloxysilicate • Disodium EDTA • BHA • Phenoxyethanol • Chlorphenesin • Hydroxycitronellal • Citronellol • Geraniol • Linalool • Limonene • Caramel • CI 14700
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.
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 First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence contains this as ingredient number 6.
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 GlycerinSulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence contains this as ingredient number 5.
We don't have a description for Glyceryl Polymethacrylate.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence contains this as ingredient number 69.
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 First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence contains this as ingredient number 108.
Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane belongs to the siloxanes and silicones classes. It is synthetically created and has a waxy composition.
Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane is a humectant and emollient, meaning it helps hydrate the skin. Humectants draw moisture to your skin, while emollients prevent moisture from escaping.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence contains this as ingredient number 36.
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 ParfumSulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence contains this as ingredient number 72.
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 GumSulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence contains this as ingredient number 103.
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
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.
Learn more about LimoneneSulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence contains this as ingredient number 114.
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 EDTASulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence contains this as ingredient number 106.
Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Linalool has the same effect as Limonene when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
Linalool has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolSulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 33.
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence contains this as ingredient number 113.
Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolSulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 37.
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence contains this as ingredient number 111.
Geraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolSulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 40.
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence contains this as ingredient number 112.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinSulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 41.
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence contains this as ingredient number 109.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
Potassium sorbate is potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
Potassium sorbate is often used with stronger preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum contains this as ingredient number 45.
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence contains this as ingredient number 86.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum 48 ingredients
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence 116 ingredients
Usage
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When to use
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum 48 ingredients
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence 116 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence 116 ingredients
Alternatives
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