Ombra

Ombra SOS Hand Care Balm

Name: Ombra - SOS Hand Care Balm
Brand: Ombra

Efficacy100/100IrritancyLow

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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing

12 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“The highly effective formula contains a blend of vitamin B5, glycerin, chamomile extract, and allantoin to soothe, hydrate, and protect the skin.”

Source: SmallFlower

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.

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: beeswax, cera alba.

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

BeeswaxKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighForms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen~0.4–1%

Cera albaKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighForms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen~0.5–1.2%

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~4.3–6.5%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~1.3–2%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.4–0.95%

Decyl oleateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.2–1.8%

C12-15 alkyl benzoateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumEnhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth~2.8–4.2%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~2.1–3.1%

Hydrogenated palm glycerides· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin~0.9–1.3%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~3–4.5%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedEffect: HighAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.05–0.25%

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~0.05–0.2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

6 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 6 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.3%est.

Hydrogenated coco-glyceridesHelps oil and water mix together while creating a nice finish on the skinMedium~1.7–2.6%est.

Potassium cetyl phosphateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1–1.5%est.

Cera albaForms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergenMedium~0.5–1.2%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.2–0.75%est.

Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.05–0.25%est.

Comedogenic

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

2 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 texture2/5~2.1–3.1%est.

Decyl oleateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin2/5~1.2–1.8%est.

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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

Glycerin~4.3–6.5%

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 stearate~3–4.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

C12-15 alkyl benzoate~2.8–4.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth

More about C12-15 alkyl benzoate

Cetearyl alcohol~2.1–3.1%

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

Hydrogenated coco-glycerides~1.7–2.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps oil and water mix together while creating a nice finish on the skin

More about Hydrogenated coco-glycerides

Panthenol~1.3–2%

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

Decyl oleate~1.2–1.8%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Decyl oleate

Potassium cetyl phosphate~1–1.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Potassium cetyl phosphate

Hydrogenated palm glycerides~0.9–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin

More about Hydrogenated palm glycerides

Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Cera alba~0.5–1.2%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingCleansing

Forms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen

More about Cera alba

Beeswax~0.4–1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Beeswax

Cetyl alcohol~0.4–0.95%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol

Tocopheryl acetate~0.2–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate

Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Carbomer~0.1–0.45%

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

Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.1–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract

Lactic acid~0.05–0.25%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid

Tocopherol~0.05–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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

Hydrogenated palm glycerides citrate~0.05–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated palm glycerides citrate

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Glyceryl stearate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Cetearyl alcohol, Hydrogenated coco-glycerides, Panthenol, Decyl oleate, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Hydrogenated palm glycerides, Phenoxyethanol, Cera alba, Beeswax, Cetyl alcohol, Tocopheryl acetate, Sodium benzoate, Carbomer, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Lactic acid, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated palm glycerides citrate

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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
	OmbraSOS Hand Care BalmYOUR PRODUCT	RoC SkincareDermatologic Enydrial Hand Cream	APIVITADry-Chapped Hands Hand Cream with Hypericum and Beeswax
Match	—	51%	50%
Price	$5.95	$6.33	$7.00+$1.05
Shared key ingredients	—	2 of 4	4 of 4
Key difference	—	Butyrospermum Parkii Butter	Retinyl Palmitate
Irritancy	Low	Low	High
Drying alcohol	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

Based on the ingredient list, "Ombra - SOS Hand Care Balm" 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. Panthenol and glycerin 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). Beeswax, cera alba, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, cetearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol 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

This formulation also includes panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 1.30% - 2.00% concentration. In this concentration, panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.

Irritation risk

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

Price

The product retails for 14.99CA$ in Canada and for 5.95$ 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 8 studies and safety reviews.

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
3
Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
4
Efficacy of barrier creams in comparison to skin care products in dental laboratory technicians--a controlled trialncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5
Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
7
Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
8
Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu

OmbraSOS Hand Care Balm

Buy at SmallFlower$5.95 Amazon

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Buy at SmallFlower$5.95 Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.