Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum versus Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment .
Published on April 18, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe hair serums. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any oils or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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.
Hair Serum
Liquid-based hair treatment to help nourish the hair.
Hair Serum
Liquid-based hair treatment to help nourish the hair.
Price
Ingredient Info
Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum 32 ingredients
Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment 33 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Contains Sulfate
Ingredients in this product that are types of sulfate:
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 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
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 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum 32 ingredients
Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment 33 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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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 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 2 ingredients 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:
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:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient 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:
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This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum 32 ingredients
Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment 33 ingredients
Water • Dimethicone • Cyclopentasiloxane • Dimethiconol • Propylene Glycol • Polyacrylamide • Phenyl Trimethicone • Phenoxyethanol • C13-14 Isoparaffin • Peg-8 Methicone • Parfum • Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate • Laureth-7 • Disodium EDTA • Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate • Tocopheryl Acetate • C10-40 Isoalkylamidopropylethyldimonium Ethosulfate • Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein • Hydrolyzed Keratin • Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein • Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract • Benzyl Alcohol • Benzyl Salicylate • Citronellol • Eugenol • Geraniol • Hydroxycitronellal • Limonene • Linalool • CI 77163 • CI 77015 • CI 77891
Water • Cyclohexasiloxane • C13-16 Isoparaffin • Dimethicone • C13-14 Isoparaffin • Laureth-7 • Linalool • Tocopherol • Niacinamide • Pyridoxine • Lysine Hcl • Panthenol • Butylene Glycol • Hydroxycitronellal • Glyceryl Linoleate • Benzyl Salicylate • Benzyl Alcohol • Hexyl Cinnamal • Citronellol • Glyceryl Oleate • Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone • Ascorbyl Glucoside • Safflower Glucoside • Coumarin • Limonene • Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein • Iris Florentina Root Extract • Glyceryl Linolenate • CI 19140 • CI 14700 • BHA • Sodium Citrate • Parfum
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 WaterNexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment contains this as ingredient number 1.
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.
Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment contains this as ingredient number 4.
C13-14 Isoparaffin is created from petroleum-based mineral oils. It is an emollient and helps thicken a product.
As an emollient, it helps keep the skin soft and smooth by creating a barrier on top. This barrier traps moisture in, keeping the skin hydrated.
C13-14 Isoparaffin may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about C13-14 IsoparaffinNexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.
Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment contains this as ingredient number 5.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumNexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.
Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment contains this as ingredient number 33.
Laureth-7 is created by the ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol using ethylene oxide. Lauryl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with hydrating properties.
Laureth-7 is an emulsifier and cleansing ingredient. As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps cleanse the skin by gathering dirt, oil, and pollutants to be rinsed away.
Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.
Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment contains this as ingredient number 6.
Benzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.
Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.
Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholNexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.
Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment contains this as ingredient number 17.
Benzyl Salicylate is a solvent and fragrance additive. It is an ester of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid. This ingredient can be naturally found in some plants and plant extracts.
In fragrances, Benzyl Salicylate may be a solvent or a fragrance component. In synthetic musk scents, it is used as a solvent. For floral fragrances such as lilac and jasmine, it is used as a fragrance component. The natural scent of Benzyl Salicylate is described as "lightly-sweet, slightly balsamic".
While Benzyl Salicylate has been associated with contact dermatitis and allergies, emerging studies show it may not be caused by this ingredient alone.
However, this ingredient is often used with fragrances and other components that may cause allergies. It is still listed as a known allergen in the EU. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Another study from 2021 shows Benzyl Salicylate may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Learn more about Benzyl SalicylateNexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.
Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment contains this as ingredient number 16.
Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolNexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.
Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment contains this as ingredient number 19.
Hydroxycitronellal is a fragrance created from citronellal. The smell of hydroxycitronellal is often described as "citrus-like" or "melon-like".
Hydroxycitronellal is a known EU allergen and may cause irritation when applied to the skin.
Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.
Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment contains this as ingredient number 14.
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneNexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.
Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment contains this as ingredient number 25.
Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Linalool has the same effect as Limonene when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
Linalool has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolNexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.
Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment contains this as ingredient number 7.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum 32 ingredients
Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment 33 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum 32 ingredients
Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment 33 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 10 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum.
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