Works for
3 of 4 advertised claims delivered
MoisturizingSh-oligopeptide-1, Ceramide np + 22 moreStrong evidence
“Contains Ceramide that delivers rich moisture to the skin”
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:
galactomyces ferment filtrate, 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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np, panthenol, sh-oligopeptide-1
Anti-agingAdenosine, Galactomyces ferment filtrate + 2 moreStrong evidence
“that helps enhance skin elasticity and refines skin texture with vitality.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: galactomyces ferment filtrate, sh-oligopeptide-1.
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.
Evens skin toneGalactomyces ferment filtrate, Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extract + 1 moreModerate evidence
“A nourishing cream formulated with 60% of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate that helps brighten up the skin tone and keeps your skin smooth.”
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: galactomyces ferment filtrate.
Anti-blemishGalactomyces ferment filtrate, Niacinamide + 1 moreWeak evidence
“Blemish Balm”
Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Galactomyces ferment filtrate, AdenosineStrong evidence
This product contains antioxidants (galactomyces ferment filtrate) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy11 flagged ingredientsMedium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Galactomyces ferment filtrate~22–34%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A yeast ferment filtrate (also known as Pitera - a trademarked name for the filtrate reserved by the SK-II brand). It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, can help neutralize antioxidants and can be helpful in evening out the skin tone. It might be somewhat helpful in preventing premature skin aging but solid evidence is lacking. A small manufacturer study also shows that, when used in high concentrations, it can help reduce sebum production and help against blocked pores
More about Galactomyces ferment filtrateDipropylene glycol~5.2–7.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolCaprylic/capric triglyceride~4.8–7.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideGlycerin~3.4–5.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinPanthenol~2.7–4.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolHydrogenated polydecene~2.1–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Hydrogenated polydeceneHydrogenated polyisobutene~1.9–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrogenated polyisobutene1,2-hexanediol~0.55–1.25%
Butylene glycol~1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolNiacinamide~0.85–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 NiacinamideCyclopentasiloxane~0.6–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneCyclohexasiloxane~0.5–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels
More about CyclohexasiloxaneC12-16 alcohols~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product's texture
More about C12-16 alcoholsDimethicone~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 DimethiconeHydrogenated lecithin~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinDimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.35–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerPalmitic acid~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerWater~0.2–0.7%
Tromethamine~0.15–0.65%
Glyceryl stearate~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateCetearyl olivate~0.15–0.65%
C14-22 alcohols~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that helps stabilize product formulations
More about C14-22 alcoholsStearic acid~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidSorbitan olivate~0.15–0.6%
Dimethiconol~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time
More about DimethiconolC12-20 alkyl glucoside~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about C12-20 alkyl glucosideAdenosine~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 AdenosineC12-14 sec-pareth-7~0.15–0.6%
Disodium edta~0.15–0.55%
Myristic acid~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
More about Myristic acidEthylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.6%
Xanthan gum~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumGlucose~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function
More about GlucoseCamellia japonica seed oil~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A plant oil that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help restore skin's barrier function. Might have an anti-oxidant effect
More about Camellia japonica seed oilCeramide np~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide npPropylene glycol~0.15–0.6%
- 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 glycolSaccharomyces/xylinum/black tea ferment~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A fermented sweet black tea. There is no studies on particular benefits of this ingredient in skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin, and might have some anti-oxidant effect. It is used in skincare for mostly marketing purposes because of the popularity of kombucha drinks
More about Saccharomyces/xylinum/black tea fermentLinoleic acid~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores
More about Linoleic acidLactobacillus/soybean ferment extract~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus out of soybean. The fermented product helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and has anti-bacterial properties. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation and could be helpful in evening out skin tone, but studies are lacking
More about Lactobacillus/soybean ferment extractLactobacillus/acerola cherry ferment~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extract~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
An enzyme-based exfoliant
More about Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extractLactobacillus/wasabia japonica root ferment extract~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
Anti-bacterial compound that works as a preservative
More about Lactobacillus/wasabia japonica root ferment extractLactobacillus/hibiscus sabdariffa flower ferment filtrate~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sh-oligopeptide-1~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Sh-oligopeptide-1Ingredient list view
Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Dipropylene glycol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glycerin, Panthenol, Hydrogenated polydecene, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, 1,2-hexanediol, Butylene glycol, Niacinamide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, C12-16 alcohols, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated lecithin, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Palmitic acid, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Water, Tromethamine, Glyceryl stearate, Cetearyl olivate, C14-22 alcohols, Stearic acid, Sorbitan olivate, Dimethiconol, C12-20 alkyl glucoside, Adenosine, C12-14 sec-pareth-7, Disodium edta, Myristic acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan gum, Glucose, Camellia japonica seed oil, Ceramide np, Propylene glycol, Saccharomyces/xylinum/black tea ferment, Linoleic acid, Lactobacillus/soybean ferment extract, Lactobacillus/acerola cherry ferment, Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extract, Lactobacillus/wasabia japonica root ferment extract, Lactobacillus/hibiscus sabdariffa flower ferment filtrate, Sh-oligopeptide-1
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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.
| PAPA RECIPEBlemish BalmYOUR PRODUCT | OrjenaResponse synergy barrier cream | It CosmeticsConfidence in a Cream Barrier Boost Skin Barrier Repair Moisturizer | THE formularxBarrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 80% | 78% | 77% |
| Price | $14.00 | $25.00+$11.00 | $39.20+$25.20 | $8.94−$5.06 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 14 | 7 of 14 | 7 of 14 |
| Key difference | — | Sh-Polypeptide-9 | Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester | Colloidal Oatmeal |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
"PAPA RECIPE - Blemish Balm" has a good moisturizing formula. This moisturizer uses a good combo of humectants and emollients. These both types of ingredients are essentials for improving the skin hydration and keeping the skin barrier healthy. Panthenol, galactomyces ferment filtrate, glycerin, glucose 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). Ceramide np, caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone, dimethiconol and cyclopentasiloxane 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
- As a plus, this moisturizer also contains Ceramides (ceramide np 0.20% - 0.80%). Ceramides are a type of lipids that our skin produces itself. They are a building block of the skin's barrier. Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or extracted from plants. They work well for softening the skin surface and "patch holes" in the skin's barrier.
- We like that this moisturizer contains peptides (sh-oligopeptide-1 0.10% - 0.40%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. Peptides might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
- Adenosine 0.15% - 0.55%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).
- Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 2.70% - 4.10% concentration. In this concentration, Panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
- We love that there is also Linoleic Acid in this moisturizer (0.35% - 0.80%). Linoleic Acid is one of the skin's natural emollients. It supports the skin barrier and can even help reduce clogged pores.
Irritation risk
There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits 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.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 29 studies and safety reviews.
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