iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream Versus ma:nyo Bifida Biome Aqua Barrier Cream
Updated on November 03, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
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 and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream 31 ingredients
ma:nyo Bifida Biome Aqua Barrier Cream 75 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
iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream 31 ingredients
ma:nyo Bifida Biome Aqua Barrier Cream 75 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialWater
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Medicago Sativa Extract
TonicBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentTriticum Vulgare Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Campestris Extract
Skin ConditioningRaphanus Sativus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract
Skin ConditioningPerilla Frutescens Leaf Extract
MaskingCentella Asiatica Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Methyl Trimethicone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Centella Asiatica Extract, Allantoin, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Medicago Sativa Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Triticum Vulgare Sprout Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract, Brassica Campestris Extract, Raphanus Sativus Seed Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Isononyl Isononanoate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Cutibacterium Granulosum Ferment Extract Filtrate
EmollientBifida Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Pumpkin Fruit Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Lactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Vincetoxicum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningAnastatica Hierochuntica Extract
AstringentChrysanthemum Zawadskii Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Capillaris Extract
Cyperus Rotundus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLeonurus Sibiricus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
SoothingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Rose Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Borago Officinalis Extract
Emollient
Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentChamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHyacinthus Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower Water
Skin Conditioning
Salvia Sclarea Extract
AntiseborrhoeicCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Fructooligosaccharides
Humectant
Fructose
Humectant
Tromethamine
BufferingAsiaticoside
Antioxidant
Asiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient
Paeonia Albiflora Flower Extract
TonicGossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polydecene
Skin ConditioningGlucose
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantAgar
MaskingCyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantDimethyl Sulfone
Solvent
Betaine Salicylate
Antimicrobial
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Benzyl Glycol
SolventDextrin
AbsorbentSodium Phytate
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Bifida Ferment Lysate, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Isononyl Isononanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Cutibacterium Granulosum Ferment Extract Filtrate, Bifida Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Fruit Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Vincetoxicum Atratum Extract, Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract, Chrysanthemum Zawadskii Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Cyperus Rotundus Root Extract, Leonurus Sibiricus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Rose Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Panthenol, Borago Officinalis Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract, Hyacinthus Orientalis Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water, Salvia Sclarea Extract, Ceramide NP, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Squalane, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Tromethamine, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Paeonia Albiflora Flower Extract, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polydecene, Glucose, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Agar, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Dimethyl Sulfone, Betaine Salicylate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Benzyl Glycol, Dextrin, Sodium Phytate, Adenosine, Tocopherol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water is created by distilling centella asiatica leaves. Centella Asiatica is a herb native to Southeast Asia.
Many active components found in Centella Asiatica Extract, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside, encourage the skin to naturally produce hyaluronic acid. This helps keep our skin hydrated. Many of these components also show antioxidant activity and may help reduce the signs of aging.
Other components of Centella Asiatic Extract include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica Leaf WaterButylene 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 GlycolWater. 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 Water1,2-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
Niacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Dimethicone 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.
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosinePentylene 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 GlycolSodium 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 HyaluronateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream 31 ingredients
ma:nyo Bifida Biome Aqua Barrier Cream 75 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream 31 ingredients
Not for combo skin
Disclaimer: I have combo skin that tends to be dry in my cheeks and oily everywhere else. I also have eczema on my cheeks.
This moisturizer absorbs really nicely. I love how it doesn't feel like there's anything on my skin and how it doesn't leave my skin sticky. It's a nice moisturizer. However, for me it makes my nose/ cheek area feel a little tight. Overall I like it and Show more
I find it's a pretty good moisturizer for very oily skin and leaves the skin quite fresh and reduces redness and irritation quite well. I would personally only use it in the morning before a sunscreen, but not at night, as it's not sufficiently moisturizing for my combination skin.
ma:nyo Bifida Biome Aqua Barrier Cream 75 ingredients
I love how this moisturiser feels really hydrating and cooling. It has a gel texture which I never went for in the past but I prefer it. Doesn’t feel heavy but it’s very moisturising.
Edit: I realised I will have to get silicone free formulas in the future because I’m not a fan of the film it leaves on the skin when applying. It doesn’t fully sink in but seems to create a glossy effect on the Show more
This barrier repairing cream is really moisturizing but never feels heavy or greasy. It has a lot of ferments, plus centella and niacinamide but no scent to speak of. It feels light enough to be my morning moisturizer. Love it!
