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Beautycounter Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream
Beautycounter

Beautycounter Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream

Efficacy25/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Coconut alkanes, Glycerin + 7 more
Works
What the product description says
“An innovative cream-to-gel formula with SkinBalance Complex that provides non-greasy hydration without clogging pores.”
Source: Sephora

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

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).

Coconut alkanesKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin~3.5–5.3%
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~1.7–2.6%
Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1.4–2.1%
Lauroyl lysineKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product texture~0.55–1.35%
Coco-caprylate/caprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture~0.2–0.75%
Behenyl alcohol· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient~0.35–0.8%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.9–1.4%
AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.05–0.15%
Zinc gluconateUnder-dosedTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.01–0.1%
Anti-blemish
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Allantoin + 1 more
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Acts as a mattifying agent.”
Source: Sephora

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.9–1.4%
AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.05–0.15%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.01–0.1%
Evens skin tone
Zinc gluconate
Not delivered
What the product description says
“90% reported healthier-looking skin and a more even texture .”
Source: Sephora

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.01–0.1%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract, Zinc gluconate
May help

This product contains antioxidants (epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that might contain antioxidants~0.4–0.9%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.01–0.1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Sd alcohol 40-b, Alcohol denat. + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Sd alcohol 40-bCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~2.6–3.9%est.
Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~2–3.1%est.
Gaultheria procumbens leaf extract—High~0.45–1.05%est.
Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extractA plant extract that might contain antioxidantsHigh~0.4–0.9%est.
MethylpropanediolHelps dissolve other ingredients in a formulationMedium~6–9.1%est.
Coconut alkanesAn emollient that helps soften the skinMedium~3.5–5.3%est.
Zea mays starchUsed to thicken the product's consistencyMedium~1.1–1.7%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.9–1.4%est.
Zinc gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skinMedium~0.01–0.1%est.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~0.01–0.05%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
Zea mays starchUsed to thicken the product's consistency3/5~1.1–1.7%est.
Coconut alkanesAn emollient that helps soften the skin2/5~3.5–5.3%est.
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~1.4–2.1%est.

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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
Methylpropanediol~6–9.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about Methylpropanediol
Coconut alkanes~3.5–5.3%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Coconut alkanes
Sd alcohol 40-b~2.6–3.9%
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 Sd alcohol 40-b
Alcohol denat.~2–3.1%
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
Cetearyl alcohol~1.4–2.1%
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
Zea mays starch~1.1–1.7%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Mattifying

Used to thicken the product's consistency

More about Zea mays starch
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.9–1.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessReduces irritationAnti-blemishAnti-aging

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
Lauroyl lysine~0.55–1.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product texture

More about Lauroyl lysine
Gaultheria procumbens leaf extract~0.45–1.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Gaultheria procumbens leaf extract
Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract~0.4–0.9%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might contain antioxidants

More about Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract
Malic acid~0.3–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust the product pH

More about Malic acid
Behenyl alcohol~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient

More about Behenyl alcohol
Coco-caprylate/caprate~0.2–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture

More about Coco-caprylate/caprate
Xanthan gum~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Allantoin~0.05–0.15%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

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

More about Allantoin
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Zinc gluconate~0.01–0.1%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingAnti-blemishAnti-oxidationExfoliationEvens skin tone

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Zinc gluconate
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish

More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer
Ingredient list view

Water, Methylpropanediol, Coconut alkanes, Sd alcohol 40-b, Alcohol denat., Glycerin, Cetearyl alcohol, Zea mays starch, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Lauroyl lysine, Gaultheria procumbens leaf extract, Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract, Malic acid, Behenyl alcohol, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Xanthan gum, Sodium hydroxide, Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Zinc gluconate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer

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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
BeautycounterCountercontrol Matte Effect Gel CreamYOUR PRODUCTREVOLUTION SKINCARE0.5% Salicylic Acid BHA Balancing Gel MoisturiserISNTREEHyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel CreamRevolutionBody Skincare Salicylic Body Blemish Moisture Gel
Match—37%37%37%
Price——$13.68$17.22
Shared key ingredients—1 of 21 of 21 of 2
Key difference—Salicylic AcidBetaineSalicylic Acid
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol — Contains drying alcohol
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 10 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Therapeutic Potential of Polyphenols from Epilobium Angustifolium (Fireweed): Polyphenols from Fireweedresearchgate.net
  3. 3
    Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  4. 4
    Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoinscielo.br
  5. 5
    Zinc salts in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    An overview of zinc and its importance in dermatology-Part II: The association of zinc with some dermatologic disordersoatext.com
Beautycounter Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream
BeautycounterCountercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream
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