The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA For Scalp Versus Curlsmith Scalp Stimulating Booster
Updated on November 08, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe scalp treatments. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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 Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA For Scalp 36 ingredients
Curlsmith Scalp Stimulating Booster 31 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA For Scalp 36 ingredients
Curlsmith Scalp Stimulating Booster 31 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
C12-13 Alkyl Glyceryl Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate
Arginine
Masking
Aspartic Acid
Masking
Glycine
Buffering
Alanine
MaskingSerine
Masking
Valine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Histidine
Humectant
Phenylalanine
Masking
Glutamic Acid
Humectant
Glucose
Humectant
Fructose
Humectant
Sucrose
Humectant
PCA
Humectant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Magnesium PCA
Humectant
Manganese PCA
HumectantUrea
Buffering
Sodium Lactate
BufferingLactic Acid
Buffering
Hexyl Nicotinate
EmollientLauryl Glucoside
CleansingMyristyl Glucoside
CleansingPolyglyceryl-6 Laurate
Emulsifying
Isoceteth-20
Emulsifying
Dextrin
AbsorbentHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Water, Squalane, C12-13 Alkyl Glyceryl Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Glutamic Acid, Glucose, Fructose, Sucrose, PCA, Sodium PCA, Zinc PCA, Magnesium PCA, Manganese PCA, Urea, Sodium Lactate, Lactic Acid, Hexyl Nicotinate, Lauryl Glucoside, Myristyl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate, Isoceteth-20, Dextrin, Hexylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPisum Sativum Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningPaullinia Cupana Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentHylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningUrtica Dioica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Germ Extract
EmollientArginine
Masking
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingCitric Acid
Buffering
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Oleate
Emulsifying
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingGlycerin
Humectant
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Surfactin
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Parfum
Masking
Water, Propanediol, Xanthan Gum, Pisum Sativum Sprout Extract, Paullinia Cupana Seed Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract, Urtica Dioica Leaf Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Arginine, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Calcium Gluconate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Surfactin, Phenoxyethanol, Lactic Acid, Hexyl Cinnamal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Linalool, Limonene, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.
As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.
Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineLactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.
Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.
Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they don’t penetrate as deeply. This means they’re less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Like glycolic acid, it can:
Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.
Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skin’s microbiome.
To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.
Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.
Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.
When lactic acid shows up near the end of an ingredient list, it usually means the brand added just a tiny amount to adjust the product’s pH.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidPhenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateWater. 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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The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA For Scalp 36 ingredients
Curlsmith Scalp Stimulating Booster 31 ingredients
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