La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay Soothing and Repairing Balm Duo

Name: La Roche-Posay - Soothing and Repairing Balm Duo
Brand: La Roche-Posay

Efficacy75/100IrritancyLow

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Works for

1 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing

14 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“The balm also contains nourishing Shea Butter, which gives the balm its moisturising, creamy texture, and Thermal Spring Water, which is loaded with skin-loving goodness.”

Source: Recreate Yourself

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, butylene glycol.

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, dimethicone.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: madecassoside, panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~1.6–2.5%

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~3.7–5.6%

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~2.1–3.2%

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~2.7–4.1%

MadecassosideHeroEffect: HighAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.35–0.85%

Manganese gluconateKey activeEffect: HighMight be able to help restore skin barrier function supporting its hydration~0.35–0.8%

Capryloyl glycineKey activeEffect: MediumHelps oil and water mix together, preserve cosmetic products, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.65%

TrihydroxystearinKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product texture~0.5–1.15%

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~1.3–1.9%

Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethiconeEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together. Can help to soften upper layer of the skin~0.8–1.25%

Hydrogenated polyisobutene· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowUsed to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin~5.2–7.8%

Zinc gluconateUnder-dosedEffect: HighTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.4–0.95%

Copper gluconateUnder-dosedEffect: HighTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing~0.15–0.5%

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~0.1–0.3%

Evens skin tone

3 ingredients credited for this claim

Limited support

What the product description says

“Rescue sore spots and irritated patches using the La Roche-Posay Soothing Skin Bundle.”

Source: Recreate Yourself

This product contains ingredients (madecassoside) that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

MadecassosideEffect: LowAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.35–0.85%

Copper gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing~0.15–0.5%

Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.4–0.95%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · 5 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

This product contains antioxidants (madecassoside) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

MadecassosideKey activeEffect: HighAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.35–0.85%

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~2.1–3.2%

TocopherolUnder-dosedEffect: 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~0.1–0.3%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · 5 ingredients credited for this claim

Moderate support

This product contains madecassoside. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

MadecassosideKey activeEffect: MediumAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.35–0.85%

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

Aluminum starch octenylsuccinateUsed to thicken the product's consistencyMedium~1–1.6%est.

Zinc gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skinMedium~0.4–0.95%est.

MadecassosideAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulationsMedium~0.35–0.85%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.6%est.

Copper gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missingMedium~0.15–0.5%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Polyglyceryl-4 isostearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 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 radicals3/5~2.1–3.2%est.

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Kiehl's Centella Sensitive Cica Balm

53% match

$44.00

MISSHA Near Skin Madecanol Cream

51% match

$26.97

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Ingredients

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Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Hydrogenated polyisobutene~5.2–7.8%

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

Dimethicone~3.7–5.6%

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

Glycerin~2.7–4.1%

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

Butyrospermum parkii butter~2.1–3.2%

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

Panthenol~1.6–2.5%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Propanediol~1.5–2.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Butylene glycol~1.3–1.9%

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

Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate~1–1.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to thicken the product's consistency

More about Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate

Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone~0.8–1.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together. Can help to soften upper layer of the skin

More about Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone

Trihydroxystearin~0.5–1.15%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Trihydroxystearin

Zinc gluconate~0.4–0.95%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatory

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Zinc gluconate

Madecassoside~0.35–0.85%

Hero · MoisturizingIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin tone

An antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations

More about Madecassoside

Manganese gluconate~0.35–0.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Might be able to help restore skin barrier function supporting its hydration

More about Manganese gluconate

Silica~0.45–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Aluminum hydroxide~0.35–0.8%

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

Magnesium sulfate~0.2–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Magnesium sulfate

Disodium edta~0.15–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Copper gluconate~0.15–0.5%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidationExfoliationAnti-blemishEvens skin tone

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing

More about Copper gluconate

Capryloyl glycine~0.15–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together, preserve cosmetic products, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Capryloyl glycine

Citric acid~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Acetylated glycol stearate~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Acetylated glycol stearate

Polyglyceryl-4 isostearate~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-4 isostearate

Tocopherol~0.1–0.3%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-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

Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.05–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to increase stability of product formulations

More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate

Ci 77891~0.05–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ci 77891

Titanium dioxide~0.05–0.15%

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

Ingredient list view

Water, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Panthenol, Propanediol, Butylene glycol, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone, Trihydroxystearin, Zinc gluconate, Madecassoside, Manganese gluconate, Silica, Aluminum hydroxide, Magnesium sulfate, Disodium edta, Copper gluconate, Capryloyl glycine, Citric acid, Acetylated glycol stearate, Polyglyceryl-4 isostearate, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Ci 77891, Titanium dioxide

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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
	La Roche-PosaySoothing and Repairing Balm DuoYOUR PRODUCT	MixaInstant Care Cream	Kiehl'sCentella Sensitive Cica Balm	MISSHANear Skin Madecanol Cream
Match	—	54%	53%	51%
Price	$44.82	—	$44.00−$0.82	$26.97−$17.85
Shared key ingredients	—	6 of 8	5 of 8	4 of 8
Key difference	—	Titanium Dioxide	Dimethiconol	Niacinamide
Irritancy	Low	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"La Roche-Posay - Soothing and Repairing Balm Duo" has a good moisturizing formula. This moisturizer uses a good combo of humectants and emollients. These both types of ingredients are essentials for improving the skin hydration and keeping the skin barrier healthy. Panthenol, glycerin and butylene glycol in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Butyrospermum parkii butter, dimethicone and hydrogenated polyisobutene 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

Actives derived from an extract of the Centella Asiatica plant (also known as Gotu Kola) - madecassoside 0.35% - 0.85% The Centella Asiatica Actives, even in low concentration, can help reduce inflammation in skin, strengthen the skin barrier and reduce photodamage. They can also help to decrease scarring.
An effective concentration of Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 1.60% - 2.50%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.

This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: titanium dioxide, zinc gluconate, vitamin e and copper gluconate

Irritation risk

This product does not contain known common irritants and is suitable for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be low. 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.