Kala

Kala Seaweed Hand Creme

Name: Kala - Seaweed Hand Creme
Brand: Kala

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing

Butyrospermum parkii butter, Chondrus crispus + 13 more

Good evidence

What the product description says

“Kala's rich blend of 20% natural shea butter combined with infusions of sunflower, lavender, calendula, and olive oil provide deep moisture with a non-greasy finish.”

Source: SmallFlower

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, sodium hyaluronate.

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, cocos nucifera oil.

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~5.5–8.2%

Chondrus crispusKey activeEffect: HighRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency~1–1.6%

Cocos nucifera oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic~1.5–2.3%

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~1.8–2.8%

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~0.35–0.85%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.6%

Hydrogenated olive oil unsaponifiablesKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelp soften the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.6%

Hydrogenated ethylhexyl olivateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.85–1.3%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~2.3–3.5%

Dicaprylyl ether· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients~4–5.9%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~2.1–3.2%

Stearic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~1.4–2.1%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedEffect: 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~0.35–0.85%

Coco-caprylateUnder-dosedEffect: MediumAn emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product texture~0.55–1.25%

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~0.2–0.75%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

6 strong irritants: Lavandula angustifolia flower extract, Calendula officinalis flower extract + 4 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 12 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Lavandula angustifolia flower extractEssential oil that can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.8%est.

Calendula officinalis flower extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.75%est.

Benzyl benzoateFragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.3%est.

CoumarinA fragrance. Is a likely skin allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

Isoeugenol—High~0.05–0.2%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.

Coco-caprylateAn emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.55–1.25%est.

Cetearyl glucosideHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product textureMedium~0.45–1%est.

Tapioca starchUsed to create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.35–0.85%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~0.35–0.85%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.45%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Comedogenic

4 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

4 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 radicals3/5~5.5–8.2%est.

Cocos nucifera oilAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~1.5–2.3%est.

Chondrus crispusRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency3/5~1–1.6%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~2.3–3.5%est.

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Ingredients

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Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Butyrospermum parkii butter~5.5–8.2%

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

Dicaprylyl ether~4–5.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients

More about Dicaprylyl ether

Cetearyl alcohol~2.3–3.5%

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

Glyceryl stearate~2.1–3.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Glycerin~1.8–2.8%

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

Cocos nucifera oil~1.5–2.3%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera oil

Oil

Not recognized

Stearic acid~1.4–2.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid

Chondrus crispus~1–1.6%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency

More about Chondrus crispus

Hydrogenated ethylhexyl olivate~0.85–1.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated ethylhexyl olivate

Coco-caprylate~0.55–1.25%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product texture

More about Coco-caprylate

Cetearyl glucoside~0.45–1%

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

Tapioca starch~0.35–0.85%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Tapioca starch

Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.35–0.85%

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

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.35–0.85%

Under-dosedIrritant · 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

Lavandula angustifolia flower extract~0.35–0.8%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Essential oil that can be irritating

More about Lavandula angustifolia flower extract

Calendula officinalis flower extract~0.2–0.75%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating

More about Calendula officinalis flower extract

Tocopherol~0.2–0.75%

Formula

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

Sodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Xanthan gum~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Hydrogenated olive oil unsaponifiables~0.15–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Help soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated olive oil unsaponifiables

Citric acid~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Potassium sorbate~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Benzyl benzoate~0.1–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Benzyl benzoate

Coumarin~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Is a likely skin allergen and can be irritating

More about Coumarin

Isoeugenol~0.05–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Isoeugenol

Linalool~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Ingredient list view

Water, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Dicaprylyl ether, Cetearyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Glycerin, Cocos nucifera oil, Unknown, Stearic acid, Chondrus crispus, Hydrogenated ethylhexyl olivate, Coco-caprylate, Cetearyl glucoside, Tapioca starch, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Lavandula angustifolia flower extract, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Tocopherol, Sodium hyaluronate, Xanthan gum, Hydrogenated olive oil unsaponifiables, Citric acid, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Benzyl benzoate, Coumarin, Isoeugenol, Linalool

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Product summary

"Kala - Seaweed Hand Creme" is a well-rounded moisturizing product. As we expect from a proper moisturizer, the formula includes a combo of effective humectants and emollients. These are the two different types of ingredients that are essential for improving the skin hydration and supporting a healthy skin barrier. Humectants in this product (glycerin and sodium hyaluronate) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Ceramide np, butyrospermum parkii butter, cocos nucifera oil, helianthus annuus seed oil and cetearyl alcohol in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.

Ingredient callouts

Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (ceramide np 3.70% - 5.50%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.

Irritation risk

There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.

Price

The product retails for 13.50$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 16 studies and safety reviews.

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Seaweeds as Source of Bioactive Substances and Skin Care Therapy—Cosmeceuticals, Algotheraphy, and Thalassotherapymdpi.com
3
Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Careonlinelibrary.wiley.com
4
Topically Applied Sunflower Seed Oil Prevents Invasive Bacterial Infections in Preterm Infants in Egyptjournals.lww.com
5
Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
6
Impact of topical oils on the skin barrier: possible implications for neonatal health in developing countriesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
7
Evaluation of Skin Irritation and Acute and Subacute Oral Toxicity of Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oils in Rabbit and Micencbi.nlm.nih.gov
8
Assessment report on Lavandula angustifolia Mill., aetheroleum and Lavandula angustifolia Mill., flos ema.europa.eu
9
Topical application of Calendula officinalis (L.): Formulation and evaluation of hydrophilic cream with antioxidant activitypdfs.semanticscholar.org
10
The seamy side of natural medicines: contact sensitization to arnica (Arnica montana L.) and marigold (Calendula officinalis L.)ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
11
Final report on the safety assessment of Calendula officinalis extract and Calendula officinalisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
12
Contact dermatitis as an adverse reaction to some topically used European herbal medicinal products – part 1: Achillea millefolium–Curcuma longaonlinelibrary.wiley.com
13
Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
14
Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
15
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
16
Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net

KalaSeaweed Hand Creme

Buy at SmallFlower$13.50 Amazon

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Buy at SmallFlower$13.50 Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.