Neutrogena Clear and Defend + Gel Moisturiser with Niacinamide and Panthenol Versus PCA Skin ReBalance
Updated on December 18, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens 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
Neutrogena Clear and Defend + Gel Moisturiser with Niacinamide and Panthenol 18 ingredients
PCA Skin ReBalance 20 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Neutrogena Clear and Defend + Gel Moisturiser with Niacinamide and Panthenol 18 ingredients
PCA Skin ReBalance 20 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Niacinamide 4%
Smoothing
Zea Mays Starch
AbsorbentPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Polyacrylamide
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Cetearyl Olivate
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingLaureth-7
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Isononanoate
EmollientGlycereth-26
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyisobutene
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientBisabolol
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Oenothera Biennis Oil
Emollient
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Emollient
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Water, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Glycereth-26, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Niacinamide, Carbomer, Polyisobutene, Caprylyl Glycol, Bisabolol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Tocopheryl Acetate, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Hyaluronate
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 WaterNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamidePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Carbomer 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.
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 HydroxideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Neutrogena Clear and Defend + Gel Moisturiser with Niacinamide and Panthenol 18 ingredients
PCA Skin ReBalance 20 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Neutrogena Clear and Defend + Gel Moisturiser with Niacinamide and Panthenol 18 ingredients
I've had this for two weeks now and I can say It definitely keeps my skin hydrated but it does absolutely zero for oil production I swear it probably makes me more oily. I end up having to powder my face with pressed powder to get the feeling of oiliness off my face.
I also use this at night time and when I wake up I can literally feel oil all over my face, especially my t-zone and forehead. I Show more
I’ve been using this twice a day for a week now and my notes are:
-oil control is excellent for my combination skin
-good makeup base
-cleared my painful (not severe) acne almost immediately??
-no effects on texture
(edit: t-zone gradually became more oily so 3/5)
