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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum versus SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum .

Last updated on October 13, 2023. Published on October 24, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 20 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain peptides, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, 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, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances

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 C-Boost Intense Defense Serum

Shop

Buy Alto Defense Serum

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 (2)
Vitamin E
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (5)
Dark Spots (3)
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening (4)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin C
Vitamin E (2)
Ceramides (3)
Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating (7)
Redness Reducing (6)
Reduces Irritation (5)
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (7)
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening (3)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating
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Ingredients Compared

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

WaterButylene GlycolPropanediolEthylhexyl OlivateCetearyl AlcoholChlorogenic AcidsHydrolyzed Sodium HyaluronateLauryl LactateDimethyl IsosorbideGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractAscorbyl TetraisopalmitateErgothioneineBenzylidene DimethoxydimethylindanoneArabidopsis Thaliana ExtractCarnosineCamellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractVitis Vinifera Seed ExtractTheobroma Cacao Seed ExtractCurcuma Longa Root ExtractOlea Europaea Fruit Extract Euterpe Oleracea Fruit ExtractTrifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2Buddleja Officinalis Flower ExtractCoffea Arabica Leaf Cell ExtractCrocus Sativus Leaf Cell Culture ExtractSuperoxide DismutaseUbiquinoneZingiber Officinale Root ExtractCeramide NPCeramide APCeramide EOPLinoleic AcidLinolenic AcidSea Whip ExtractBisabololTocopherolTocopheryl AcetateCholesterolPhytosphingosineJojoba EstersSodium PCAPentylene GlycolMethyl Gluceth-20GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed WaxAcacia Decurrens Flower WaxLecithinSodium Lauroyl LactylateDicetyl PhosphatePropanediol Dicaprylate/CapratePolyglycerin-3Ceteth-20 PhosphateDiisostearyl MalateXanthan GumSteareth-2Acacia Senegal GumCarbomerAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerDextranSodium HydroxideCitric AcidDisodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerinPhenoxyethanol

Ingredients Side-by-side

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

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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

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
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

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 44.

3
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

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 Propanediol

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.

Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Liked

Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2 is a peptide.

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.

6
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Community Rating: Loved

Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.

Bisabolol comes from German chamomile essential oil. Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.

Bisabolol helps soothe skin. It does this by blocking the inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.

Bisabolol also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.

Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.

Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.

Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.

Learn more about Bisabolol

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 35.

7
What it does: Antioxidant
Community Rating: Loved

Ergothioneine is an antioxidant.

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.

8
What it does:

We don't have a description for Dextran.

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 59.

9
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning, Tonic
Community Rating: Liked

Zingiber Officinale is more commonly known as ginger.

Ginger root has antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and antimicrobial properties.

The antioxidant properties help protect your body from free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. As a result, ginger may help slow down signs of aging such as hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.

Studies show ginger inhibits the enzyme that breaks down collagen. It also helps with:

Ginger has no negative side-effects and is safe to use for all skin types. (Be sure to patch test just in case you have a ginger allergy!)

Ginger originates from Southeast Asia but has spread throughout the world. It is now a common spice used in many cultures.

Learn more about Zingiber Officinale Root Extract

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.

10
What it does: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent, Emollient, Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Tonic
Community Rating: Loved

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract has many benefits. It contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off free-radical molecules that damage skin cells. The antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.

Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties. Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. L-theanine is an amino acid that makes up most of the amino acids found in tea leaves. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract also contains Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract also has antimicrobial properties.

Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.

Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.

11
What it does: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber
Community Rating: Loved

Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract comes from the grape vine. Grape seeds are a byproduct of creating grape juice or wine.

The components of grape seeds have many skin benefits. Research has found it to be antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It also contains many potent antioxidants such as Vitamin E , Vitamin C, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Proanthocyanidin has been shown to help even out skin tone.

Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons. Grape seed extract may help reduce the signs of aging.

The antimicrobial properties of grape seed may help treat acne. However, more research is needed to support this claim.

Grape seed has also been found to help absorb UV rays. Grape seed extract should not replace your sunscreen.

Learn more about Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.

12
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Liked

Curcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.

Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant. Antioxidants help neutralize unstable free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules may damage your skin's cells and DNA. Curcumin may help with anti-aging.

Curcumin also has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe skin and reduce irritation. On top of that, curcumin has been shown to help prevent hyperpigmentation from sun damage.

The anti-microbial property of turmeric can make it effective in treating acne. It has also been shown to help regulate the production of sebum.

Learn more about Curcuma Longa Root Extract

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.

13
What it does: Bleaching, Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing
Community Rating: Liked

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.

One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.

Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.

Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.

Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.

Learn more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

14
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.

Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.

You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.

There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.

Learn more about Tocopherol

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 36.

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

Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of fatty acids. These fatty acids usually are a mixture of phosphoric acid's choline ester connected to stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Most lecithins are created from plant ingredients scuh as sunflower.

Lecithin is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.

As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin. The phospholipids in Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.

Learn more about Lecithin

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 47.

16
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Disliked

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is also an emulsifier. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 31.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 58.

17
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
Community Rating: Disliked

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 32.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 57.

18
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.

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 33.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 64.

19
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Ethylhexylglycerin (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.

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 34.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 63.

20
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Mixed

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 35.

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum contains this as ingredient number 60.

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

60% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
23% are disliked or very disliked
6% have no rating yet
45% are loved or liked
14% have mixed ratings
19% are disliked or very disliked
22% have no rating yet

Usage

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

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

TRUology C-Boost Intense Defense Serum 35 ingredients

C-Boost Intense Defense Serum hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum 64 ingredients

2.0 /5
from 1 rating
Expensive (1) Irritating (1)
AideeCantu's avatar

AideeCantu

2 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

Don’t like how it doesn’t spread easily on face

Used daily for three days and it made me itchy

Cut back to every other day and it made my...

Don’t like how it doesn’t spread easily on face

Used daily for three days and it made me itchy

Cut back to every other day and it made my cheeks red and warm; it ended up breaking my skin barrier

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