Amika Glass Action Hydrating Hair Oil Universal Elixir Versus Amika Velveteen Dream Smoothing Balm
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens, 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
Amika Glass Action Hydrating Hair Oil Universal Elixir 12 ingredients
Amika Velveteen Dream Smoothing Balm 29 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Amika Glass Action Hydrating Hair Oil Universal Elixir 12 ingredients
Amika Velveteen Dream Smoothing Balm 29 ingredients
Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
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Ingredients Side-by-side
Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit/Seed Oil comes from the seabuckthorn plant. It is rich in tocopherols, tocotrienols, and plant sterols.
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Not safe for Fungal Acne
This ingredient is the fixed oil extracted from seeds of the desert shrub Jojoba. It is more commonly known as jojoba oil. The seed oil is liquid wax ester from the plant. It is non-comedogenic.
3 Concerns
Wheatgerm oil is a yellow/reddish oil derived from germs on the common wheat. It is rich in Vitamin E, an ingredient with many skin benefits.
2 Concerns
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
EU Allergen
Benzyl Benzoate is usually created from the condensation of benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol. It is used as a preservative, solvent, and has a floral/balsamic scent in large amounts.
EU Allergen
Hydroxycitronellal is a fragrance created from citronellal. The smell of hydroxycitronellal is often described as "citrus-like" or "melon-like".
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
EU Allergen
Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
EU Allergen
Coumarins are a group of substances found naturally in plants. There are over 1300 types of coumarins identified. It has a natural vanilla scent.
EU Allergen
Geraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
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.
Arnica Montana Flower is more commonly known as Wolf's Bane. While this flower has been used in traditional medicine, its skin benefits are in question.
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit/Seed Oil comes from the seabuckthorn plant. It is rich in tocopherols, tocotrienols, and plant sterols.
Myristyl Alcohol is type of fatty alcohol. It is a white, waxy solid and insoluble in water.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
We don't have a description for Hydroxyethyl Behenamidopropyl Dimonium Chloride.
This ingredient comes from propionic acid (a preservative) and myristyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol).
Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Polyacrylate-13 is a type of acrylate polymer. Acrylate polymers are commonly used as adhesives in cosmetics.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
May worsen Eczema
Sorbic Acid is a preservative. It is the most commonly used food preservative in the world.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
Microcrystalline Wax is created by de-oiling petroleum. It is highly refined and purified before being added to cosmetics.
2 Concerns
Paraffin is a solid created from petroleum. The term 'paraffin' can also refer to either petroleum jelly or mineral oil.
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.
Polyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.
2 Concerns
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
EU Allergen
Benzyl Benzoate is usually created from the condensation of benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol. It is used as a preservative, solvent, and has a floral/balsamic scent in large amounts.
EU Allergen
Hydroxycitronellal is a fragrance created from citronellal. The smell of hydroxycitronellal is often described as "citrus-like" or "melon-like".
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
EU Allergen
Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
EU Allergen
Coumarins are a group of substances found naturally in plants. There are over 1300 types of coumarins identified. It has a natural vanilla scent.
Water, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Prunus Serotina Bark Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit/Seed Oil, Myristyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Peg-8 Distearate, Hydroxyethyl Behenamidopropyl Dimonium Chloride, Ppg-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyacrylate-13, Polysorbate 20, Polyisobutene, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Microcrystalline Wax, Paraffin, Phenoxyethanol, Polyethylene, Parfum, Benzyl Benzoate, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Citronellol, Coumarin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit/Seed Oil comes from the seabuckthorn plant. It is rich in tocopherols, tocotrienols, and plant sterols.
This oil is rich in fatty acids, including: two types of linoleic acid (~30-34%), oleic acid (17%), and palmiteic acid (35%). Note these numbers are averages, and different parts of the plant will vary.
Palmitoleic acid has been shown to help soothe inflammation and promote wound healing. It is also naturally found in the fat of our skin.
Learn more about Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit/Seed OilParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumBenzyl Benzoate is usually created from the condensation of benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol. It is used as a preservative, solvent, and has a floral/balsamic scent in large amounts.
As a preservative, Benzyl Benzoate works against bacteria and fungus. It is often used to treat scabies and lice in medicine.
Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
Due to its fragrance, Benzyl Benzoate can be sensitizing and may cause contact dermatitis. It is a known EU allergen. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Benzyl Benzoate can be naturally found in cranberries and peaches.
Learn more about Benzyl BenzoateHydroxycitronellal is a fragrance created from citronellal. The smell of hydroxycitronellal is often described as "citrus-like" or "melon-like".
Hydroxycitronellal is a known EU allergen and may cause irritation when applied to the skin.
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolCoumarins are a group of substances found naturally in plants. There are over 1300 types of coumarins identified. It has a natural vanilla scent.
Coumarin is an identified EU known allergy, meaning it may cause an allergic reaction when applied to the skin.
In many countries, coumarin is banned as a food additive. However, it can be found in soaps, tobacco products, and some alcohol drinks.
Plants use coumarins as a chemical defense. Some plants that have coumarins include lavender, tonka beans, and yellow clovers.
Learn more about CoumarinIngredient Ratings
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