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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner versus V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream .

Last updated on August 09, 2023. Published on August 31, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 32 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides and Vitamin C

Suited For

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

Free From

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

What's Inside

They both contain common allergens, fragrances and oils

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

Essence British Brand United Kingdom
General Moisturizer British Brand United Kingdom

Essence

Essences are used to prep skin for further treatment and may provide extra skin benefits. They are usually used before serum and moisturizers. Essences are thought to have originated in either Japan or Korea and is an essential step in K-Beauty.

General Moisturizer

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

Price

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Buy Antioxidant Essence Toner

Shop

Buy Antioxidant Hydration Cream

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
Ceramides

Benefits

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

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin C
Niacinamide
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

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

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
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Ingredients Compared

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

Water • Propanediol • Glycerin • Hydrogenated Polyisobutene • Butylene Glycol • Niacinamide • Dicaprylyl Carbonate • 1,2-Hexanediol • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Triethylhexanoin • Dimethiconol • Gardenia Florida Flower Extract • Salvia Officinalis Water • Pelargonium Graveolens Extract • Dicaprylyl Ether • Laminaria Japonica Extract • Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract • Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract • Malt Extract • Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract • Bellis Perennis Flower Extract • Centella Asiatica Extract • Panax Ginseng Berry Extract • Glycine Soja Seed Extract • Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil • Lavandula Angustifolia Oil • Rosa Canina Fruit Oil • Juniperus Virginiana Oil • Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil • Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil • Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil • Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil • Elaeis Guineensis Oil • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Cyclohexasiloxane • Carbomer • Tromethamine • Bisabolol • Tranexamic Acid • Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose • Methylpropanediol • Adenosine • Disodium EDTA • Panthenol • Fructooligosaccharides • Beta-Glucan • Polyquaternium-51 • 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid • Ectoin • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Ceramide NP • Copaifera Officinalis Resin • Soluble Proteoglycan • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • Tetrahydropiperine • Phloretin • Arginine • Polysorbate 60 • Phytosphingosine • Hydroxyacetophenone • Ethylhexylglycerin • Citronellol • Linalool • Geraniol

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: 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.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 2.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 5.

2
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

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 3.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.

3
What it does: Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing, Tonic
Community Rating: Loved

Centella Asiatica Extract is derived from an herb plant native to Southeast Asia. It is rich in antioxidants and amino acids. In skincare products, Centella Asiatica Extract is used for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Many active components found in Centella Asiatica Extract, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside, encourage the skin to naturally produce hyaluronic acid. This helps keep our skin hydrated. Many of these components also show antioxidant activity and may help reduce the signs of aging.

Research shows Centella Asiatica can help increase Type I collagen production by increasing fibroblast production. Fibroblast helps form connective tissue.

The combination of all these properties makes Centella Asiatica Extract effective at soothing the skin.

Other components of Centella Asiatic Extract include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.

Recent studies found madecassoside may help prevent damage from UV rays by preventing UV-induced inflammation. Further research is needed.

This plant has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.

Learn more about Centella Asiatica Extract

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 4.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 22.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Gardenia Florida Flower Extract.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 6.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 12.

5
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Pelargonium Graveolens Extract.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 7.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 14.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning

Daisy extract has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

A study from 2021 found this extract to protect the skin against UV-A damage. This should not replace your sunscreen!

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 11.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 21.

7
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Glycine Soja Seed Extract comes from the seed of the wild soybean plant. Wild soybean extract contains fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, linolenic), vitamin E, and antioxidants.

The wild soybean contains soyasaponins, a bioactive compound. Soyasaponins have inflammatory, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial properties. Soyasaponin has also been found to inhibit the melanin-creation process.

Two powerful components found in the wild soybean include genistein and diadzein. These two isoflavones are potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Genistein in particular has been found to prevent redness caused by UV exposure.

One study from South Korea found wild soybean extract to help promote hair growth at the cellular level.

The wild soybean plant is a cousin to the famous soybean that gives us tofu, soy milk, and soy sauce.

Learn more about Glycine Soja Seed Extract

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 12.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 24.

8
What it does: Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil is the pressed oil of the Rose Geranium plant. It is volatile, meaning it evaporates off the skin.

Rose Geranium contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It has been shown to reduce bacteria and fungus. Due to these properties, Rose Geranium may help reduce acne.

The antioxidants may help reduce the signs of aging, such as fine-lines and wrinkles.

