e.l.f. Cosmetics

e.l.f. Cosmetics Keep Your Balance Toner

Name: e.l.f. Cosmetics - Keep Your Balance Toner
Brand: e.l.f. Cosmetics

Efficacy87/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Urea, Glycerin + 12 more

Works well

What the product description says

“A skincare routine essential, the lightweight formula is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Witch Hazel, and Aloe Extract, which work to remove impurities, restore hydration, and give you soft, fresh skin that can better absorb your skincare products that follow.”

Source: e.l.f. UK

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": alanine, aspartic acid.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: urea

UreaHero· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations~0.3–0.55%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3.1–3.8%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~1.6–2%

FructoseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.9–1.1%

GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.65–0.95%

Glutamic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.7%

Aspartic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles~0.4–0.65%

AlanineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking~0.35–0.6%

SucroseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighCan 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~0.35–0.65%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~4.2–5.1%

Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~2.3–2.8%

Aloe barbadensis leaf extract· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowTraditionally 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~1.5–1.8%

Dextrin· HumectantEffect: LowA sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.65%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.2%

Anti-aging

Aspartic acid

May help

What the product description says

“Hyaluronic Acid - keeps skin hydrated and plump to help reduce the appearance of fine lines”

Source: Ulta

This product contains aspartic acid. This ingredient 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.

Aspartic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles~0.4–0.65%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

4 strong irritants: Alcohol, Hamamelis virginiana water + 2 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 15 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~7.9–9.7%est.

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~2.3–2.8%est.

Hamamelis virginiana waterA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~1.8–2.2%est.

Hexyl nicotinateMight be able to enhance blood flow in the skin. Can be irritating and result in skin rednessHigh~0.45–0.65%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf extractTraditionally 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 skinMedium~1.5–1.8%est.

Hexylene glycolHelps create a more spreadable product textureMedium~1.1–1.4%est.

Coceth-7Helps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Ppg-1-peg-9 lauryl glycol etherHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Skintegra Nectar

Higher efficacy · 100/10071% match

$19.89

Estée Lauder Soft Clean Infusion Hydrating Treatment Lotion

Higher efficacy · 100/10065% match

$37.03

View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?

No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Alcohol~7.9–9.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol

Butylene glycol~4.2–5.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 glycol

Glycerin~3.1–3.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 Glycerin

Propylene glycol~2.3–2.8%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol

Hamamelis virginiana water~1.8–2.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating

More about Hamamelis virginiana water

Sodium hyaluronate~1.6–2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~1.5–1.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

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 extract

Hexylene glycol~1.1–1.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a more spreadable product texture

More about Hexylene glycol

Fructose~0.9–1.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Fructose

Glucose~0.65–0.95%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose

Sucrose~0.35–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 Sucrose

Glutamic acid~0.45–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glutamic acid

Aspartic acid~0.4–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles

More about Aspartic acid

Hexyl nicotinate~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

De-puffing

Might be able to enhance blood flow in the skin. Can be irritating and result in skin redness

More about Hexyl nicotinate

Alanine~0.35–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin tone

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking

More about Alanine

Dextrin~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Dextrin

Urea~0.3–0.55%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingExfoliation

Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations

More about Urea

Coceth-7~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Coceth-7

Ppg-1-peg-9 lauryl glycol ether~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Ppg-1-peg-9 lauryl glycol ether

Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil

Sodium citrate~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

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 citrate

Disodium edta~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Benzoic acid~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid

Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Parfum~0.05%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Ingredient list view

Water, Alcohol, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Propylene glycol, Hamamelis virginiana water, Sodium hyaluronate, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Hexylene glycol, Fructose, Glucose, Sucrose, Glutamic acid, Aspartic acid, Hexyl nicotinate, Alanine, Dextrin, Urea, Coceth-7, Ppg-1-peg-9 lauryl glycol ether, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Sodium citrate, Disodium edta, Benzoic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl glycol, Parfum

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon USPrice as of 11/14 09:24 GMT

$9.00

Buy

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	e.l.f. CosmeticsKeep Your Balance TonerYOUR PRODUCT	SkintegraNectar	Estée LauderSoft Clean Infusion Hydrating Treatment Lotion	AESTURAATOBARRIER365 Milky Hydro Essence with Hydrating Ceramides for Skin Moisture Barrier Repair
Match	—	71%	65%	64%
Price	$9.00	$19.89+$10.89	$37.03+$28.03	$32.15+$23.15
Shared key ingredients	—	9 of 9	7 of 9	5 of 9
Key difference	—	Anhydroxylitol	Linoleic Acid	Cholesterol
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: Skin Resource.MD Visibly Moist Toner Clinique Moisture Surge Hydro-Infused Lotion

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.

We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.

Open dupe finder

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
5
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
7
Topical Glucose Induces Claudin-1 and Filaggrin Expression in a Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis and in Keratinocyte Culture, Exerting Anti-inflammatory Effects by Repairing Skin Barrier Functionncbi.nlm.nih.gov
8
Acetyl aspartic acid, a novel active ingredient, demonstrates potential to improve signs of skin ageing: from consumer need to clinical proofncbi.nlm.nih.gov
9
In vivo topical application of acetyl aspartic acid increases fibrillin-1 and collagen IV deposition leading to a significant improvement of skin firmnessncbi.nlm.nih.gov
10
The effects of topically applied hexyl nicotinate lotion on the cutaneous blood flow in patients with Raynaud's phenomenonncbi.nlm.nih.gov
11
Hexyl-Nicotinate-Induced Vasodilation in Normal Human Skinkarger.com
12
Differences among moisturizers in affecting skin susceptibility to hexyl nicotinate, measured as time to increase skin blood flowonlinelibrary.wiley.com
13
Combination of amino acids reduces pigmentation in B16F0 melanoma cellsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
14
Topical urea in skincare: A reviewpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
15
Amended Safety Assessment of PEGylated Oils as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org

e.l.f. CosmeticsKeep Your Balance Toner

Buy on Amazon$9.00 · as of 11/14 09:24 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy on Amazon$9.00 · as of 11/14 09:24 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.