The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost Instant Smoother Versus Mary Kay TimeWise Repair Volu-Firm® Advanced Lifting Serum
Updated on March 19, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both serums. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens, fragrances and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost Instant Smoother 24 ingredients
Mary Kay TimeWise Repair Volu-Firm® Advanced Lifting Serum 64 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost Instant Smoother 24 ingredients
Mary Kay TimeWise Repair Volu-Firm® Advanced Lifting Serum 64 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Parfum
Masking
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate
Emollient
Polysilicone-11
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Silica
Abrasive
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
Citral
Perfuming
Water
Skin ConditioningHexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitronellol
Perfuming
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Mica, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Ascorbic Acid, Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Parfum, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Polysilicone-11, Linalool, Limonene, Silica, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, Water, Hexyl Cinnamal, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, Citronellol, CI 77891
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Dimethicone
Emollient
Polysilicone-11
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Secale Cereale Seed Extract
Abrasive
Alpinia Galanga Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSchisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Meristem Cell Culture
Antioxidant
Pisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Masking
Alteromonas Ferment Filtrate
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Prunus Persica Fruit Extract
Abrasive
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitol
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polysorbate 40
Emulsifying
Menthyl Lactate
MaskingRose Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract
Masking
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract
Emollient
Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Extract
CleansingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Santalum Album Wood Extract
Perfuming
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCananga Odorata Flower Extract
Perfuming
Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentCoriandrum Sativum Fruit/Leaf Extract
AntiseborrhoeicCupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Melo Cantalupensis Fruit Extract
AstringentSodium Chloride
Masking
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Triethanolamine
BufferingDihydroxy Methylchromone
Antioxidant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Tin Oxide
Abrasive
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Cyclodextrin
AbsorbentMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Magnesium Chloride
Cyclopentasiloxane, Water, Glycerin, Silica, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Pentylene Glycol, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Secale Cereale Seed Extract, Alpinia Galanga Leaf Extract, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Meristem Cell Culture, Pisum Sativum Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Alteromonas Ferment Filtrate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Tripeptide-1, Sorbitol, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polysorbate 40, Menthyl Lactate, Rose Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract, Mentha Piperita Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Santalum Album Wood Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract, Cananga Odorata Flower Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Coriandrum Sativum Fruit/Leaf Extract, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract, Cucumis Melo Cantalupensis Fruit Extract, Sodium Chloride, Cyclohexasiloxane, Disodium EDTA, Triethanolamine, Dihydroxy Methylchromone, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Chlorphenesin, Tin Oxide, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclodextrin, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Chloride
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Cyclohexasiloxane 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 CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeGlycerin 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 GlycerinWe don't have a description for Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer yet.
Mica refers to a group of silicate minerals. Mica crystals are easily split to give products a shimmer. These crystals are able to reflect light to temporarily give your skin a glowy look.
Mica is found to be safe. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Mica can be naturally found throughout the world. However, some sources of mica may be controversial. In 2016, mica mined in the Jharkhand state in India was found to be using child labor. However, companies are able to source ethical mica affiliated with international organizations that monitor the mica supply chain.
Learn more about MicaWe don't have a description for Polysilicone-11 yet.
Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.
Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.
Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.
Learn more about SilicaTocopherol (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 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
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