DERMAFIRM Moist Barrier Intensive Cream M4
Works for
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Ceramide np + 16 moreWorks well
“A nourishing moisturiser boosts skin moisture level while fortifying skin barrier to stay intact.”
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, carnosine.
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: ceramide np, palmitoyl tripeptide-1.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np, niacinamide, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, panthenol
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Carnosine, Ficus carica fruit extract + 4 moreWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (carnosine) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
The following ingredients - ficus carica fruit extract, pinus pinaster bark extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
Anti-blemishSide benefit · Niacinamide, Centella asiatica extractWorks well
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.
Evens skin toneSide benefit · Niacinamide, Pinus pinaster bark extractWorks well
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: pinus pinaster bark extract.
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.
Anti-agingSide benefit · Niacinamide, Adenosine + 4 moreWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine, niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: carnosine, palmitoyl tripeptide-1.
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: ParfumMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Cyclohexasiloxane~6.9–8.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels
More about CyclohexasiloxaneZinc oxide~5.2–6.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant
More about Zinc oxideButylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate~3.4–4.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprateDisiloxane~2.7–3.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Titanium dioxide~2.8–3.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxideButylene glycol~1.9–2.3%
- 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 glycolButyloctyl salicylate~1.6–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own
More about Butyloctyl salicylateTrimethylsiloxysilicate~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps create a nice product consistency and support the delivery of other ingredients
More about TrimethylsiloxysilicateCaprylyl methicone~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin
More about Caprylyl methiconeNiacinamide~0.9–1.1%
- 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 NiacinamideMethyl methacrylate crosspolymer~0.8–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps thicken the product consistency
More about Methyl methacrylate crosspolymerLauryl polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~0.7–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Stearic acid~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidAluminum hydroxide~0.7–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to add opaque (non-transparent) appearance to formulations. Can be used to coat other ingredients for even dispersion. This is a different ingredient compared to the ones used in antipersperants (aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate)
More about Aluminum hydroxideSodium chloride~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideTriethoxycaprylylsilane~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation
More about Triethoxycaprylylsilane1,2-hexanediol~0.55–0.8%
Polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Caprylyl glycol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolGlyceryl caprylate/caprate~0.5–0.75%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.45–0.65%
Adenosine~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
More about AdenosineSodium hyaluronate~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateGlycerin~0.3–0.55%
- 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 GlycerinTocopherol~0.3–0.5%
- 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 TocopherolCeramide np~0.3–0.55%
- 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 npPalmitoyl tripeptide-1~0.3–0.55%
- 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 tripeptide-1Betaine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetainePanthenol~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 PanthenolCarnosine~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage
More about CarnosineEctoin~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Softens the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
More about EctoinPropanediol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolHydrogenated lecithin~0.15–0.3%
- 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 lecithinLespedeza capitata leaf/stem extract~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ficus carica fruit extract~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals. The concentrations typically used in cosmetics are too small to have an effect
More about Ficus carica fruit extractCentella asiatica extract~0.15–0.3%
- 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. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.
More about Centella asiatica extractPinus pinaster bark extract~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but evidence of effectiveness of topical application is lacking. It can be an INCI name for the trademarked ingredient Pycnogenol (but could also be a different type of this plant's bark extract)
More about Pinus pinaster bark extractParfum~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Cyclohexasiloxane, Zinc oxide, Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, Disiloxane, Titanium dioxide, Butylene glycol, Butyloctyl salicylate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Caprylyl methicone, Niacinamide, Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, Lauryl polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Stearic acid, Aluminum hydroxide, Sodium chloride, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, 1,2-hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Caprylyl glycol, Glyceryl caprylate/caprate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Sodium hyaluronate, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Ceramide np, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Betaine, Panthenol, Carnosine, Ectoin, Propanediol, Hydrogenated lecithin, Lespedeza capitata leaf/stem extract, Ficus carica fruit extract, Centella asiatica extract, Pinus pinaster bark extract, Parfum
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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.
| DERMAFIRMMoist Barrier Intensive Cream M4YOUR PRODUCT | ManyoPanthe-Calming Sun Cream | MedicubePDRN Pink Hyaluronic Moisturizing Cream | HeimishBlack Rose Hydra Plumping Sorbet Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 89% | 83% | 83% |
| Price | $40.30 | — | $16.87−$23.43 | $19.97−$20.33 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 10 of 18 | 8 of 18 | 8 of 18 |
| Key difference | — | Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate | Copper Tripeptide-1 | Copper Tripeptide-1 |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: NEOGEN X SUR.MEDIC Surmedic 24K Gold Caviar Repair Vital CreamNACIFIC Uyu cream
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "DERMAFIRM - Moist Barrier Intensive Cream M4" works well for improving skin hydration To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. DERMAFIRM - Moist Barrier Intensive Cream M4 ticks this box. Humectants in this product (betaine, carnosine, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate and butylene glycol) 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 (ceramide np, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, caprylyl glycol and cyclohexasiloxane) 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 (ceramide np 0.30% - 0.55%). 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 tripeptide-1 0.30% - 0.55%). 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.
- Adenosine 0.35% - 0.65%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).
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 medium. 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.
Price
The product retails from 28.00$ up to 40.30$ 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 29 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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- 6
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