COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream
Works for
1 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Moisturizing18 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Soothes and moisturizes skin without greasy feeling Ceramide helps to strengthen skin barrier Suitable for all skin types”
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, cyclomethicone.
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: beeswax, caprylic/capric triglyceride.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np
Anti-blemish1 ingredient credited for this claimWeak support
“Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream by COSRX banishes blemishes to give you a clearer, smoother-looking complexion free of bumps and shine.”
Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.
Evens skin tone1 ingredient credited for this claimWeak support
“Achieve radiant skin with COSRX Triple C Lightning Liquid serum that contains 20.5% pure vitamin C which attacks pigmentation and lightens brown spots and acne scars.”
Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
This product contains antioxidants (asiaticoside) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy4 strong irritants: Cassia obtusifolia seed extract, Parfum + 2 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Centella asiatica leaf water~22–33%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Butylene glycol~4.8–7.2%
- 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~4–6%
- 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~3.9–5.8%
- 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 oilCaprylic/capric triglyceride~2.9–4.4%
- 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 triglycerideCetearyl alcohol~2.1–3.1%
- 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 alcoholBetaine~1.5–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about Betaine1,2-hexanediol~0.5–1.15%
Hydrogenated lecithin~1–1.6%
- 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 lecithinCetearyl olivate~0.85–1.25%
Ceramide np~0.6–1.35%
- 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 npSorbitan olivate~0.45–1.05%
Elaeis guineensis oil~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Elaeis guineensis oilSucrose distearate~0.4–1%
Beeswax~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Forms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen
More about BeeswaxCyclomethicone~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer
More about CyclomethiconeElaeis guineensis kernel oil~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Elaeis guineensis kernel oilEthylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.8%
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.2–0.75%
- 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 copolymerEthyl hexanediol~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used to dissolve other ingredients. Might be irritating
More about Ethyl hexanediolDipropylene glycol~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolCassia obtusifolia seed extract~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Glyceryl stearate~0.2–0.7%
- 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 stearatePanthenol~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolNiacinamide~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 NiacinamideParfum~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumDimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerSodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateXanthan gum~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumSorbitan isostearate~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan isostearatePolysorbate 60~0.15–0.6%
Asiaticoside~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating
More about AsiaticosideWater~0.1–0.5%
Asiatic acid~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and madecassic acid) asiatic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating
More about Asiatic acidMadecassic acid~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and asiatic acid), madecassic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating
More about Madecassic acidLimonene~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneLinalool~0.05–0.3%
Ingredient list view
Centella asiatica leaf water, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Cetearyl alcohol, Betaine, 1,2-hexanediol, Hydrogenated lecithin, Cetearyl olivate, Ceramide np, Sorbitan olivate, Elaeis guineensis oil, Sucrose distearate, Beeswax, Cyclomethicone, Elaeis guineensis kernel oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Ethyl hexanediol, Dipropylene glycol, Cassia obtusifolia seed extract, Glyceryl stearate, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Parfum, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Sodium hyaluronate, Xanthan gum, Sorbitan isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Asiaticoside, Water, Asiatic acid, Madecassic acid, Limonene, 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.
| COSRXBalancium Comfort Ceramide CreamYOUR PRODUCT | TOSOWOONGCica Snail Cream | Dr.wantMega Moist Cream | NekerMoistouch Centellayer Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 95% | 94% | 91% |
| Price | $18.81 | $16.40−$2.41 | $17.46−$1.35 | $17.60−$1.21 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 10 of 13 | 7 of 13 | 11 of 13 |
| Key difference | — | Copper Tripeptide-1 | Madecassoside | Madecassoside |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | High |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredients included, "COSRX - Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream" works well for moisturizing the skin. This moisturizer uses a good combo of humectants and emollients. These both types of ingredients are essentials for improving the skin hydration and keeping the skin barrier healthy. Betaine, cyclomethicone, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate and butylene glycol 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). Ceramide np, cyclomethicone, beeswax, caprylic/capric triglyceride and helianthus annuus seed oil in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.
Ingredient callouts
- As a plus, this moisturizer also contains Ceramides (ceramide np 0.60% - 1.35%). Ceramides are a type of lipids that our skin produces itself. They are a building block of the skin's barrier. Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or extracted from plants. They work well for softening the skin surface and "patch holes" in the skin's barrier.
- Actives derived from an extract of the Centella Asiatica plant (also known as Gotu Kola) - madecassic acid 0.10% - 0.40%, asiaticoside 0.10% - 0.45% and asiatic acid 0.10% - 0.50% The Centella Asiatica Actives help strengthen and restore the skin barrier, decrease inflammation in skin and neutralize free radicals. They also can help to reduce scarring. The good news is that these actives work even in low concentrations.
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.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "COSRX" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails from 24.60A$ up to 38.86A$ in Australia, from 18.81$ up to 32.00$ in the United States, from 33.40CA$ up to 34.50CA$ in Canada and from 17.03£ up to 36.00£ 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 22 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 5
- 6
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