Soul Apothecary Centella Cica Cream Versus Hero Cosmetics Clarifying Prebiotic Moisturizer
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid
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, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
Soul Apothecary Centella Cica Cream 28 ingredients
Hero Cosmetics Clarifying Prebiotic Moisturizer 38 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Soul Apothecary Centella Cica Cream 28 ingredients
Hero Cosmetics Clarifying Prebiotic Moisturizer 38 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract
Skin Conditioning
Betaine
Humectant
Tromethamine
BufferingPalmitic Acid
Emollient
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
Cleansing
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract
Antioxidant
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Asiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Centella Asiatica Extract, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract, Betaine, Tromethamine, Palmitic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Stearic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract, Beta-Glucan, Carbomer, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Ceramide NP, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Erythritol
HumectantSorbitol
Humectant
Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Trehalose
HumectantSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Hamamelis Virginiana Extract
Antiseborrhoeic
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAnanas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningZinc PCA
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningMandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingBetaine
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningStearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, Squalane, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Erythritol, Sorbitol, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, Trehalose, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Zinc PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Mandelic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Betaine, Dipropylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Stearyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin
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 SqualaneButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
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 Glycerin1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
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.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Learn more about BetaineTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateCarbomer 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.
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 NPIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Soul Apothecary Centella Cica Cream 28 ingredients
Hero Cosmetics Clarifying Prebiotic Moisturizer 38 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Soul Apothecary Centella Cica Cream 28 ingredients
Lightweight in texture despite being a cream. Calms my skin really well, moisturizes well, and gets absorbed quickly. Will still have to see on brightening though. No irritation. Packaging is ok, a bit hard to dispense product through the pump. Would still repurchase, will be my mainstay moisturizer for a long time and my favorite among all Soul Apo moisturizers.
Hero Cosmetics Clarifying Prebiotic Moisturizer 38 ingredients
It has good texture and i had no problems with it
