Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Skin Replenishing Water Gel Versus Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Brightening Night Comfort Cream
Updated on July 16, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
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 harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or sulfates
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
Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Skin Replenishing Water Gel 34 ingredients
Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Brightening Night Comfort Cream 30 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Skin Replenishing Water Gel 34 ingredients
Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Brightening Night Comfort Cream 30 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Propanediol
SolventPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Octyldodecanol
EmollientSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Polyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Xylitylglucoside
HumectantAnhydroxylitol
HumectantDistarch Phosphate
AbsorbentHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantUrea
Buffering
Xylitol
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPantolactone
HumectantAlgin
Masking
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingGlyceryl Polyacrylate
Pullulan
Globularia Alypum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Phosphate
BufferingWater, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Octyldodecanol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglutamic Acid, Allantoin, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Distarch Phosphate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trehalose, Urea, Xylitol, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Serine, Sodium Hydroxide, Pantolactone, Algin, Disodium Phosphate, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Pullulan, Globularia Alypum Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Potassium Phosphate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetearyl Olivate
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Vinyldimethicone
Anhydroxylitol
HumectantCitric Acid
Buffering
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract
Skin ProtectingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Pancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingPentasodium Pentetate
Propanediol
SolventRhododendron Chrysanthum Leaf Extract
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Tricholoma Matsutake Extract
Skin ConditioningTrideceth-10
CleansingXylitol
HumectantXylitylglucoside
HumectantWater, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Sorbitan Olivate, Beeswax, Vinyldimethicone, Anhydroxylitol, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Pentasodium Pentetate, Propanediol, Rhododendron Chrysanthum Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Tocopherol, Tricholoma Matsutake Extract, Trideceth-10, Xylitol, Xylitylglucoside
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinPropanediol 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 PropanediolNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a polymer and used to help stabilize other ingredients.
Emulsion stabilizers hold ingredients together, helping to create an even texture throughout the product.
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate can also be used to thicken the texture.
Learn more about Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl TaurateHydrolyzed 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 AcidSodium 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 HyaluronateXylitylglucoside 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 XylitylglucosideThis 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 Anhydroxylitol1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
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 preservatives
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 XylitolCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
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 even out skin tone.
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.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Skin Replenishing Water Gel 34 ingredients
Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Brightening Night Comfort Cream 30 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Skin Replenishing Water Gel 34 ingredients
Pro:
- affordable
- drugstore (so easy to found)
- urea
Cons:
- did not hydrate my skin as much as I thought (I needed another hydrating lotion, but was using Vit C during the day and retinol during the night)
- super sticky
- makes skin super shiny.
Will only buy during summer months when I am desperate
Too sticky for me. Hard to apply evenly on dry skin. Doesn’t feel like it absorbed by my skin, it just stay on surface and make my face looking more oily on T-Zone
