The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Versus Dr. Barbara Sturm Calming Serum

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Versus Dr. Barbara Sturm Calming Serum Detailed comparison of The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% versus Dr. Barbara Sturm Calming Serum. This oil-control serum is formulated around Niacinamide and Zinc PCA to balance excess oil and refine the look of pores. This calming serum is formulated around Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil and Panthenol to calm redness and strengthen the skin barrier. No concerns Water Niacinamide 10% Pentylene Glycol Zinc PCA 1% Dimethyl Isosorbide Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum Xanthan Gum Isoceteth-20 Ethoxydiglycol Phenoxyethanol Chlorphenesin Water, Niacinamide 10%, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc PCA 1%, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Xanthan Gum, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil Dicaprylyl Carbonate Glycerin Octyldodecanol Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract Cetearyl Alcohol Glyceryl Stearate Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables Biosaccharide Gum-1 Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract Panthenol Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate Stearic Acid Dimethicone Carbomer Ethylhexylglycerin Sodium Hydroxide Pantolactone Tocopherol Citric Acid Water, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Octyldodecanol, Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Pantolactone, Tocopherol, Citric Acid Be the first to review These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Phenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare (and for good reason!). It has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and especially effective bacteria, yeast, and mold while only having a weak effect on your skin's natural microbiome. On a cellular level, it disrupts the cell membranes of microbes by poking holes that make the cell leak. This shuts down the chemical reactions the microbe needs to make energy so it can no longer survive. Another perk of this ingredient is that it stays functional across a wide pH range (3-10). You'll often see it paired with boosters like Ethylhexylglycerin; one study showed that a 1:9 ratio of Ethylhexylglycerin to Phenoxyethanol damages bacterial membranes as effectively as doubling the Phenoxyethanol concentration on its own. Typical use concentrations range from 0.3-1% depending on the formula, and this ingredient is capped at 1% int the EU. Safety-wise, the fear mongering does not hold up to the evidence. The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and FDA consider it safe as a preservative at up to 1%, including for children of all ages. Adverse systemic effects only showed up in animal studies at exposures roughly 200x higher than what people get from cosmetics. And despite its very widespread use, this ingredient is a rare sensitizer and allergic reactions are uncommon. 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!