LANEIGE

LANEIGE Essential Balancing Emulsion for Combination to Oily Skin

Name: LANEIGE - Essential Balancing Emulsion for Combination to Oily Skin
Brand: LANEIGE

Efficacy75/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Dimethicone, Arginine + 18 more

Works

What the product description says

“A quick-absorbing emulsion for oily skin that hydrates and freshens.”

Source: Laneige

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: alanine, arginine.

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: arginine, 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~4.3–5.3%

ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~1.5–1.9%

GlycogenKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~1.3–1.6%

Polyglutamic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin.~1–1.3%

Lysine hclKey activeEffect: High~0.6–0.9%

MannitolKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.65%

SerineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.6%

SucroseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion~0.3–0.55%

CitrullineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.55%

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~0.25–0.45%

AlanineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking~0.25–0.45%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.25–0.45%

ThreonineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.2–0.4%

Histidine hclKey activeEffect: HighA salt of an amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.2–0.35%

PcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.2–0.4%

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~6.4–7.9%

Cetyl ethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture~3.1–3.7%

Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.25–0.5%

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~0.75–1.15%

Chenopodium quinoa seed extractUnder-dosedHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Serine, Threonine + 2 more

May help

This product contains serine, threonine. These ingredients 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.

SerineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.6%

ThreonineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.2–0.4%

Ascorbyl glucosideUnder-dosedA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products~0.25–0.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Parfum

Medium risk

We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Opuntia coccinellifera fruit extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skinHigh~1.8–2.2%est.

Zinc sulfateA preservative. It can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05%est.

Cetyl ethylhexanoateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product textureMedium~3.1–3.7%est.

Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearateUsed to create a thicker product consistencyMedium~2.2–2.7%est.

Ascorbyl glucosideA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in productsMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Calcium chlorideHelps create a thicker product consistency. Might be irritatingMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~0.05–0.1%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

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.25–0.45%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Boots Ingredients Peptide Serum

Higher efficacy · 100/10084% match

AESTURA Regederm 365 Skin Tightening Capsule Serum

Higher efficacy · 100/10083% match

$47.37

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Butylene glycol~6.4–7.9%

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

Dimethicone~4.3–5.3%

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

Cetyl ethylhexanoate~3.1–3.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture

More about Cetyl ethylhexanoate

Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate~2.2–2.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate

Opuntia coccinellifera fruit extract~1.8–2.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Opuntia coccinellifera fruit extract

Arginine~1.5–1.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine

Glycogen~1.3–1.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glycogen

Polyglutamic acid~1–1.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin.

More about Polyglutamic acid

Niacinamide~0.75–1.15%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-blemishAnti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAntibacterial

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

Lysine hcl~0.6–0.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Lysine hcl

Lactobacillus/water hyacinth ferment~0.5–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Lactobacillus/water hyacinth ferment

Magnesium sulfate~0.55–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Magnesium sulfate

Mannitol~0.4–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Mannitol

Manganese sulfate~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Manganese sulfate

Serine~0.35–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Serine

Sucrose~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion

More about Sucrose

Citrulline~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Citrulline

Silica~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Ascorbyl glucoside~0.25–0.45%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products

More about Ascorbyl glucoside

Alanine~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin tone

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking

More about Alanine

Calcium chloride~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps create a thicker product consistency. Might be irritating

More about Calcium chloride

Chenopodium quinoa seed extract~0.2–0.4%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Chenopodium quinoa seed extract

Threonine~0.2–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Threonine

Zinc sulfate~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. It can be irritating

More about Zinc sulfate

Pca~0.2–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Pca

Histidine hcl~0.2–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A salt of an amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Histidine hcl

Glycerin~0.25–0.45%

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

Glyceryl caprylate~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate

Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture

More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer

Disodium edta~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Cetearyl alcohol~0.25–0.45%

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

Sorbitan stearate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Sorbitan stearate

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Carbomer~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Tromethamine~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Peg-40 stearate~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 stearate

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish

More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer

Parfum~0.05%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Ingredient list view

Water, Butylene glycol, Dimethicone, Cetyl ethylhexanoate, Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate, Opuntia coccinellifera fruit extract, Arginine, Glycogen, Polyglutamic acid, Niacinamide, Lysine hcl, Lactobacillus/water hyacinth ferment, Magnesium sulfate, Mannitol, Manganese sulfate, Serine, Sucrose, Citrulline, Silica, Ascorbyl glucoside, Alanine, Calcium chloride, Chenopodium quinoa seed extract, Threonine, Zinc sulfate, Pca, Histidine hcl, Glycerin, Glyceryl caprylate, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Disodium edta, Cetearyl alcohol, Sorbitan stearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Peg-40 stearate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Parfum

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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
	LANEIGEEssential Balancing Emulsion for Combination to Oily SkinYOUR PRODUCT	BootsIngredients Peptide Serum	AESTURARegederm 365 Skin Tightening Capsule Serum	NATUREKINDFirming Mega Collagen Cream
Match	—	84%	83%	81%
Price	—	—	$47.37	$39.20
Shared key ingredients	—	8 of 17	4 of 17	7 of 17
Key difference	—	Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1	Adenosine	Adenosine
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Medium
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
Safety Assessment of Pentaerythrityl Tetraesters as Used in Cosmeticsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
γ‐Polyglutamic Acid Produced by Bacillus Subtilis (Natto): Structural Characteristics, Chemical Properties and Biological Functionalitiesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
5
Natural and edible biopolymer poly‐γ‐glutamic acid: synthesis, production, and applicationsonlinelibrary.wiley.com
6
Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
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
8
Safety Assessment of Magnesium Sulfate as Used in Cosmeticsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
9
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
10
Dermatologic compositions comprising pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid and at least one entity chosen from citrulline, arginine and asparagine, and uses thereof in the treatment of atopic dermatitispatents.google.com
11
The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Healthncbi.nlm.nih.gov
12
Stability, transdermal penetration, and cutaneous effects of ascorbic acid and its derivativesncbi.nlm.nih.gov
13
Combination of amino acids reduces pigmentation in B16F0 melanoma cellsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
14
Safety Assessment of Zinc Salts as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
15
Safety Assessment of α-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmeticsciteseerx.ist.psu.edu
16
Histidine and/or Histidine Derivative for the Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Diseasespatents.google.com
17
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
18
Safety Assessment of Tromethamine as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org

LANEIGEEssential Balancing Emulsion for Combination to Oily Skin

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