Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of COSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer versus COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream .
Last updated on February 27, 2024. Published on March 20, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
Price
Ingredient Info
COSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer 30 ingredients
COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream 22 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
COSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer 30 ingredients
COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream 22 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
COSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer 30 ingredients
COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream 22 ingredients
Propolis Extract • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water • Butylene Glycol • Cetyl Ethylhexanoate • Glycerin • 1,2-Hexanediol • Niacinamide • Hema • Cyclomethicone • Cetearyl Olivate • Betaine • Cetearyl Alcohol • Sorbitan Olivate • Panthenol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Allantoin • Xanthan Gum • Dimethicone • Sodium Hyaluronate • Arginine • Zinc PCA • Betaine Salicylate • Mentha Haplocalix Extract • Menthyl Lactate • Citric Acid • Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil • Asiaticoside • Asiatic Acid • Madecassic Acid
Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract • Butylene Glycol • Glycerin • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Cetearyl Alcohol • Gluconolactone • Niacinamide • Betaine • Dimethicone • Cetearyl Olivate • Sorbitan Olivate • 1,2-Hexanediol • Beeswax • Elaeis Guineensis Oil • Elaeis Guineensis Kernel Oil • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Ethylhexylglycerin • Citric Acid • Xanthan Gum • Sodium Hyaluronate • Allantoin
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
COSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 4.
COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream contains this as ingredient number 2.
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 GlycerinCOSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 6.
COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream contains this as ingredient number 3.
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.
COSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 7.
COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream contains this as ingredient number 13.
Niacinamide 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 NiacinamideCOSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 8.
COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream contains this as ingredient number 8.
Cetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateCOSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 11.
COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream contains this as ingredient number 11.
Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
Betaine is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies show betaine may help with uneven skin tones.
Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The form found within cosmetic products can be either plant-dervied or synthetic.
Learn more about BetaineCOSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 12.
COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream contains this as ingredient number 9.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCOSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 13.
COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream contains this as ingredient number 6.
Sorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
Sorbitan Olivate is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateCOSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 14.
COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream contains this as ingredient number 12.
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.
COSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 16.
COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream contains this as ingredient number 18.
Allantoin 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 AllantoinCOSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 17.
COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream contains this as ingredient number 22.
Xanthan 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 GumCOSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 18.
COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream contains this as ingredient number 20.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.
COSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 19.
COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream contains this as ingredient number 10.
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 HyaluronateCOSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 20.
COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream contains this as ingredient number 21.
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 AcidCOSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 26.
COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream contains this as ingredient number 19.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
COSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer 30 ingredients
COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream 22 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
COSRX Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer 30 ingredients
COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream 22 ingredients
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