Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of The Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer versus Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream .
Last updated on April 11, 2024. Published on April 12, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 20 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, exfoliants, niacinamide and Vitamin E
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, oils, parabens or sulfates
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
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
Price
Ingredient Info
The Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer 28 ingredients
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream 44 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer 28 ingredients
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream 44 ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Benefits
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
The Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer 28 ingredients
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream 44 ingredients
Water • Caprylic Acid • Glycerin • Niacinamide • Propanediol • Cetearyl Alcohol • Cetearyl Olivate • Sorbitan Olivate • Sodium Hyaluronate • Avena Sativa Kernel Extract • Panthenol • Allantoin • Ceramide NP • Ceramide AP • Ceramide EOP • Phytosphingosine • Cholesterol • Linoleic Acid • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Xanthan Gum • Butylene Glycol • Carbomer • Tocopherol • Phenoxyethanol • Dimethicone • Disodium EDTA • Linolenic Acid • Ethylhexylglycerin
Water • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Glycerin • Cetearyl Alcohol • Squalane • Glycol Palmitate • Coconut Alkanes • Niacinamide • Hexyldecanol • Cetearyl Olivate • Sorbitan Olivate • Maltodextrin • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Ceramide NP • Ceramide AP • Ceramide EOP • Phytosphingosine • Hydrolyzed Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum • Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum • Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide • Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid • Tetraselmis Suecica Extract • Lactobacillus Ferment • Brassica Campestris Sterols • Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract • Bisabolol • Arginine • Allantoin • Tocopherol • Cholesterol • Avena Sativa Kernel Flour • Coco-Caprylate/Caprate • Pentylene Glycol • Butylene Glycol • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Stearic Acid • Acacia Senegal Gum • Xanthan Gum • Carbomer • Phenoxyethanol • Caprylyl Glycol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Disodium EDTA • Citric Acid
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterThe Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 1.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 GlycerinThe Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 3.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 3.
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideThe Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 4.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 8.
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 AlcoholThe Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 6.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 4.
Cetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateThe Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 7.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 10.
Sorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
Sorbitan Olivate is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateThe Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 8.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 11.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinThe Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 12.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 28.
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 NPThe Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 13.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 14.
Ceramide AP is a type of Ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.
They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. 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 NP Ceramide EOP
Learn more about Ceramide APThe Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 14.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 15.
Ceramide EOP is a type of Ceramide. EOP stands for a linked Ester fatty acid, a linked Omega hydroxy fatty acid, and the Phytosphingosine base.
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 NP
Learn more about Ceramide EOPThe Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 15.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 16.
Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.
Phytosphingosine is already present in our skin. On our skin, it is a building block for ceramides.
Phytosphingosine tells our skin to increase its natural moisturizing factor (NMF). The NMF is responsible for hydration, a strong barrier, and plasticity. Our NMF decreases with age. Increasing NMF leads to more healthy and hydrated skin.
Studies show products formulated with NMF ingredients help strengthen our skin's barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier reduces irritation and increases hydration. Our skin barrier is responsible for having plump and firm skin. It also helps protect our skin against infection, allergies, and inflammation.
Phytosphingosine is also abundant in plants and fungi.
More ingredients that help boost collagen in skin:
Learn more about PhytosphingosineThe Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 16.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 17.
Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolThe Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 17.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 30.
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is the lauric acid sodium salt of lactyl lactate.
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is an emulsifier and surfactant.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. They do this by preventing ingredients from separating, such as oils and water which do not mix naturally. Surfactants reduce surface tension, making it easier to rinse pollutants off skin.
Due to its relation to lauric acid, it may provide antimicrobial benefits.
Learn more about Sodium Lauroyl LactylateThe Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 19.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 35.
Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumThe Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 20.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 38.
Butylene 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.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
The Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 21.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 34.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.
The Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 22.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 39.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolThe Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 23.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 29.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
The Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 24.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 40.
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 EDTAThe Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 26.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 43.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
The Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 28.
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream contains this as ingredient number 42.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
The Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer 28 ingredients
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream 44 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
The Formula rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer 28 ingredients
Obagi Skin Barrier Recovery Cream 44 ingredients
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