The Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer Versus iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream
Updated on November 03, 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, 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, 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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
The Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer 54 ingredients
iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream 31 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer 54 ingredients
iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream 31 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Dimethicone
Emollient
Vegetable Oil
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Laminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingEclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Acmella Oleracea Extract
Skin ProtectingPiper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Berry Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
Masking
Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
Masking
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Microcrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingDimethiconol
Emollient
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
Emollient
Methylpropanediol
SolventBetaine
Humectant
Cholesterol
Emollient
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Fructooligosaccharides
HumectantBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Polyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Glucose
HumectantRaffinose
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Hydrogenated Polydecene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Vegetable Oil, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Acmella Oleracea Extract, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cetearyl Glucoside, Dimethiconol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Methylpropanediol, Betaine, Cholesterol, Cellulose Gum, Adenosine, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta-Glucan, Ceramide NP, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-51, Sorbitan Isostearate, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Glucose, Raffinose, Folic Acid, Tromethamine, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
Antimicrobial
Water
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Medicago Sativa Extract
TonicBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentTriticum Vulgare Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Campestris Extract
Skin ConditioningRaphanus Sativus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract
Skin ConditioningPerilla Frutescens Leaf Extract
MaskingCentella Asiatica Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Methyl Trimethicone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Centella Asiatica Extract, Allantoin, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Medicago Sativa Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Triticum Vulgare Sprout Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract, Brassica Campestris Extract, Raphanus Sativus Seed Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract
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 Water1,2-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
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 NiacinamideDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractSodium 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 HyaluronateAdenosine 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 AdenosineButylene 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.
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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer 54 ingredients
iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream 31 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer 54 ingredients
iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream 31 ingredients
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 Show more
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.
