Josie Maran

Josie Maran Surreal Skin Argan Finishing Balm

Name: Josie Maran - Surreal Skin Argan Finishing Balm
Brand: Josie Maran

Efficacy37/100IrritancyLow

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Dimethicone, Glycerin + 10 more

Works

What the product description says

“This lightweight, whipped formula amplifies moisture and elasticity while it instantly lifts and smooths skin for seamless makeup application and long-lasting wear.”

Source: Sephora

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: 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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone.

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~5.5–8.3%

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~2.8–4.2%

PolymethylsilsesquioxaneKey activeEffect: HighA silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss~2.1–3.2%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1.5–2.3%

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~1.4–2.1%

Caprylyl methiconeEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin~4–6%

Isohexadecane· EmollientEffect: LowImproves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent~0.4–0.95%

LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.75%

Argania spinosa kernel oilUnder-dosedAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~0.85–1.3%

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~0.55–1.3%

GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.4–0.9%

NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.15–0.6%

Anti-aging

Gluconolactone ~0.4–0.9%, below the ~1% it needs + 1 more

Under-dosed

What the product description says

“Natural anti-aging powerhouse ingredients replenish skin with plumping hydration while the delicate radiance softly sculpts the face for a surreal, soft-focus finish.”

Source: Sephora

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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~0.55–1.3%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

7 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 7 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Cetearyl glucosideHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product textureMedium~1.8–2.6%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~1.4–2.1%est.

Argania spinosa kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~0.85–1.3%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.4–1%est.

GluconolactoneA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicalsMedium~0.4–0.9%est.

Sodium stearoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.6%est.

Sodium acrylates copolymerUsed to create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.1–0.3%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 radicals3/5~0.55–1.3%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~1.5–2.3%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream

Higher efficacy · 100/10079% match

$18.86

Elfa Pharm Atopi Med Soothing Milk

Higher efficacy · 100/10079% match

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Dimethicone~5.5–8.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A 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

More about Dimethicone

Caprylyl methicone~4–6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin

More about Caprylyl methicone

Glycerin~2.8–4.2%

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

Polymethylsilsesquioxane~2.1–3.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss

More about Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Cetearyl glucoside~1.8–2.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture

More about Cetearyl glucoside

Cetearyl alcohol~1.5–2.3%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1.4–2.1%

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

Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~1–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture

More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer

Argania spinosa kernel oil~0.85–1.3%

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

Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.55–1.3%

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

Disodium edta~0.4–1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Gluconolactone~0.4–0.9%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationAnti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals

More about Gluconolactone

Isohexadecane~0.4–0.95%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Isohexadecane

Lecithin~0.35–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin

Niacinamide~0.15–0.6%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-agingEvens skin toneReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide

Polysorbate 80~0.15–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polysorbate 80

Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.15–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl glutamate

Sodium acrylates copolymer~0.1–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Sodium acrylates copolymer

Sodium benzoate~0.05–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.05–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer

Titanium dioxide~0.05–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin

More about Titanium dioxide

Mica~0.05–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light

More about Mica

Ingredient list view

Water, Dimethicone, Caprylyl methicone, Glycerin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Cetearyl glucoside, Cetearyl alcohol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Disodium edta, Gluconolactone, Isohexadecane, Lecithin, Niacinamide, Polysorbate 80, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Sodium acrylates copolymer, Sodium benzoate, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Titanium dioxide, Mica

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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
	Josie MaranSurreal Skin Argan Finishing BalmYOUR PRODUCT	COSRXPHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream	Elfa Pharm Atopi MedSoothing Milk	Glowbiotics MDGlowbiotics Probiotic Ultra Rich Brightening Cream
Match	—	79%	79%	75%
Price	—	$18.86	—	—
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 8	3 of 8	6 of 8
Key difference	—	Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract	Mineral Oil	Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3
Irritancy	Low	Low	Low	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	Contains drying alcohol
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 18 studies and safety reviews.

1
Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
2
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
3
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
Natural vegetable fats in the prevention of irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acnencbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
The Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone Protects Against Ultraviolet Radiation in an In Vitro Model of Cutaneous Photoagingonlinelibrary.wiley.com
7
Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivityncbi.nlm.nih.gov
8
The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative studydovepress.com
9
A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimenncbi.nlm.nih.gov
10
The use of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) in photoaged skin
11
Blackwell Publishing, Ltd. Alpha-hydroxyacids and carboxylic acidsonlinelibrary.wiley.com
12
An evaluation of a polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen in combination with azelaic acid 15% gel in rosacea patientsonlinelibrary.wiley.com
13
Aging Skin: Causes, Treatments, and Preventionsciencedirect.com
14
Clinical and cosmeceutical uses of hydroxyacidssciencedirect.com
15
Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) Provide Conditioning Effects to Skin Without Increasing Sensitivity to UV Lightneostrata.neogen.gr
16
Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
17
Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
18
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Acrylates Copolymer and 33 Related Cosmetic Ingredientsjournals.sagepub.com

Josie MaranSurreal Skin Argan Finishing Balm

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