BABOR

BABOR Refine RX Couperose Dual Solution

Name: BABOR - Refine RX Couperose Dual Solution
Brand: BABOR

Efficacy58/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Glycerin + 18 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Horse Chestnut extract conditions the skin, helping to maintain its moisture balance, whilst additional green pigments in the primer help to give the complexion a more even appearance.”

Source: Skinstore

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, pantolactone.

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: dimethicone, helianthus annuus seed 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~1.1–1.3%

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~4.5–5.5%

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.~2.2–2.7%

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~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~0.65–0.95%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~0.45–0.7%

Hydrogenated vegetable glyceridesKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelp soften the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.7%

CyclopentasiloxaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~0.3–0.6%

Isopropyl myristateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic~0.25–0.5%

PantolactoneKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~4.1–5%

Dicaprylyl carbonate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin~1.8–2.2%

Dibutyl adipate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~1.6–1.9%

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~0.6–0.95%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.2–0.4%

CyclohexasiloxaneEffect: Low, below effective doseA silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels~0.25–0.45%

LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%

Argania spinosa kernel oilUnder-dosedAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~0.5–0.75%

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~0.45–0.65%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.2–0.35%

Anti-aging

Centella asiatica leaf extract, Magnesium aluminum silicate + 1 more

May help

What the product description says

“The serum and primer contain the 2% Anti-Redness Complex, which minimizes the appearance of couperose and promotes vascular elasticity.”

Source: Skinstore

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.~0.3–0.55%

Magnesium aluminum silicateEffect: LowMight be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and, when combined with zinc carbonate and malonic acid, reducing fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating elastin production. Also helps stabilize the product formulation~0.25–0.4%

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.~0.15–0.3%

Evens skin tone

No ingredient credited for this claim

Not delivered

What the product description says

“Ideal for sensitive skin prone to redness, rosacea and couperosis, the calming serum and primer duo contains a 2% concentration of the brand’s Anti Redness Complex, which works to correct discolouration, promote vascular elasticity and even out skin tone and promote smooth surface texture.”

Source: Skinstore

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Calendula officinalis flower extract

Medium risk

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

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Aesculus hippocastanum seed extractPlant extract. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritatingHigh~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.

Glyceryl oleateHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~4.1–5%est.

Methyl glucose sesquistearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~2.7–3.3%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~2.2–2.7%est.

Argania spinosa kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~0.5–0.75%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~0.35–0.65%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~0.45–0.65%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~0.3–0.55%est.

Triethyl citrateUsed as a fragrance. Rarely causes irritationMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.4%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~0.15–0.3%est.

Caprylyl/capryl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agentMedium~0.3–0.55%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

Isopropyl myristateAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.25–0.5%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.2/5~2.2–2.7%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.65–0.95%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Jan Marini Age Intervention Peptide Extreme

Higher efficacy · 87/10054% match

$135.00

Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum

Higher efficacy · 66/10054% match

$144.64

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~4.5–5.5%

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

Pentylene glycol~4.1–5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Methyl glucose sesquistearate~2.7–3.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Methyl glucose sesquistearate

Glycine soja oil~2.2–2.7%

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

Dicaprylyl carbonate~1.8–2.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin

More about Dicaprylyl carbonate

Dibutyl adipate~1.6–1.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency

More about Dibutyl adipate

Helianthus annuus seed oil~1.4–1.7%

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

Panthenol~1.1–1.3%

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~0.5–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Butylene glycol~0.6–0.95%

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

Cetearyl alcohol~0.65–0.95%

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

Argania spinosa kernel oil~0.5–0.75%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties

More about Argania spinosa kernel oil

Hydrogenated vegetable glycerides~0.45–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Help soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated vegetable glycerides

Dimethicone~0.45–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone

Tocopheryl acetate~0.35–0.65%

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

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.45–0.65%

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

Centella asiatica leaf extract~0.3–0.55%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces 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

Cyclopentasiloxane~0.3–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane

Xanthan gum~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Acrylates/ammonium methacrylate copolymer~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Acrylates/ammonium methacrylate copolymer

Isopropyl myristate~0.25–0.5%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic

More about Isopropyl myristate

Aesculus hippocastanum seed extract~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Plant extract. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating

More about Aesculus hippocastanum seed extract

Cyclohexasiloxane~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels

More about Cyclohexasiloxane

Carbomer~0.2–0.4%

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

Triethyl citrate~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used as a fragrance. Rarely causes irritation

More about Triethyl citrate

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Magnesium aluminum silicate~0.25–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-aging

Might be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and, when combined with zinc carbonate and malonic acid, reducing fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating elastin production. Also helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Magnesium aluminum silicate

Citric acid~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Disodium edta~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer

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

Polyisobutene~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to improve the product consistency

More about Polyisobutene

Allantoin~0.2–0.35%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces 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

Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Pantolactone~0.2–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Pantolactone

Lecithin~0.25–0.45%

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

Hoya lacunosa flower extract~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hoya lacunosa flower extract

Ascorbyl palmitate~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-agingAnti-oxidation

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

Caprylyl/capryl glucoside~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Caprylyl/capryl glucoside

Glyceryl stearate~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Glyceryl oleate~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Glyceryl oleate

Ci 77891~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ci 77891

Ci 77492~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A colorant. Usually well-tolerated

More about Ci 77492

Ci 77288~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ci 77288

Ci 77491~0.05–0.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A red colorant made of iron oxide. Typically is not irritating

More about Ci 77491

Ci 77499~0.05–0.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

An iron oxide. Used as a colorant. Is usually well tolerated

More about Ci 77499

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Pentylene glycol, Methyl glucose sesquistearate, Glycine soja oil, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Dibutyl adipate, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene glycol, Cetearyl alcohol, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Hydrogenated vegetable glycerides, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl acetate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Centella asiatica leaf extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Xanthan gum, Acrylates/ammonium methacrylate copolymer, Isopropyl myristate, Aesculus hippocastanum seed extract, Cyclohexasiloxane, Carbomer, Triethyl citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Magnesium aluminum silicate, Citric acid, Disodium edta, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Polyisobutene, Allantoin, Sodium hydroxide, Pantolactone, Lecithin, Hoya lacunosa flower extract, Ascorbyl palmitate, Caprylyl/capryl glucoside, Glyceryl stearate, Glyceryl oleate, Ci 77891, Ci 77492, Ci 77288, Ci 77491, Ci 77499

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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
	BABORRefine RX Couperose Dual SolutionYOUR PRODUCT	Jan MariniAge Intervention Peptide Extreme	Dr. Barbara SturmThe Good C Vitamin C Serum	Isana MEDUltra Sensitive Soothing serum
Match	—	54%	54%	54%
Price	—	$135.00	$144.64	—
Shared key ingredients	—	6 of 12	5 of 12	4 of 12
Key difference	—	Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8	Ceramide Np	Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"BABOR - Refine RX Couperose Dual Solution" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory and Moisturizing

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

Ingredient callouts

Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 1.10% - 1.30% concentration. In this concentration, Panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
Humectants (pantolactone 0.20% - 0.35%, panthenol 1.10% - 1.30% and glycerin 4.50% - 5.50%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.