BABOR

BABOR Skinovage Complex C Cream

Name: BABOR - Skinovage Complex C Cream
Brand: BABOR

Efficacy75/100IrritancyMedium

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Works for

1 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing

19 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“Skinovage Complex C Cream”

From product name

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: erythritol, 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: 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

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~0.25–0.5%

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~0.35–0.6%

IsomaltKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.6%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.65–1%

ErythritolKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.95–1.15%

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~3.1–3.8%

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~1.7–2.1%

PantolactoneKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%

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.~0.2–0.35%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~3.9–4.7%

Decyl oleateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~4.1–5%

Glyceryl linolenateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%

Homarine hclKey activeEffect: MediumMight help to improve skin hydration levels~0.2–0.4%

Macadamia integrifolia seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.2–1.5%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~2–2.4%

Dicaprylyl carbonate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin~2.4–2.9%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedEffect: HighAn 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)~0.15–0.3%

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~0.25–0.45%

LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%

Anti-aging

5 ingredients credited for this claim

Limited support

What the product description says

“Alpine stem cells protect against the visual signs of premature skin ageing and Osmo Tec helps optimise the skin's ability to absorb active cosmetic ingredients.”

Source: Allbeauty

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.This ingredient - magnesium aluminum silicate - could be helpful for preventing or repairing signs of aging in theory, but there is no evidence that it actually works.

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~0.3–0.6%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedEffect: MediumAn 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)~0.15–0.3%

Retinyl palmitateUnder-dosedEffect: MediumThree 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~0.4–0.6%

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products~0.25–0.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

2 strong irritants: Retinyl palmitate, Parfum

Medium risk

We flagged 20 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

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~0.4–0.6%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.35–0.6%est.

Glyceryl oleateHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.65%est.

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in productsHigh~0.25–0.4%est.

Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

Lonicera caprifolium flower extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain volalite oils and be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

Lonicera japonica flower extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain volalite oils and be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.4%est.

Ci 19140A yellow dyeHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

Glyceryl linoleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.55–0.8%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~0.45–0.7%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Sodium dehydroacetateA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Homarine hclMight help to improve skin hydration levelsMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Dehydroacetic acidA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%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~0.15–0.3%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~0.2–0.35%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

Decyl oleateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin2/5~4.1–5%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~3.9–4.7%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.2/5~0.2–0.35%est.

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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

Decyl oleate~4.1–5%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Decyl oleate

Cetearyl alcohol~3.9–4.7%

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

Glycerin~3.1–3.8%

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

Dicaprylyl carbonate~2.4–2.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Dicaprylyl carbonate

Glyceryl stearate~2–2.4%

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

Sesamum indicum seed oil~1.7–2.1%

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

Peg-100 stearate~1.5–1.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture

More about Peg-100 stearate

Macadamia integrifolia seed oil~1.2–1.5%

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

Erythritol~0.95–1.15%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Erythritol

Panthenol~0.65–1%

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~0.55–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Glyceryl linoleate~0.55–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Glyceryl linoleate

Tocopheryl acetate~0.45–0.7%

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

Retinyl palmitate~0.4–0.6%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-blemishAnti-agingExfoliation

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

Isomalt~0.4–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Isomalt

Parfum~0.35–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Glyceryl oleate~0.35–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Glyceryl oleate

Magnesium aluminum silicate~0.3–0.6%

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

Dimethicone~0.35–0.6%

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

Glyceryl palmitate~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Glyceryl palmitate

Disodium edta~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Xanthan gum~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Lecithin~0.25–0.5%

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

Glyceryl linolenate~0.25–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Glyceryl linolenate

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid~0.25–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products

More about 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid

Tocopherol~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

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

Sodium dehydroacetate~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium dehydroacetate

Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.25–0.5%

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

Citric acid~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Potassium sorbate~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Benzyl alcohol~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol

Lonicera caprifolium flower extract~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain volalite oils and be irritating

More about Lonicera caprifolium flower extract

Lonicera japonica flower extract~0.25–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain volalite oils and be irritating

More about Lonicera japonica flower extract

Homarine hcl~0.2–0.4%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Might help to improve skin hydration levels

More about Homarine hcl

Pantolactone~0.2–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Pantolactone

Benzoic acid~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid

Dehydroacetic acid~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Dehydroacetic acid

Rhododendron ferrugineum leaf cell culture extract~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Rhododendron ferrugineum leaf cell culture extract

Lactic acid~0.15–0.3%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-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

Glycine soja oil~0.2–0.35%

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

Ci 19140~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A yellow dye

More about Ci 19140

Ci 15510~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ci 15510

Ingredient list view

Water, Decyl oleate, Cetearyl alcohol, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Glyceryl stearate, Sesamum indicum seed oil, Peg-100 stearate, Macadamia integrifolia seed oil, Erythritol, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl linoleate, Tocopheryl acetate, Retinyl palmitate, Isomalt, Parfum, Glyceryl oleate, Magnesium aluminum silicate, Dimethicone, Glyceryl palmitate, Disodium edta, Xanthan gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lecithin, Glyceryl linolenate, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Tocopherol, Sodium dehydroacetate, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Citric acid, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Benzyl alcohol, Lonicera caprifolium flower extract, Lonicera japonica flower extract, Homarine hcl, Pantolactone, Benzoic acid, Dehydroacetic acid, Rhododendron ferrugineum leaf cell culture extract, Lactic acid, Glycine soja oil, Ci 19140, Ci 15510

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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 Complex C CreamYOUR PRODUCT	CetaphilMoisturising Llotion
Match	—	50%
Price	$59.43	—
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 12
Key difference	—	Niacinamide
Irritancy	Medium	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—
	View product	Shop

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Product summary

"BABOR - Skinovage Complex C Cream" has a good moisturizing formula. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. BABOR - Skinovage Complex C Cream ticks this box. Humectants in this product (panthenol, erythritol, glycerin, isomalt and pantolactone) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Glycine soja oil, sesamum indicum seed oil, dimethicone, helianthus annuus seed oil and cetearyl alcohol in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.

Ingredient callouts

this moisturizer includes a form of Retinoids (vitamin A) - retinyl palmitate 0.40% - 0.60%, 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.
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 0.65% - 1.00% concentration. In this concentration, Panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.

This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: lactic acid, vitamin e and lecithin

Irritation risk

This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.