Versus

Aiken Prebiotic Hydra Plus Moisturiser Versus Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer - International

General Moisturizer
General Moisturizer
Malaysian Brand Malaysia
Indian Brand India

Updated on April 17, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils or parabens

What's Inside

They both contain 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant 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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Benefits

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.

This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.

Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.

Learn more about Betaine
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.

D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.

It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.

Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.

Learn more about Cyclopentasiloxane
Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.

A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.

PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol 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.

When to use

210 Routines
53% use in am
47% use in pm
99% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
264 Routines
50% use in am
50% use in pm
98% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Aiken Prebiotic Hydra Plus Moisturiser 28 ingredients

4.3 /5
from 3 ratings
Hydrating (2) Absorbs Well (2) Works Well (2)
liakifli's avatar

Lia Kifli

3 months ago
Review

Best moisturiser ever.. soothing to my combination skin.. fast absorp

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
shalini1's avatar

Shalini

2 months ago
Review

fungal acne safe and quickly absorbs into my skin well

#hydrating
#absorbs well
#sticky
#no scent

Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer 19 ingredients

4.3 /5
from 7 ratings
No Scent (4) Absorbs Well (4) Great Value (4)
Alaa_ysf's avatar

Alaa Ali

9 months ago
Review

It does moisturize, it's light, but it might work for oily skin, not sensitive. My skin broke out. Update #1 my skin barrier is damaged because I've been using retinol and then I used an exfoliation scrub. So, I took a break from my entire routine and started gentle cleansing and using this B5 as a moisturizer. It's been 2 days, and I can see my skin getting better.
Update #2 I use it now as my Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#broke me out
#light
eugeugeug's avatar

Maria R

2 months ago
Review

This wasn't for me. There's a lot of occlusives, particularly Cyclopentasiloxane, and it feels like a mask, it stung a little and it felt hot, as if it was trapping heat. Not good for my rosacea at all.

#irritating
#heavy
#no scent