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Institut Repair Balm
Institut

Institut Repair Balm

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh
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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing
13 ingredients credited for this claim
Good support
What the product description says
“Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Kukui Nut Oil, Copper, Botanical Vitamin A, Ceramides, Goji Berry Quicker healing post dermal therapy modalities Increased moisture and hydration to improve skin barrier function Strengthens, repairs, soothes and protects against further sensitivity Decreased sensitivity and irritation for dry hyper sensitive skin Recommended for dry or irritated skin types.”
Source: Lookfantastic Australia

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: algae extract, 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: butyrospermum parkii butter, simmondsia chinensis seed oil.

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.~5–7.6%
Aleurites moluccanus seed oilKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~3.7–5.6%
SphingolipidsKey active· EmollientEffect: HighSphingolipids are a group of lipids with a common chemical structure. Some of them are naturally present in skin and can be converted to ceramides~0.95–1.4%
Algae extractKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: HighPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet~0.3–0.7%
Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~23–34%
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~0.4–1%
PhospholipidsKey activeEffect: MediumEmollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product~1.3–1.9%
GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.35–0.75%
Sorbitol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.5–1.15%
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~2–2.9%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.2–0.7%
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~0.1–0.4%
Lycium barbarum fruit extractUnder-dosedEffect: MediumA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer~0.35–0.85%
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~2–2.9%
Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA 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~23–34%
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking~1.5–2.3%
Lycium barbarum fruit extractUnder-dosedEffect: MediumA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer~0.35–0.85%
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~0.1–0.4%
Anti-aging
Not advertised by the brand · 5 ingredients credited for this claim
Moderate support

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~2–2.9%
Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA 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~23–34%
Algae extractEffect: LowPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet~0.3–0.7%
Malachite extractEffect: LowA mineral that is claimed to be able to support collagen product in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is missing~0.35–0.8%
Lycium barbarum fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer~0.35–0.85%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Salvia officinalis leaf extract, Alcohol + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.8%est.
Salvia officinalis leaf extractSage leaf extract. It can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.85%est.
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~0.2–0.75%est.
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.5%est.
Melissa officinalis leaf extractA plant extract that is added for its fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
EthoxydiglycolHelps to improve the product consistencyMedium~5.8–8.7%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~5–7.6%est.
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lackingMedium~1.5–2.3%est.
Lycium barbarum fruit extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layerMedium~0.35–0.85%est.
Caprylhydroxamic acidA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.8%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.2–0.7%est.
Cucumis sativus extract—Medium~0.1–0.4%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 radicals3/5~23–34%est.
Algae extractPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet3/5~0.3–0.7%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Butyrospermum parkii butter~23–34%
Key activeComedogenic 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
Ethoxydiglycol~5.8–8.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to improve the product consistency

More about Ethoxydiglycol
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~5–7.6%
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
Aleurites moluccanus seed oil~3.7–5.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Aleurites moluccanus seed oil
Water~2.7–4.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Alpha
Not recognized
Tocopherol~2–2.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract~1.5–2.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking

More about Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract
Hyrdolized vegetable protein
Not recognized
Phospholipids~1.3–1.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product

More about Phospholipids
Epilobium angustifolium leaf extract~1–1.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Epilobium angustifolium leaf extract
Sphingolipids~0.95–1.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Sphingolipids are a group of lipids with a common chemical structure. Some of them are naturally present in skin and can be converted to ceramides

More about Sphingolipids
Sorbitol~0.5–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Sorbitol
Xanthan gum~0.45–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Glycerin~0.4–1%
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
Lycium barbarum fruit extract~0.35–0.85%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer

More about Lycium barbarum fruit extract
Malachite extract~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-aging

A mineral that is claimed to be able to support collagen product in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is missing

More about Malachite extract
Glucose~0.35–0.75%
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
Aesculus hippocastaneum seed oil
Not recognized
Propylene glycol~0.35–0.8%
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
Salvia officinalis leaf extract~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Sage leaf extract. It can be irritating

More about Salvia officinalis leaf extract
Caprylhydroxamic acid~0.2–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Caprylhydroxamic acid
Alcohol~0.2–0.75%
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
Tussilago farfara leaf extract~0.35–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Tussilago farfara leaf extract
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Algae extract~0.3–0.7%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet

More about Algae extract
Caprylyl glycol~0.2–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemishAnti-oxidationAntibacterial

Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract
Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.1–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract
Butylene glycol~0.1–0.4%
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
Melissa officinalis leaf extract~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract that is added for its fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Melissa officinalis leaf extract
Cucumis sativus extract~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
More about Cucumis sativus extract
Ext
Not recognized
Ingredient list view

Butyrospermum parkii butter, Ethoxydiglycol, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Aleurites moluccanus seed oil, Water, Unknown, Tocopherol, Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, Unknown, Phospholipids, Epilobium angustifolium leaf extract, Sphingolipids, Sorbitol, Xanthan gum, Glycerin, Lycium barbarum fruit extract, Malachite extract, Glucose, Unknown, Propylene glycol, Salvia officinalis leaf extract, Caprylhydroxamic acid, Alcohol, Tussilago farfara leaf extract, Phenoxyethanol, Algae extract, Caprylyl glycol, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Butylene glycol, Melissa officinalis leaf extract, Cucumis sativus extract, Unknown

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 17 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
  3. 3
    The chemotherapeutic potential of Terminalia ferdinandiana: Phytochemistry and bioactivityncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    The role of epidermal sphingolipids in dermatologic diseasesncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Water-soluble polysaccharide from dried Lycium barbarum fruits: Isolation, structural features and antioxidant activitysciencedirect.com
Institut Repair Balm
InstitutRepair Balm
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