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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer versus L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin .

Published on May 15, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 27 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 anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any oils, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

General Moisturizer French Brand France
General Moisturizer French Brand France

General Moisturizer

All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.

General Moisturizer

All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.

Price

Shop

Buy SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer

Starts at $14.99
Shop

Buy Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin

Starts at $3.04

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

AHA
Vitamin C (2)
Vitamin E
Ceramides (5)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (6)
Redness Reducing (6)
Reduces Irritation (5)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (6)
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing (3)
Brightening (5)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (5)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (4)

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Hyaluronic Acid (2)

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture (2)
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (3)
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating (4)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (3)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 1.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 2.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 3.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate is derived from cetearyl alcohol and sorbic acid.

It is an emollient and helps hydrate the skin. Emollients form a barrier on the skin to prevent water from escaping.

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 4.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
What it does: Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol and other additives. It has a low molecular weight and will evaporate quickly. This helps other ingredients become better absorbed and dry once applied.

Alcohol Denat. is volatile and may cause irritation. It helps draw out natural oils in skin and dry out your skin.

One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased irritation.

Alcohol is antibacterial by nature. This can help preserve products and increase their shelf life.

Other types of astringent alcohols include:

Learn more about Alcohol Denat.

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 5.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 5.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice comes from leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is best known for helping to soothe sunburns. It is also anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and can help heal wounds.

Aloe is packed with good stuff including Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are antioxidants, which help fight free-radicals and the damage they may cause. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice also contains sugars. These sugars come in the form of monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, and choline. These sugars are able to help bind moisture to skin.

It also contains minerals such as calcium, 12 anthraquinones, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.

Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 6.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 10.

7
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Liked

We don't have a description for Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid.

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 7.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 6.

8
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Liked

Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a polymer made from ammonium salts. It helps add stability and texture to a product.

Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is stable over a wide pH range. Due to its ability to absorb water, it can help thicken the texture of a product.

As an emulsion stabilizer, this ingredient is able to stabilize and mix the other ingredients. This creates a consistent texture.

Learn more about Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 8.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 16.

9
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 9.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 31.

10
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 10.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 19.

11
What it does: Emollient, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Isopropyl Myristate is an emollient, thickening agent, and texture enhancer. It is created from isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid.

It is used to help other ingredients be better absorbed. It is also an emollient and may help soften and hydrate the skin.

The comedogenic rating of this ingredient depends on the concentration. Lower amounts results in a lower rating.

Isopropyl Myristate may not be fungal acne safe. It can potentially worsen acne prone skin.

Learn more about Isopropyl Myristate

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 11.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 18.

12
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 12.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 27.

13
What it does: Antioxidant
Community Rating: Liked

Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.

When applied to skin, Ascorbyl Glucoside turns into Ascorbic Acid.

Ascorbyl Glucoside is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage skin cells.

It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Learn more about Ascorbyl Glucoside

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 13.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 15.

14
What it does: Emollient, Moisturising
Community Rating: Disliked

Dimethiconol is a silicone that resembles the popular dimethicone. Like other silicones, it is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.

This ingredient helps to create a silky texture and improve spreadability. Due to its high molecular weight and thickness, it is often combined with cyclopentasiloxane.

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 14.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 9.

15
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Community Rating: Loved

Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.

Bisabolol comes from German chamomile essential oil. Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.

Bisabolol helps soothe skin. It does this by blocking the inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.

Bisabolol also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.

Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.

Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.

Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.

Learn more about Bisabolol

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 15.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 8.

16
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 16.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 37.

17
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 17.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 11.

18
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

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

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 18.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 21.

19
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 19.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 17.

20
What it does: Perfuming, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

T-Butyl Alcohol it is most commonly used as a solvent.

At room temperature, T-Butyl Alcohol melts and has a similar smell to camphor.

This ingredient is derived from isobutane. It is the simplest form of a tertiary alcohol. Due to its chemical structure, it is more resistant to oxidation.

Learn more about T-Butyl Alcohol

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 20.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 22.

21
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Mixed

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

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 22.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 12.

22
What it does: Perfuming, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.

It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".

Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.

When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.

The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.

Learn more about Limonene

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 23.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 35.

23
What it does: Perfuming

Farnesol is a compound extracted from essential oils such as lemongrass, rose, and more. It is used as a fragrance in products to help boost floral scents.

Farnesol is a known EU allergen and causes contact dermatitis.

This ingredient is hydrophobic, meaning it is not soluble in water.

Learn more about Farnesol

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 24.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 34.

24
What it does: Masking, Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

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.

Sodium Benzoate 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

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 25.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 30.

25
What it does: Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.

Linalool has the same effect as Limonene when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.

Linalool has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.

Learn more about Linalool

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 26.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 33.

26
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.

Potassium sorbate is potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.

Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.

Potassium sorbate is often used with stronger preservatives.

Learn more about Potassium Sorbate

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 30.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 28.

27
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant

Ci 42090 is a synthetic dye created from petroleum. It is used to give a bright blue color to cosmetics, medicine, and food.

Garnier SkinActive MoistureBomb Antioxidant Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 40.

L'Oreal Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 32.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

41% are loved or liked
4% have mixed ratings
46% are disliked or very disliked
9% have no rating yet
32% are loved or liked
5% have mixed ratings
51% are disliked or very disliked
11% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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