BABOR

BABOR Skinovage Balancing Serum 3

Name: BABOR - Skinovage Balancing Serum 3
Brand: BABOR

Efficacy50/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Urea + 20 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Natural biopolymers and pullulan regulate the moisture content of the skin and create a 24h, slow-release moisture depot.”

Source: Allbeauty

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": betaine, fructose.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

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

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~1.2–1.8%

UreaHero· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations~0.15–0.7%

BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~3.1–4.7%

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~1.7–2.6%

Hydrolyzed milk proteinKey activeEffect: Medium~0.55–1.3%

Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.45–1.05%

Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.35–0.8%

TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.6%

SerineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.5%

FructoseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.35%

GlycineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function~0.1–0.4%

InositolKey active· HumectantEffect: High~0.1–0.35%

PantolactoneKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.35%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.4%

Plankton extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.4%

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~2.5–3.8%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.15–0.6%

AlginEffect: LowUsed to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.4%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.45%

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~0.2–0.7%

NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.1–0.35%

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)~0.1–0.4%

Evens skin tone

Niacinamide ~0.1–0.35%, below the ~1% it needs + 1 more

Under-dosed

What the product description says

“Not only that, but strong cells make the skin more beautiful – based on the results of epigenetic research, a specific power peptide is utilised for improved skin regeneration and a more even complexion.”

Source: Allbeauty

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Serine, Butyrospermum parkii butter + 2 more

May help

This product contains serine. There is some human evidence that this ingredient helps reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin elasticity and firmness, though it is smaller or less consistent than the evidence for the best anti-aging ingredients.

SerineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.5%

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~0.2–0.7%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Parfum + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~2–3%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.15–0.55%est.

Phenethyl alcoholA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.45%est.

PullulanCreates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effectHigh~0.1–0.45%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~0.05–0.3%est.

Hydrolyzed royal jelly protein—High~0.05–0.25%est.

Ci 19140A yellow dyeHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.45–1.05%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.65%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.6%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.15–0.6%est.

Sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonateHelps protect the ingredients in the formulation against UV lightMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.45%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.45%est.

Plankton extractCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.1–0.4%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~0.1–0.4%est.

Ci 42090A colorant (dye)Medium~0.05–0.1%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 radicals3/5~0.2–0.7%est.

AlginUsed to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.1–0.4%est.

Plankton extractCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.1–0.4%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

ISANA Hyaluron Booster Feuchtigkeitskonzentrat

Higher efficacy · 100/10067% match

$7.49

Kruidvat Hyaluron Booster Drops

Higher efficacy · 75/10067% match

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Polyglyceryl-5 laurate~3–4.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Polyglyceryl-5 laurate

Betaine~3.1–4.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine

Butylene glycol~2.5–3.8%

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

Alcohol denat.~2–3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.

Glycerin~1.7–2.6%

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

Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Panthenol~1.2–1.8%

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

Xanthan gum~0.95–1.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Hydrolyzed milk protein~0.55–1.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Hydrolyzed milk protein

Sodium lactate~0.45–1.05%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate

Sodium pca~0.35–0.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca

Urea~0.15–0.7%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingExfoliation

Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations

More about Urea

Glyceryl polyacrylate~0.15–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to create a nice product texture and spread the product more easily on the skin

More about Glyceryl polyacrylate

Trehalose~0.15–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Trehalose

Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.2–0.7%

Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

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

Parfum~0.15–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Disodium edta~0.15–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Serine~0.15–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Serine

Pentylene glycol~0.15–0.6%

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

Hydrogenated lecithin~0.15–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin

Sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps protect the ingredients in the formulation against UV light

More about Sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate

Citric acid~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Phenethyl alcohol~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Phenethyl alcohol

Disodium phosphate~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation

More about Disodium phosphate

Pullulan~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Mattifying

Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect

More about Pullulan

Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Algin~0.1–0.4%

Comedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Algin

Sodium hyaluronate~0.1–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Plankton extract~0.1–0.4%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Plankton extract

Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Pantolactone~0.1–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Pantolactone

Glycine~0.1–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Glycine

Fructose~0.1–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Fructose

Lactic acid~0.1–0.4%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-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

Niacinamide~0.1–0.35%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAntibacterial

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide

Inositol~0.1–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Inositol

Alcohol~0.05–0.3%

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

Potassium phosphate~0.1–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps regulate the pH of the formulation

More about Potassium phosphate

Tris(tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) citrate~0.05–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Tris(tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) citrate

Maltodextrin~0.05–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin

Hydrolyzed royal jelly protein~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Hydrolyzed royal jelly protein

Ci 42090~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A colorant (dye)

More about Ci 42090

Ci 19140~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A yellow dye

More about Ci 19140

Ingredient list view

Water, Polyglyceryl-5 laurate, Betaine, Butylene glycol, Alcohol denat., Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Xanthan gum, Hydrolyzed milk protein, Sodium lactate, Sodium pca, Urea, Glyceryl polyacrylate, Trehalose, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium edta, Serine, Pentylene glycol, Hydrogenated lecithin, Sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate, Citric acid, Phenethyl alcohol, Disodium phosphate, Pullulan, Caprylyl glycol, Algin, Sodium hyaluronate, Plankton extract, Sodium benzoate, Pantolactone, Glycine, Fructose, Lactic acid, Niacinamide, Inositol, Alcohol, Potassium phosphate, Tris(tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) citrate, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed royal jelly protein, Ci 42090, Ci 19140

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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
	BABORSkinovage Balancing Serum 3YOUR PRODUCT	ISANAHyaluron Booster Feuchtigkeitskonzentrat	KruidvatHyaluron Booster Drops	L300INTENSIVE MOISTURE FACE SERUM
Match	—	67%	67%	63%
Price	—	$7.49	—	—
Shared key ingredients	—	10 of 15	10 of 15	11 of 15
Key difference	—	Glycosphingolipids	Glycosphingolipids	Niacinamide
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Low
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"BABOR - Skinovage Balancing Serum 3" 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

Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 1.20% - 1.80% concentration. In this concentration, Panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
Humectants (inositol 0.10% - 0.35%, fructose 0.10% - 0.35%, glycine 0.10% - 0.40%, pantolactone 0.10% - 0.35%, sodium hyaluronate 0.10% - 0.40%, trehalose 0.15% - 0.60%, urea 0.15% - 0.70%, sodium pca 0.35% - 0.80%, sodium lactate 0.45% - 1.05%, panthenol 1.20% - 1.80%, glycerin 1.70% - 2.60% and betaine 3.10% - 4.70%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 16 studies and safety reviews.

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
3
Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
4
Topical urea in skincare: A reviewpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
6
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Phenethyl Alcoholsemanticscholar.org
7
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
8
Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
9
Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
10
Effect of Topical Application of Glycine and Proline on Recalcitrant Leg Ulcers of Prolidase Deficiencyjamanetwork.com
11
Functional glycine receptor in cultured human keratinocytesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
12
Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
13
Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
14
Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
15
Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
16
Analysis of Dyes in Cosmetics: Challenges and Recent Developmentsmdpi.com

BABORSkinovage Balancing Serum 3

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