Fragrant components of Rose Geranium include citronellol and geraniol. These may cause allergies and skin-sensitivity. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns. The scent of Rose Geranium closely resembles traditional roses.

Learn more about Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 13.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 25.

9
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Salvia Officinalis Water.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 14.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 13.

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

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecule hydrogen and another element.

Hydrogenated Lecithin is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within.

The phospholipids in Hydrogenated Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier to be better absorbed.

As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.

Learn more about Hydrogenated Lecithin

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 15.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 9.

11
What it does: Masking, Tonic
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Lavandula Angustifolia Oil is more commonly known as lavender essential oil. Lavandula Angustifolia is known as the English Lavender and famous for creating purple fields in Provence, France.

Lavender imparts a scent and may sensitize skin. It contains linalool, a known allergen.

While lavender essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress, more research is needed to confirm this.

However, lavender essential oil has shown to have anti-inflammatory activity due to its prostanoids and histamine content.

Lavandula Angustifolia Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the flowers of the Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, Labiatae. ISO 8902:2009

Learn more about Lavandula Angustifolia Oil

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 16.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 26.

12
What it does: Masking, Tonic

Juniperus Virginiana Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the fruits and leaves of the Red Cedar, Juniperus virginiana L., Cupressaceae

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 17.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 28.

13
What it does: Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

This ingredient comes from the bark of the Cedarwood tree.

Though this oil exhibits antibacterial and antioxidant activity, it is also contains skin-irritating fragrances such as limonene.

In 2023, it was listed as an EU known-allergen.

Learn more about Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 18.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 29.

14
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil is a fragrance and is an oil.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 19.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 30.

15
What it does: Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

This ingredient is commonly known as Patchouli oil.

Patchouli exhibits slight antibacterial and antifungal activity from its patchoulol and alpha-patchoulene content.

However, it also contains known skin-irritating fragrances. A study from 2015 found limonene and camphor as active components of this ingredient.

Limonene and camphor are both known EU allergens.

Learn more about Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 20.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 32.

16
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

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 23.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 37.

17
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

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 24.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 43.

18
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.

Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.

If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.

Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP

Learn more about Ceramide NP

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 26.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 51.

19
What it does: Masking

We don't have a description for Copaifera Officinalis Resin.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 27.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 52.

20
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.

Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

Learn more about Panthenol

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 28.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 44.

21
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

You might know this ingredient as Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a more stable version of ascorbic acid.

Like other types of vitamin C, this ingredient has many benefits including reducing wrinkles, skin soothing, dark spot fading, and fighting against free radicals.

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid interferes with the process of skin darkening, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation. It also encourages the skin to produce more collagen.

Once applied, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is converted to Vitamin C deeper in the skin's layers. This process is slow but makes this ingredient more tolerable for skin.

The optimum pH range for this ingredient is 4 - 5.5

Learn more about 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 29.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 48.

22
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

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 31.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 2.

23
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

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 Arginine

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 33.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 57.

24
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.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 34.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 54.

25
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Tetrahydropiperine.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 35.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 55.

26
What it does: Antioxidant, Antiseborrhoeic
Community Rating: Loved

Phloretin is an antioxidant.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 36.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 56.

27
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 38.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 8.

28
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.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 39.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 61.

29
What it does: Antioxidant
Community Rating: Liked

Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant and helps with skin conditioning.

Antioxidants help fight off free-radical molecules. These unstable molecules may damage your skin cells. By helping stabilize free-radicals, antioxidants may help in anti-aging.

Hydroxyacetophenone boosts the efficiency of other preservatives.

Learn more about Hydroxyacetophenone

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 40.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 60.

30
What it does: Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".

Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.

Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.

Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,

Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.

Learn more about Citronellol

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 42.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 63.

31
What it does: Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.

Linalool has the same effect as Limonene when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.

Linalool has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.

Learn more about Linalool

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 43.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 64.

32
What it does: Perfuming, Tonic
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Geraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.

Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.

Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.

Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.

Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.

Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.

2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-

Learn more about Geraniol

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Essence Toner contains this as ingredient number 44.

V&A Beauty Antioxidant Hydration Cream contains this as ingredient number 65.

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

40% are loved or liked
12% have mixed ratings
26% are disliked or very disliked
23% have no rating yet
42% are loved or liked
14% have mixed ratings
27% are disliked or very disliked
17% have no rating yet

Usage

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

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