The Derma Co Squalane + Zinc Oil Free Daily Face Moisturizer Versus The Derma Co 5% Nia-Ceramide Mattifying Moisturizer
Updated on October 17, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, 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
The Derma Co Squalane + Zinc Oil Free Daily Face Moisturizer 13 ingredients
The Derma Co 5% Nia-Ceramide Mattifying Moisturizer 30 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
The Derma Co Squalane + Zinc Oil Free Daily Face Moisturizer 13 ingredients
The Derma Co 5% Nia-Ceramide Mattifying Moisturizer 30 ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Cyclomethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Betaine
Humectant
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
Emollient
Ceramide 1
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide 2
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide 3
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide 4
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide 6 Ii
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Silica Silylate
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTrideceth-6
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Hamamelis Virginiana Bark/Leaf Extract
AstringentZinc PCA
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Niacinamide, Cyclomethicone, Glycerin, Betaine, Caprylyl Methicone, Laminaria Digitata Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide, Cholesterol, Ceramide 1, Ceramide 2, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 4, Ceramide 6 Ii, Squalane, Panthenol, Silica Silylate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Trideceth-6, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Hamamelis Virginiana Bark/Leaf Extract, Zinc PCA, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
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".
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 SqualaneWater. 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 WaterZinc PCA (or "zinc salt") differs slightly from zinc itself. PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. However, Zinc PCA comes from zinc.
It can help reduce redness, regulate sebum, and promote the general healing process of the skin.
Zinc PCA tends to be especially useful for those with oily, acne-prone skin. It's certainly an ingredient worth trying out!
Learn more about Zinc PCAIngredient Ratings
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