Palmer's Aloe Vera Formula Extra Rich Moisturizing Gel Versus African Extracts Rooibos Skin Care Classic Moisturising Day Cream SPF 15
This calming moisturizer is formulated around Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice to calm redness and hydrate skin.
This barrier-repair day moisturizer is formulated around Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride to strengthen the skin barrier and hydrate skin.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Propylene Glycol
HumectantHamamelis Virginiana Water
AstringentAlgae Extract
EmollientPPG-2-Isodeceth-12
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTriethanolamine
BufferingMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantDMDM Hydantoin
PreservativeTetrasodium EDTA
Quaternium-15
PreservativeParfum
MaskingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Propylene Glycol, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Algae Extract, PPG-2-Isodeceth-12, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethanolamine, Methyl Gluceth-20, DMDM Hydantoin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Quaternium-15, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, CI 19140, CI 42090
Water
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycereth-26
HumectantHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantPalmitic Acid
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingPotassium Stearate
CleansingTriethanolamine
BufferingParfum
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHelianthus Annuus Flower
Skin ConditioningMyristic Acid
CleansingLauric Acid
CleansingAspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingTerpineol
MaskingLinalyl Acetate
MaskingIsoeugenol
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingBeta-Caryophyllene
MaskingWater, Octocrylene, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Cetearyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycereth-26, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Isopropyl Palmitate, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Palmitic Acid, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Potassium Stearate, Triethanolamine, Parfum, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Flower, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Terpineol, Linalyl Acetate, Isoeugenol, Citral, Hydroxycitronellal, Beta-Caryophyllene
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Carbomer is a synthetic thickening and gelling agent. It's basically the ingredient that gives a lot of serums, gels, creams, and sunscreens their smooth, non-sticky texture.
Although legally permitted at very high levels, carbomers are normally used at concentrations below 1%.
It also needs to be neutralized to actually thicken, and because it is a large molecule, it doesn't really penetrate the skin barrier.
Allergy-wise, the risk is very low. Clinical studies show carbomers have low potential for skin irritation/sensitization even at concentrations up to 100%.
A 2024 UK study patch-tested 1,302 patients and found true allergy to the parent group of carbomer to be rare with no confirmed relevant reactions.
Learn more about CarbomerHexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient with a similar scent to jasmine. It can be naturally found in chamomile essential oil.
This ingredient is a known EU allergen and may sensitize the skin. The EU requires this ingredient to be listed separately on an ingredients list.
Hexyl Cinnamal is not water soluble but is soluble in oils.
Learn more about Hexyl CinnamalLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient 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.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
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 ParfumTocopheryl Acetate is a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E.
Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life.
It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-release "storage" form; the enzymes in your skin called esterases gradually convert it into active vitamin E over time.
One in vivo study showed 5% of the acetate in the living layer of the epidermis converted to vitamin E after 5 days of application. This study also found the skin gained protection against UV damage even though the conversion was slow and small.
Once converted, vitamin E acts as a skin's main fat-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals to protect skin from damage.
Topical vitamin E generally boosts the skin's photoprotection, and it reduced UV-damage in animal models.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
Overall, it has a pretty solid safety profile and has been found to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. Allergic reactions may happen but stay rare due to how widely the ingredient gets used.
The concentration will vary depending on the formula; industry data shows 0.1% in baby lotions, 3% in lipsticks, and 5% in foot powders. You can also find this ingredient at 100% in a pure vitamin E oil.
Most leave-on skincare keeps it at the lower end, often between 0.5-1%.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateTriethanolamine (TEA) is an emulsifier and pH adjuster. It is created using ethylene oxide and ammonia. This gives Triethanolamine a nitrogen core and a similar scent to ammonia.
As an emulsifier, it prevents ingredients from separating and enhances texture by adding volume to a product.
PH adjusters are common in cosmetic products. The pH of a product can affect the effectiveness of other ingredients. A product with a high pH may also irritate the skin.
If you are looking for the tea leaf ingredient, click here.
Learn more about Triethanolamine