Drunk Elephant T.L.C F-balm Waterfacial Midi
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Moisturizing31 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“What it includes In addition to restoring the balance of hydration and moisture levels in skin, F-Balm™ Electrolyte Waterfacial can improve signs of damage, uneven tone, and texture.”
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:
glycerin, inositol.
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: simmondsia chinensis seed oil, squalane.
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 eos, ceramide np, ceramide ns, niacinamide
Evens skin tone2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“What it includes In addition to restoring the balance of hydration and moisture levels in skin, F-Balm™ Electrolyte Waterfacial can improve signs of damage, uneven tone, and texture.”
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: ferulic acid.
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-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 6 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product contains antioxidants (ferulic acid) 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 - creatine, quercetin also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · 4 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
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: creatine, ferulic acid.
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 · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy14 flagged ingredientsMedium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Squalane~4.9–5.9%
- 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 SqualanePropanediol~4.1–5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolNiacinamide~3.2–3.9%
- 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 NiacinamideC9-12 alkane~2.4–2.9%
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~2.1–2.5%
- 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 oilAmmonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~1.7–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerGlycerin~1.5–1.9%
- 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 GlycerinMannitol~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about MannitolSclerocarya birrea seed butter~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Cocos nucifera fruit juice~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sclerocarya birrea seed oil~0.7–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.
More about Sclerocarya birrea seed oilSodium pca~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about Sodium pcaOpuntia tuna fruit extract~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Vitis vinifera seed oil~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties
More about Vitis vinifera seed oilSorbitol~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about SorbitolQuercetin~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin
More about QuercetinTrehalose~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehaloseZea mays oil~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
A good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function
More about Zea mays oilHydrogenated 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 lecithinSucrose~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion
More about SucroseCreatine~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can support skin's ability to neutralize free radicals and produce collagen, though further research is needed to confirm effectiveness
More about CreatineInositol~0.3–0.6%
Pentylene glycol~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolFerulic acid~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to be effective in neutralizing free radicals in skin. There seem to have a synergetic effect of ferulic acid, vitamin E and C, meaning that when the ingredients are used together, they enhance each other's ability protect the skin against free radicals. Ferulic acid also helps to stabilize other ingredients - including vitamins C and E. It can help to even out the skin tone. Ferulic acid is approved for use as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan in concentrations up to 10%
More about Ferulic acidSucrose distearate~0.35–0.65%
Linoleic acid~0.45–0.7%
- 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 acidCholesterol~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolCeramide ns~0.35–0.6%
- 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~0.3–0.55%
- 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 apCeramide eos~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 eosCeramide np~0.35–0.65%
- 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 npCeramide as~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 asPhospholipids~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product
More about PhospholipidsSodium hyaluronate crosspolymer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerMagnesium pca~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Magnesium pcaMicrocrystalline cellulose~0.35–0.6%
Adenosine~0.3–0.55%
- 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~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateXanthan gum~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumTapioca starch~0.3–0.6%
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Hydroxypropyl methylcelluloseCoco-caprylate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product texture
More about Coco-caprylateGlyceryl stearate~0.35–0.6%
- 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 stearateDipropylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolGlyceryl undecylenate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together and helps preserve the product formulation
More about Glyceryl undecylenateCitric acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidGlyceryl caprylate~0.25–0.5%
- 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 caprylatePhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCaprylyl glycol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolSodium benzoate~0.15–0.3%
Chlorphenesin~0.15–0.3%
Potassium sorbate~0.15–0.25%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Water, Squalane, Propanediol, Niacinamide, C9-12 alkane, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Glycerin, Mannitol, Sclerocarya birrea seed butter, Cocos nucifera fruit juice, Sclerocarya birrea seed oil, Sodium pca, Opuntia tuna fruit extract, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Sorbitol, Quercetin, Trehalose, Zea mays oil, Hydrogenated lecithin, Sucrose, Creatine, Inositol, Pentylene glycol, Ferulic acid, Sucrose distearate, Linoleic acid, Cholesterol, Ceramide ns, Ceramide ap, Ceramide eos, Ceramide np, Ceramide as, Phospholipids, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Magnesium pca, Microcrystalline cellulose, Adenosine, Sodium hyaluronate, Xanthan gum, Tapioca starch, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Coco-caprylate, Glyceryl stearate, Dipropylene glycol, Glyceryl undecylenate, Citric acid, Glyceryl caprylate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Sodium benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Potassium sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin
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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.
| Drunk ElephantT.L.C F-balm Waterfacial MidiYOUR PRODUCT | Rephrintense hydration cream 1.0 | ACWELLLicorice pH Balancing Extreme Moisture Cream 55ml | BlumeMeltdown Gel Cream for Acne-Prone Skin with 72 hour Hydration | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 72% | 72% | 71% |
| Price | — | — | $39.60 | $25.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 10 of 25 | 10 of 25 | 10 of 25 |
| Key difference | — | Ceramide Ng | Panthenol | Ceramide Eop |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredients included, "Drunk Elephant - T. L. C F-balm Waterfacial Midi" works well for moisturizing the skin. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Drunk Elephant - T. L. C F-balm Waterfacial Midi ticks this box. Glycerin, inositol, magnesium pca, mannitol 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). Ceramide np, ceramide ns, cholesterol, vitis vinifera seed oil and simmondsia chinensis 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
- We particularly like that there is a good concentration of Niacinamide (3.20% - 3.90%) 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.
- Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (ceramide np 0.35% - 0.65%, ceramide eos 0.30% - 0.55%, ceramide as 0.30% - 0.55%, ceramide ap 0.30% - 0.55% and ceramide ns 0.35% - 0.60%). 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.
- Adenosine 0.30% - 0.55%. 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 product does not contain known common irritants and is suitable for sensitive 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.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Drunk Elephant" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails for 145.00HK$ in Hong Kong.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 21 studies and safety reviews.
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