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African Botanics Ceramide Repair Booster
African Botanics

African Botanics Ceramide Repair Booster

Efficacy87/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Ceramide 1, Linoleic acid + 15 more
Works well
What the product description says
“A HIGHLY POTENT AND SUPER CONCENTRATED REPARATIVE CERAMIDE BOOSTER TREATMENT THAT STRENGTHENS THE SKIN'S BARRIER AND LOCKS IN MOISTURE.”
Source: Dermstore

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, hydrolyzed rice protein.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: cera alba, squalane.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide 1, linoleic acid

Ceramide 1Hero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~3.3–4.9%
Linoleic acidHero· EmollientEffect: HighAn excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores~2–2.9%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~25–37%
Sclerocarya birrea seed oilKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.~5.1–7.6%
Rosa canina fruit oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating~4.3–6.4%
Linolenic acidKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and calm down inflammation~1.5–2.3%
Oenothera biennis oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~0.5–1.15%
Hydrolyzed rice proteinKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-oxidant properties~0.4–0.95%
Persea gratissima oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function~0.35–0.85%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.2–0.7%
Cera albaKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighForms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen~0.1–0.5%
UbiquinoneKey activeEffect: HighCoenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen~0.1–0.3%
Crambe abyssinica seed oilKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.05–0.2%
Rosa centifolia flower waxEffect: LowIs likely to contain an essential oil that can be irritating. Typically used for its fragrance and to create a thicker product consistency~1–1.5%
Rosa damascena flower waxEffect: LowIs likely to contain rose essential oil that can be irritating. Typically used for its fragrance and to create a thicker product consistency~0.85–1.25%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.35–0.8%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.05–0.25%
Anti-aging
Ubiquinone, Tocopherol + 2 more
May help
What the product description says
“THE REGENERATIVE FORMULA INCREASES SKIN RESILIENCE, ELASTICITY AND RADIANCE, WHILE SMOOTHING THE LOOK OF FINE LINES AND WRINKLES.”
Source: Dermstore

This product contains ubiquinone. This ingredient help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they might be able to prevent early signs of aging (like fine lines and wrinkles), at least to some extent. These ingredients will not be able to "reverse" signs of aging.

UbiquinoneEffect: LowCoenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen~0.1–0.3%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.35–0.8%
Retinyl palmitateUnder-dosedThree steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect~0.1–0.4%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.05–0.25%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Rubus idaeus seed oil, Ubiquinone + 6 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (ubiquinone) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - rubus idaeus seed oil also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Rubus idaeus seed oilKey activeEffect: MediumA plant oil that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin~2.3–3.5%
UbiquinoneKey activeEffect: HighCoenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen~0.1–0.3%
Sclerocarya birrea seed oilEffect: LowAn emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.~5.1–7.6%
Rosa canina fruit oilEffect: LowA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating~4.3–6.4%
Oenothera biennis oilEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~0.5–1.15%
Hydrolyzed rice proteinEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-oxidant properties~0.4–0.95%
Calendula officinalis flower oilEffect: LowA plant oil that might have an antibacterial and some antioxidant effect. Is a common allergen and irritant~0.1–0.3%
TocopherolUnder-dosedPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.35–0.8%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
5 strong irritants: Rosa centifolia flower wax, Rosa damascena flower wax + 3 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 14 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Rosa centifolia flower waxIs likely to contain an essential oil that can be irritating. Typically used for its fragrance and to create a thicker product consistencyHigh~1–1.5%est.
Rosa damascena flower waxIs likely to contain rose essential oil that can be irritating. Typically used for its fragrance and to create a thicker product consistencyHigh~0.85–1.25%est.
Rosa centifolia flower oilAn essential oil. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.55%est.
Retinyl palmitateThree steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effectHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
Calendula officinalis flower oilA plant oil that might have an antibacterial and some antioxidant effect. Is a common allergen and irritantHigh~0.1–0.3%est.
Sclerocarya birrea seed oilAn emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.Medium~5.1–7.6%est.
Rosa canina fruit oilA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritatingMedium~4.3–6.4%est.
Rubus idaeus seed oilA plant oil that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skinMedium~2.3–3.5%est.
Linolenic acidAn emollient that helps soften the skin and calm down inflammationMedium~1.5–2.3%est.
Oenothera biennis oilHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier functionMedium~0.5–1.15%est.
Persea gratissima oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier functionMedium~0.35–0.85%est.
Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.05–0.25%est.
Crambe abyssinica seed oilHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.05–0.2%est.
Cera albaForms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergenMedium~0.1–0.5%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Squalane~25–37%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
Sclerocarya birrea seed oil~5.1–7.6%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.

