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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Q + A Ceramide Barrier Defence Face Cream versus Cocokind Ceramide Recovery Balm .

Last updated on October 19, 2023. Published on January 15, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 6 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, 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 need an update? Let us know.

General Moisturizer British Brand United Kingdom
General Moisturizer American Brand United States

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

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Buy Ceramide Barrier Defence Face Cream

Shop

Buy Ceramide Recovery Balm

Starts at $21.99

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

Benefits

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

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Ceramides

Benefits

Hydrating (5)
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (2)
Brightening (3)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
Irritating
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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: 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

Q + A Ceramide Barrier Defence Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 2.

Cocokind Ceramide Recovery Balm contains this as ingredient number 16.

2
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

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 Alcohol

Q + A Ceramide Barrier Defence Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 3.

Cocokind Ceramide Recovery Balm contains this as ingredient number 10.

3
What it does: Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.

Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.

These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.

Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.

Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.

Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Q + A Ceramide Barrier Defence Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 6.

Cocokind Ceramide Recovery Balm contains this as ingredient number 13.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil comes from the grape vine. Grape seeds are a byproduct of creating grape juice or wine.

The components of grape seeds have many skin benefits. Research has found it to be antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It also contains many potent antioxidants such as Vitamin E , Vitamin C, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Proanthocyanidin has been shown to help even out skin tone.

Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons. Grape seed extract may help reduce the signs of aging.

The antimicrobial properties of grape seed may help treat acne. However, more research is needed to support this claim.

Grape seed has also been found to help absorb UV rays. Grape seed extract should not replace your sunscreen.

The fatty acids of grape seed oil give it emollient properties. Emollients help soothe and soften your skin by creating a film. This film traps moisture within, keeping your skin hydrated.

Learn more about Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil

Q + A Ceramide Barrier Defence Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 7.

Cocokind Ceramide Recovery Balm contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
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

Q + A Ceramide Barrier Defence Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 9.

Cocokind Ceramide Recovery Balm contains this as ingredient number 14.

6
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

Q + A Ceramide Barrier Defence Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 10.

Cocokind Ceramide Recovery Balm contains this as ingredient number 3.

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

29% are loved or liked
24% have mixed ratings
29% are disliked or very disliked
19% have no rating yet
29% are loved or liked
6% have mixed ratings
59% are disliked or very disliked
6% 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

Q + A Ceramide Barrier Defence Face Cream 21 ingredients

Ceramide Barrier Defence Face Cream hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Cocokind Ceramide Recovery Balm 17 ingredients

1.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Heavy (2) Doesn't Work (1) Oily (1) Sticky (1)
faulmag's avatar

faulmag

5 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

Personally I don't really like it, it is really oily. It does feel heavy on the face, but not in a relaxing way. Maybe good for other body parts...

Personally I don't really like it, it is really oily. It does feel heavy on the face, but not in a relaxing way. Maybe good for other body parts but can just be annoying on the face.

khoweird's avatar

khoweird

3 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

I hated this product. It felt like I smeared some sand mixed with petroleum jelly on my face; I had to wash it off immediately. I have some sensory...

I hated this product. It felt like I smeared some sand mixed with petroleum jelly on my face; I had to wash it off immediately. I have some sensory issues and I couldn’t handle this. I’ll use Vaseline every once in awhile, and that’s not the easiest for me, but it’s much easier than using this product. It’s currently sitting in a drawer because I can’t bring myself to throw it out, but I’ll never use it on my face again. Possibly my lips again out for shaving, but that’s it.

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