Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Ingredient or product comparison

SLMD Hyaluronic Acid Serum Versus CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

SLMD Hyaluronic Acid Serum Versus CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum Detailed comparison of SLMD Hyaluronic Acid Serum versus CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum US. This hydrating serum is formulated around Squalane and Sodium Hyaluronate to hydrate sk

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SLMD Hyaluronic Acid Serum Versus CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum Detailed comparison of SLMD Hyaluronic Acid Serum versus CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum US. This hydrating serum is formulated around Squalane and Sodium Hyaluronate to hydrate skin and strengthen the skin barrier. This hydrating serum is formulated around Sodium Hyaluronate and Ceramide NP to hydrate skin and strengthen the skin barrier. Squalane Sodium Hyaluronate Ethylhexyl Palmitate Silica Dimethyl Silylate Butylene Glycol Caprylyl Glycol Hexylene Glycol Phenoxyethanol Squalane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol Water Glycerin Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate Dimethicone Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate Panthenol Ceramide NP Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP Carbomer Cetearyl Alcohol Behentrimonium Methosulfate Sodium Hydroxide Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate Cholesterol Disodium EDTA Isopropyl Myristate 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 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. Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created. Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin. Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on). 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. Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity. In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface. Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior: Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair. Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects. You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.