More about Sclerocarya birrea seed oil
Rosa canina fruit oil~4.3–6.4%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating

More about Rosa canina fruit oil
Ceramide 1~3.3–4.9%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide 1
Rubus idaeus seed oil~2.3–3.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant oil that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Rubus idaeus seed oil
Linoleic acid~2–2.9%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingCleansingAnti-blemish

An excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores

More about Linoleic acid
Linolenic acid~1.5–2.3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

An emollient that helps soften the skin and calm down inflammation

More about Linolenic acid
Elaeis guineensis extract~1.3–1.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Elaeis guineensis extract
Rosa centifolia flower wax~1–1.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Is likely to contain an essential oil that can be irritating. Typically used for its fragrance and to create a thicker product consistency

More about Rosa centifolia flower wax
Rosa damascena flower wax~0.85–1.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Is likely to contain rose essential oil that can be irritating. Typically used for its fragrance and to create a thicker product consistency

More about Rosa damascena flower wax
Citrullus lanatus seed oil~0.6–1.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Citrullus lanatus seed oil
Oenothera biennis oil~0.5–1.15%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function

More about Oenothera biennis oil
Hydrolyzed rice protein~0.4–0.95%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Hydrolyzed rice protein
Tocopherol~0.35–0.8%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Persea gratissima oil~0.35–0.85%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function

More about Persea gratissima oil
Glycerin~0.2–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Rosa centifolia flower oil~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Can be irritating

More about Rosa centifolia flower oil
Retinyl palmitate~0.1–0.4%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishExfoliation

Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect

More about Retinyl palmitate
Calendula officinalis flower oil~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that might have an antibacterial and some antioxidant effect. Is a common allergen and irritant

More about Calendula officinalis flower oil
Ubiquinone~0.1–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-aging

Coenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen

More about Ubiquinone
Lactic acid~0.05–0.25%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid
Crambe abyssinica seed oil~0.05–0.2%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Crambe abyssinica seed oil
Cera alba~0.1–0.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Forms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen

More about Cera alba
Ingredient list view

Squalane, Sclerocarya birrea seed oil, Rosa canina fruit oil, Ceramide 1, Rubus idaeus seed oil, Linoleic acid, Linolenic acid, Elaeis guineensis extract, Rosa centifolia flower wax, Rosa damascena flower wax, Citrullus lanatus seed oil, Oenothera biennis oil, Hydrolyzed rice protein, Tocopherol, Persea gratissima oil, Glycerin, Rosa centifolia flower oil, Retinyl palmitate, Calendula officinalis flower oil, Ubiquinone, Lactic acid, Crambe abyssinica seed oil, Cera alba

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Dermstore15 ml
$100.00
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
African BotanicsCeramide Repair BoosterYOUR PRODUCTU BeautyThe SMOOTH Dynamic Wrinkle Defense SerumZelensPower D - Fortifying & RestoringEcookingVitamin Boost Serum
Match—44%43%43%
Price$100.00$58.00−$42.00$53.02−$46.98$41.62−$58.38
Shared key ingredients—6 of 135 of 134 of 13
Key difference—Copper Tripeptide-1BisabololSunflower Seed Oil
Irritancy High Medium Medium Low
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop
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Product summary

"African Botanics - Ceramide Repair Booster" is effective for: Moisturizing

This product could be helpful for: Anti-aging, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • this product includes a form of Retinoids (vitamin A) - retinyl palmitate 0.15% - 0.50%, but this type of vitamin A is not very effective. It could in theory help with fine lines and wrinkles, but the effect is most likely minimal.
  • Ceramides (ceramide 1 2.40% - 3.60%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.
  • Another helpful ingredient in this product is Linoleic Acid. It is one of the fatty acids naturally present in skin. It is part of the skin barrier. Preliminary research shows that it might be able to reduce clogged pores.
  • Humectants (glycerin 0.30% - 0.70%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails for 100.00$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Anti-aging potential of extracts from Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst and its chemical profiling by UPLC-Q-TOF-MSncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Physico-chemical composition and characterisation of the seed and seed oil of Sclerocarya birreapubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Assessment of the potential irritancy of oleic acid on human skin: Evaluation in vitro and in vivosciencedirect.com
  4. 4
    Topically Applied Ceramides Interact with the Stratum Corneum Lipid Matrix in Compromised Ex Vivo Skinncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    The Permeability Barrier in Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency: Evidence for a Direct Role for Linoleic Acid in Barrier Functionsciencedirect.com
  6. 6
    Digital image analysis of the effect of topically applied linoleic acid on acne microcomedones.europepmc.org
African Botanics Ceramide Repair Booster
African BotanicsCeramide Repair Booster
Buy at Dermstore$100.00Amazon

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Dermstore$100.00Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.