Patchology Best Foot Forward Softening Foot Mask

Patchology Best Foot Forward Softening Foot Mask

Efficacy75/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Moisturizing
Glycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride + 19 more
Works
What the product description says
“This ultra-rich formula is blended with deeply nourishing Shea Butter for maximum moisture, and skin-loving Coconut Oil for baby-soft, renewed skin.”
Source: Bluemercury

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: betaine, erythritol.

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, butyrospermum parkii butter.

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~3.9–5.8%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~3.7–5.5%
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%
Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~1.8–2.6%
BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~1.2–1.8%
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~0.45–1.1%
DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~0.4–0.9%
ErythritolKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.7%
Cocos nucifera oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic~0.2–0.7%
Hydroxyethyl ureaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients~0.2–0.8%
Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency~0.15–0.65%
Beta-glucanKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.5%
Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product consistency while softening the upper layer of the skin~2.8–4.1%
Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~1.4–2.2%
Stearic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~1.1–1.7%
Paraffin· OcclusiveEffect: LowPrevents water loss from the skin surface and thickens the product consistency~0.2–0.75%
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~0.15–0.55%
Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.15–0.55%
Portulaca oleracea extract· HumectantEffect: LowA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.45%
Oleic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness~0.05–0.3%
Centella asiatica extractUnder-dosedA 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.~0.15–0.55%
Exfoliation
Side benefit · Hydroxyethyl urea
Works well

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: hydroxyethyl urea.

Hydroxyethyl ureaKey activeEffect: HighA derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients~0.2–0.8%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Chamaecyparis obtusa leaf extract, Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 12 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Chamaecyparis obtusa leaf extractUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.05–0.3%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~3.7–5.5%est.
Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.85–1.25%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.45–1.1%est.
HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.4–0.9%est.
Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.15–0.65%est.
Potassium hydroxideUsed to adjust the pH level of productsMedium~0.15–0.6%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~0.15–0.55%est.
Portulaca oleracea extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Oleic acidHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin drynessMedium~0.05–0.3%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
Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~1.8–2.6%est.
Cocos nucifera oilAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.2–0.7%est.
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.

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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~3.9–5.8%
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
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~3.7–5.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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 triglyceride
Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate~2.8–4.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product consistency while softening the upper layer of the skin

More about Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate
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
Butyrospermum parkii butter~1.8–2.6%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter
Glyceryl stearate~1.4–2.2%
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
Betaine~1.2–1.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine
Stearic acid~1.1–1.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~0.85–1.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate
1,2-hexanediol~0.45–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Beeswax~0.45–1.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Beeswax
Hydroxyacetophenone~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone
Dimethicone~0.4–0.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone
Erythritol~0.3–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Erythritol
Paraffin~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Prevents water loss from the skin surface and thickens the product consistency

More about Paraffin
Hydroxyethyl urea~0.2–0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingExfoliation

A derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients

More about Hydroxyethyl urea
Cocos nucifera oil~0.2–0.7%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera oil
Carbomer~0.15–0.7%
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
Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer~0.15–0.65%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency

More about Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer
Potassium hydroxide~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to adjust the pH level of products

More about Potassium hydroxide
Butylene glycol~0.15–0.55%
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
Beta-glucan~0.1–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Beta-glucan
Centella asiatica extract~0.15–0.55%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Reduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAnti-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
Portulaca oleracea extract~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Portulaca oleracea extract
Arachidic acid~0.15–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Arachidic acid
Palmitic acid~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

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

More about Palmitic acid
Bambusa vulgaris extract~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Pinus densiflora extract~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Thuja orientalis extract~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Chamaecyparis obtusa leaf extract~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Chamaecyparis obtusa leaf extract
Benzyl alcohol~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol
Oleic acid~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness

More about Oleic acid
Parfum~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, Cetearyl alcohol, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Glyceryl stearate, Betaine, Stearic acid, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, 1,2-hexanediol, Beeswax, Hydroxyacetophenone, Dimethicone, Erythritol, Paraffin, Hydroxyethyl urea, Cocos nucifera oil, Carbomer, Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, Potassium hydroxide, Butylene glycol, Beta-glucan, Centella asiatica extract, Portulaca oleracea extract, Arachidic acid, Palmitic acid, Bambusa vulgaris extract, Pinus densiflora extract, Thuja orientalis extract, Chamaecyparis obtusa leaf extract, Benzyl alcohol, Oleic acid, Parfum

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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
PatchologyBest Foot Forward Softening Foot MaskYOUR PRODUCTSEPHORA COLLECTIONClean Foot MaskSchollFoot Mask Intensive Treatment - 1 MaskSalon De Bi JoieMoisture Foot Mask
Match—36%34%34%
Price—$4.98$4.67—
Shared key ingredients—5 of 126 of 123 of 12
Key difference—ArginineNiacinamideCeramide 3
Irritancy Medium Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

"Patchology - Best Foot Forward Softening Foot Mask" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory and Exfoliation

This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • Humectants (glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer 0.15% - 0.65%, glycerin 3.90% - 5.80%, betaine 1.20% - 1.80%, hydroxyethyl urea 0.20% - 0.80% and erythritol 0.30% - 0.70%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Patchology" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.

Price

The product retails for 23.50CA$ in Canada, for 15.00A$ in Australia, for 9.99$ in the United States and for 10.46£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.

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Patchology Best Foot Forward Softening Foot Mask
PatchologyBest Foot Forward Softening Foot Mask

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.