Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Mecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser versus Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture .
Last updated on August 18, 2023. Published on December 12, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 24 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
Ingredient Info
Mecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser 39 ingredients
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture 37 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Mecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser 39 ingredients
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture 37 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 6 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.
Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Mecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser 39 ingredients
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture 37 ingredients
Water • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Glycerin • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Myristyl Myristate • Cetearyl Alcohol • Cetyl Alcohol • Stearic Acid • Dimethicone • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Glyceryl Stearate • Ceteareth-20 • Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Phenoxyethanol • Tocopheryl Acetate • Isohexadecane • Caprylyl Glycol • Pentylene Glycol • Xanthan Gum • Ethylhexylglycerin • Parfum • Polysorbate 80 • Hydrolyzed Rice Protein • Fructose • Urea • Citric Acid • Sodium Hydroxide • Hydrolyzed Pea Protein • Maltose • Sodium PCA • Sodium Chloride • Sodium Lactate • Trehalose • Allantoin • Glycine • Proline • Sodium Hyaluronate • Disodium EDTA • Glucose
Water • Cetyl Alcohol • Cyclopentasiloxane • Glyceryl Stearate • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Glycerin • Ceteareth-20 • Cetearyl Alcohol • Phenoxyethanol • Polydecene • Squalane • Hydrogenated Polydecene • Pentylene Glycol • Xanthan Gum • Nigella Sativa Seed Oil • Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Oil • Ethylhexylglycerin • Fructose • Urea • Citric Acid • Sodium Hydroxide • Trideceth-6 • Butylene Glycol • Maltose • Sodium PCA • Sodium Chloride • Sodium Lactate • Trehalose • Allantoin • Tocopheryl Acetate • Zinc Acetate • Sodium Hyaluronate • Glucose • Carbomer • Polysorbate 20 • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 • Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterMecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 1.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 GlycerinMecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 3.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 6.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.
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 TriglycerideMecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 4.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 5.
Cetearyl 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 AlcoholMecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 6.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 8.
Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Cetyl Alcohol is not related to SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, or ethyl alcohol. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Its main roles are:
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholMecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 7.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 2.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
Glyceryl Stearate is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced. The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateMecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 11.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 4.
Ceteareth-20 is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. It is derived from cetearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol.
As an emulsifier, Ceteareth-20 prevents oil and water from separating. It is also a surfactant. Surfactants help gather oil, pollution, and dirt to be washed away.
Mecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 12.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 7.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
Mecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 14.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 9.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateMecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 15.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 30.
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 help thicken or emulsify a product. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
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 GlycolMecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 18.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 13.
Xanthan 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 GumMecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 19.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 14.
Ethylhexylglycerin (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.
Mecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 20.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 17.
Fructose is fruit/plant sugar. It can be found in apples, figs, and honey.
This ingredient is a humectant. Humectants help draw moisture from the air to your skin, keeping your skin hydrated.
Mecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 24.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 18.
Urea is also called carbamide and is the diamide of carbonic acid. In cosmetics, urea is used to hydrate the skin. It also provides exfoliation in higher concentrations.
As a humectant, urea helps draw moisture from the air and from deep within the skin. This helps hydrate your skin. Studies show urea is an effective moisturizer for dry skin conditions. 40% urea is typical in medications for treating eczema and other skin conditions.
Urea has the strongest exfoliation effect in concentrations higher than 10%. It is a keratolytic agent, meaning it breaks down the keratin protein in the top layer of skin. This helps remove dead skin cells and flaking skin.
In medicine, urea has been shown to help increase the potency of other ingredients, such as fungal treatments.
Humans and animals use urea to metabolize nitrogen-containing compounds. Urea is highly soluble in water. Once dissolved, it is neither acidic nor alkaline.
Learn more about UreaMecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 25.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 19.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
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.
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 look more even.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidMecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 26.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 20.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideMecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 27.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 21.
We don't have a description for Maltose.
Mecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 29.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 24.
Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid and is naturally occurring on human skin.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
Sodium PCA is a has conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.
Learn more about Sodium PCAMecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 30.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 25.
Chances 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.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideMecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 31.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 26.
Sodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, an AHA. It is a humectant and used to adjust the pH of a product.
Sodium Lactate is part of our skin's NMF, or natural moisturizing factor. Our NMF is essential for the hydration of our top skin layers and plasticity of skin.
It also influences our skin's natural acid mantle and pH, which protects our skin from harmful bacteria.
Our NMF is formed from amino acids, lactic acid, sugars, minerals, peptides, and electrolytes. As we age, our NMF naturally depletes. Other sources of NMF depletion include harsh and drying ingredients such as denatured alcohol. Sodium lactate can help replenish our NMF, leading to more hydrated and plump skin.
High percentages of Sodium Lactate can have an exfoliating effect.
Sodium Lactate is produced from fermented sugar.
Learn more about Sodium LactateMecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 32.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 27.
Trehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseMecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 33.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 28.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinMecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 34.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 29.
Sodium 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 HyaluronateMecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 37.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 32.
Glucose is a simple sugar and is the most important source of energy in all organisms. In skincare, glucose is used to hydrate the skin. It also acts as a prebiotic for our natural biome.
As a humectant, glucose draws moisture from the air and from deeper levels in the skin. This helps hydrate skin.
Our skin's natural microbiome contains many saccharides that act as prebiotics. These prebiotics help strengthen our skin's microbiome. Having a healthy microbiome helps protect our skin from harmful bacteria and other contaminants.
Studies show glucose may help with fading discoloration and pigmentation. This is because our skin metabolizes glucose into lactic acid. Lactic acid is an AHA that helps exfoliate the top layer of skin.
Plants and algae make glucose during the process of photosynthesis. It is then used to make cellulose, the building blocks of cell walls.
Learn more about GlucoseMecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser contains this as ingredient number 40.
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture contains this as ingredient number 33.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Mecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser 39 ingredients
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture 37 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Mecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser 39 ingredients
Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture 37 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Mecca Cosmetica Hydrating Moisturiser.
See 50 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Primark Alex Steinherr - Maximum Moisture.
See 50 alternatives