Biossance Squalanne + Growth Factor Firming Moisturizer

Biossance Squalanne + Growth Factor Firming Moisturizer

Efficacy87/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Moisturizing
Hexapeptide-9, Glycerin + 29 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Squalanne + Growth Factor Firming Moisturizer”
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: alanine, arginine.

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: arginine, squalane.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: hexapeptide-9

Hexapeptide-9Hero· HumectantEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.1%
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~5–6.2%
Vitis vinifera seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~4.4–5.4%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~2.7–3.3%
Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~2.1–2.6%
Saccharomyces ferment filtrateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~1.4–1.8%
UndecaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps create a non-greasy finish on the skin~0.9–1.1%
Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymerKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.75–1.15%
Diheptyl succinateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product finish on the skin~0.7–1.05%
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~0.55–0.8%
Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.55–0.85%
Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronateKey activeEffect: HighAttracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.75%
PcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.45–0.65%
ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~0.45–0.65%
Aspartic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing 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~0.4–0.6%
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~0.35–0.65%
AlanineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking~0.35–0.65%
GlycineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function~0.35–0.65%
IsoleucineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function~0.25–0.45%
ThreonineKey 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~0.25–0.45%
ProlineKey activeEffect: Medium~0.25–0.5%
Beta-glucanKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.2–0.35%
CollagenKey activeEffect: MediumCannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products~0.2–0.35%
HistidineKey active· HumectantEffect: High~0.15–0.25%
GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.1–0.2%
Nicotiana benthamiana hexapeptide-40 sh-polypeptide-76Key activeEffect: HighA fusion peptide that combines peptides produced by human and plant cells. It might have anti-aging effect in skin and can help the skin moisturization~0.05–0.1%
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~1.3–1.6%
AlginEffect: LowUsed to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.65%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.25–0.5%
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~0.65–0.95%
Anti-aging
Aspartic acid, Serine + 5 more
May help
What the product description says
“Visibly firms skin with biomimetic growth factor, a plant-based peptide that improves the look of laxity, fine lines, and bounce.”
Source: Sephora

This product contains aspartic acid, hexapeptide-9, serine, threonine. These ingredients 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.

Aspartic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles~0.45–0.65%
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~0.35–0.65%
ThreonineKey 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~0.25–0.45%
Hexapeptide-9Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.1%
Beta-glucanEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.2–0.35%
Nicotiana benthamiana hexapeptide-40 sh-polypeptide-76Effect: LowA fusion peptide that combines peptides produced by human and plant cells. It might have anti-aging effect in skin and can help the skin moisturization~0.05–0.1%
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~0.65–0.95%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
8 flagged ingredients
Medium risk
We flagged 8 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Vitis vinifera seed oilA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~4.4–5.4%est.
UndecaneHelps create a non-greasy finish on the skinMedium~0.9–1.1%est.
TridecaneHelps create a dry, non-greasy finish of the skinMedium~0.6–0.9%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.6–0.9%est.
Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.55–0.8%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.4%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 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
AlginUsed to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.45–0.65%est.
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~2.1–2.6%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
Glycerin~5–6.2%
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
Vitis vinifera seed oil~4.4–5.4%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties

More about Vitis vinifera seed oil
Propanediol~3.2–4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Propanediol
Squalane~2.7–3.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
Cetearyl alcohol~2.1–2.6%
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
Sodium polyacrylate~1.8–2.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions

More about Sodium polyacrylate
Saccharomyces ferment filtrate~1.4–1.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharomyces ferment filtrate
Butylene glycol~1.3–1.6%
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
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Undecane~0.9–1.1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps create a non-greasy finish on the skin

More about Undecane
Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer~0.75–1.15%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer
Diheptyl succinate~0.7–1.05%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product finish on the skin

More about Diheptyl succinate
Tridecane~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps create a dry, non-greasy finish of the skin

More about Tridecane
Tocopherol~0.65–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Sodium pca~0.55–0.85%
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
Sodium lactate~0.55–0.8%
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
Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate~0.5–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate
Sodium gluconate~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium gluconate
Arginine~0.45–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine
Aspartic acid~0.45–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles

More about Aspartic acid
Pca~0.45–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Pca
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Potassium sorbate~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Algin~0.45–0.65%
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
Glycine~0.35–0.65%
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
Alanine~0.35–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingEvens skin tone

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking

More about Alanine
Serine~0.35–0.65%
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
Sodium hyaluronate~0.4–0.6%
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
Valine~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Valine
Isoleucine~0.25–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function

More about Isoleucine
Proline~0.25–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Proline
Pseudostellaria heterophylla extract
Not recognized
Threonine~0.25–0.45%
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 Threonine
Caprylyl glycol~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
1,2-hexanediol~0.25–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Beta-glucan~0.2–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-agingAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Beta-glucan
Calcium citrate~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Calcium citrate
Collagen~0.2–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products

More about Collagen
Mannose~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Mannose
Histidine~0.15–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Histidine
Phenylalanine~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Phenylalanine
Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Glucose~0.1–0.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose
Hexapeptide-9~0.05–0.1%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Hexapeptide-9
Nicotiana benthamiana hexapeptide-40 sh-polypeptide-76~0.05–0.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A fusion peptide that combines peptides produced by human and plant cells. It might have anti-aging effect in skin and can help the skin moisturization

More about Nicotiana benthamiana hexapeptide-40 sh-polypeptide-76
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Propanediol, Squalane, Cetearyl alcohol, Sodium polyacrylate, Saccharomyces ferment filtrate, Butylene glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Undecane, Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer, Diheptyl succinate, Tridecane, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium pca, Sodium lactate, Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, Sodium gluconate, Arginine, Aspartic acid, Pca, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Algin, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Sodium hyaluronate, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Unknown, Threonine, Caprylyl glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Beta-glucan, Calcium citrate, Collagen, Mannose, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Sodium hydroxide, Glucose, Hexapeptide-9, Nicotiana benthamiana hexapeptide-40 sh-polypeptide-76

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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
BiossanceSqualanne + Growth Factor Firming MoisturizerYOUR PRODUCTNEOGEN X SUR.MEDICProbiotics Youth Repair CreamFilorgaProtection Treatments Universal CreamFaceGymSupreme Restructure Firming EGF Collagen Boosting Cream
Match—60%59%58%
Price$64.00$26.20−$37.80—$120.00+$56.00
Shared key ingredients—16 of 2212 of 2212 of 22
Key difference—Hexapeptide-11NiacinamideNiacinamide
Irritancy Medium Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

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Product summary

"Biossance - Squalanne + Growth Factor Firming Moisturizer" 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

  • Peptides (hexapeptide-9 0.05% - 0.10%). Peptides are a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of aminoacids. Our skin produces Peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of Peptides is, but it is very likely that theynare helpful. Peptides might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.
  • Humectants (hexapeptide-9 0.05% - 0.10%, histidine 0.15% - 0.25%, sodium hyaluronate 0.40% - 0.60%, alanine 0.35% - 0.65%, glycine 0.35% - 0.65%, pca 0.45% - 0.65%, aspartic acid 0.45% - 0.65%, arginine 0.45% - 0.65%, sodium lactate 0.55% - 0.80%, sodium pca 0.55% - 0.85%, saccharomyces ferment filtrate 1.40% - 1.80% and glycerin 5.00% - 6.20%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Biossance" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
  2. 2
    Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
Biossance Squalanne + Growth Factor Firming Moisturizer
BiossanceSqualanne + Growth Factor Firming Moisturizer

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.