L'Oreal Elvive Hydra Hyaluronic Pure Shampoo Versus MediCube Rosemary PDRN Cooling Thickening Shampoo
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Cleansing
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingGlycerin
Humectant
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Cleansing
Lauryl Betaine
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate
CleansingMenthol
Masking
Trihydroxystearin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Chloride
MaskingParfum
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
Polyquaternium-10
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Tetrasodium EDTA
Zea Mays Starch
Absorbent
Mannitol
Humectant
Microcrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentLinalool
Perfuming
Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningChromium Oxide Greens
Ultramarines
Chromium Hydroxide Green
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Arginine
Masking
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Menthyl Lactate
Masking
PPG-14 Butyl Ether
Skin ConditioningRicinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Pea Protein
EmollientHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Raphanus Sativus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Palmitoyl Sarcosinate
CleansingOctyldodecyl Oleate
Emollient
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Sparassis Crispa Extract
Emulsion StabilisingStreptococcus Thermophilus Ferment
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Corn Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Extensin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Potato Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
Humectant
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium DNA
Skin Conditioning
Magnolia Obovata Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-11
Sh-Polypeptide-22
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-3
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Alanine
Masking
Asparagine
MaskingAspartic Acid
Masking
Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glucose
Humectant
Glutamic Acid
Humectant
Glutamine
Skin ConditioningGlycine
Buffering
Histidine
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningLeucine
Skin ConditioningLysine
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMethionine
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
Masking
Proline
Skin Conditioning
Serine
Masking
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Threonine
Tryptophan
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingValine
MaskingWater, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Lauryl Betaine, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate, Menthol, Trihydroxystearin, Sodium Chloride, Parfum, Sodium Benzoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Polyquaternium-10, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Niacinamide, Tetrasodium EDTA, Zea Mays Starch, Mannitol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Linalool, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Dextrin, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Chromium Oxide Greens, Ultramarines, Chromium Hydroxide Green, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Caffeine, Arginine, Dipropylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Menthyl Lactate, PPG-14 Butyl Ether, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Glycolic Acid, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Raphanus Sativus Seed Extract, Sodium Palmitoyl Sarcosinate, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Octyldodecanol, Sparassis Crispa Extract, Streptococcus Thermophilus Ferment, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Extensin, Hydrolyzed Potato Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium DNA, Magnolia Obovata Bark Extract, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Disodium EDTA, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Biotin, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-11, Sh-Polypeptide-22, Sh-Polypeptide-3, Sh-Polypeptide-9, Alanine, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Glucose, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Histidine, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Valine
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Rosacea skin has a lower threshold for acids generally, with 62.5% of rosacea subjects in one study reacting to lactic acid in a sting test. This is why we mark citric acid as a potential rosacea trigger.
However, this ingredient shows up as a pH adjuster or chelator at roughly 0.1-1% in many products. These low levels are unlikely to be an issue for rosacea skin and becomes a potential trigger at exfoliating concentrations (20%). Because everybody's skin is unique, we recommend a patch test if you are unsure.
Learn more about Citric AcidParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient 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.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
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 ParfumSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSodium 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.
It 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 BenzoateChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
