belif

belif Aqua Bomb Brightening Vitamin C Cream

Name: belif - Aqua Bomb Brightening Vitamin C Cream
Brand: belif

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Dimethicone + 16 more

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“Maintains long-lasting moisture within skin.”

Source: Sephora

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: diglycerin, 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

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~5.4–6.6%

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%

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.~0.3–0.6%

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~0.3–0.55%

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin~0.6–0.85%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~1.4–1.7%

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~0.45–0.65%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.7–1.05%

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAttracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.75%

TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~1.9–2.3%

DiglycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~2.3–2.9%

Diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethiconeEffect: LowHelp improve the product's texture~1.7–2%

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~0.25–0.5%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.3–0.55%

Sorbitol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.45–0.7%

Avena sativa kernel extractUnder-dosedEffect: HighAn effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties~0.3–0.55%

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~0.3–0.55%

LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.6%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Serine, Tocopherol + 2 more

Moderate evidence

This product contains serine. 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.

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~0.45–0.65%

Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedEffect: HighThe 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~0.25–0.5%

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.~0.25–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

12 strong irritants: Calendula officinalis flower extract, Alcohol + 10 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 24 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Pistacia lentiscus gumA tree rasin that could temporarily tighten the skin and might help regulate sebum production, but the research on its effectiveness in skin is lackingHigh~0.4–0.65%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~0.25–0.5%est.

Calendula officinalis flower extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%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~0.25–0.45%est.

Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skinHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Citrus aurantifolia oil—High~0.25–0.5%est.

Pelargonium graveolens flower oilAn essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidationHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.7–1.05%est.

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerAttracts water into the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymerHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethiconeA type of silicone that helps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.45–0.65%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~0.3–0.6%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~0.25–0.5%est.

Rubus idaeus leaf extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lackingMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.5%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 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

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.2/5~0.3–0.6%est.

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COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream

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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

Dimethicone~5.4–6.6%

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

Propanediol~4.2–5.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

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

Diglycerin~2.3–2.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Diglycerin

Trehalose~1.9–2.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Trehalose

Diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethicone~1.7–2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Help improve the product's texture

More about Diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethicone

Panthenol~1.4–1.7%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

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

More about Panthenol

Sodium chloride~1.3–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride

1,2-hexanediol~0.7–1.05%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Sodium hyaluronate~0.7–1.05%

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

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.6–0.85%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin

More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid

Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate~0.55–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer~0.5–0.75%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer

Serine~0.45–0.65%

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

Sorbitol~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Sorbitol

Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer

Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

A type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together

More about Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone

Pistacia lentiscus gum~0.4–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-blemish

A tree rasin that could temporarily tighten the skin and might help regulate sebum production, but the research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Pistacia lentiscus gum

Lecithin~0.4–0.6%

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

Glycine soja oil~0.3–0.6%

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

Tocopherol~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-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

Ascorbic acid~0.25–0.5%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-agingAnti-oxidationEvens skin tone

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

Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.3–0.55%

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

Ascorbyl palmitate~0.25–0.5%

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

Beta-carotene~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A colorant adding orange or bright yellow color

More about Beta-carotene

Daucus carota sativa seed oil~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAntibacterial

A plant oil that might help neutralize free radicals and have an anti-bacterial effect

More about Daucus carota sativa seed oil

Daucus carota sativa root extract~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Carrot extract. Might have anti-oxidant properties and be used to add orange color

More about Daucus carota sativa root extract

Salicornia herbacea extract~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Salicornia herbacea extract

Stellaria media extract~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Stellaria media extract

Alchemilla vulgaris leaf extract~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Alchemilla vulgaris leaf extract

Equisetum arvense leaf extract~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Equisetum arvense leaf extract

Urtica dioica leaf extract~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Urtica dioica leaf extract

Avena sativa kernel extract~0.3–0.55%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces rednessAnti-oxidation

An effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties

More about Avena sativa kernel extract

Calendula officinalis flower extract~0.25–0.45%

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

Nepeta cataria extract~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Nepeta cataria extract

Rubus idaeus leaf extract~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Rubus idaeus leaf extract

Baptisia tinctoria root extract~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Baptisia tinctoria root extract

Butylene glycol~0.25–0.5%

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

Dimethicone/phenyl vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Dimethicone/phenyl vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer

Sodium citrate~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.3–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Dipropylene glycol~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol

Pentylene glycol~0.3–0.55%

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

Alcohol~0.25–0.45%

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

Alcohol denat.~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

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

More about Alcohol denat.

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationAntibacterial

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil

Citrus aurantifolia oil~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Citrus aurantifolia oil

Pelargonium graveolens flower oil~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

An essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidation

More about Pelargonium graveolens flower oil

Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil

Limonene~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Citronellol~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol

Geraniol~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol

Citral~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral

Linalool~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Ingredient list view

Water, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Glycerin, Diglycerin, Trehalose, Diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethicone, Panthenol, Sodium chloride, 1,2-hexanediol, Sodium hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Serine, Sorbitol, Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer, Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Pistacia lentiscus gum, Lecithin, Glycine soja oil, Tocopherol, Ascorbic acid, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Ascorbyl palmitate, Beta-carotene, Daucus carota sativa seed oil, Daucus carota sativa root extract, Salicornia herbacea extract, Stellaria media extract, Alchemilla vulgaris leaf extract, Equisetum arvense leaf extract, Urtica dioica leaf extract, Avena sativa kernel extract, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Nepeta cataria extract, Rubus idaeus leaf extract, Baptisia tinctoria root extract, Butylene glycol, Dimethicone/phenyl vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Sodium citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipropylene glycol, Pentylene glycol, Alcohol, Alcohol denat., Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil, Citrus aurantifolia oil, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Citral, Linalool

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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
	belifAqua Bomb Brightening Vitamin C CreamYOUR PRODUCT	COSRXThe Retinol 0.1 Cream	ISDINIsdinceutics Prevent Hyaluronic Moisture Sensitive Skin	ChrismaIntensive moisture cream
Match	—	65%	62%	62%
Price	$40.73	$16.45−$24.28	$38.93−$1.80	$18.80−$21.93
Shared key ingredients	—	10 of 12	8 of 12	7 of 12
Key difference	—	Retinol	Niacinamide	Ceramide Np
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"belif - Aqua Bomb Brightening Vitamin C Cream" is a well-rounded moisturizing product. The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Panthenol, diglycerin, glycerin, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Emollients in this formulation (glycine soja oil, dimethicone, helianthus annuus seed oil and pentylene glycol) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

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 moisturizer it is used for stabilizing other ingredients in the formulation. In this concentration (0.25% - 0.50%) it cannot have a noticeable benefit for the skin.
This formulation also uses an effective concentration of panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 1.40% - 1.70%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.

Irritation risk

There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. 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.