maru.derm Azelaic Acid Solution 5% Cream Versus Almond Clear 2-IN-1 Hydrating Gel - Ultra-Lightweight Moisturizer
Updated on June 25, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, 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, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones 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
maru.derm Azelaic Acid Solution 5% Cream 20 ingredients
Almond Clear 2-IN-1 Hydrating Gel - Ultra-Lightweight Moisturizer 12 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
maru.derm Azelaic Acid Solution 5% Cream 20 ingredients
Almond Clear 2-IN-1 Hydrating Gel - Ultra-Lightweight Moisturizer 12 ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPolyglycerin-6
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Squalane
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium PCA
HumectantGlycine
Buffering
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingTetrasodium EDTA
Water, Polyglycerin-6, Glycerin, Azelaic Acid, Squalane, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Stearic Acid, Allantoin, Sodium PCA, Glycine, Xanthan Gum, Propylene Glycol, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycerinAzelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid derived from grains. This ingredient is effective in treating acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions.
It has been shown to reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce inflammation. On top of that, it helps reduce the production of sebum and unclog pores.
Azelaic Acid also has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect our skin cells from free-radical damage.
One of the main benefits of azelaic acid is that it is gentle and well-tolerated by most people.
Fun fact: The lab-created form of azelaic acid is typically used within cosmetic products for its shelf-stability.
Learn more about Azelaic AcidSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualanePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolSodium 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 HyaluronateEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
maru.derm Azelaic Acid Solution 5% Cream 20 ingredients
Almond Clear 2-IN-1 Hydrating Gel - Ultra-Lightweight Moisturizer 12 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
maru.derm Azelaic Acid Solution 5% Cream 20 ingredients
Almond Clear 2-IN-1 Hydrating Gel - Ultra-Lightweight Moisturizer 12 ingredients
So Good
Many products out there are too strong for my sensitive skin. This one has lower concentrations of useful ingredients like mandelic acid, azelaic acid, and bakuchiol in an aloe formulation that just works for me. My acne is hormonal (chin, neck, upper body - not severe but a little painful at times) and this really seems to reduce breakouts. I use it after showering and after washing my Show more
Clean ingredients, but the gel is very sticky & it has a fishy smell (plastic).
