Barr Barr Centella Calming Gel Essence Versus Mary & May Vegan Blackberry Complex Cream Essence
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe essences. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils
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
Barr Barr Centella Calming Gel Essence 23 ingredients
Mary & May Vegan Blackberry Complex Cream Essence 22 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
Barr Barr Centella Calming Gel Essence 23 ingredients
Mary & May Vegan Blackberry Complex Cream Essence 22 ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Water
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Humectant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Polyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingC12-14 Pareth-12
EmulsifyingCentella Asiatica Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Adenosine, Polyglutamic Acid, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Carbomer, Sodium Carbomer, C12-14 Pareth-12
Water
Skin ConditioningNymphaea Caerulea Flower Water
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientRubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract
Astringent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Methylpropanediol
SolventCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Trilaureth-4 Phosphate
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Pvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Nymphaea Caerulea Flower Water, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Rubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methylpropanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Trilaureth-4 Phosphate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Cyanocobalamin, Ceramide NP, Maltodextrin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Butylene 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 GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractCeramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
This oil comes from the seeds of the desert shrub called Jojoba. It is more commonly known as jojoba oil, a non-comedogenic oil.
Jojoba oil does not contain fragrance and has many fatty-acids, making it a great soothing ingredient.
It also contains Vitamin E, a great moisturizing ingredient. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and protects your skin against oxidative damage.
This ingredient humectant properties, meaning it helps draw moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
While jojoba has antibacterial properties, it is only able to kill some strains of bacteria.
Studies also show it helps in wound healing. In fact, Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns for centuries.
Fun fact: Jojoba oil similar to natural human skin sebum, so it has a great effect on dry skin. It is also promising with helping to regulate sebum production.
Due to its fatty acid content, Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Barr Barr Centella Calming Gel Essence 23 ingredients
Mary & May Vegan Blackberry Complex Cream Essence 22 ingredients
Reviews
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