Cetaphil Rich Night Cream - US Versus Institut Esthederm Cellular Melting Moisturising Cream
Updated on August 30, 2024
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for 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 or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances 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
Cetaphil Rich Night Cream 35 ingredients
Institut Esthederm Cellular Melting Moisturising Cream 68 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Cetaphil Rich Night Cream 35 ingredients
Institut Esthederm Cellular Melting Moisturising Cream 68 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetearyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Isohexadecane
EmollientIsopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Lycopene
Antioxidant
Marrubium Vulgare Extract
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
PEG-100 Stearate
PEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Steareth-2
EmulsifyingSteareth-21
CleansingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Water, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cyclopentasiloxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Methicone, Citric Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Isohexadecane, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Linoleic Acid, Lycopene, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-40 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Phospholipids, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Steareth-2, Steareth-21, Tocopheryl Acetate
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclomethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Steareth-2
EmulsifyingBoron Nitride
AbsorbentXylitol
Humectant
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Steareth-21
CleansingCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingC10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters
Emulsifying
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCholesterol
Emollient
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Serine
Masking
Sodium Lactate
BufferingSorbitol
Humectant
Tea-Lactate
HumectantUrea
Buffering
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Soluble Collagen
Humectant
BHT
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlucose
Humectant
Mannitol
Humectant
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingPotassium Chloride
Sodium Bicarbonate
Abrasive
Calcium Chloride
AstringentCeramide 3
Skin Conditioning
Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium Sulfate
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
PEG-8
HumectantCarnosine
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Phosphate
BufferingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Algae Extract
Emollient
Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Creatine
Skin ConditioningCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantArtemia Extract
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSuperoxide Dismutase
Antioxidant
Tromethamine
BufferingCetrimonium Bromide
Antimicrobial
Methylparaben
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Parfum
Masking
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Perfuming
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde
Masking
Citronellol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
Water, Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Steareth-2, Boron Nitride, Xylitol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Steareth-21, Cetyl Alcohol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Phenyl Trimethicone, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Cholesterol, Lactic Acid, Serine, Sodium Lactate, Sorbitol, Tea-Lactate, Urea, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Soluble Collagen, BHT, Sodium Hyaluronate, Propylene Glycol, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Glucose, Mannitol, Disodium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Calcium Chloride, Ceramide 3, Magnesium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Benzoate, PEG-8, Carnosine, Potassium Phosphate, Allantoin, Algae Extract, Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate, Carbomer, Tocopherol, Potassium Sorbate, Creatine, CI 17200, Artemia Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Superoxide Dismutase, Tromethamine, Cetrimonium Bromide, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Citronellol, Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeGlycerin 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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
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.
It 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 BenzoateSteareth-2 is a waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients. It is created from polyethylene glycol and stearyl alcohol.
The 2 stands for the number of ethylene oxide units used to create this ingredient.
We don't have a description for Steareth-21 yet.
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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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Cetaphil Rich Night Cream 35 ingredients
Institut Esthederm Cellular Melting Moisturising Cream 68 ingredients
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