The Ordinary Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum Versus Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum
Updated on May 05, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin C
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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 Ordinary Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum 21 ingredients
Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum 20 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 Ordinary Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum 21 ingredients
Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum 20 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Ergothioneine
Antioxidant
Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Heptapeptide-6
Skin Conditioning
Tocotrienols
Skin ConditioningTremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Antioxidant
Sphingomonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Bixa Orellana Seed Extract
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant
Isoceteth-20
Emulsifying
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Water, Propanediol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ergothioneine, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Heptapeptide-6, Tocotrienols, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract, Glycerin, Isoceteth-20, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Water
Skin ConditioningHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Water
SolventNiacinamide
Smoothing
Propanediol
Solvent
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water
Masking
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingXanthan Gum
Emulsifying3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Bifida Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientWater, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Water, Niacinamide, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, Bifida Ferment Filtrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Propanediol 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 PropanediolWater. 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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When to use
The Ordinary Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum 21 ingredients
Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum 20 ingredients
Reviews
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