AHC Beauty Essential Eye Cream for Face Versus Kate Somerville +Retinol Firming Eye Cream
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe eye moisturizers. They have a total of 15 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid, retinoid and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances, oils and silicones
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
AHC Beauty Essential Eye Cream for Face 159 ingredients
Kate Somerville +Retinol Firming Eye Cream 43 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
AHC Beauty Essential Eye Cream for Face 159 ingredients
Kate Somerville +Retinol Firming Eye Cream 43 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Methylpropanediol
SolventBetaine
Humectant
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycosyl Trehalose
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Raffinose
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Lecithin
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingBorago Officinalis Seed Oil
Emollient
Oenothera Biennis Oil
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Polyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingSodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningFicus Carica Fruit Extract
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Humectant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Folic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein
Skin ConditioningAlchemilla Vulgaris Extract
AstringentBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water
Skin ConditioningHelichrysum Italicum Flower Water
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
Emollient
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Elaeis Guineensis Oil
Emollient
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Schizosaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantCollagen Extract
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract
AstringentTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Argania Spinosa Kernel Extract
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Tromethamine
BufferingMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Acrylates Copolymer
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingHydroxydecyl Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientLactic Acid
Buffering
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Laurate
Emulsifying
Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningAsparagus Officinalis Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningCetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingOryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPrimula Veris Extract
Skin ConditioningMalva Sylvestris Extract
AstringentAchillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingVeronica Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingRutin
Antioxidant
Rhododendron Ferrugineum Extract
MaskingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide
Antioxidant
Dipotassium Phosphate
BufferingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAcetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Vp/Polycarbamyl Polyglycol Ester
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sesame Protein Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Saussurea Involucrata Extract
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Arginine Ferulate
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingAcetic Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhaseolus Lunatus Seed Extract
EmollientRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Lactate
BufferingMagnesium PCA
Humectant
Lysine
Skin ConditioningLeucine
Skin ConditioningMethionine
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingSerine
Masking
Sucrose
Humectant
Cysteine
Antioxidant
Proline
Skin ConditioningHistidine
Humectant
Calcium Chloride
AstringentTaurine
BufferingTryptophan
MaskingAsparagine
MaskingFormic Acid
Preservative
1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Citrate
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Chloride
Citrulline
Skin ConditioningAmmonia
Buffering
Ornithine
Skin ConditioningUric Acid
BufferingTyrosine
MaskingThreonine
Phenylalanine
Masking
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingAlanine
MaskingArginine
Masking
Urea
Buffering
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningMaris Sal
Skin ConditioningAspartic Acid
Masking
Glycine
Buffering
Glucosamine Hcl
Glutamic Acid
Humectant
Glutamine
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Methylpropanediol, Betaine, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Squalane, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Parfum, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycosyl Trehalose, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Butylene Glycol, Raffinose, Adenosine, Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyquaternium-51, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Ceramide NP, Folic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Helichrysum Italicum Flower Water, Cholesterol, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Schizosaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Collagen Extract, Propanediol, Alcohol, Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Extract, Phytosphingosine, Tromethamine, Maltodextrin, Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Lactic Acid, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sorbitan Laurate, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Asparagus Officinalis Stem Extract, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Oryza Sativa Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Primula Veris Extract, Malva Sylvestris Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Veronica Officinalis Extract, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Rutin, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Benzyl Alcohol, Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide, Dipotassium Phosphate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Plankton Extract, Carbomer, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Ceramide AP, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Copper Tripeptide-1, Vp/Polycarbamyl Polyglycol Ester, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hydrolyzed Sesame Protein Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol, Gluconolactone, Calcium Gluconate, Potassium Sorbate, Saussurea Involucrata Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Sodium Benzoate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Arginine Ferulate, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Acetyl Tripeptide-1, Disodium Phosphate, Acetic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Phaseolus Lunatus Seed Extract, Retinol, Sodium Lactate, Magnesium PCA, Lysine, Leucine, Methionine, Valine, Serine, Sucrose, Cysteine, Proline, Histidine, Calcium Chloride, Taurine, Tryptophan, Asparagine, Formic Acid, 1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide, Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Chloride, Citrulline, Ammonia, Ornithine, Uric Acid, Tyrosine, Threonine, Phenylalanine, Potassium Hydroxide, Alanine, Arginine, Urea, Isoleucine, Maris Sal, Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Glucosamine Hcl, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Ceramide EOP, Benzyl Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Polysilicone-11
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Ethyl Linoleate
Emollient
Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Bidens Pilosa Extract
HumectantBakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Terminalia Chebula Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Extract
Skin ConditioningElaeis Guineensis Oil
Emollient
Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil
Perfuming
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopherol
Antioxidant
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Polyacrylamide
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate
Emollient
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientDecyl Glucoside
CleansingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingLaureth-7
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Water, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Glycerin, Polysilicone-11, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Butylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethyl Linoleate, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Retinol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Bidens Pilosa Extract, Bakuchiol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Terminalia Chebula Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja Extract, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Adenosine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polyacrylamide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, PEG-12 Dimethicone, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Caprylyl Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Laureth-7, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
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.
Learn more about DimethiconeDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAElaeis Guineensis Oil comes from the African Palm tree. This tree is native to Western and Southwestern Africa.
This oil is rich in antioxidants such as Vitamin E. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging.
The Vitamin E and fatty acid content give palm oil a skin-hydrating property. Emollients help trap moisture in by creating a film on the skin.
Palm oil is created by either squeezing the fruit or crushing the kernel at the center of the fruit. In the 1800s, archaeologists discovered a 6000 year old Egyptian tomb containing palm oil.
Palm oil is controversial due to its social and environmental impacts. Several organizations are working to make palm oil harvest more sustainable, such as the RSPO.
Learn more about Elaeis Guineensis OilEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.
Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.
Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.
Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolRetinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
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When to use
AHC Beauty Essential Eye Cream for Face 159 ingredients
Kate Somerville +Retinol Firming Eye Cream 43 ingredients
