NEEDLY

NEEDLY pH Balancing Essence Lotion

Name: NEEDLY - pH Balancing Essence Lotion
Brand: NEEDLY

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging

Niacinamide, Centella asiatica extract + 3 more

Works well

What the product description says

“This slightly acidic lotion comes with skin brightening and wrinkle-improvement dual function.”

Source: Yesstyle

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

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: centella asiatica extract.

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.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs 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~1.6–2.5%

Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.2–0.7%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: HighMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.15–0.6%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.35–0.8%

Hyaluronic acidEffect: LowOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.1–0.3%

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Panthenol + 15 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Contains Vitamin B5 added through panthenol, forms a strong moisture barrier.”

Source: Yesstyle

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: biosaccharide gum-1, glycerin.

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: vinyl dimethicone, cetyl ethylhexanoate.

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

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs 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~1.6–2.5%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.95–1.45%

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~3.3–4.9%

Vinyl dimethiconeKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA type of silicone that helps to create a nice product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin~1.4–2.1%

Biosaccharide gum-1Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin~0.35–0.75%

Saccharomyces ferment filtrateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.8%

Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.2–0.7%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: MediumMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.15–0.6%

Hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.1–0.3%

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin~0.05–0.25%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.05–0.15%

Cetyl ethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture~2–3.1%

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~1.2–1.8%

Stearic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.5–1.1%

Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.45–1.05%

Dextrin· HumectantEffect: LowA sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.05–0.1%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Camellia sinensis leaf extract

Works well

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

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.

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Camellia sinensis leaf extract + 2 more

Works well

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

Centella asiatica extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.2–0.7%

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractUnder-dosedCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~0.15–0.65%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Centella asiatica extract + 2 more

May help

This product contains antioxidants (camellia sinensis leaf extract, centella asiatica extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Camellia sinensis leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.35–0.8%

AdenosineEffect: LowMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.15–0.6%

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~0.15–0.65%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract

Medium risk

We flagged 7 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.65%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~1.9–2.9%est.

Cetyl ethylhexanoateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product textureMedium~2–3.1%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.75%est.

Centella asiatica extractA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.Medium~0.2–0.7%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.5%est.

Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenicMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Comedogenic

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

3 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

Theobroma cacao seed extract—3/5~0.1–0.4%est.

Gossypium herbaceum extract—3/5~0.05–0.25%est.

Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.1–0.35%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

hwarang' Bellflower Moisturizing Barrier Cream

Cheaper87% match

$14.18

Cos De BAHA Hyaluronic acid gel cream

Cheaper87% match

$12.99

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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

Propanediol~4.9–7.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

Glycerin~3.3–4.9%

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

1,2-hexanediol~1.9–2.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Cetyl ethylhexanoate~2–3.1%

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

Niacinamide~1.6–2.5%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishMoisturizingReduces irritationAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces redness

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

Vinyl dimethicone~1.4–2.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of silicone that helps to create a nice product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Vinyl dimethicone

Butylene glycol~1.2–1.8%

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

Panthenol~0.95–1.45%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

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

More about Panthenol

Carbomer~0.6–1.4%

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

Cetearyl olivate~0.5–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Cetearyl olivate

Palmitic acid~0.45–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid

Stearic acid~0.5–1.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid

Sorbitan olivate~0.35–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan olivate

Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.35–0.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

AntibacterialAnti-oxidationAnti-agingMoisturizingEvens skin toneAnti-blemish

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract

Biosaccharide gum-1~0.35–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin

More about Biosaccharide gum-1

Albatrellus confluens extract~0.3–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Albatrellus confluens extract

Saccharomyces ferment filtrate~0.2–0.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharomyces ferment filtrate

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.15–0.65%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-blemishAntibacterialAnti-oxidation

Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract

Adenosine~0.15–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)

More about Adenosine

Centella asiatica extract~0.2–0.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Reduces irritationMoisturizingReduces rednessAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.

More about Centella asiatica extract

Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose

Disodium edta~0.1–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Houttuynia cordata extract~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Houttuynia cordata extract

Theobroma cacao seed extract~0.1–0.4%

Comedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

More about Theobroma cacao seed extract

Artemisia vulgaris oil~0.1–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Artemisia vulgaris oil

Hyaluronic acid~0.1–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation

More about Hyaluronic acid

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.05–0.25%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin

More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid

Gossypium herbaceum extract~0.05–0.25%

Comedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

More about Gossypium herbaceum extract

Tromethamine~0.05–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Myristic acid~0.1–0.35%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic

More about Myristic acid

Sodium hyaluronate~0.05–0.15%

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

Dextrin~0.05–0.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Dextrin

Ingredient list view

Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, Cetyl ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Vinyl dimethicone, Butylene glycol, Panthenol, Carbomer, Cetearyl olivate, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Sorbitan olivate, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Biosaccharide gum-1, Albatrellus confluens extract, Saccharomyces ferment filtrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Adenosine, Centella asiatica extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium edta, Houttuynia cordata extract, Theobroma cacao seed extract, Artemisia vulgaris oil, Hyaluronic acid, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Gossypium herbaceum extract, Tromethamine, Myristic acid, Sodium hyaluronate, Dextrin

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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
	NEEDLYpH Balancing Essence LotionYOUR PRODUCT	preangeVit B5 Emulsion	hwarang'Bellflower Moisturizing Barrier Cream	Cos De BAHAHyaluronic acid gel cream
Match	—	88%	87%	87%
Price	$18.96	$21.15+$2.19	$14.18−$4.78	$12.99−$5.97
Shared key ingredients	—	7 of 13	9 of 13	8 of 13
Key difference	—	Acetyl Glucosamine	Ceramide Np	Dimethicone
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Medium	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

Judging from the ingredient list, "NEEDLY - pH Balancing Essence Lotion" works well for improving skin hydration 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 (panthenol, biosaccharide gum-1, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid) 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). Vinyl dimethicone, cetyl ethylhexanoate and palmitic 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.

Ingredient callouts

We particularly like that there is a good concentration of niacinamide (niacinamide 1.60% - 2.50%) in this moisturizer. Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is a great ingredient to have in a moisturizer. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and help improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
Adenosine 0.15% - 0.60% in this product adds an anti-aging property to it. Adenosine is a chemical present inside our skin cells. A clinical trial confirmed that topical application of adenosine in a low concentration reduce dynamic wrinkles (these are the wrinkles that appear with age in a places where we our mimic is the most active, for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead).
This formulation also uses an effective concentration of panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 0.95% - 1.45%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.

Irritation risk

There are actives in this product that can be irritating. 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.