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Hourglass Cosmetics Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm
Hourglass Cosmetics

Hourglass Cosmetics Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm

Efficacy75/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Diisostearyl malate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride + 11 more
Works
What the product description says
“What it is:  An innovative, all-in-one lip gloss-balm that nourishes, hydrates, and visibly plumps lips while delivering full-bodied color with a dewy, high-shine finish.”
Source: Sephora

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: caprylic/capric triglyceride, persea gratissima 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).

Diisostearyl malateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin~22–33%
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~2.3–3.5%
Persea gratissima oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function~0.3–0.7%
Hydrogenated vegetable oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.75%
Mangifera indica seed butterKey activeEffect: HighHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.15–0.65%
Bis-behenyl/isostearyl/phytosteryl dimer dilinoleyl dimer dilinoleate· EmollientEffect: Low~5.4–8.1%
Hydrogenated polyisobutene· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowUsed to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin~4.7–7.1%
Octyldodecanol· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation~1.6–2.4%
Polyglyceryl-2 triisostearateEffect: LowHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~0.4–0.95%
Dibutyl ethylhexanoyl glutamideEffect: LowHelps improve the product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.85%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.1–0.5%
Argania spinosa kernel oilUnder-dosedAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~0.35–0.75%
Butyrospermum parkii butterUnder-dosedA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.3–0.75%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Menthyl lactate
Medium risk
We flagged 11 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Bis-behenyl/isostearyl/phytosteryl dimer dilinoleyl dimer dilinoleate—High~5.4–8.1%est.
Menthyl lactateUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~1.1–1.6%est.
Ci 15850A red colorantHigh~0.1–0.45%est.
Diisostearyl malateHelps to soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~22–33%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~2.3–3.5%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.55–1.25%est.
Dibutyl lauroyl glutamideHelps improve the product texture and soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.5–1.2%est.
Dibutyl ethylhexanoyl glutamideHelps improve the product texture and soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.35–0.85%est.
Argania spinosa kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~0.35–0.75%est.
Persea gratissima oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier functionMedium~0.3–0.7%est.
Ci 42090A colorant (dye)Medium~0.1–0.35%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~0.3–0.75%est.
Hydrogenated vegetable oilAn oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin2/5~0.2–0.75%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Diisostearyl malate~22–33%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Diisostearyl malate
Bis-behenyl/isostearyl/phytosteryl dimer dilinoleyl dimer dilinoleate~5.4–8.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Bis-behenyl/isostearyl/phytosteryl dimer dilinoleyl dimer dilinoleate
Hydrogenated polyisobutene~4.7–7.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated polyisobutene
Polyglyceryl-2 isostearate/dimer dilinoleate copolymer~3.7–5.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Polyglyceryl-2 isostearate/dimer dilinoleate copolymer
Diisostearoyl polyglyceryl-3 dimer dilinoleate~2.9–4.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Diisostearoyl polyglyceryl-3 dimer dilinoleate
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~2.3–3.5%
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
Octyldodecanol~1.6–2.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation

More about Octyldodecanol
Synthetic wax~1.4–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations and thicken product consistency

More about Synthetic wax
Menthyl lactate~1.1–1.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Menthyl lactate
1,2-hexanediol~0.55–1.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Calcium aluminum borosilicate~0.55–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thickenthe product consistency

More about Calcium aluminum borosilicate
Dibutyl lauroyl glutamide~0.5–1.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps improve the product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Dibutyl lauroyl glutamide
Polyglyceryl-2 triisostearate~0.4–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Polyglyceryl-2 triisostearate
Calcium titanium borosilicate~0.5–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Calcium titanium borosilicate
Dibutyl ethylhexanoyl glutamide~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps improve the product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Dibutyl ethylhexanoyl glutamide
Silica~0.5–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Tin oxide~0.5–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation

More about Tin oxide
Aluminum hydroxide~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Is used to add opaque (non-transparent) appearance to formulations. Can be used to coat other ingredients for even dispersion. This is a different ingredient compared to the ones used in antipersperants (aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate)

More about Aluminum hydroxide
Argania spinosa kernel oil~0.35–0.75%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties

More about Argania spinosa kernel oil
Mangifera indica seed butter~0.15–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Mangifera indica seed butter
Persea gratissima oil~0.3–0.7%
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
Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.3–0.75%
Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter
Hydrogenated vegetable oil~0.2–0.75%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated vegetable oil
Tocopherol~0.1–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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
Ci 15850~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A red colorant

More about Ci 15850
Ci 42090~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A colorant (dye)

More about Ci 42090
Ci 77491~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A red colorant made of iron oxide. Typically is not irritating

More about Ci 77491
Ci 77891~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 77891
Ingredient list view

Diisostearyl malate, Bis-behenyl/isostearyl/phytosteryl dimer dilinoleyl dimer dilinoleate, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, Polyglyceryl-2 isostearate/dimer dilinoleate copolymer, Diisostearoyl polyglyceryl-3 dimer dilinoleate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Synthetic wax, Menthyl lactate, 1,2-hexanediol, Calcium aluminum borosilicate, Dibutyl lauroyl glutamide, Polyglyceryl-2 triisostearate, Calcium titanium borosilicate, Dibutyl ethylhexanoyl glutamide, Silica, Tin oxide, Aluminum hydroxide, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Mangifera indica seed butter, Persea gratissima oil, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Hydrogenated vegetable oil, Tocopherol, Ci 15850, Ci 42090, Ci 77491, Ci 77891

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Bluemercury
$38.00
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Amazon USPrice as of 11/6 12:32 GMT
$38.00
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Sephora
$38.00
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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Hourglass CosmeticsPhantom Volumizing Glossy BalmYOUR PRODUCTBiodermaAtoderm Lèvres: Restorative Lip BalmPaula's choicePro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Gloss Balm Lip Treatmente.l.f. CosmeticsE.L.F. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm Peach Ring
Match—36%36%34%
Price$38.00—$19.20−$18.80$12.03−$25.97
Shared key ingredients—3 of 52 of 53 of 5
Key difference—Mineral OilPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Irritancy Medium Low Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 12 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Final report of the cosmetic ingredient review expert panel on the safety assessment of Polyisobutene and Hydrogenated Polyisobutene as used in cosmeticssemanticscholar.org
  2. 2
    The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Safety Assessment of Borosilicate Glasses as Used in Cosmetics cir-safety.org
  4. 4
    Safety Assessment of Polyglyceryl Fatty Acid Esters as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  5. 5
    Safety Assessment of Tin(IV) Oxide as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  6. 6
    Safety Assessment of Alumina and Aluminum Hydroxide as Used in Cosmeticsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Hourglass Cosmetics Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm
Hourglass CosmeticsPhantom Volumizing Glossy Balm
Buy at Bluemercury$38.00$38.00as of 11/6 12:32 GMT

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

Buy at Bluemercury$38.00$38.00as of 11/6 12:32 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.