COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum Versus Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster

COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum Versus Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster Detailed comparison of COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum versus Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster. This oil-control serum is formulated around Niacinamide and Acetyl Glucosamine to balance excess oil and refine the look of pores. This brightening serum is formulated around Ascorbic Acid and Ferulic Acid to brighten dull-looking skin and soften the look of wrinkles. No concerns Water Pentylene Glycol Niacinamide 15% Butylene Glycol Acetyl Glucosamine 1,2-Hexanediol Zinc PCA Trehalose Xanthan Gum Pullulan Allantoin Ethylhexylglycerin Sodium Phytate Citric Acid Tocopherol Water, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide 15%, Butylene Glycol, Acetyl Glucosamine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Zinc PCA, Trehalose, Xanthan Gum, Pullulan, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Tocopherol Ascorbic Acid Dipropylene Glycol Propanediol Glycerin Ethoxydiglycol Sodium Hydroxide PPG-26-Buteth-26 PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Bisabolol Ferulic Acid Decylene Glycol Sphingomonas Ferment Extract Phenoxyethanol Water, Ascorbic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium Hydroxide, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Bisabolol, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Decylene Glycol, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Phenoxyethanol These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. It is a: Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin Emollient, helping to soften skin Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives Sodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds. Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product. Tocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E. You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells. Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes. It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks. This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage. This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there. In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading. Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products. 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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!