Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Versus Natura Bisse Stabilizing Oil-Free Gel Cream
Updated on December 14, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens 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
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream 35 ingredients
Natura Bisse Stabilizing Oil-Free Gel Cream 44 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
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream 35 ingredients
Natura Bisse Stabilizing Oil-Free Gel Cream 44 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Pumice Extract
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Zea Mays Oil
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDecyl Oleate
Emollient
Zea Mays Germ Oil
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides
EmollientLactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract
Antioxidant
Sorbitol
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCocoglycerides
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Baicalin
Antioxidant
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Emollient
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Pantolactone
Humectant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Pumice Extract, Tocopherol, Panthenol, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Zea Mays Oil, Glycerin, Water, Octyldodecanol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Decyl Oleate, Zea Mays Germ Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides, Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract, Sorbitol, Propanediol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Cocoglycerides, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Baicalin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pantolactone, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Propylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientPropanediol
Solvent
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Lens Esculenta Seed Extract
Skin ProtectingSambucus Nigra Flower Extract
RefreshingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialArctium Majus Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Artemisia Annua Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingOctadecyl Di-T-Butyl-4-Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Cinnamyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Propanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Saccharide Isomerate, Lens Esculenta Seed Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Arctium Majus Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Artemisia Annua Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Octadecyl Di-T-Butyl-4-Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Pentylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, Limonene, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool, Citronellol, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Citral, 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.
Citric 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 AcidDimethicone 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 DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin (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.
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 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.
Potassium 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 SorbatePropanediol 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 PropanediolTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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 WaterXanthan 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 GumIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream 35 ingredients
Natura Bisse Stabilizing Oil-Free Gel Cream 44 ingredients
Reviews
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