Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream Versus Soul Apothecary Centella Cica Cream
Updated on September 28, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, 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
Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream 22 ingredients
Soul Apothecary Centella Cica Cream 28 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream 22 ingredients
Soul Apothecary Centella Cica Cream 28 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSqualane
Emollient
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
PCA Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Tromethamine
BufferingEthylhexyl Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Stearyl Behenate
Emollient
Malachite Extract
Antioxidant
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Tryptophan
MaskingBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Squalane, Phenyl Trimethicone, PCA Dimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Carbomer, Propylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Ethylhexyl Caprylate/Caprate, Disodium EDTA, Stearyl Behenate, Malachite Extract, Tranexamic Acid, Tryptophan, Beta-Glucan, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract
Skin Conditioning
Betaine
Humectant
Tromethamine
BufferingPalmitic Acid
Emollient
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Stearic 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
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 WaterButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolGlycerin 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 GlycerinSqualane 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".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneCarbomer 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.
Tromethamine 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 TromethamineBeta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi. It hydrates the skin and helps boost your skin's natural barrier.
As an antioxidant, beta-glucan helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Studies show this ingredient may be an effective wrinkle reducer as it can deeply penetrate into skin. It has also been show to help with wound healing.
Learn more about Beta-GlucanSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream 22 ingredients
Soul Apothecary Centella Cica Cream 28 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream 22 ingredients
This is the best moisturizer for oily skin that I’ve tried among three others because it is very lightweight and doesn’t leave a greasy feel when used in the morning.
I have a tip for you all when looking for a moisturizer: check the top five ingredients on the list. This will give you an idea of the moisturizer’s texture. The top five ingredients in this moisturizer are aqua, butylene glycol, Show more
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.
