Yves Saint Laurent Pure Shots Night Reboot Resurfacing Serum Versus SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense
Updated on June 20, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols
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
Yves Saint Laurent Pure Shots Night Reboot Resurfacing Serum 29 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense 11 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Yves Saint Laurent Pure Shots Night Reboot Resurfacing Serum 29 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense 11 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingHydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Glucose
Humectant
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Cereus Grandiflorus Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHaematococcus Pluvialis Extract
Antioxidant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Caramel
Cosmetic ColorantLimonene
Perfuming
Parfum
Masking
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Isononyl Isononanoate, Glycolic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Glucose, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Cereus Grandiflorus Flower Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Adenosine, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Salicylic Acid, Caramel, Limonene, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying - mostly due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue, constricting pores and leaving your skin dried out.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is if this alcohol is near the end of an ingredients list, it will probably not affect your skin much.
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.
Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.
Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.
When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.
The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.
Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidWe don't have a description for Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid yet.
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 HydroxideWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Yves Saint Laurent Pure Shots Night Reboot Resurfacing Serum 29 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense 11 ingredients
