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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner versus Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner .

Last updated on October 09, 2023. Published on January 15, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe conditioners. They have a total of 19 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain AHA and Vitamin E

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any oils or parabens

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances 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.

Price

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

AHA
Vitamin E

Benefits

Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating (5)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (6)

Notable Ingredients

AHA
PHA
Vitamin E

Benefits

Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating (4)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (5)
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Ingredients Compared

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

Ingredients Side-by-side

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

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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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: 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

TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 1.

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Alcohol

TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 2.

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
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.

TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 3.

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

We don't have a description for Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine.

TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 4.

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.

Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.

Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate

TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 5.

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 17.

6
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Liked

This ingredient is a preservative and often used for it's anti-static properties. You'll most likely see this ingredient in hair conditioners.

It does not cause irritation or sensitization in leave-on products at 1-5%.

TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 6.

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 5.

7
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Amodimethicone is a type of silicone.

TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 7.

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 10.

8
What it does: Antimicrobial, Emulsifying, Preservative
Community Rating: Liked

This ingredient is a preservative, antimicrobial, and emulsifier. It is often used in cosmetics for its ability to cleanse, condition, and reduce static.

Cetrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt, meaning it has a water-soluble structure.

TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 8.

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 15.

9
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum

TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 10.

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 6.

10
What it does: Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.

You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.

There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.

The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.

Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.

Learn more about Sodium Chloride

TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 11.

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 12.

11
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising

We don't have a description for Peg-7 Propylheptyl Ether.

TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 12.

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 16.

12
What it does: Masking, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created stabilizer and solvent. It is a part of the glycol class in the alcohol family.

Dipropylene Glycol helps dissolve and evenly distribute ingredients. It also helps decrease viscosity and thin out texture.

As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.

Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.

Learn more about Dipropylene Glycol

TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 13.

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 9.

13
What it does: Buffering, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Lactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.

Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.

Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.

Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.

Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Lactic Acid

TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 16.

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 8.

14
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

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 EDTA

TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 17.

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 14.

15
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

MCI is a preservative and known skin-irritant. It has anti-bacteria anti-fungal properties.

Studies spanning several decades have shown this ingredient to cause skin irritation and allergies.

MCI is commonly combined with methylisothiazolinone (MI). Other names for this mixture include Kathon CG and Euxyl K 100.

The use of this ingredient varies around the world:

Learn more about Methylchloroisothiazolinone

TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 20.

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 18.

16
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

MI is a preservative and known skin irritant. In the past, MI was used for its ability to prevent bacteria, yeast, and fungi growth in low doses.

Nowadays, you'll most likely see MI combined with Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI). Trade names for this combination include Kathon CG or Euxyl K 100.

Since then, numerous studies have shown this ingredient to cause contact dermatitis, or skin irritation.

The use of this ingredient varies around the world:

Learn more about Methylisothiazolinone

TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 21.

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 21.

17
What it does: Perfuming, Preservative, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Benzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.

Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.

Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.

Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.

Other types of astringent alcohols include:

According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.

Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.

Learn more about Benzyl Alcohol

TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 22.

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 25.

18
What it does: Perfuming, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.

It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".

Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.

When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.

The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.

Learn more about Limonene

TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 24.

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 27.

19
What it does: Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.

Linalool has the same effect as Limonene when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.

Linalool has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.

Learn more about Linalool

TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 25.

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 28.

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

20% are loved or liked
4% have mixed ratings
64% are disliked or very disliked
12% have no rating yet
29% are loved or liked
0% have mixed ratings
54% are disliked or very disliked
18% have no rating yet

Usage

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

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