Versus

Dr Sam’s Flawless Neutralising Gel Versus Clearstem Skincare Hydraglow Stem Cell Moisturizer

Facial Treatment
General Moisturizer
British Brand United Kingdom
American Brand United States

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

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, common allergens, 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Hydraglow Stem Cell Moisturizer

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan?

This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Read more about squalene with an "e".

Learn more about Squalane
Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Emollient

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived antioxidant (it's vegan!). It is often called the replacement for retinol although it is not part of the same family.

It has similar effects as retinol: skin smoothing, reducing discoloration, and preventing wrinkles. It does not cause as much irritation as traditional retinoids.

Bakuchiol works by breaking down free radicals and stimulating collagen production in skin.

Combining bakuchiol with retinol will not have adverse side effects. Studies show using them will just boost the benefits. Bakuchiol is also found to help stabilize retinol.

While bakuchiol does not make the skin more sun sensitive, we recommend wearing SPF on a daily basis.

Read more about traditional retinol

Learn more about Bakuchiol

When to use

70 Routines
34% use in am
66% use in pm
60% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
58 Routines
43% use in am
57% use in pm
90% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Dr Sam’s Flawless Neutralising Gel 11 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 1 rating
Drying (1) Expensive (1) Irritating (1)
Chickenugget88's avatar

🧙🏻‍♀️

3 months ago
Review

Helped control breakouts and made my acne flatter, but didn't help with clearing breakouts, redness, or dark spots. I used it for a while and it didn't do much for me. My redness and irritation only seemed to get worse the longer I used it—I don't think this product is for me.

#expensive
#drying
#irritating
#sticky

Clearstem Skincare Hydraglow Stem Cell Moisturizer 27 ingredients

1.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Irritating (2) Pilling (2) Strong Scent (2)
morganwilkins's avatar

Morgan Wilkins

6 months ago
Review

Used this for maybe a week…. Made my skin SO dry and it started pilling. Did not hydrate how it claims it does. Actually made my face burn a bit.
The only up side to it is that it didn’t make my face break out using it but now I have to fix my face hydration because it was SO drying (to the point that I was getting actual dry patches) and my face is not usually dry like that at all, even with Show more

#expensive
#drying
#irritating
#pilling
SKINBYRH's avatar

SKINBYRH

3 months ago
Review

Irritating. Even more fragranced than you’d think glancing at the ingredients.

#irritating
#sticky
#pilling
#strong scent