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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of The Plant Base AC Clear Magic Cica Cream versus iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream .

Last updated on November 03, 2023. Published on December 24, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid and niacinamide

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances, oils and silicones

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 South Korean Brand South Korea

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

Shop

Buy AC Clear Magic Cica Cream

Starts at $2.02
Shop

Buy Centella Calming Gel Cream

Starts at $12.00

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

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin E (2)
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin (3)
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (3)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (4)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin (3)
Redness Reducing (5)
Reduces Irritation (3)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract 55%Dipropylene GlycolAstrocaryum Murumuru Seed ButterCyclopentasiloxaneSqualaneGlyceryl Stearate SeTrimethylolpropane TriisostearateBeeswaxDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl TrimethiconeNiacinamideCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideCyclohexasiloxane1,2-HexanediolCetyl AlcoholGlyceryl StearateLimnanthes Alba Seed OilWaterLauryl AlcoholStearyl AlcoholXanthan Gum Stearic AcidDimethiconePhytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl GlutamatePhenoxyethanolPalmitic AcidCamellia Sinensis LeafTocopheryl AcetateSodium Methyl Stearoyl TaurateButylene GlycolPeg-100 StearateTromethamineMyristyl AlcoholMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf OilGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractDisodium EDTAAdenosinePolysorbate 80Propylene GlycolMorus Alba Bark ExtractOpuntia Coccinellifera Fruit ExtractDiospyros Kaki Leaf ExtractVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit ExtractSalix Nigra Bark ExtractPropanediolSaccharum Officinarum ExtractCapryloyl GlycineCapryloyl Salicylic AcidAllium Cepa Bulb ExtractCarbomerSodium Tocopheryl PhosphateSophora Angustifolia Root ExtractAloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit ExtractCitrus Limon Fruit ExtractChenopodium Quinoa ExtractTocopherolSalix Alba Bark ExtractChamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf ExtractOriganum Vulgare Leaf ExtractArachidic AcidAcer Saccharum ExtractMyristic AcidHydrogenated LecithinScutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractCinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark ExtractPortulaca Oleracea ExtractLactobacillusEthylhexylglycerinHydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidCaprylyl GlycolSh-Decapeptide-9

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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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: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

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 Niacinamide

The Plant Base AC Clear Magic Cica Cream contains this as ingredient number 10.

iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 6.

2
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

The Plant Base AC Clear Magic Cica Cream contains this as ingredient number 13.

iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 5.

3
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

The Plant Base AC Clear Magic Cica Cream contains this as ingredient number 17.

iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 4.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

The Plant Base AC Clear Magic Cica Cream contains this as ingredient number 22.

iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 11.

5
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

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 Plant Base AC Clear Magic Cica Cream contains this as ingredient number 29.

iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 2.

6
What it does: Bleaching, Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing
Community Rating: Liked

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.

One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.

Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.

Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.

Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.

Learn more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract

The Plant Base AC Clear Magic Cica Cream contains this as ingredient number 34.

iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 29.

7
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.

Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.

In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.

Learn more about Adenosine

The Plant Base AC Clear Magic Cica Cream contains this as ingredient number 36.

iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 17.

8
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

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 Plant Base AC Clear Magic Cica Cream contains this as ingredient number 68.

iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 16.

9
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol

The Plant Base AC Clear Magic Cica Cream contains this as ingredient number 70.

iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 10.

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

35% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
34% are disliked or very disliked
20% have no rating yet
45% are loved or liked
19% have mixed ratings
16% are disliked or very disliked
19% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

The Plant Base AC Clear Magic Cica Cream 71 ingredients

AC Clear Magic Cica Cream hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream 31 ingredients

3.4 /5
from 22 ratings
No Scent (4) Absorbs Well (4) Light (3) Great Value (3) Works Well (2) Heavy (1)
Pronicio's avatar

Pronicio

2 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

I find it's a pretty good moisturizer for very oily skin and leaves the skin quite fresh and reduces redness and irritation quite well. I would...

I find it's a pretty good moisturizer for very oily skin and leaves the skin quite fresh and reduces redness and irritation quite well. I would personally only use it in the morning before a sunscreen, but not at night, as it's not sufficiently moisturizing for my combination skin.

leigh's avatar

leigh

5 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

Not for combo skin
Disclaimer: I have combo skin that tends to be dry in my cheeks and oily everywhere else. I also have eczema on my cheeks.
This...

Not for combo skin
Disclaimer: I have combo skin that tends to be dry in my cheeks and oily everywhere else. I also have eczema on my cheeks.
This moisturizer absorbs really nicely. I love how it doesn't feel like there's anything on my skin and how it doesn't leave my skin sticky. It's a nice moisturizer. However, for me it makes my nose/ cheek area feel a little tight. Overall I like it and will finish it but I don't think I'll repurchase. I found that even putting two layers of this on my skin it still isn't enough moisture for my combo skin. It works well for my oll forehead but not enough for my dry checks. I wouldn't repurchase since i want to find something that'll work for my whole face.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream.

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