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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Urban Skin Vitaleyez Retinol +Vitamin C Complex versus Paula's Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream .

Last updated on November 21, 2023. Published on December 20, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe eye moisturizers. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain peptides, retinoid and Vitamin C

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, dark spots and better texture

Free From

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

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances and oils

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Eye Moisturizer American Brand United States
Eye Moisturizer American Brand United States

Eye Moisturizer

Eye moisturizers help add moisture back into the skin around the eyes; these can be creams, gels, or serums.

Eye Moisturizer

Eye moisturizers help add moisture back into the skin around the eyes; these can be creams, gels, or serums.

Price

Shop

Buy Vitaleyez Retinol +Vitamin C Complex

Shop

Buy Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream

Starts at $49.00

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

AHA
Retinoid
Vitamin C (2)
Exfoliators
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides (6)

Benefits

Hydrating (5)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture (4)
Reduces Large Pores (3)
Anti-Aging (5)
Dark Spots (4)
Scar Healing (4)
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Irritating (2)
Rosacea
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid
Vitamin C (4)
Vitamin E
Ceramides (5)
Peptides (2)

Benefits

Hydrating (8)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (11)
Reduces Irritation (8)
Skin Texture (5)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (10)
Dark Spots (6)
Scar Healing (4)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (6)

Concerns

Drying
Acne Trigger
Irritating
Eczema (2)
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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.

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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

Urban Skin Vitaleyez Retinol +Vitamin C Complex contains this as ingredient number 1.

Paula's Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Antioxidant
Community Rating: Liked

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a form of Vitamin C. It is the salt of ascorbic acid.

This ingredient is more gentle than ascorbic acid. It is also more stable when exposed to light and oxygen.

Vitamin C helps reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.

Your skin uses Vitamin C to produce collagen and collagen production plays a role in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. As an antioxidant, this ingredient also helps reduce the signs of aging such as fine-lines and wrinkles.

VItamin C helps brighten skin by blocking the process of skin darkening.

In a 2011 study, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate was found to have antibacterial properties. This may help treat acne.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Learn more about Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Urban Skin Vitaleyez Retinol +Vitamin C Complex contains this as ingredient number 6.

Paula's Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream contains this as ingredient number 11.

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

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan? This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Read more about squalene with an "e".

Learn more about Squalane

Urban Skin Vitaleyez Retinol +Vitamin C Complex contains this as ingredient number 8.

Paula's Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream contains this as ingredient number 25.

4
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

Urban Skin Vitaleyez Retinol +Vitamin C Complex contains this as ingredient number 14.

Paula's Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream contains this as ingredient number 53.

5
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

Urban Skin Vitaleyez Retinol +Vitamin C Complex contains this as ingredient number 17.

Paula's Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream contains this as ingredient number 51.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.

Why is retinol famous?

It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.

Retinol is proven to:

This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.

Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).

Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.

We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.

Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.

Read about Tretinoin

Learn more about Retinol

Urban Skin Vitaleyez Retinol +Vitamin C Complex contains this as ingredient number 19.

Paula's Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream contains this as ingredient number 26.

7
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.

Urban Skin Vitaleyez Retinol +Vitamin C Complex contains this as ingredient number 21.

Paula's Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream contains this as ingredient number 4.

8
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Glycerin

Urban Skin Vitaleyez Retinol +Vitamin C Complex contains this as ingredient number 23.

Paula's Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream contains this as ingredient number 5.

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

Urban Skin Vitaleyez Retinol +Vitamin C Complex contains this as ingredient number 31.

Paula's Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream contains this as ingredient number 44.

10
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.

Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.

The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.

Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polysorbate 20

Urban Skin Vitaleyez Retinol +Vitamin C Complex contains this as ingredient number 36.

Paula's Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream contains this as ingredient number 50.

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

56% are loved or liked
10% have mixed ratings
28% are disliked or very disliked
5% have no rating yet
47% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
29% are disliked or very disliked
16% have no rating yet

Usage

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

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Urban Skin Vitaleyez Retinol +Vitamin C Complex 39 ingredients

Vitaleyez Retinol +Vitamin C Complex hasn't been rated yet.
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Paula's Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream 55 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating

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