Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Ingredient or product comparison

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum Versus Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum, Fragrance Free

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum Versus Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum, Fragrance Free Detailed comparison of CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum US versus Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum, Fragrance Free. This hydrating serum is f

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CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum Versus Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum, Fragrance Free Detailed comparison of CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum US versus Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum, Fragrance Free. This hydrating serum is formulated around Sodium Hyaluronate and Ceramide NP to hydrate skin and strengthen the skin barrier. This brightening serum is formulated around Niacinamide and Acetyl Glucosamine to fade the look of dark spots and refine skin texture. No concerns Water Glycerin Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate Dimethicone Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate Sodium Hyaluronate Panthenol Ceramide NP Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP Carbomer Cetearyl Alcohol Behentrimonium Methosulfate Sodium Hydroxide Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate Cholesterol Phenoxyethanol Disodium EDTA Isopropyl Myristate Caprylyl Glycol Citric Acid Xanthan Gum Phytosphingosine Ethylhexylglycerin Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Dimethicone, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Isopropyl Myristate, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Phytosphingosine, Ethylhexylglycerin Niacinamide Acetyl Glucosamine Pentylene Glycol Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer Amodimethicone Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Acetyl Glucosamine, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Amodimethicone These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Carbomer is a synthetic thickening and gelling agent. It's basically the ingredient that gives a lot of serums, gels, creams, and sunscreens their smooth, non-sticky texture. Although legally permitted at very high levels, carbomers are normally used at concentrations below 1%. It also needs to be neutralized to actually thicken, and because it is a large molecule, it doesn't really penetrate the skin barrier. Allergy-wise, the risk is very low. Clinical studies show carbomers have low potential for skin irritation/sensitization even at concentrations up to 100%. A 2024 UK study patch-tested 1,302 patients and found true allergy to the parent group of carbomer to be rare with no confirmed relevant reactions. Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane. What it does: Dimethicone comes in different viscosities: Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties. Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity. This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient. Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy. Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air. This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with: On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it. One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin). Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption. You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%. Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that: The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure. Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations. Glycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in you