The Pure Lotus Lotus Leaf Essence Versus COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence
Updated on July 18, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe essences. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils
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 Pure Lotus Lotus Leaf Essence 43 ingredients
COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence 22 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Pure Lotus Lotus Leaf Essence 43 ingredients
COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientGlyceryl Oleate Citrate
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingWater
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Citrus Medica Peel Oil
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingOctyldodecanol
EmollientHippophae Rhamnoides Oil
Emollient
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
MaskingOrchid Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCeramide 3
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Sodium Lactate
BufferingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Water, Xanthan Gum, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Citrus Medica Peel Oil, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Coco-Glucoside, Octyldodecanol, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil, Propylene Glycol, Benzoic Acid, Citric Acid, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Orchid Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide 3, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Sodium Lactate, Tocopherol, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Snail Secretion Filtrate
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Sodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
Masking
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Surfactin
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Snail Secretion Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Panthenol, Water, Glycerin, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Allantoin, Carbomer, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Arginine, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Surfactin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glutathione
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.
Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.
Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.
Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Pure Lotus Lotus Leaf Essence 43 ingredients
COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence 22 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Pure Lotus Lotus Leaf Essence 43 ingredients
COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence 22 ingredients
great for post acne hyperpigmentations
Cosrx has definitely become one of my favorite brands. It's so affordable and it works! I never used the original one by itself because this dual essence has me sold! I love the way it feels as it applies as though my skin will feel perfect forever! Plus why wouldn't I want to add niacinamide to it?
