Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Valjean Labs Restore Facial Serum versus The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG .
Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on September 03, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe serums. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens and fragrances
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Valjean Labs Restore Facial Serum 18 ingredients
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG 26 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Valjean Labs Restore Facial Serum 18 ingredients
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG 26 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.
Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Valjean Labs Restore Facial Serum 18 ingredients
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG 26 ingredients
Water • Propanediol • Glycereth-26 • Xanthan Gum • Aminomethyl Propanol • Niacinamide • Citric Acid • Benzophenone-4 • Peg-12 Dimethicone • Zinc Lactate • Sodium Hydroxide • Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract • Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract • Phenoxyethanol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Dehydroacetic Acid • Benzyl Alcohol • CI 14700
Water • Caffeine • Maltodextrin • Glycerin • Propanediol • Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside • Gallyl Glucoside • Hyaluronic Acid • Oxidized Glutathione • Melanin • Glycine Soja Seed Extract • Urea • Pentylene Glycol • Hydroxyethylcellulose • Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 • Xanthan Gum • Lactic Acid • Dehydroacetic Acid • Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate • Propyl Gallate • Dimethyl Isosorbide • Benzyl Alcohol • 1,2-Hexanediol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Phenoxyethanol • Caprylyl Glycol
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterValjean Labs Restore Facial Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 PropanediolValjean Labs Restore Facial Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG contains this as ingredient number 5.
Xanthan 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 GumValjean Labs Restore Facial Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG contains this as ingredient number 16.
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.
Valjean Labs Restore Facial Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG contains this as ingredient number 25.
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.
Valjean Labs Restore Facial Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG contains this as ingredient number 24.
Dehydroacetic Acid is fungicide and bactericide. It is used as a preservative in cosmetics. Preservatives help elongate the shelf life of a product.
Dehydroacetic Acid is not soluble in water.
Valjean Labs Restore Facial Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG contains this as ingredient number 18.
Benzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.
Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.
Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholValjean Labs Restore Facial Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG contains this as ingredient number 22.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Valjean Labs Restore Facial Serum 18 ingredients
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG 26 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Valjean Labs Restore Facial Serum 18 ingredients
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG 26 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Valjean Labs Restore Facial Serum 18 ingredients
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG 26 ingredients
wthtay
Didn't notice any difference
My bottle lasted for probably 3~4 months I think? And I really didn't notice any difference... It's not hydrating...
Didn't notice any difference
My bottle lasted for probably 3~4 months I think? And I really didn't notice any difference... It's not hydrating enough and it didn't help with puffiness at all.
JuliaTrancoso_671
Unfortunately it didn't work for me.
I was very happy with the glow that this product gives the eye area, however, after a few weeks of use it...
Unfortunately it didn't work for me.
I was very happy with the glow that this product gives the eye area, however, after a few weeks of use it dried out my skin a lot.
Alternatives
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See 50 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 31 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG.
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