Works for
MoisturizingParaffinum liquidum, Sodium hyaluronate + 2 moreWorks well
“A revitalising moisturiser which smooths and brightens dull and rough complexions.”
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:
sodium hyaluronate, propylene 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: paraffinum liquidum, stearic acid.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: paraffinum liquidum
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy4 strong irritants: Carica papaya fruit extract, Citrus grandis fruit extract + 2 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Carica papaya fruit extract~6.6–8.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Citrus grandis fruit extract~4.6–5.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Arachis hypogaea oil~3.6–4.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Paraffinum liquidum~2.9–3.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Mineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function
More about Paraffinum liquidumSodium hyaluronate~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateMica~2–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaStearic acid~1.8–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidPropylene glycol~1.4–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolTriethanolamine~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
More about TriethanolamineParfum~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumDiazolidinyl urea~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Works by releasing formaldehyde. Can be irritating
More about Diazolidinyl ureaPropylparaben~0.2–0.4%
Methylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Ci 19140~0.45–0.65%
Ci 15985~0.4–0.6%
Ci 16035~0.3–0.5%
Ingredient list view
Water, Carica papaya fruit extract, Citrus grandis fruit extract, Arachis hypogaea oil, Paraffinum liquidum, Sodium hyaluronate, Unknown, Mica, Stearic acid, Propylene glycol, Triethanolamine, Parfum, Diazolidinyl urea, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Ci 19140, Ci 15985, Ci 16035
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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.
| Mario BadescuEnzyme Protective CreamYOUR PRODUCT | 3W ClinicPremium Placenta Intensive Cream | DAYCELLSuper Vital Moisture Cream | Meishoku Brilliant ColorsMadam Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 70% | 69% | 69% |
| Price | — | $21.00 | $18.80 | $12.50 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
| Key difference | — | Petrolatum | Butyrospermum Parkii Butter | Cera Alba |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Plunnketts Superlift Super Wrinkle CreamEkel MOISTURE CREAM, face cream with collagen
Product summary
Based on the ingredients included, "Mario Badescu - Enzyme Protective Cream" works well for moisturizing the skin. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Mario Badescu - Enzyme Protective Cream ticks this box. Sodium hyaluronate and propylene glycol in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Paraffinum liquidum and stearic acid in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.
Irritation risk
There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Mario Badescu" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails for 20.00$ 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 7 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review on the extensive skin benefits of mineral oilncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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