Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Skin Replenishing Water Gel Versus Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Cream
Updated on August 20, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain 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, parabens or sulfates
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
Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Cream 50 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
Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Cream 50 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 ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Cocoglycerides
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Rapeseed Oil
Emollient
Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Isopentyldiol
HumectantC10-18 Triglycerides
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-10 Distearate
Emulsifying
4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
Masking
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Galactoarabinan
Bisabolol
Masking
Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide
Skin ConditioningBrassica Campestris Sterols
Emollient
Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningUrea
Buffering
Yeast Amino Acids
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantInositol
HumectantTaurine
BufferingBetaine
Humectant
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Hexyldecanol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Stearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
Cleansing
Xylitol
HumectantCaprylic Acid
CleansingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Citric Acid
Buffering
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientLimonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Parfum
Masking
Water, Squalane, Glycerin, Cocoglycerides, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil, Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil, Isopentyldiol, C10-18 Triglycerides, Niacinamide, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Polyglyceryl-10 Distearate, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Allantoin, Galactoarabinan, Bisabolol, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Hexyldecanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Xanthan Gum, Stearic Acid, Xylitol, Caprylic Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid, Chlorphenesin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Limonene, Linalool, Parfum
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 GlycerinNiacinamide 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 TaurateAllantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolTrehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseUrea is also called carbamide and is the diamide of carbonic acid. In cosmetics, urea is used to hydrate the skin. It also provides exfoliation in higher concentrations.
As a humectant, urea helps draw moisture from the air and from deep within the skin. This helps hydrate your skin. Studies show urea is an effective moisturizer for dry skin conditions. 40% urea is typical in medications for treating eczema and other skin conditions.
Urea has the strongest exfoliation effect in concentrations higher than 10%. It is a keratolytic agent, meaning it breaks down the keratin protein in the top layer of skin. This helps remove dead skin cells and flaking skin.
In medicine, urea has been shown to help increase the potency of other ingredients, such as fungal treatments.
Humans and animals use urea to metabolize nitrogen-containing compounds. Urea is highly soluble in water. Once dissolved, it is neither acidic nor alkaline.
Learn more about UreaXylitol 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 XylitolXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumPentylene 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 also help thicken or stabilize a product.
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 GlycolCitric 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
Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Cream 50 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
