LOUM Balance & Prime Gel Moisturiser

LOUM Balance & Prime Gel Moisturiser

Efficacy83/100IrritancyMedium
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Works for

2 of 3 advertised claims delivered

Exfoliation
2 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support
What the product description says
“Popular BHA salicylic acid works to dial down any excess oil production while deeply unclogging pores, and glycolic acid works together with bamboo to detoxify the complexion – resulting in a matte finish with protection against future breakouts.”
Source: Cultbeauty

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~0.1–0.4%
Salicylic acidUnder-dosedEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.1–0.5%
Moisturizing
9 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support
What the product description says
“Balance & Prime Gel Moisturiser”
From product name

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: cannabis sativa seed oil, diheptyl succinate.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: cannabidiol - derived from extract or tincture or resin of cannabis

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~2.3–3.4%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.01–0.05%
Cannabidiol - derived from extract or tincture or resin of cannabisHeroEffect: HighCBD. Can bind to skin cell receptors and can reduce inflammation, itching, and help support skin barrier function~0.85–1.25%
Cannabis sativa seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA plant oil that due to its high linoleic acid content can help strengthen skin's barrier function and soften its upper layer~0.05–0.25%
Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymerKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.35%
Diheptyl succinateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product finish on the skin~3.1–4.6%
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~5–7.5%
Tephrosia purpurea seed extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. The manufacturer claims that it can help "break down cortisol production in skin production in skin cells", but actual benefits to the skin are not clear~0.15–0.55%
Avena sativa kernel flourEffect: LowA type of colloidal oatmeal. Can contain potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Is effective in supporting skin barrier~1.3–2%
Anti-blemish
3 ingredients credited for this claim
Limited support
What the product description says
“encourages breakouts and excess oil – sigh), which makes this hardworking formula a must.”
Source: Cultbeauty

This product contains ingredients (cannabidiol - derived from extract or tincture or resin of cannabis, glycolic acid) that could help reduce blemishes and clogged pores in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~0.1–0.4%
Cannabidiol - derived from extract or tincture or resin of cannabisKey activeEffect: MediumCBD. Can bind to skin cell receptors and can reduce inflammation, itching, and help support skin barrier function~0.85–1.25%
Salicylic acidUnder-dosedEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.1–0.5%
Anti-aging
Not advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claim
Strong support

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~0.1–0.4%
Evens skin tone
Not advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~0.1–0.4%
Salicylic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.1–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 9 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.4–1%est.
Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High~0.1–0.5%est.
Glycolic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acidHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~1–1.6%est.
Cannabidiol - derived from extract or tincture or resin of cannabisCBD. Can bind to skin cell receptors and can reduce inflammation, itching, and help support skin barrier functionMedium~0.85–1.25%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.15–0.7%est.
Tephrosia purpurea seed extractA plant extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. The manufacturer claims that it can help "break down cortisol production in skin production in skin cells", but actual benefits to the skin are not clearMedium~0.15–0.55%est.
Cannabis sativa seed oilA plant oil that due to its high linoleic acid content can help strengthen skin's barrier function and soften its upper layerMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
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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
Butylene glycol~5–7.5%
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
Diheptyl succinate~3.1–4.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product finish on the skin

More about Diheptyl succinate
Glycerin~2.3–3.4%
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
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~1.7–2.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer
Propanediol~1.3–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Propanediol
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~1–1.6%
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
Avena sativa kernel flour~1.3–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A type of colloidal oatmeal. Can contain potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Is effective in supporting skin barrier

More about Avena sativa kernel flour
Cannabidiol - derived from extract or tincture or resin of cannabis~0.85–1.25%
Hero · MoisturizingIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

CBD. Can bind to skin cell receptors and can reduce inflammation, itching, and help support skin barrier function

More about Cannabidiol - derived from extract or tincture or resin of cannabis
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Parfum~0.4–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Potassium sorbate~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Rhodosorus marinus extract~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Citric acid~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Salicylic acid~0.1–0.5%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid
Tephrosia purpurea seed extract~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A plant extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. The manufacturer claims that it can help "break down cortisol production in skin production in skin cells", but actual benefits to the skin are not clear

More about Tephrosia purpurea seed extract
Glycolic acid~0.1–0.4%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin toneExfoliationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid

More about Glycolic acid
Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer~0.1–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer
Sorbitan isostearate~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan isostearate
Cannabis sativa seed oil~0.05–0.25%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A plant oil that due to its high linoleic acid content can help strengthen skin's barrier function and soften its upper layer

More about Cannabis sativa seed oil
Bambusa vulgaris extract~0.01–0.1%
Formula
Sodium hyaluronate~0.01–0.05%
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
Ingredient list view

Water, Butylene glycol, Diheptyl succinate, Glycerin, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Propanediol, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Avena sativa kernel flour, Cannabidiol - derived from extract or tincture or resin of cannabis, Sodium benzoate, Parfum, Potassium sorbate, Rhodosorus marinus extract, Citric acid, Salicylic acid, Tephrosia purpurea seed extract, Glycolic acid, Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer, Sorbitan isostearate, Cannabis sativa seed oil, Bambusa vulgaris extract, Sodium hyaluronate

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Cultbeauty
≈ $40.98
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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
LOUMBalance & Prime Gel MoisturiserYOUR PRODUCTCeraVeBlemish Control Gel Moisturiser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone SkinYEOUTHHyaluronic Acid Cream with Vitamin C E, Ferulic Acid, Tripeptide 31 Shea ButterGLAMGLOWSuperserum by Glamglow
Match—70%66%63%
Price$40.98$14.54−$26.44$31.99−$8.99$63.46+$22.48
Shared key ingredients—4 of 72 of 74 of 7
Key difference—NiacinamideFerulic AcidLactic Acid
Irritancy Medium Low Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

Based on the ingredient list, "LOUM - Balance & Prime Gel Moisturiser" can work well for skin moisturization. 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. Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate 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). Emollients in this formulation (cannabis sativa seed oil and diheptyl succinate) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

Ingredient callouts

  • What makes this product special is the inclusion of Cannabidiol, or CBD (0.85% - 1.25%). CBD is a new active in skincare, and the research about it is still ongoing. It is already clear though that CBD can bind to skin cell receptors. It can help reduce inflammation, itching, and help support skin barrier function. It also has a promise in reducing acne.

Irritation risk

This moisturizer contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. 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 31.00£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

LOUM Balance & Prime Gel Moisturiser
LOUMBalance & Prime Gel Moisturiser

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