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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream versus Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb .

Last updated on March 07, 2024. Published on June 05, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 19 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin and sensitive skin

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances, oils 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 South Korean Brand South Korea
General Moisturizer South Korean Brand South Korea

General Moisturizer

All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.

General Moisturizer

All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.

Price

Shop

Buy A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream

Shop

Buy The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Starts at $38.00

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin E
Ceramides

Benefits

Hydrating (5)
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Anti-Aging
Brightening (2)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (5)
Acne Trigger (5)

Notable Ingredients

Exfoliators
Niacinamide
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (6)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (4)
Reduces Irritation (3)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

WaterDipropylene GlycolGlycerinMethyl TrimethiconeAlcohol Denat.DimethiconeCyclopentasiloxane1,2-HexanediolCaprylic/Capric TriglyceridePeg/Ppg/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 GlycerinPentaerythrityl TetraethylhexanoateAvena Sativa Kernel ExtractCalendula Officinalis Flower ExtractNepeta Cataria ExtractRubus Idaeus Leaf ExtractBaptisia Tinctoria Root ExtractStellaria Media ExtractAlchemilla Vulgaris Leaf ExtractEquisetum Arvense Leaf ExtractUrtica Dioica Leaf Extract Sodium HyaluronateNiacinamidePolymethylsilsesquioxanePanthenolPeg-150Pentaerythrityl TetraisostearatePhenyl TrimethiconeHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerCarbomerTromethamineSqualanePeg-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilDimethiconolAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerC14-22 AlcoholsPolysorbate 60Butylene GlycolMacadamia Ternifolia Seed OilMalachite ExtractTriethylhexanoinTrisodium EDTAArachidyl GlucosideButyrospermum Parkii ButterHydrogenated LecithinSorbitan IsostearateGlyceryl StearateStearic AcidCeramide NPCholesterolPeg-100 StearateRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf OilCitrus Aurantifolia OilPelargonium Graveolens Flower OilCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel OilCitralCitronellolLimoneneGeraniolLinalool

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Glycerin

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream contains this as ingredient number 2.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb contains this as ingredient number 3.

3
What it does: Masking, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created stabilizer and solvent. It is a part of the glycol class in the alcohol family.

Dipropylene Glycol helps dissolve and evenly distribute ingredients. It also helps decrease viscosity and thin out texture.

As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.

Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.

Learn more about Dipropylene Glycol

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream contains this as ingredient number 4.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb contains this as ingredient number 2.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is a plant lipid from the fruit of the Shea Tree. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.

Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.

Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.

While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.

Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream contains this as ingredient number 5.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb contains this as ingredient number 43.

5
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream contains this as ingredient number 6.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb contains this as ingredient number 37.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.

Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

Learn more about Panthenol

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream contains this as ingredient number 9.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb contains this as ingredient number 24.

7
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream contains this as ingredient number 11.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb contains this as ingredient number 8.

8
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Stearate

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream contains this as ingredient number 14.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb contains this as ingredient number 46.

9
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.

Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.

In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.

Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.

Learn more about Polysorbate 60

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream contains this as ingredient number 15.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb contains this as ingredient number 36.

10
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream contains this as ingredient number 17.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb contains this as ingredient number 6.

11
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
Community Rating: Disliked

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream contains this as ingredient number 20.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb contains this as ingredient number 29.

12
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Liked

Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.

As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.

Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.

Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.

1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-

Learn more about Tromethamine

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream contains this as ingredient number 24.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb contains this as ingredient number 30.

13
What it does: Cleansing, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.

As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.

Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.

Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.

This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Stearic Acid

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream contains this as ingredient number 26.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb contains this as ingredient number 47.

14
What it does: Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecule hydrogen and another element.

Hydrogenated Lecithin is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within.

The phospholipids in Hydrogenated Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier to be better absorbed.

As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.

Learn more about Hydrogenated Lecithin

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream contains this as ingredient number 27.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb contains this as ingredient number 44.

15
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.

Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.

If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.

Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP

Learn more about Ceramide NP

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream contains this as ingredient number 32.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb contains this as ingredient number 48.

16
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Stabilising
Community Rating: Liked

Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.

Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.

Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.

Learn more about Cholesterol

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream contains this as ingredient number 33.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb contains this as ingredient number 49.

17
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Squalane 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 Squalane

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream contains this as ingredient number 34.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb contains this as ingredient number 31.

18
What it does: Emollient
Community Rating: Disliked

Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil is the fixed oil obtained from Macadamia nut.

Macadamia seed oil is rich in fatty acids, including oleic acid (45-75%), palmitoleic acid (7-33%), and palmitic acid (6-12%). They also contain various B vitamins, iron, and magnesium.

Palmitoleic acid has been shown to help soothe inflammation and promote wound healing. It is also naturally found in the fat of our skin.

Macadamia seed oil may not be malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne, safe.

Learn more about Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream contains this as ingredient number 37.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb contains this as ingredient number 38.

19
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.

As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.

Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.

Learn more about Sorbitan Isostearate

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream contains this as ingredient number 41.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb contains this as ingredient number 45.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

25% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
55% are disliked or very disliked
9% have no rating yet
25% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
53% are disliked or very disliked
15% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Missha A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream 44 ingredients

A'PIEU Puremedic Intense Cream hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb 59 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 5 ratings
Broke Me Out (1) Expensive (1) Irritating (1) Strong Scent (1)
SiriMiri's avatar

SiriMiri

5 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

If you have fungal acne.. or maybe acne prone skin THIS ONE'S NOT FOR YOU, the second I put this on my skin was so itchy and my skin feels so...

If you have fungal acne.. or maybe acne prone skin THIS ONE'S NOT FOR YOU, the second I put this on my skin was so itchy and my skin feels so irritated. I always try my best to go through the entire product but I can't use another day with this one. I also tried to repurpose it for hand cream but even then it's still not hydrating my hands enough.

Kat_607's avatar

Kat_607

9 months ago · Normal Skin
Review

Have been using this moisturizer for 5 years!

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