Holika Holika Aloe Soothing Essence 80% Moist Cream Versus Benton Aloe Real Cool Soothing Gel
Updated on April 21, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens 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
Holika Holika Aloe Soothing Essence 80% Moist Cream 40 ingredients
Benton Aloe Real Cool Soothing Gel 14 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
Holika Holika Aloe Soothing Essence 80% Moist Cream 40 ingredients
Benton Aloe Real Cool Soothing Gel 14 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Methylpropanediol
SolventDimethicone
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Cyclomethicone
Emollient
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Propanediol
Solvent
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin Protecting
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
PEG-10 Dimethicone Crosspolymer
StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
MaskingMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Cyclomethicone, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Ectoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Propanediol, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract 93%
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Laminaria Japonica Extract
Skin Protecting
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract 93%, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Extract, Carbomer, Arginine, Sodium Phytate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-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
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.
Aloe is one of the most well-known natural soothing ingredients, and for good reason. It’s full of water and has a cooling, calming effect on the skin, especially when it’s sunburned, itchy, or irritated. Aloe also helps your skin stay hydrated and smooth by mimicking what healthy skin naturally produces. On top of that, it contains vitamins and nutrients that support skin recovery.
It doesn’t protect you from the sun, but it can help your skin bounce back after too much time in it.
Let’s get into the details:
Aloe contains antioxidant Vitamins A, C, and E, which help fight off free radicals (unstable molecules from things like pollution that can damage your skin).
It’s also rich in polysaccharides, which are natural sugars that help hydrate the skin by acting like the skin’s own moisturizing agents. These, along with other sugars like monosaccharides, help form a protective barrier that locks in moisture.
Aloe works as both a humectant and an emollient. That means it draws water into the skin (humectant) and helps trap it there (emollient), making it an effective natural moisturizer.
You’ll also find a mix of other skin-supporting ingredients in aloe, including folic acid, choline, calcium, amino acids, fatty acids, and even Vitamin B12.
Out of the 420+ species of aloe, Aloe barbadensis is the most widely used in skincare products thanks to its gentle yet effective properties.
There are over 420 species of aloe but Aloe Barbadensis is the most commonly used for topical products.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractDioscorea Japonica Root Extract comes from the Asian Mountain Yam. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidants help neutralize free-radical molecules. These molecules may damage your skin cells and DNA.
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 GlycerinLaminaria Japonica Extract comes from a kelp more commonly known as 'sweet kelp'. It is commonly eaten in Japan, Korea, and China.
Sweet kelp is a humectant and helps hydrate your skin. Humectants draw moisture from the air to your skin.
Studies show Laminaria Japonica has antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging. Kelp also contains magnesium and zinc, making it great for calming inflammation and redness.
Learn more about Laminaria Japonica ExtractPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Holika Holika Aloe Soothing Essence 80% Moist Cream 40 ingredients
Benton Aloe Real Cool Soothing Gel 14 ingredients
Reviews
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