Instytutum Anti-Aging Lifting Xceptional Flawless Cream Versus Babor Hydro Cellular Hyaluron Cream
Updated on April 21, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 19 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, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, oils and silicones
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
Instytutum Anti-Aging Lifting Xceptional Flawless Cream 49 ingredients
Babor Hydro Cellular Hyaluron Cream 38 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
Instytutum Anti-Aging Lifting Xceptional Flawless Cream 49 ingredients
Babor Hydro Cellular Hyaluron Cream 38 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Octyldodecanol
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Coco-Caprylate
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides
EmollientPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolysilicone-11
Carnosine
Skin Conditioning
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Polyisobutene
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-1
Skin Conditioning
Helichrysum Stoechas Extract
TonicSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientLinalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Citronellol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Nicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture
Skin ConditioningRubus Idaeus Leaf Cell Culture
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Octyldodecanol, Butylene Glycol, Coco-Caprylate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycine Soja Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Xanthan Gum, Polysilicone-11, Carnosine, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Parfum, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Alcohol, Polyisobutene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Pentylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Helichrysum Stoechas Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Caprylyl Glycol, Linalool, Limonene, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Ascorbic Acid, Nicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture, Rubus Idaeus Leaf Cell Culture
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Sorbitol
Humectant
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides
EmollientPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Dimethicone
Emollient
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cocoglycerides
Emollient
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Emollient
Urea
Buffering
Trehalose
Humectant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSerine
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Polyacrylate
Algin
Masking
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingPullulan
Pantolactone
Humectant
Potassium Phosphate
BufferingAscorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Magnesium Chloride
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
CI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cocoglycerides, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Urea, Trehalose, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Serine, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Algin, Disodium Phosphate, Pullulan, Pantolactone, Potassium Phosphate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate, Citric Acid, Magnesium Chloride, Ascorbic Acid, CI 42090
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
These alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
Learn more about AlcoholAscorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.
Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.
Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!
Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.
Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.
The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.
Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidAscorbyl Palmitate is created by combining pure Vitamin C and palmitic acid. It is an antioxidant and helps reduce hyperpigmentation.
This ingredient is a more stable version of Vitamin C, meaning it does not disintegrate as quickly when exposed to sunlight. However, studies show it does not penetrate skin as well as pure Vitamin C.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is oil soluble.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl PalmitateThis 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 TriglycerideCaprylyl 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 GlycolCetearyl 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 AlcoholCitric 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 AcidDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinHydrogenated Palm Glycerides isn't fungal acne safe.
We don't have a description for Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides yet.
Pentylene 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 GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of a mixture. This mixture consists of the esters from phosphoricacid and cetyl alcohol.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
As a cleansing agent, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate helps gather oils, dirts, and pollutants from your skin. This makes it easier to rinse them away with water.
Learn more about Potassium Cetyl PhosphatePrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil comes from the sweet almond, a tree native to Iran. This oil has no fragrance and is non-volatile.
Almonds contain healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is a rich source of Vitamin E, a great antioxidant and skin conditioning ingredient. Sweet almond oil contains fatty acids such as linolenic acid and triglycerides.
The content of sweet almond oil makes it a great emollient; it can help soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a barrier over your skin to trap moisture in. Sweet almond oil has antioxidant properties.
Those with an almond allergy should be careful of this ingredient and speak with a professional about using it in your skincare.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis OilSodium 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 HyaluronateWater. 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 WaterXanthan 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 GumIngredient Ratings
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