Cyla Essence Initiale - Initial Essence Versus Geek & Gorgeous Liquid Hydration
Updated on November 12, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening 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, silicones 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
Cyla Essence Initiale - Initial Essence 30 ingredients
Geek & Gorgeous Liquid Hydration 19 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Cyla Essence Initiale - Initial Essence 30 ingredients
Geek & Gorgeous Liquid Hydration 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSerine
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Glycine
Buffering
PCA
Humectant
Urea
Buffering
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningGlucose
Humectant
Histidine
Humectant
Lysine Hcl
Skin Conditioning
Glutamine
Skin ConditioningLeucine
Skin ConditioningTyrosine
MaskingArginine
Masking
Aspartic Acid
Masking
Phenylalanine
Masking
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Potassium PCA
Humectant
Calcium PCA
Humectant
Magnesium PCA
Humectant
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin Conditioning
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Nitrate
SoothingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Gluconate
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Serine, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Glycine, PCA, Urea, Acetyl Glucosamine, Glucose, Histidine, Lysine Hcl, Glutamine, Leucine, Tyrosine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Phenylalanine, Sodium Chloride, Potassium PCA, Calcium PCA, Magnesium PCA, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Maltodextrin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Nitrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Gluconate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
HumectantSodium PCA
Humectant
Diglycerin
Humectant
Urea
Buffering
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
Humectant
Lysine
Skin ConditioningPCA
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
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 WaterLactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.
Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.
Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.
Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidPCA is derived from amino acids and is naturally found in our skin's barrier.
As a humectant, PCA helps draw and hold moisture to the skin. Studies show it is effective at helping the skin stay hydrated long-term.
Urea 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 UreaPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Cyla Essence Initiale - Initial Essence 30 ingredients
Geek & Gorgeous Liquid Hydration 19 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Geek & Gorgeous Liquid Hydration 19 ingredients
This is my holy grail toner. I've literally used 9 bottles so far, and am currently using another one.
The first time I ever used it, I thought it was just nice but not necessarily more special than other toners I had tried. However, after a week of using it, I noticed visible improvements. My skin was looking noticeably more hydrated, more even, more healthy. Turns out my skin just loves this Show more
My favorite toner! The lactic acid and urea keep fungal acne at bay and it pairs well with other products. It’s hydrating and works great for my sensitive skin. It is gentle enough to use even if my skin is irritated, unlike other toners I have.
