Dermarche Labs SMARTSYNC Probiotic Science Balancing Gel-Cream
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Evens skin toneNiacinamideStrong evidence
“The lightweight, cooling formula is based upon advanced SMARTSYNC Probiotic ScienceTM, which harnesses the beneficial properties of probiotic lysates to support the skin’s natural barrier, helping replenish moisture levels and improve tone for a more even and uniform complexion.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: 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.
MoisturizingLinoleic acid, Niacinamide + 19 moreStrong evidence
“SMARTSYNC Probiotic Science Balancing Gel-Cream”
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:
anhydroxylitol, betaine.
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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, squalane.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: isosorbide dicaprylate, linoleic acid, niacinamide
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Beta-glucanStrong 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.
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Linoleic acid + 1 moreGood evidence
This product might be able to help reduce blemishes and clogged pores because it contains niacinamide.
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: linoleic acid
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Sodium anisateMedium 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.
Water~45–55%
Squalane~5.7–6.9%
- 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 SqualaneGlycerin~4.3–5.2%
- 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 GlycerinIsosorbide dicaprylate~3.3–4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Early studies suggest that it can help strengthen the skin barrier
More about Isosorbide dicaprylateLactobacillus ferment lysate filtrate~2.4–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Lactobacillus ferment lysate~2–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A "broth" with parts of dead cells of lactobacteria. Might be helpful supporting diverse microbiome in skin, but evidence is lacking
More about Lactobacillus ferment lysateCaprylic/capric triglyceride~1.8–2.2%
- 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 triglyceridePolyglyceryl-6 distearate~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin
More about Polyglyceryl-6 distearateNiacinamide~1.2–1.5%
- 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 NiacinamideSaccharide isomerate~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Saccharide isomerateSodium hyaluronate~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronatePhospholipids~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product
More about PhospholipidsLinoleic acid~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores
More about Linoleic acidXylitol~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function
More about XylitolPhytosterols~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Lipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function
More about PhytosterolsXylitylglucoside~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function
More about XylitylglucosideAnhydroxylitol~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrir function
More about AnhydroxylitolBeta-glucan~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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-glucanJojoba esters~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function
More about Jojoba estersAlgin~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Used to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about AlginBetaine~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineLeuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.4–0.6%
- 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 filtratePopulus tremuloides bark extract~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tocopheryl acetate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acetateSimmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 oilPolyacrylate crosspolymer-11~0.35–0.6%
Propanediol~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolCetyl alcohol~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholPolyglyceryl-3 beeswax~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together. Could be an allergen (beeswax)
More about Polyglyceryl-3 beeswaxGlyceryl caprylate~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
More about Glyceryl caprylateXanthan gum~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCarbomer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerSodium anisate~0.2–0.35%
Sodium citrate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citrateSodium hydroxide~0.15–0.25%
Citric acid~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidEthylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.15%
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient list view
Water, Squalane, Glycerin, Isosorbide dicaprylate, Lactobacillus ferment lysate filtrate, Lactobacillus ferment lysate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-6 distearate, Niacinamide, Saccharide isomerate, Sodium hyaluronate, Phospholipids, Linoleic acid, Xylitol, Phytosterols, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Beta-glucan, Jojoba esters, Algin, Betaine, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Populus tremuloides bark extract, Tocopheryl acetate, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-11, Propanediol, Cetyl alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 beeswax, Glyceryl caprylate, Xanthan gum, Carbomer, Sodium anisate, Sodium citrate, Sodium hydroxide, Citric acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
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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.
| Dermarche LabsSMARTSYNC Probiotic Science Balancing Gel-CreamYOUR PRODUCT | Skinbetter ScienceHydration Boosting Cream | BootsNo7 HydraLuminous+ Night Gel | Dr Sam'sFlawless Moisturiser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 88% | 78% | 77% |
| Price | $21.99 | $90.00+$68.01 | — | $73.57+$51.58 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 12 of 15 | 6 of 15 | 6 of 15 |
| Key difference | — | Ceramide Np | Panthenol | Panthenol |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredient list, "Dermarche Labs - SMARTSYNC Probiotic Science Balancing Gel-Cream" can work well for skin moisturization. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Dermarche Labs - SMARTSYNC Probiotic Science Balancing Gel-Cream ticks this box. Anhydroxylitol, betaine, glycerin, saccharide isomerate and sodium hyaluronate in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Emollients in this formulation (isosorbide dicaprylate, linoleic acid, jojoba esters, phytosterols and caprylic/capric triglyceride) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.
Ingredient callouts
- Another helpful ingredient in this moisturizer is Linoleic Acid. It is one of the fatty acids naturally present in skin. It is part of the skin barrier. Preliminary research shows that it might be able to reduce clogged pores.
Irritation risk
This moisturizer contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 50.40$ 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 17 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6
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