Hourglass

Equilibrium Intensive Hydrating Eye Balm

Name: Hourglass - Equilibrium Intensive Hydrating Eye Balm
Brand: Hourglass

Efficacy 62/100·Low irritancy

Efficacy measures how well the formula delivers the claims the brand advertises · 1 of 2 advertised claims delivered

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Product claims breakdown

Moisturizing

8 ingredients contribute at the levels below

Good evidence

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: diglycerin, glycerin.

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: dimethicone, phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate.

DIGLYCERINRole: Key activeHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~3.5–5.3%

DIMETHICONERole: Key activeA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~2.4–3.6%

GLYCERINRole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~22–33%

GLYCERYL GLUCOSIDERole: Key activeCan help to restore skin barrier function and soften its upper layer~0.35–0.8%

PHOSPHATIDYLGLYCEROLRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. It might help reduce inflammation and support the barrier function. This compound is naturally present in animal and plant tissue~0.1–0.45%

PHYTOSTERYL/OCTYLDODECYL LAUROYL GLUTAMATERole: Key activeA mix of amino acids and plant-based lipids. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss over time~0.15–0.6%

POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANERole: Key activeA silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss~0.55–1.35%

TRIETHYLHEXANOINRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~7.6–11.4%

Anti-aging

1 ingredient contributes at the levels below

Partial evidence

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.This ingredient - dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline - could be helpful for preventing or repairing signs of aging in theory, but there is no evidence that it actually works.

ASCORBIC ACIDRole: Under-dosedThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~0.5–1.2%

GlycerinRole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~22–33%

TriethylhexanoinRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~7.6–11.4%

DiglycerinRole: Key activeHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~3.5–5.3%

DimethiconeRole: Key activeA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~2.4–3.6%

Ethylhexyl palmitateRole: Key activeAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture~1.2–1.8%

PolymethylsilsesquioxaneRole: Key activeA silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss~0.55–1.35%

Dipalmitoyl hydroxyprolineRole: Key activeIs claimed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, as well as work as an anti-oxidant. There is however not enough evidence for its effectiveness~0.35–0.85%

Glyceryl glucosideRole: Key activeCan help to restore skin barrier function and soften its upper layer~0.35–0.8%

PhosphatidylglycerolRole: Key activeHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. It might help reduce inflammation and support the barrier function. This compound is naturally present in animal and plant tissue~0.1–0.45%

Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamateRole: Key activeA mix of amino acids and plant-based lipids. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss over time~0.15–0.6%

Irritancy

5 flagged ingredients — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 5 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Ascorbic acidThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of agingHigh~0.5–1.2%est.

TriethylhexanoinHelps soften the upper layer of the skinLow~7.6–11.4%est.

Polyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleateHelps oil and water mix togetherLow~2.8–4.1%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureLow~1.5–2.3%est.

Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethiconeA type of silicone that helps water and oil mix togetherLow~0.6–1.35%est.

Comedogenic

Ethylhexyl palmitate ~1.2–1.8% — rinse-off or low %

Some risk

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating ≥ 2. In leave-on products at higher concentrations they can clog pores for acne-prone skin types.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Ethylhexyl palmitateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product textureHigh~1.2–1.8%est.

Theobroma cacao seed extract—High~0.1–0.35%est.

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels