Versus

ESPA Optimal Skin Pro-Moisturiser Versus Allies of Skin Peptide & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment

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

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 13 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, 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, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances and oils

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

What's inside

What's inside

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Optimal Skin Pro-Moisturiser

Water

Skin Conditioning

Coconut Alkanes

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cetyl Stearate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Xylitylglucoside

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Pectin

Emulsion Stabilising

Inulin

Skin Conditioning

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Propanediol

Solvent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Ethylhexyl Palmitate

Emollient
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glyceryl Stearate

Emollient
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Anhydroxylitol

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Cetyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Stearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Isostearyl Isostearate

Emollient
4 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate

Emulsifying

Jojoba Esters

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Emollient
0 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Limonene

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Sclerotium Gum

Emulsion Stabilising

Xylitol

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide

Cleansing

Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Benzoic Acid

Masking
Preservative IconMay worsen Eczema Icon

Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil Icon

Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Sodium Hydroxide

Buffering

Dehydroacetic Acid

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Glucose

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Alaria Esculenta Extract

Skin Protecting

Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract

Perfuming
Fragrance Icon

Linalool

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial

Asparagus Officinalis Stem Extract

Skin Conditioning

Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract

Humectant

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Silica Dimethyl Silylate

Emollient

Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sorbitol

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein

Skin Conditioning

Stearic Acid

Cleansing
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sodium Benzoate

Masking
Preservative Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Lactic Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Lecithin

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Ascorbic Acid

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Calcium Gluconate

Humectant

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Gluconolactone

Skin Conditioning
PHA IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Geraniol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract

Masking
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Rosa Damascena Flower Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Citronellol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Citral

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Hexylene Glycol

Emulsifying
0-2 / 0-1

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Glyceryl Linoleate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Linolenate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Disodium EDTA

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Retinyl Palmitate

Skin Conditioning
1-3 / 1-3 Retinoid IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Glyceryl Caprylate

Emollient

Oleic Acid

Emollient
May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Iron Oxides

Water, Coconut Alkanes, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Cetyl Stearate, Xylitylglucoside, Pectin, Inulin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Anhydroxylitol, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Isostearyl Isostearate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Jojoba Esters, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Limonene, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Sclerotium Gum, Xylitol, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Benzoic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Parfum, Sodium Hydroxide, Dehydroacetic Acid, Glucose, Alaria Esculenta Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Linalool, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Asparagus Officinalis Stem Extract, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Sorbitol, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Stearic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Gluconolactone, Potassium Sorbate, Geraniol, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Citronellol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citral, Hexylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Linoleate, Glyceryl Linolenate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Retinyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Oleic Acid, Iron Oxides

Peptide & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment

Water

Skin Conditioning

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Isononyl Isononanoate

Emollient

Caffeine

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Antimicrobial

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Lactobacillus Ferment

Skin Conditioning

Cetearyl Olivate

Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Polysorbate 60

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Marrubium Vulgare Extract

Skin Conditioning

Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-40

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps reduce irritation IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydrolyzed Verbascum Thapsus Flower

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Teprenone

Skin Conditioning

Phospholipids

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Hyaluronic Acid

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Syringa Vulgaris Leaf Cell Culture Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sphingolipids

Emollient

Astaxanthin

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Bisabolol

Masking
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil

Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Honey

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Dimethyl Isosorbide

Solvent

Ceramide NP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Phenyl T-Butylnitrone

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Glutathione

Good for Dark Spots Icon

Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Ergothioneine

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Carbomer

Emulsion Stabilising
1 / 0

Sorbitan Olivate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Benzimidazole Diamond Amidoethyl Urea Carbamoyl Propyl Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Cosmetic Colorant
Silicon Icon

Mica

Cosmetic Colorant
May worsen Eczema Icon

Dextran

Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Sodium Hydroxide

Buffering

Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

CI 77891

Cosmetic Colorant

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Isohexadecane

Emollient

Maltodextrin

Absorbent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Polysorbate 80

Emulsifying
0 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Tetrasodium EDTA

May worsen Eczema Icon

Sorbitan Oleate

Emulsifying
3 / 0 Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sodium Benzoate

Masking
Preservative Icon

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Sodium Glycolate

Buffering

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

O-Cymen-5-Ol

Antimicrobial
Preservative Icon

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene 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 Glycol
Masking, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol
Masking, Buffering

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 Acid
Skin Conditioning

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.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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 Glycerin
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol 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.

Preservative

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 Sorbate
Masking, Preservative

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.

Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.

It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.

Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.

We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Sodium Benzoate
Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide
Masking, Skin Conditioning, Antioxidant

Tocopherol (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 Tocopherol
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
Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

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 Gum

When to use

5 Routines
40% use in am
60% use in pm
100% use every day
70 Routines
80% use in am
20% use in pm
93% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

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