The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum Versus Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Serum
Updated on May 03, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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 INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum 13 ingredients
Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Serum 18 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum 13 ingredients
Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Serum 18 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract
Antioxidant
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Pullulan
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPorphyridium Cruentum Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin ConditioningBaicalin
Antioxidant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingHexapeptide-47
Skin Conditioning
Water, Betaine, Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Propanediol, Glycerin, Pullulan, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Baicalin, Sodium Hydroxide, Hexapeptide-47
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolBetaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Learn more about BetaineSodium 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 HyaluronatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Biosaccharide Gum-1 is a sugar created from fermented sorbitol. Most sorbitol is made from potato starch.
This ingredient is a a skin conditioning ingredient and helps moisturize the skin.
It is also naturally found in fruits such as apples and pears.
Learn more about Biosaccharide Gum-1Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum 13 ingredients
Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Serum 18 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum 13 ingredients
Game changer. This stuff is amazing for fungal acne, other BHA acids were too harsh for my sensitive skin and didn’t improve any of my concerns, but this stuff is strong and non irritating. Didn't give me any new breakouts just surfaced all of my pre-existing acne. Turned all my FA into white heads in a matter of weeks. This with the ordinary 5% lactic acid serum is completely reviving the texture Show more
Very good for acne
Saw an immediate overnight change in my inflammation overnight after using for the first time, haven't had any inflammatory whiteheads since I finished purging (which lasted 2 weeks) and my skin is slightly less oily. However it did nothing really for my sebaceous filaments.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Serum 18 ingredients
This totally wrecked my skin barrier, making me red and sensitive for days like a sunburn. Then I did it to myself again just to be sure. Although propanediol triggers contact dermatitis on my eyelids, this is almost never happens elsewhere on my face and I regularly use plenty of other leave on products which contain it.
