IMAGE skincare the MAX Crème Versus Allies of Skin Molecular Barrier Recovery Cream Balm
Updated on November 13, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe night moisturizers. They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain peptides and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols or parabens
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
IMAGE skincare the MAX Crème 72 ingredients
Allies of Skin Molecular Barrier Recovery Cream Balm 53 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
IMAGE skincare the MAX Crème 72 ingredients
Allies of Skin Molecular Barrier Recovery Cream Balm 53 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Dimethicone
Emollient
Sucrose Palmitate
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Glyceryl Linoleate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Pullulan
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCeteth-10 Phosphate
CleansingDicetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingMalus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Isomalt
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Glycine Soja Sterols
Emollient
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Nannochloropsis Oculata Extract
HumectantPhospholipids
Skin Conditioning
PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientImperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Echinacea Purpurea Extract
MoisturisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture
Skin ConditioningPvp
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Lactate
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningSuperoxide Dismutase
Antioxidant
Lecithin
Emollient
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
PEG-8
HumectantHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Skin Conditioning
Phaseolus Radiatus Meristem Cell Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylamide
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract
Antioxidant
Argania Spinosa Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningPlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Dextran Sulfate
Gel Forming
Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
Citral
Perfuming
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Humectant
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicWater, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Sucrose Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Linoleate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Stearic Acid, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Limonene, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Pullulan, Sclerotium Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Isomalt, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Propylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycine Soja Sterols, Linoleic Acid, Nannochloropsis Oculata Extract, Phospholipids, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture, Pvp, Sodium Lactate, Carbomer, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Glycine Soja Protein, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Superoxide Dismutase, Lecithin, Polysorbate 20, PEG-8, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Phaseolus Radiatus Meristem Cell Culture Extract, Polyacrylamide, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Argania Spinosa Callus Culture Extract, Plankton Extract, Sodium Dextran Sulfate, Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Citral, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Laureth-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Biotin
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Methylsilanol Hydroxyproline Aspartate
Skin ConditioningSodium Acrylates Copolymer
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialNigella Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Isomalt
HumectantAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCanola Oil
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Emollient
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Emulsifying
Ethyl Macadamiate
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Lecithin
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Oat Protein
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin Conditioning
C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters
Emulsifying
Adenosine Triphosphate
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin Conditioning
Crocus Chrysanthus Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningPhytol
Emollient
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSilica
Abrasive
Dextran
Zea Mays Starch
AbsorbentSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingO-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Malic Acid
Buffering
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Glycerin, Squalane, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Methylsilanol Hydroxyproline Aspartate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Nigella Sativa Seed Oil, Isomalt, Acacia Senegal Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Canola Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Panthenol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Ethyl Macadamiate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Ceramide NP, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Hyaluronic Acid, Lecithin, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Adenosine Triphosphate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Crocus Chrysanthus Bulb Extract, Phytol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Xanthan Gum, Silica, Dextran, Zea Mays Starch, Sodium Gluconate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Sodium Hydroxide, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Potassium Sorbate, Salicylic Acid, Malic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol
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 WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinThis 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 TriglycerideCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearatePhenoxyethanol 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.
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 GlycolWe don't have a description for Isomalt yet.
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.
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 SorbateCitric 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 AcidXanthan 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 GumLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinIngredient Ratings
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