BABOR

BABOR Doctor Babor Refine Cellular: Couperose Cream

Name: BABOR - Doctor Babor Refine Cellular: Couperose Cream
Brand: BABOR

Efficacy37/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging

Centella asiatica leaf extract, Butyrospermum parkii butter + 2 more

May help

What the product description says

“The serum and primer contain the 2% Anti-Redness Complex, which minimises the appearance of couperose and promotes vascular elasticity. Skin redness visibly subsides.”

Source: Allbeauty

This product contains centella asiatica leaf extract. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

Centella asiatica leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. It can be irritating to sensitive skin. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It could, however, itself be irritating.~0.35–0.65%

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: Low, below effective doseA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.45–0.7%

Ascorbyl palmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.~0.1–0.15%

Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~0.05–0.1%

Evens skin tone

Ascorbic acid

Not delivered

What the product description says

“It reduces skin redness, leaving the complexion looking more even, and improves the appearance of couperose.”

Source: Allbeauty

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Moisturizing

Not advertised by the brand · Panthenol, Glycerin + 15 more

Works well

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: biosaccharide gum-1, glycerin.

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: helianthus annuus seed oil, glycine soja oil.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.55–0.8%

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~4.4–5.3%

Glycine soja oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.~3–3.6%

Sesamum indicum seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function~2.3–2.8%

Macadamia integrifolia seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.9–2.3%

Coco-caprylateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product texture~1.6–1.9%

Hydrogenated vegetable glyceridesKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelp soften the upper layer of the skin~1.4–1.7%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1–1.2%

Biosaccharide gum-1Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin~0.2–0.4%

Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~0.15–0.3%

PantolactoneKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.2%

Lecithin· EmollientEffect: LowUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.2–1.4%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.6%

Dicaprylyl ether· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients~0.25–0.45%

Butyrospermum parkii butterUnder-dosedA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.45–0.7%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.25–0.5%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.25–0.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Calendula officinalis flower extract, Alcohol + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

EscinA compound obtained from horse chestnut. It is claimed that this chemical can improve circulation, but there is no evidence available that it works in skinHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

Calendula officinalis flower extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

Ascorbic acidThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of agingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~3.6–4.5%est.

Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.Medium~3–3.6%est.

Coco-caprylateAn emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product textureMedium~1.6–1.9%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.65–1%est.

Centella asiatica leaf extractA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. It can be irritating to sensitive skin. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It could, however, itself be irritating.Medium~0.35–0.65%est.

Sodium cetearyl sulfateHelps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agentMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Ascorbyl palmitateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.Medium~0.1–0.15%est.

Comedogenic

3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

3 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~0.45–0.7%est.

Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.2/5~3–3.6%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~1–1.2%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

COSRX Moisturizer The Retinol 0.3 Cream

Higher efficacy · 100/10063% match

$26.95

Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Cream — Hydrating & Glow‑Boosting Face Cream for Instant Luminosity, Smoothness & Long‑Term Radiance

Higher efficacy · 75/10062% match

$231.86

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~4.4–5.3%

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

Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~3.6–4.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate

Glycine soja oil~3–3.6%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

More about Glycine soja oil

Sesamum indicum seed oil~2.3–2.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function

More about Sesamum indicum seed oil

Macadamia integrifolia seed oil~1.9–2.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Macadamia integrifolia seed oil

Coco-caprylate~1.6–1.9%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product texture

More about Coco-caprylate

Hydrogenated vegetable glycerides~1.4–1.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Help soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated vegetable glycerides

Lecithin~1.2–1.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin

Cetearyl alcohol~1–1.2%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Tocopheryl acetate~0.65–1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate

Panthenol~0.55–0.8%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Phenoxyethanol~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Mica~0.55–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light

More about Mica

Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.45–0.7%

Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter

Centella asiatica leaf extract~0.35–0.65%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-agingAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. It can be irritating to sensitive skin. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It could, however, itself be irritating.

More about Centella asiatica leaf extract

Xanthan gum~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Butylene glycol~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Sodium cetearyl sulfate~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agent

More about Sodium cetearyl sulfate

Allantoin~0.25–0.45%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces rednessAnti-blemishReduces irritationExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Bisabolol~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Carbomer~0.25–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Escin~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A compound obtained from horse chestnut. It is claimed that this chemical can improve circulation, but there is no evidence available that it works in skin

More about Escin

Calendula officinalis flower extract~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating

More about Calendula officinalis flower extract

Alcohol~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol

Disodium edta~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Dicaprylyl ether~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients

More about Dicaprylyl ether

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.25–0.5%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Biosaccharide gum-1~0.2–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin

More about Biosaccharide gum-1

Lauryl alcohol~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Lauryl alcohol

Tin oxide~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation

More about Tin oxide

Citric acid~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Magnolia grandiflora bark extract~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Magnolia grandiflora bark extract

Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil

Pantolactone~0.1–0.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Pantolactone

Ascorbyl palmitate~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-aging

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.

More about Ascorbyl palmitate

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-blemishAnti-oxidationAntibacterial

Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract

Ascorbic acid~0.05–0.1%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-aging

The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging

More about Ascorbic acid

Ci 77891~0.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ci 77891

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Glycine soja oil, Sesamum indicum seed oil, Macadamia integrifolia seed oil, Coco-caprylate, Hydrogenated vegetable glycerides, Lecithin, Cetearyl alcohol, Tocopheryl acetate, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Centella asiatica leaf extract, Xanthan gum, Butylene glycol, Sodium cetearyl sulfate, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Escin, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Alcohol, Disodium edta, Dicaprylyl ether, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Biosaccharide gum-1, Lauryl alcohol, Tin oxide, Citric acid, Magnolia grandiflora bark extract, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Pantolactone, Ascorbyl palmitate, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Ascorbic acid, Ci 77891

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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
	BABORDoctor Babor Refine Cellular: Couperose CreamYOUR PRODUCT	COSRXMoisturizer The Retinol 0.3 Cream	Dr. Barbara SturmGlow Cream — Hydrating & Glow‑Boosting Face Cream for Instant Luminosity, Smoothness & Long‑Term Radiance	TOSOWOONGCeramide Cream
Match	—	63%	62%	61%
Price	—	$26.95	$231.86	$16.40
Shared key ingredients	—	7 of 12	6 of 12	7 of 12
Key difference	—	Retinol	Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract	Madecassoside
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	—	Contains drying alcohol
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"BABOR - Doctor Babor Refine Cellular: Couperose Cream" 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 also contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). It can be an effective active for anti-aging and evening out the skin tone, but in this product it is used for stabilizing other ingredients in the formulation. In this concentration (0.05% - 0.10%) it cannot have a noticeable benefit for the skin.
An effective concentration of Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 0.55% - 0.80%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.
Humectants (pantolactone 0.10% - 0.20%, biosaccharide gum-1 0.20% - 0.40%, panthenol 0.55% - 0.80% and glycerin 4.40% - 5.30%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.