First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream With Squalane + Ceramides Versus Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Eye Cream
Updated on August 14, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe eye moisturizers. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, 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, fragrances or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain 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
First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream With Squalane + Ceramides 63 ingredients
Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Eye Cream 23 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
First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream With Squalane + Ceramides 63 ingredients
Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Eye Cream 23 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Saccharomyces Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Emollient
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Atelocollagen
Skin Conditioning
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Cholesterol
Emollient
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Oleic Acid
Emollient
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Humulus Lupulus Extract
AntimicrobialButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides
Skin Conditioning
Copernicia Cerifera Wax
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientButylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-12 Olefin)
Skin ConditioningLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningTriolein
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningLecithin
Emollient
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-3 Stearate
Emulsifying
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingOctanediol
Ethyl Ferulate
Antioxidant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Propanediol
Solvent
Steareth-30
CleansingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Tin Oxide
Abrasive
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Saccharomyces Ferment, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Retinol, Atelocollagen, Caffeine, Ceramide Ng, Sodium Hyaluronate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Allantoin, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Cholesterol, Linoleic Acid, Tocopherol, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Glycine Soja Oil, Humulus Lupulus Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-12 Olefin), Lauroyl Lysine, Triolein, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Pentylene Glycol, Lecithin, Maltodextrin, Stearic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Dipropylene Glycol, Sclerotium Gum, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Octanediol, Ethyl Ferulate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Propanediol, Steareth-30, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Tin Oxide, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Sorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Coconut Alkanes
Emollient
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Ganoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingMelatonin
Antioxidant
Inonotus Obliquus Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Ahnfeltiopsis Concinna Extract
Skin Conditioning
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Cetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingGlucose
Humectant
Sorbityl Laurate
Emulsifying
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Behenyl Alcohol, Squalane, Coconut Alkanes, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Melatonin, Inonotus Obliquus Extract, Glycerin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Ahnfeltiopsis Concinna Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glucose, Sorbityl Laurate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
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 GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.
Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.
Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.
Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
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.
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".
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 SqualaneWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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