COSRX Balancium Comfort Cool Ceramide Soothing Gel Cream
Works for
1 of 1 advertised claim delivered
MoisturizingPhytosphingosine, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 + 27 moreStrong evidence
“Soothing, gel-like cream contains ceramide and COSRX’s Cool Cera-6 Solution to increase skin’s moisture levels, and a blend of mint extract, hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica extract to cool skin.”
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:
betaine, 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: helianthus annuus seed oil, phenyl trimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide ap, ceramide as, ceramide eop, ceramide ng, ceramide np, ceramide ns, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, panthenol, phytosphingosine
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · Centella asiatica leaf extract, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 + 2 moreModerate evidence
This product contains centella asiatica leaf extract, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4. 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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy7 strong irritants: Mentha piperita leaf extract, Zingiber officinale root extract + 5 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
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Water~45–55%
Butylene glycol~5.8–7.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolGlycerin~4.1–5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinHelianthus annuus seed oil~3.1–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 oilSqualane~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 SqualanePca dimethicone~1.8–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phenyl trimethicone~1.6–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture
More about Phenyl trimethiconePolyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearatePolyglycerin-3~1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Polyglycerin-3Dipropylene glycol~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolCeramide np~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide npBetaine~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineHydrogenated lecithin~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinHydroxyacetophenone~0.35–0.6%
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerSodium polyacrylate~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions
More about Sodium polyacrylateXylitol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function
More about XylitolSodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerCaprylyl glycol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolGlyceryl stearate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearatePolyisobutene~0.25–0.45%
Polyquaternium-51~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin
More about Polyquaternium-51Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.35%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideDisodium edta~0.2–0.35%
1,2-hexanediol~0.2–0.35%
Caprylyl/capryl glucoside~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent
More about Caprylyl/capryl glucosideSorbitan oleate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan oleateMentha piperita leaf extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance and can be irritating
More about Mentha piperita leaf extractZingiber officinale root extract~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking
More about Zingiber officinale root extractMenthyl lactate~0.2–0.4%
Ethyl menthane carboxamide~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Methyl diisopropyl propionamide~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine
More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateCentella asiatica leaf extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. It can be irritating to sensitive skin. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It could, however, itself be irritating.
More about Centella asiatica leaf extractAnthemis nobilis flower water~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractAloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 juiceChamaecyparis obtusa water~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity
More about Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilDipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening
More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizateMelaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilAniba rosaeodora wood oil~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Tocopherol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolCetearyl alcohol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholStearic acid~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidSodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateHydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 acidAllantoin~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinPanthenol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolPalmitoyl pentapeptide-4~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4Phytosphingosine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect
More about PhytosphingosineCholesterol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolCeramide ng~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide ngCeramide ns~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide nsCeramide ap~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide apCeramide as~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide asCeramide eop~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide eopIngredient list view
Water, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Squalane, Pca dimethicone, Phenyl trimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Polyglycerin-3, Dipropylene glycol, Ceramide np, Betaine, Hydrogenated lecithin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Sodium polyacrylate, Xylitol, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Caprylyl glycol, Glyceryl stearate, Polyisobutene, Polyquaternium-51, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Disodium edta, 1,2-hexanediol, Caprylyl/capryl glucoside, Sorbitan oleate, Mentha piperita leaf extract, Zingiber officinale root extract, Menthyl lactate, Ethyl menthane carboxamide, Methyl diisopropyl propionamide, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Centella asiatica leaf extract, Anthemis nobilis flower water, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Chamaecyparis obtusa water, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Aniba rosaeodora wood oil, Tocopherol, Cetearyl alcohol, Stearic acid, Sodium hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Allantoin, Panthenol, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Ceramide ng, Ceramide ns, Ceramide ap, Ceramide as, Ceramide eop
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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.
| COSRXBalancium Comfort Cool Ceramide Soothing Gel CreamYOUR PRODUCT | FEEVHyper-Hydro Cream | HanskinSeven Layer Ceramide Cream | SUNGBOON EDITORAlaska Salmon PDRN Ultra Moisturizing Barrier Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 59% | 57% | 57% |
| Price | $17.12 | $18.72+$1.60 | $21.88+$4.76 | $19.50+$2.38 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 15 of 24 | 17 of 24 | 17 of 24 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Acetyl Glucosamine | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | Contains drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "COSRX - Balancium Comfort Cool Ceramide Soothing Gel Cream" works well for improving skin hydration The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Betaine, glycerin, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, polyglycerin-3 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 (ceramide eop, ceramide ng, ceramide np, ceramide ns and phytosphingosine) 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
- Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (phytosphingosine 0.25% - 0.45%, ceramide ns 0.20% - 0.35%, ceramide np 0.60% - 0.90%, ceramide ng 0.20% - 0.35%, ceramide eop 0.15% - 0.25%, ceramide as 0.10% - 0.15% and ceramide ap 0.15% - 0.25%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.
- We like that this moisturizer contains peptides (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 0.20% - 0.40%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. Peptides might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
Irritation risk
This moisturizer contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. 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.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "COSRX" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails at around 17.56$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 28 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 5
- 6
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