PCA SKIN

PCA SKIN Silkcoat Balm

Name: PCA SKIN - Silkcoat Balm
Brand: PCA SKIN

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh·

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Glycerin, Butyrospermum parkii butter + 13 more

Works

What the product description says

“A blend of botanical ingredients, including Jojoba Seed Oil and Squalene deeply hydrate the skin, while the skin conditioner Hydrolysed Silk moisturises the skin without leaving any greasy residue.”

Source: Face the future

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, hydrolyzed silk.

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: butyrospermum parkii butter, caprylic/capric triglyceride.

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~4.7–5.8%

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~4.2–5.1%

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~3.2–3.9%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~2.4–2.9%

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~1.7–2.1%

CyclopentasiloxaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~1.5–1.9%

Theobroma cacao seed butterKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~1.2–1.5%

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~1–1.2%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.65–0.95%

SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~0.25–0.45%

Hydrolyzed silkKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~2–2.4%

Stearic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.9–1.1%

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilUnder-dosedSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~0.25–0.4%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.1–0.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

6 strong irritants: Origanum vulgare leaf extract, Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract + 4 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 14 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Origanum vulgare leaf extractA plant extract. Can have an anti-oxidant effect, but can also contain irritantsHigh~0.45–0.7%est.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract—High~0.45–0.65%est.

Lavandula angustifolia flower extractEssential oil that can be irritatingHigh~0.5–0.75%est.

Thymus vulgaris flower/leaf extractPlant extract that has some anti-bacterial properties. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.5%est.

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extractUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.25–0.45%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~3.2–3.9%est.

Potassium cetyl phosphateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.6–0.95%est.

Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.5–0.8%est.

Hydrolyzed silkCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.2–0.4%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~0.2–0.35%est.

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~0.25–0.4%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.15%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 radicals3/5~4.2–5.1%est.

Theobroma cacao seed butterHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect3/5~1.2–1.5%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.65–0.95%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~4.7–5.8%

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

Butyrospermum parkii butter~4.2–5.1%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

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

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~3.2–3.9%

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

Cetyl alcohol~2.4–2.9%

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

Glyceryl stearate~2–2.4%

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

Dimethicone~1.7–2.1%

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

Cyclopentasiloxane~1.5–1.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane

Theobroma cacao seed butter~1.2–1.5%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-dandruff

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Theobroma cacao seed butter

C12-15 alkyl benzoate~1–1.2%

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

Stearic acid~0.9–1.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid

Potassium cetyl phosphate~0.6–0.95%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Potassium cetyl phosphate

Cetearyl alcohol~0.65–0.95%

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

Polysorbate 60~0.5–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60

Origanum vulgare leaf extract~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract. Can have an anti-oxidant effect, but can also contain irritants

More about Origanum vulgare leaf extract

Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract

Lavandula angustifolia flower extract~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Essential oil that can be irritating

More about Lavandula angustifolia flower extract

Hydrastis canadensis root extract~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hydrastis canadensis root extract

Hydrastis canadensis extract~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hydrastis canadensis extract

Thymus vulgaris flower/leaf extract~0.3–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Plant extract that has some anti-bacterial properties. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Thymus vulgaris flower/leaf extract

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · 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

Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extract~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance

More about Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extract

Hydrolyzed silk~0.2–0.4%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed silk

Squalane~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane

Tocopheryl acetate~0.2–0.35%

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

Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.25–0.4%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil

Allantoin~0.1–0.25%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · medium

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 crosspolymer

Sodium hydroxide~0.05–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Cetyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Theobroma cacao seed butter, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Stearic acid, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Cetearyl alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Origanum vulgare leaf extract, Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract, Lavandula angustifolia flower extract, Hydrastis canadensis root extract, Hydrastis canadensis extract, Thymus vulgaris flower/leaf extract, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extract, Hydrolyzed silk, Squalane, Tocopheryl acetate, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Sodium hydroxide

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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
	PCA SKINSilkcoat BalmYOUR PRODUCT	TulaBarrier Balance	Paula's choiceUltra-Rich Soothing Body Butter	MesoesteticMelan Recovery
Match	—	43%	43%	42%
Price	$66.00	$32.00−$34.00	$37.56−$28.44	$37.42−$28.58
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 9	5 of 9	5 of 9
Key difference	—	Ceramide Eop	Panthenol	Niacinamide
Irritancy	High	Medium	Low	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
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