Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of The Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer versus The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer .
Published on March 07, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 20 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid and peptides
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin and sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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.
Ingredient Info
The Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer 53 ingredients
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer 28 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 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
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 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is 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 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer 53 ingredients
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer 28 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
The Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer 53 ingredients
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer 28 ingredients
Water • Glycerin • Dipropylene Glycol • Cetearyl Alcohol • Cyclopentasiloxane • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • 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
Water • Methylpropanediol • Propylheptyl Caprylate • 1,2-Hexanediol • Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate • Laminaria Japonica Extract • Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract • Centella Asiatica Extract • Ficus Carica Fruit Extract • Acmella Oleracea Extract • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • Jojoba Esters • Xanthan Gum • Cetyl Alcohol • Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax • Fructooligosaccharides • Beta-Glucan • Butylene Glycol • Panthenol • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Raffinose • Folic Acid • Ceramide NP • Cholesterol • Tromethamine • Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 • Ethylhexylglycerin
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 Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 1.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 9.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 4.
Laminaria Japonica Extract comes from a kelp more commonly known as 'sweet kelp'. It is commonly eaten in Japan, Korea, and China.
Sweet kelp is a humectant and helps hydrate your skin. Humectants draw moisture from the air to your skin.
Studies show Laminaria Japonica has antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging. Kelp also contains magnesium and zinc, making it great for calming inflammation and redness.
Learn more about Laminaria Japonica ExtractThe Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 14.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 6.
Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract comes from the false daisy plant. False daisy contains antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids.
One study found false daisy to absorb UVA and UVB radiation. However, this should not replace your sunscreen.
False daisy is used in both traditional medicines and foods throughout Southeast Asia and India.
Learn more about Eclipta Prostrata Leaf ExtractThe Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 15.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 7.
Centella Asiatica Extract is derived from an herb plant native to Southeast Asia. It is rich in antioxidants and amino acids. In skincare products, Centella Asiatica Extract is used for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Many active components found in Centella Asiatica Extract, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside, encourage the skin to naturally produce hyaluronic acid. This helps keep our skin hydrated. Many of these components also show antioxidant activity and may help reduce the signs of aging.
Research shows Centella Asiatica can help increase Type I collagen production by increasing fibroblast production. Fibroblast helps form connective tissue.
The combination of all these properties makes Centella Asiatica Extract effective at soothing the skin.
Other components of Centella Asiatic Extract include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Recent studies found madecassoside may help prevent damage from UV rays by preventing UV-induced inflammation. Further research is needed.
This plant 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 ExtractThe Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 16.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 8.
We don't have a description for Acmella Oleracea Extract.
The Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 17.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 10.
Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecule hydrogen and another element.
Hydrogenated Lecithin is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within.
The phospholipids in Hydrogenated Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier to be better absorbed.
As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Learn more about Hydrogenated LecithinThe Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 20.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 11.
Methylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.
Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.
Learn more about MethylpropanediolThe Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 34.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 2.
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 Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 36.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 25.
Fructooligosaccharides is an alternative sweetener. It is often derived from the blue agave plant.
Fructooligosaccharides is a prebiotic and helps to hydrate the skin. Emerging studies are also showing fructooligosaccharides to have antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, Fructooligosaccharides helps draw moisture to the skin, helping to hydrate the skin.
Bananas, onions, garlic, asparagus, jícama, and leeks also contain fructooligosaccharides.
Learn more about FructooligosaccharidesThe Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 39.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 17.
Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi.
Beta-Glucan is a humectant, meaning it can hold large amounts of water. This helps hydrate the skin. It also helps boost your skin's natural barrier.
Beta-Glucan has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Studies show Beta-Glucan 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-GlucanThe Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 40.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 18.
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 Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 41.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 24.
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 Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 45.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 19.
Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.
lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.
Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
Learn more about PanthenolThe Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 46.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 20.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.
Low molecular weight HA has been shown to hydrate and increase elasticity of the skin. Increasing elasticity is also associated with reduction of wrinkle depth.
One study found topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. However, we always recommend speaking with a professional about your skin concerns.
Hyaluronic acids are a humectant. This means they draw moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read more about other common forms of hyaluronic acid:
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidThe Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 47.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 21.
We don't have a description for Raffinose.
The Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 49.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 22.
Folic acid is a form of Vitamin B9. Our bodies use folic acid for creating new cells and for DNA repair.
Folic acid is an antioxidant, making it an effective skin repair ingredient.
In vivo studies show folic acid to increase UV-C induced DNA damage on human fibroblasts. This is because folic acid is effective at rejoining breaks in the fibroblast DNA. It is believed folic acid may play a role in reducing UV-B damage as well. While the mechanisms are unknown, it is believed folic acid plays a role in disrupting the DNA damage process.
Studies show using moisturizers rich in folic acid led to increased hydration of the skin. Hydrated skin is essential for collagen and elastin, or for keeping skin plump. One study found a reduction in wrinkles from using folic acid creams.
Foods rich in folic acid include leafy vegetables, beans, peanuts, fresh fruit, and eggs.
Learn more about Folic AcidThe Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 50.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 23.
Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.
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 TromethamineThe Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 51.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 26.
You might know this ingredients as Matrixyl. It is a peptide.
Peptides are building blocks for protein. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 consists of five amino acids. These amino acids include: 2 lysines, 2 threonines, and serine
This ingredients tells our body to create more collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.
Thus, Matrixyl may help improve the look of wrinkles.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4The Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 52.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 27.
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 Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 54.
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer contains this as ingredient number 28.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
The Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer 53 ingredients
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer 28 ingredients
Usage
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When to use
The Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer 53 ingredients
The Potions Aqua Gel Cream Mixer 28 ingredients
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