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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate versus Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum .

Last updated on March 08, 2024. Published on April 15, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 27 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid, peptides, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Serum American Brand United States
Serum 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.

Serum

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

Price

Shop

Buy Research Serum Concentrate

Shop

Buy Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum

Starts at $49.70

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

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

Benefits

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

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

BHA
Vitamin C (2)
Vitamin E
Exfoliators (2)
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides (3)

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (3)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing (3)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (4)

Concerns

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

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

WaterIsododecaneDimethiconeCyclopentasiloxanePolysilicone-11Butylene GlycolAscorbyl GlucosidePeg-10 DimethiconePeg-6Citrus Grandis Peel ExtractMorus Nigra Root ExtractHordeum Vulgare ExtractScutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractCucumis Sativus Fruit ExtractHydrolyzed Rice Bran ExtractGentiana Lutea Root ExtractAlgae ExtractPlankton ExtractVitis Vinifera Fruit ExtractSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract Triticum Vulgare Germ ExtractGlycerinOryza Sativa Bran ExtractYeast ExtractAcetyl Hexapeptide-8Palmitoyl OligopeptideErgothioneineWhey ProteinPolysorbate 20Micrococcus LysateCholesterolDi-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium ChlorideSalicylic AcidIsohexadecanePropylene Glycol DicaprateHelianthus Annuus SeedcakeCaffeineGlycine Soja ProteinTocopheryl AcetateAcetyl GlucosamineCaprylyl GlycolGlyceryl PolymethacrylateDimethoxytolyl PropylresorcinolSynthetic FluorphlogopiteGlycyrrhetinic AcidTromethaminePolysorbate 80Sodium HyaluronateSodium RnaSqualaneAminopropyl Ascorbyl PhosphateAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp CopolymerPeg-8LecithinHexylene GlycolAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate CopolymerSodium HydroxideTin OxideDisodium EDTAPhenoxyethanolCI 19140CI 14700CI 77891Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12Calcium ChlorideSea Whip Extract

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: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 1.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 2.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.

3
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 3.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.

4
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Glycerin

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 5.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.

5
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.

AAVC is able to increase the consistency and viscosity of products due to its large molecule size. It also prevents ingredients from separating.

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 7.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 52.

6
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

We don't have a description for Polysilicone-11.

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 8.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

7
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Liked

Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.

As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.

Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.

Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.

1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-

Learn more about Tromethamine

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 10.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 46.

8
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Caffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and anti-aging.

Caffeine is an antioxidants, which help with the signs of aging. This is because antioxidants help fight skin-damaging free radical molecules.

While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.

Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.

Learn more about Caffeine

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 11.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 37.

9
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Acetyl Glucosamine is an antioxidant and humectant. It is a form of Vitamin C.

Acetyl Glucosamine helps the skin produce hyaluronic acid and boost hydration.

Antioxidants help fight off free-radicals, molecules that may damage skin cells.

When paired with niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine has been shown to be effective at reducing discoloration.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Learn more about Acetyl Glucosamine

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 12.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 40.

10
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Liked

This ingredient is extracted from the germ part of the wheat plant. The germ of a plant refers to the seed embryo, or part that sprouts into a new plant.

Some studies have found wheat germ to help with wound healing.

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 15.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.

11
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Whey Protein.

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 19.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.

12
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 isn't fungal acne safe and is a peptide.

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 21.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 108.

13
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Tonic

We don't have a description for Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract.

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 22.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.

14
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is a peptide. A common name for this peptide is Argireline.

Argireline has a similar function to botox. It prevents muscle movement and contractions. By preventing muscles from moving, Argireline also prohibits the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. However, research is lacking in proving this ingredient to be as effective as botox.

Argireline tells our body to create more collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 25.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.

15
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Algae Extract is derived from Algae. Algae is an informal term for a group of aquatic organisms that can photosynthesize. It is estimated there are at least 30,000 types of Algae.

Algae contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

Algae can also help with soothing and hydrating skin.

Many different types of algae have different benefits.

Learn more about Algae Extract

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 26.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.

16
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

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 28.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 50.

17
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

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 32.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 48.

18
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol is an antioxidant.

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 33.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 43.

19
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

We don't have a description for Glycyrrhetinic Acid.

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 34.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 45.

20
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.

Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.

Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 35.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 39.

21
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Glycol

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 38.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 41.

22
What it does:
Community Rating: Mixed

We don't have a description for Glyceryl Polymethacrylate.

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 44.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 42.

23
What it does: Humectant, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

PEG-8 is a synthetic polymer used as a humectant and solvent.

This ingredient is able to help dissolve active ingredients, including water. This gives it humectant properties.

It is soluble in water. The number '8' stands for the molecular weight of the ingredient.

Learn more about Peg-8

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 47.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 53.

24
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 50.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 59.

25
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 51.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 60.

26
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant

Ci 14700 is a synthetic red dye.

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 52.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 62.

27
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant
Community Rating: Disliked

Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.

It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.

Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.

Learn more about CI 77891

Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 53.

Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 63.

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

45% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
23% are disliked or very disliked
21% have no rating yet
41% are loved or liked
12% have mixed ratings
26% are disliked or very disliked
21% have no rating yet

Usage

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

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Our Dupe Finder has found 17 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Tom Ford Research Serum Concentrate.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 17 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum.

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