Mary Kay Oil Free Hydrating Gel Versus Always Be Pure Ultra Calming Cream
Updated on February 12, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both general moisturizers. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
Mary Kay Oil Free Hydrating Gel 36 ingredients
Always Be Pure Ultra Calming Cream 60 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
Mary Kay Oil Free Hydrating Gel 36 ingredients
Always Be Pure Ultra Calming Cream 60 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Betaine
Humectant
Camellia Sinensis Extract
Antioxidant
Algae Extract
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Proline
Skin ConditioningArginine
Masking
Glycine
Buffering
Alanine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningGlutamic Acid
Humectant
Serine
Masking
Threonine
Sorbitol
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientGlyceryl Polyacrylate
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Polyacrylamide
PEG-12
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingLaureth-7
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Benzophenone-4
UV Absorber
Triethanolamine
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Methylparaben
Preservative
DMDM Hydantoin
Preservative
Basic Violet 2
CI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Betaine, Camellia Sinensis Extract, Algae Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium PCA, Proline, Arginine, Glycine, Alanine, Lysine, Glutamic Acid, Serine, Threonine, Sorbitol, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Polyacrylamide, PEG-12, Carbomer, Laureth-7, Disodium EDTA, Benzophenone-4, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, DMDM Hydantoin, Basic Violet 2, CI 16035
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water
MaskingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Dimethicone
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyacrylate-13
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
Masking
Polyisobutene
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Amber Powder
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningErythritol
Humectant
Bisabolol
Masking
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Polyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Hizikia Fusiforme Extract
Skin ConditioningChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Codium Fragile Extract
Skin ConditioningUlva Lactuca Extract
Skin ConditioningMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin Conditioning
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract
Emollient
Laminaria Cloustoni Extract
Skin ProtectingLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin Protecting
Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract
Skin ProtectingSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Suaveolens Leaf Extract
AstringentMentha Viridis Leaf Extract
Masking
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyacrylate-13, Carbomer, Arginine, Polyisobutene, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Amber Powder, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Erythritol, Bisabolol, Madecassoside, Polyquaternium-51, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Asiaticoside, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Codium Fragile Extract, Ulva Lactuca Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Laminaria Cloustoni Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Mentha Suaveolens Leaf Extract, Mentha Viridis Leaf Extract
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 WaterDimethicone 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 DimethiconeCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneGlycerin 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 GlycerinCyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.
Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.
As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.
Learn more about CyclohexasiloxaneArginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.
As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.
Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineButylene 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 GlycolCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAIngredient Ratings
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