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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% versus Pur Cosmetics Tropical C Brightening Vitamin C & Peptide Moisturizer .

Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on September 08, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, 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 need an update? Let us know.

Serum Canadian Brand Canada
General Moisturizer American Brand United States

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

General Moisturizer

All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.

Price

Shop

Buy Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

Starts at $7.80
Shop

Buy Tropical C Brightening Vitamin C & Peptide Moisturizer

Starts at $40.00

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin C
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating
Redness Reducing
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger

Notable Ingredients

AHA (2)
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating (5)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (3)
Brightening (5)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

WaterPropanediolDimer Dilinoleyl Dimer DilinoleateTrioctyldodecyl CitrateSqualaneEthyl MacadamiateGlycerinSimmondsia Chinensis Seed OilCoconut AlkanesButyrospermum Parkii ButterMangifera Indica Seed ButterSodium Ascorbyl PhosphateCurcuma Longa Root ExtractAloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceMelia Azadirachta Flower ExtractEclipta Prostrata ExtractAnanas Sativus Fruit ExtractCarica Papaya Fruit ExtractTerminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit ExtractMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract Sodium HyaluronateCorallina Officinalis ExtractMelia Azadirachta Bark ExtractMoringa Oleifera Seed OilCitrus Unshiu Peel ExtractHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit ExtractLitchi Chinensis Seed ExtractMangifera Indica Leaf ExtractOcimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf ExtractOcimum Sanctum Leaf ExtractCitrus Grandis Fruit ExtractTocopherolLactobacillus FermentCoco-Caprylate/CaprateNonapeptide-1Citrus Limon Peel ExtractCitrus Grandis Peel ExtractCitrus Nobilis Fruit ExtractCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel ExtractMentha Piperita ExtractMelaleuca Alternifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem ExtractCitrus Junos Peel ExtractXanthan GumSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl TaurateCarbomerSilicaAdipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol CrosspolymerMalic AcidSodium PhosphateSodium CarbonateSodium ChlorideSodium HydroxidePhytic AcidDisodium PhosphatePotassium SorbateSodium BenzoateCaprylyl GlycolEthylhexylglycerinPhenoxyethanolCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideCitric Acid

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan? This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Read more about squalene with an "e".

Learn more about Squalane

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% contains this as ingredient number 2.

Pur Cosmetics Tropical C Brightening Vitamin C & Peptide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 5.

2
What it does: Emollient, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Coconut Alkanes is created from the fatty-acids of coconut oil. It is volatile, meaning it evaporates from the skin.

Coconut Alkanes is an emollient and solvent. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft and hydrated. Solvents help distribute and mix other ingredients. This ensures a more even consistency.

Coconut Alkanes may not be fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Coconut Alkanes

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% contains this as ingredient number 5.

Pur Cosmetics Tropical C Brightening Vitamin C & Peptide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 9.

3
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Sodium 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 Hyaluronate

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% contains this as ingredient number 9.

Pur Cosmetics Tropical C Brightening Vitamin C & Peptide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 21.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.

It is a lightweight emollient. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.

Once applied, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is absorbed quickly and leaves a silky feel.

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% contains this as ingredient number 11.

Pur Cosmetics Tropical C Brightening Vitamin C & Peptide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 34.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

27% are loved or liked
0% have mixed ratings
40% are disliked or very disliked
33% have no rating yet
34% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
26% are disliked or very disliked
28% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 15 ingredients

2.3 /5
from 4 ratings
Irritating (1)
Yawnkun's avatar

Yawnkun

4 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

This Vitamin C is not for beginners. I got a chemical burn because of this and had to take a break with some actives to restore my skin barrier....

This Vitamin C is not for beginners. I got a chemical burn because of this and had to take a break with some actives to restore my skin barrier. Turns out that I still had to dilute it with another cream / moisturizer so that my skin doesn't get irritated. I think there are better Vitamin C products out there. I guess a good point of this Vitamin C is that you don't have to refrigerate it and it doesn't oxidize.

sameteamdwight's avatar

sameteamdwight

3 years ago · Dry Skin
Review

Grainy
The graininess of this feels unpleasant on my face so I'm moving on to a different product.

Pur Cosmetics Tropical C Brightening Vitamin C & Peptide Moisturizer 61 ingredients

Tropical C Brightening Vitamin C & Peptide Moisturizer hasn't been rated yet.
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Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 2 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 4 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Pur Cosmetics Tropical C Brightening Vitamin C & Peptide Moisturizer.

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