Boots Ingredients Multibiotic Moisturiser

Boots Ingredients Multibiotic Moisturiser

Efficacy100/100IrritancyLow
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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing
Paraffinum liquidum, Petrolatum + 19 more
Strong evidence
What the product description says
“Combining both pre-biotics and pro-biotics (Multi-biotics), this moisturiser leaves skin feeling moisturised and looking healthy.”
Source: Boots

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: allantoin, 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: butyrospermum parkii butter, dimethicone.

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

Paraffinum liquidumHero· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighMineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function~2.9–3.5%
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~4.4–5.3%
Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~1–1.2%
Alpha-glucan oligosaccharideKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~4.2–5.2%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.65%
InulinKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking~1.9–2.3%
AllantoinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.7–1.05%
PetrolatumHero· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighOne of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss~1.7–2.1%
LactobacillusKey activeEffect: HighA non-living ingredient made by fermentation with the bacteria Lactobacillus. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help reduce inflammation~0.5–0.8%
NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs 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~5.6–6.9%
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~0.7–1%
PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.4–0.6%
Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~2.4–3%
Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~2.1–2.6%
Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.95–1.2%
Isohexadecane· EmollientEffect: LowImproves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent~0.8–1.2%
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~0.35–0.6%
Polymnia sonchifolia root juiceEffect: LowA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties~1.2–1.5%
Portulaca oleracea extract· HumectantEffect: LowA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%
Stearic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~1.5–1.8%
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilUnder-dosedEffect: HighSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~0.5–0.8%
Evens skin tone
Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Alpha-arbutin
Strong evidence

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: alpha-arbutin, niacinamide

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs 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~5.6–6.9%
Alpha-arbutinKey activeEffect: HighMight help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin~0.5–0.75%
Anti-aging
Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Butyrospermum parkii butter
Strong evidence

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs 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~5.6–6.9%
Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA 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~1–1.2%
Anti-blemish
Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Allantoin + 1 more
Strong evidence

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs 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~5.6–6.9%
AllantoinEffect: LowHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.7–1.05%
InulinEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking~1.9–2.3%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
8 flagged ingredients
Low risk
We flag 8 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Polymnia sonchifolia root juiceA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~1.2–1.5%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~0.6–0.85%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.65–0.95%est.
Alpha-arbutinMight help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutinMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
O-cymen-5-olA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.1%est.
Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.5–0.8%est.
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~0.5–0.8%est.
Portulaca oleracea extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.25–0.5%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 radicals3/5~1–1.2%est.
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~2.4–3%est.
Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix together2/5~0.5–0.8%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
Niacinamide~5.6–6.9%
Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-blemishAnti-agingMoisturizingReduces 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
Glycerin~4.4–5.3%
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
Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide~4.2–5.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide
Paraffinum liquidum~2.9–3.5%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Mineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function

More about Paraffinum liquidum
Cetearyl alcohol~2.4–3%
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
Palmitic acid~2.1–2.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid
Inulin~1.9–2.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-blemish

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking

More about Inulin
Petrolatum~1.7–2.1%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss

More about Petrolatum
Stearic acid~1.5–1.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Polymnia sonchifolia root juice~1.2–1.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

A plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Polymnia sonchifolia root juice
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Butyrospermum parkii butter~1–1.2%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

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
Glyceryl stearate~0.95–1.2%
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
Maltodextrin~0.8–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin
Peg-100 stearate~1–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

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

More about Peg-100 stearate
Carbomer~0.75–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Allantoin~0.7–1.05%
Key active
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
Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.7–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer
Isohexadecane~0.8–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Isohexadecane
Tocopheryl acetate~0.6–0.85%
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
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.65–0.95%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Dimethicone~0.7–1%
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
Alpha-arbutin~0.5–0.75%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin tone

Might help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin

More about Alpha-arbutin
Sodium hydroxide~0.6–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Xanthan gum~0.6–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
O-cymen-5-ol~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about O-cymen-5-ol
Polysorbate 80~0.6–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polysorbate 80
Lactobacillus~0.5–0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A non-living ingredient made by fermentation with the bacteria Lactobacillus. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help reduce inflammation

More about Lactobacillus
Sorbitan oleate~0.5–0.8%
Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan oleate
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.5–0.8%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil
Sodium hyaluronate~0.45–0.65%
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
Panthenol~0.4–0.6%
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
Butylene glycol~0.35–0.6%
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
Denatonium benzoate~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Portulaca oleracea extract~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Portulaca oleracea extract
Ingredient list view

Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, Paraffinum liquidum, Cetearyl alcohol, Palmitic acid, Inulin, Petrolatum, Stearic acid, Polymnia sonchifolia root juice, Phenoxyethanol, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Glyceryl stearate, Maltodextrin, Peg-100 stearate, Carbomer, Allantoin, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Isohexadecane, Tocopheryl acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone, Alpha-arbutin, Sodium hydroxide, Xanthan gum, O-cymen-5-ol, Polysorbate 80, Lactobacillus, Sorbitan oleate, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Sodium hyaluronate, Panthenol, Butylene glycol, Denatonium benzoate, Portulaca oleracea extract

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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
BootsIngredients Multibiotic MoisturiserYOUR PRODUCTSimpleX Kindness Hydrating Light Facial MoisturiserMarudermHyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Face & Body CreamCetaphilHydrating Night Cream
Match—73%70%69%
Price$6.61$2.66−$3.95$21.99+$15.38$1.32−$5.29
Shared key ingredients—5 of 147 of 145 of 14
Key difference—UreaUreaSunflower Seed Oil
Irritancy Low Low Low Low
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

"Boots - Ingredients Multibiotic Moisturiser" has a good moisturizing formula. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Boots - Ingredients Multibiotic Moisturiser ticks this box. Humectants in this product (panthenol, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, butylene glycol and portulaca oleracea extract) 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). Emollients in this formulation (paraffinum liquidum, butyrospermum parkii butter, dimethicone, cetearyl alcohol and glyceryl stearate) 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

  • We particularly like that there is a good concentration of niacinamide (niacinamide 5.60% - 6.90%) in this moisturizer. Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is a great ingredient to have in a moisturizer. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and help improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
  • In addition, this moisturizer contains Allantoin (0.70% - 1.05%). Allantoin is helpful in wound-healing and can help restore the skin barrier faster. It might also be able to improve scars, but the evidence is not very strong for this.

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 low. 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.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Boots" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.

Price

The product retails for 5.00£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

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

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Boots Ingredients Multibiotic Moisturiser
BootsIngredients Multibiotic Moisturiser

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