e.l.f. cosmetics SuperHydrate Moisturizer Versus e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Gel-Yeah Moisturizer
Updated on July 18, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
e.l.f. cosmetics SuperHydrate Moisturizer 25 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Gel-Yeah Moisturizer 20 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
e.l.f. cosmetics SuperHydrate Moisturizer 25 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Gel-Yeah Moisturizer 20 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
PEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether
StabilisingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Trehalose
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Propanediol
Solvent
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Gellan Gum
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Tromethamine
BufferingSodium Chloride
Masking
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPotassium Laurate
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, PEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, Niacinamide, Trehalose, Squalane, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Gellan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Tromethamine, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Laurate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Trehalose
Humectant
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientDiglycerin
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Opuntia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
Masking
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Parfum
Masking
Geraniol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Water, Butylene Glycol, Trehalose, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Diglycerin, Squalane, Opuntia Vulgaris Extract, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Dipropylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Geraniol, Linalool
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 WaterButylene 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 GlycolDimethicone 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 DimethiconeTrehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseSqualane 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".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneTocopherol (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 Tocopherol1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
e.l.f. cosmetics SuperHydrate Moisturizer 25 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Gel-Yeah Moisturizer 20 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
e.l.f. cosmetics SuperHydrate Moisturizer 25 ingredients
I love this moisturizer!!! Sadly, I can only buy online now.😞 It’s great for my combo skin and very lightweight. I love how a little goes a long way since it comes in a smaller container. I also love how it’s fungal acne safe since that’s been a bigger struggle of mine!🩷
now that i know it’s getting discontinued i know i took it for granted!! amazing and always worked well for me, good price too!
e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Gel-Yeah Moisturizer 20 ingredients
(I have combo skin and clog prone) It's not bad at all at hydrating and it left my skin looking and feeling plump. Not greasy. No breakouts. Overall it isn't THAT hydrating unless paired with a good hydrating serum but I will keep buying it since it's the only easy to access and affordable moisturiser I've tried that doesn't break me tf out and doesn't have oils or alcohols.
such a good drugstore moisturiser for oily skin. i have oily acne prone skin and this hydrated my skin perfectly without giving me any breakouts!! my skin has been so good since i started using this and i really think its thank to this moisturiser! the only problem i have with it is that it has fragrance which i think is unnecessary in skincare, and that it comes in a pot which can lead to Show more
