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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum versus Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum .

Last updated on August 20, 2023. Published on September 01, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe eye moisturizers. They have a total of 34 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain AHA, hyaluronic acid, peptides and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture

Free From

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

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Eye Moisturizer American Brand United States
Eye Moisturizer American Brand United States

Eye Moisturizer

Eye moisturizers help add moisture back into the skin around the eyes; these can be creams, gels, or serums.

Eye Moisturizer

Eye moisturizers help add moisture back into the skin around the eyes; these can be creams, gels, or serums.

Price

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Buy Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum

Starts at $11.89
Shop

Buy Optimal Hydration Eye Serum

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

AHA
Vitamin E
Hyaluronic Acid (2)
Peptides

Benefits

Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Irritating
Rosacea

Notable Ingredients

AHA
Vitamin E
Hyaluronic Acid (2)
Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Scar Healing
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Irritating
Rosacea
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Dicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.

As an emollient, Dicaprylyl Carbonate creates a film on the skin. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.

4
What it does: Emulsifying

Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

5
What it does: Absorbent

We don't have a description for Distarch Phosphate.

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.

6
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Mixed

4-T-Butylcyclohexanol is a fragrance.

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.

7
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Disliked

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is also an emulsifier. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.

8
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

This ingredient is created from dehydrating xylitol in acidic conditions. Xylitol is a famous sugar and humectant.

Much like its predecessor, anhydroxylitol is a humectant. Humectants attract and hold water to moisturize the skin.

This ingredient is most commonly found in a popular trio called Aquaxyl. Aquaxyl is made up of anhydroxylitol (24 - 34%), xylitylglucoside (35 - 50%), and xylitol (5 - 15%).

According to a manufacturer, Aquaxyl is known for a 3-D hydration concept and an anti-dehydration shield to reinforce the outer layer of skin.

This ingredient is often derived from plants such as wood and sugarcane.

Learn more about Anhydroxylitol

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

9
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Community Rating: Loved

Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.

Bisabolol comes from German chamomile essential oil. Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.

Bisabolol helps soothe skin. It does this by blocking the inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.

Bisabolol also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.

Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.

Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.

Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.

Learn more about Bisabolol

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

10
What it does: Cleansing, Foaming
Community Rating: Liked

Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside is an alkyl glucoside. This just means it is creating by reacting alcohol and sugar. It is a cleansing and foaming ingredient.

Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside helps remove the dirt, oil, and other pollutants from your skin.

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.

11
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.

Cetyl Alcohol is not related to SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, or ethyl alcohol. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.

12
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.

13
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

We don't have a description for Dunaliella Salina Extract.

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.

14
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Ethylhexylglycerin (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.

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.

15
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Globularia Alypum Leaf Extract.

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.

16
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.

Low molecular weight HA has been shown to hydrate and increase elasticity of the skin. Increasing elasticity is also associated with reduction of wrinkle depth.

One study found topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. However, we always recommend speaking with a professional about your skin concerns.

Hyaluronic acids are a humectant. This means they draw moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.

Read more about other common forms of hyaluronic acid:

Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.

17
What it does: Emollient, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Community Rating: Disliked

Jojoba Esters is a wax created from Jojoba oil. It is an emollient and film-forming ingredient. In bead form, it is an exfoliator.

This ingredient has high oxidative stability, meaning it doesn't break down when exposed to oxygen.

Its similarity to our skin's natural oils makes it a great emollient. Emollients help soften and soothe our skin by creating a barrier on top. This barrier helps trap moisture in, keeping skin hydrated.

It is created using either the hydrogenation or transesterification processes on jojoba oil.

Learn more about Jojoba Esters

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.

18
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 isn't fungal acne safe and is a peptide.

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.

19
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.

Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

Learn more about Panthenol

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.

20
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Pantolactone is a synthetically created humectant.

As a humectant, Pantolactone helps draw moisture to the skin. It can help add hydration to your skin.

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.

21
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.

The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.

This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can help thicken or emulsify a product. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.

Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.

Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.

Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.

Learn more about Pentylene Glycol

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.

22
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.

23
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax isn't fungal acne safe.

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.

24
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer made from isobutene.

It is a film-forming agent and helps bind ingredients together.

Polyisobutene is not absorbed by the skin.

Learn more about Polyisobutene

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.

25
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.

Potassium sorbate is potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.

Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.

Potassium sorbate is often used with stronger preservatives.

Learn more about Potassium Sorbate

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.

26
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Disliked

This long ingredient is a copolymer of sodium acrylate and sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers.

It is used to help stabilize other ingredients and create a thicker gel-like texture.

Emulsifiers prevent oils and waters from separating.

Learn more about Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.

27
What it does: Masking, Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.

Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.

Sodium Benzoate is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.

Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.

We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Sodium Benzoate

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.

28
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Sodium 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 Hyaluronate

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.

29
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Mixed

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.

30
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid and is naturally occurring on human skin.

The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.

Sodium PCA is a has conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.

Learn more about Sodium PCA

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 31.

31
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Sorbitan Oleate is created from compounds in oleic acid and sorbitol. It is used to stabilize a product by preventing ingredients from separating.

Emulsifiers help keep ingredients together, such as oils and water.

Sorbitan Oleate may not be fungal acne safe. It can also worsen oily skin.

Learn more about Sorbitan Oleate

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 31.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 32.

32
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopherol (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 Tocopherol

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 32.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 33.

33
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Xylitol is a humectant and prebiotic. It can help with dry skin.

In studies, xylitol has been shown to improve dry skin. It decreased transepidermal water loss, or when water passes through the skin and evaporates. Xylitol also showed to help improve the biomechanical properties of the skin barrier.

The prebiotic property of xylitol may also help reinforce our skin's natural microbiome. Having a healthy microbiome prevents infection by bad bacteria and helps with hydration.

As a humectant, Xylitol helps draw moisture from both the air and from deeper skin layers. This helps keep skin hydrated.

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol and commonly used as a sugar substitute. It is naturally occurring in plants such as strawberries and pumpkin.

Learn more about Xylitol

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 33.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 34.

34
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Xylitylglucoside is created from xylitol and glucose, two humectants.

Not surprisingly, this ingredient is also a humectant. It attracts and holds water in your skin, helping to maintain hydration.

This ingredient is most commonly found in a popular trio called Aquaxyl. Aquaxyl is made up of anhydroxylitol(24 - 34%), xylitylglucoside (35 - 50%), and xylitol (5 - 15%).

According to a manufacturer, Aquaxyl is known for a 3-D hydration concept and an anti-dehydration shield to reinforce the outer layer of skin.

Learn more about Xylitylglucoside

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 34.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum contains this as ingredient number 35.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

41% are loved or liked
15% have mixed ratings
35% are disliked or very disliked
9% have no rating yet
43% are loved or liked
14% have mixed ratings
34% are disliked or very disliked
9% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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