Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Cream Versus MARA Beauty Sea Moss + Stem Cells Sea Dream Firming Algae Crème
Updated on March 05, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin and sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
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
Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Cream 50 ingredients
MARA Beauty Sea Moss + Stem Cells Sea Dream Firming Algae Crème 50 ingredients
- Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
- Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Glyceryl Stearate
- Cetearyl Olivate
- Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil
- Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
- Sorbitan Olivate
- Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
- Oenothera Biennis Oil
- Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
- Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
- Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Cream 50 ingredients
MARA Beauty Sea Moss + Stem Cells Sea Dream Firming Algae Crème 50 ingredients
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Ingredients Side-by-side
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.
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.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Cocoglycerides is made from the mono, di and triglycerides of coconut oil. It is an emollient and emulsifer.
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.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil comes from the rapeseed plant. This plant is closely related to mustard, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and turnip.
C10-18 Triglycerides is a skin conditioning and texture-enhancer.
6 Benefits
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters isn't fungal acne safe.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of a mixture. This mixture consists of the esters from phosphoricacid and cetyl alcohol.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.
Brassica Campestris Sterols isn't fungal acne safe.
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.
Trehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
Inositol is a sugar alcohol naturally found in the human body. Our bodies use this ingredient in the process of growing new cells.
Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant and helps with skin conditioning.
Antioxidant 4 Benefits May cause irritation
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Antioxidant 6 Benefits Not safe for Fungal Acne
Ascorbyl Palmitate is created by combining pure Vitamin C and palmitic acid. It is an antioxidant and helps reduce hyperpigmentation.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
3 Concerns
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.
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a polymer and used to help stabilize other ingredients.
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.
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
Caprylic Acid is a fatty acid commonly found in plant oils, such as palm and coconut oils.
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate is a natural preservative. It comes from fermenting radish roots with a bacteria called leuconostoc. Leuconostoc comes from lactic acid. This bacteria is used to make the traditional Korean side-dish, kimchi. It is also used to make sourdough bread (both incredibly yummy foods).
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted effects and reactions from a product. These metal ions may come from water and are found in miniscule amounts.
4 Benefits 2 Concerns
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Dehydroacetic Acid is fungicide and bactericide. It is used as a preservative in cosmetics. Preservatives help elongate the shelf life of a product.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
2 Concerns
Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
2 Concerns
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Water, Squalane, Glycerin, Cocoglycerides, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil, Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil, Isopentyldiol, C10-18 Triglycerides, Niacinamide, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Polyglyceryl-10 Distearate, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Allantoin, Galactoarabinan, Bisabolol, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Hexyldecanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Xanthan Gum, Stearic Acid, Xylitol, Caprylic Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid, Chlorphenesin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Limonene, Linalool, Parfum
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.
Oil Not safe for Fungal Acne
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil is the INCI name for castor oil.
Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter isn't fungal acne safe.
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.
3 Concerns
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.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
Cetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil is made by expressing watermelon seeds. It is a non-fragrant oil with antioxidant and hydrating properties.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of Moringa oleifera plant. It is more commonly known as Moringa seed oil.
Glyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid, a fatty acid from coconut.
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.
This is the synthetic salt of gluconic acid, a form of PHA and mild exfoliant.
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 Stearoyl Glutamate is an emulsifier and helps condition the skin. It is amino acid-based.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil is the oil extracted from the seeds of the meadowfoam plant. This oil is non-fragrant and is an emollient. As an emollient, meadowfoam seed oil helps soften and hydrate the skin.
Helps reduce irritation Not safe for Fungal Acne
Oenothera Biennis Oil is the fixed oil derived from the seeds of the Evening Primrose.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil comes from the grape vine. Grape seeds are a byproduct of creating grape juice or wine.
Sodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid and is naturally occurring on human skin.
Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of fatty acids. These fatty acids usually are a mixture of phosphoric acid's choline ester connected to stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Most lecithins are created from plant ingredients scuh as sunflower.
May worsen Eczema
Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.
Chondrus Crispus Extract comes from a red algae native to the northern Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America.
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.
Hydrated Silica is a type of silicon dioxide. It is called 'hydrated silica' because it is silica with extra bonded water atoms.
Sodium 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.
Antioxidant 4 Benefits May cause irritation
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
This silica is mainly used to thicken oils and suspend particles in oils. It is not water soluble.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
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.
Palmaria Palmata Extract, Water, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Pentylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Olivate, Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sorbitan Olivate, Squalane, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Lactate, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Maris Aqua, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Sodium Phytate, Sodium PCA, Lecithin, Benzoic Acid, Hydrolyzed Pinus Sibirica Seedcake Extract, Gigartina Stellata Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Sodium Nitrate, Xanthan Gum, Cystoseira Tamariscifolia Extract, Hydrated Silica, Alaria Esculenta Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Acanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract, Disodium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Phosphate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hydroxide
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 WaterSqualane 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 SqualaneGlycerin 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 GlycerinPentylene 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 GlycolVaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil is an oil.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolGlyceryl 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 StearateCetearyl 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 AlcoholXanthan 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 GumIngredient Ratings
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