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ESPA Balancing Treatment Oil
ESPA

ESPA Balancing Treatment Oil

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh
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Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing
9 ingredients credited for this claim
Good support
What the product description says
“Naturally Powerful Skin & Body Therapy Signature Blends Active Nutrients Optimal Radiance Aromatherapy Candles ESPA Men Tri-Active™ Resilience Tri-Active™ Regenerating Tri-Active™ Lift & Firm”
Source: Espa UK

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: caprylic/capric triglyceride, helianthus annuus seed oil.

Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).

Persea gratissima oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function~2.1–3.2%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~23–34%
Prunus amygdalus dulcis seedKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~4.2–6.4%
Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~0.8–1.2%
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighSoftens 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.~3.8–5.7%
Oenothera biennis oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~2.8–4.2%
Macadamia ternifolia seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumPlant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredients~4.4–6.6%
TocopherolEffect: LowPure 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~1.5–2.2%
Rosa damascena flower oilEffect: LowUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating~0.15–0.7%
Anti-aging
2 ingredients credited for this claim
Moderate support
What the product description says
“Naturally Powerful Skin & Body Therapy Signature Blends Active Nutrients Optimal Radiance Aromatherapy Candles ESPA Men Tri-Active™ Resilience Tri-Active™ Regenerating Tri-Active™ Lift & Firm”
Source: Espa UK

This product contains tocopherol. This ingredient help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they might be able to prevent early signs of aging (like fine lines and wrinkles), at least to some extent. These ingredients will not be able to "reverse" signs of aging.

TocopherolEffect: LowPure 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~1.5–2.2%
Ascorbyl palmitateEffect: LowBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.100%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · 5 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support

This product contains antioxidants (tocopherol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

TocopherolKey activeEffect: HighPure 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~1.5–2.2%
Daucus carota sativa seed oilEffect: LowA plant oil that might help neutralize free radicals and have an anti-bacterial effect~0.15–0.6%
Oenothera biennis oilEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~2.8–4.2%
Ascorbyl palmitateEffect: LowBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.100%
Daucus carota sativa root extractEffect: LowCarrot extract. Might have anti-oxidant properties and be used to add orange color~0.1–0.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
14 strong irritants: Boswellia carterii oil, Citrus aurantium amara leaf/twig oil + 12 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 20 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Boswellia carterii oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~1.3–1.9%est.
Citrus aurantium amara leaf/twig oil—High~1.1–1.6%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.85–1.3%est.
Citrus limon peel oilA highly irritating fragranceHigh~0.45–1.05%est.
Citrus nobilis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.45–1%est.
Pelargonium graveolens oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.4–0.95%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.85%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.85%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.7%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.15–0.65%est.
Citrus aurantium amara flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.7%est.
Rosa damascena flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.7%est.
CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.15–0.5%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.45%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~23–34%est.
Macadamia ternifolia seed oilPlant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredientsMedium~4.4–6.6%est.
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens 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.Medium~3.8–5.7%est.
Oenothera biennis oilHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier functionMedium~2.8–4.2%est.
Persea gratissima oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier functionMedium~2.1–3.2%est.
Ascorbyl palmitateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.Medium100%
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~23–34%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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 triglyceride
Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed~4.2–6.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed
Macadamia ternifolia seed oil~4.4–6.6%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Plant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredients

More about Macadamia ternifolia seed oil
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~3.8–5.7%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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 oil
Oenothera biennis oil~2.8–4.2%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function

More about Oenothera biennis oil
Persea gratissima oil~2.1–3.2%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function

More about Persea gratissima oil
Tocopherol~1.5–2.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

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 Tocopherol
Boswellia carterii oil~1.3–1.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Boswellia carterii oil
Citrus aurantium amara leaf/twig oil~1.1–1.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Citrus aurantium amara leaf/twig oil
Limonene~0.85–1.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.8–1.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 oil
Citrus limon peel oil~0.45–1.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A highly irritating fragrance

More about Citrus limon peel oil
Citrus nobilis peel oil~0.45–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin

More about Citrus nobilis peel oil
Pelargonium graveolens oil~0.4–0.95%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Pelargonium graveolens oil
Linalool~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Canarium commune gum oil~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Canarium commune gum oil
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil
Geraniol~0.3–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Parfum~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Citrus aurantium amara flower oil~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium amara flower oil
Rosa damascena flower oil~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Rosa damascena flower oil
Citral~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral
Citronellol~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Beta-carotene~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A colorant adding orange or bright yellow color

More about Beta-carotene
Daucus carota sativa root extract~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Carrot extract. Might have anti-oxidant properties and be used to add orange color

More about Daucus carota sativa root extract
Daucus carota sativa seed oil~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterial

A plant oil that might help neutralize free radicals and have an anti-bacterial effect

More about Daucus carota sativa seed oil
Ascorbyl palmitate100%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-aging

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.

More about Ascorbyl palmitate
Parfum~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ingredient list view

Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed, Macadamia ternifolia seed oil, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Oenothera biennis oil, Persea gratissima oil, Tocopherol, Boswellia carterii oil, Citrus aurantium amara leaf/twig oil, Limonene, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Citrus limon peel oil, Citrus nobilis peel oil, Pelargonium graveolens oil, Linalool, Canarium commune gum oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Geraniol, Parfum, Citrus aurantium amara flower oil, Rosa damascena flower oil, Citral, Citronellol, Beta-carotene, Daucus carota sativa root extract, Daucus carota sativa seed oil, Ascorbyl palmitate, Parfum

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Fatty acids profile of oil from nine varieties of Macadamia nuttandfonline.com
  2. 2
    Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
  4. 4
    Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Careonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    Topically Applied Sunflower Seed Oil Prevents Invasive Bacterial Infections in Preterm Infants in Egyptjournals.lww.com
  6. 6
    Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
ESPA Balancing Treatment Oil
ESPABalancing Treatment Oil
Buy at Espa$132.00Amazon

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Buy at Espa$132.00Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.