
1 of 1 advertised claim delivered
“Formulated with dimethicone, shea butter, cica and our lipid complex, this rich balm locks in moisture while reinforcing a healthier skin barrier for long-lasting comfort. 1.7 FL OZ / 50 ML”
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, caprylyl glycol.
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, dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np, isosorbide dicaprylate, phytosphingosine
This product contains antioxidants (camellia oleifera leaf extract) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
The following ingredients - centella asiatica extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
This product contains centella asiatica extract. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.


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Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
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 DimethiconeActs as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholA 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 butterHelps create a non-greasy finish on the skin
More about UndecaneOne 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 GlycerinHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. Early studies suggest that it can help strengthen the skin barrier
More about Isosorbide dicaprylateA 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 npAn emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolA type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect
More about PhytosphingosineHelps 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 lecithinA 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 extractUsed to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerIncreases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Hydrogenated polydeceneUsed to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidA 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 acetateA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, even though it is not usually used in sufficient concentration in cosmetics
More about Camellia oleifera leaf extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Chamomilla recutita flower extractTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceA preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidA 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 triglycerideAn 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 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 dryness
More about Oleic acidHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolPure 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 TocopherolUsed to improve the product consistency and stabilize formulations
More about Sodium sulfateUsed to dissolve other ingredients and to improve smell of products. It could be irritating
More about T-butyl alcoholDimethicone, Water, Propanediol, Cetearyl alcohol, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Undecane, Glycerin, Dipentaerythrityl hexahydroxystearate/hexastearate/hexarosinate, Isosorbide dicaprylate, Cetearyl olivate, Tridecane, Sorbitan olivate, Silica, Ceramide np, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Hydrogenated lecithin, Centella asiatica extract, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Hydrogenated polydecene, Xanthan gum, Stearic acid, Sodium phytate, Tocopheryl acetate, Camellia oleifera leaf extract, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric acid, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Lactic acid, Oleic acid, Laureth-8, Caprylyl glycol, Caprylhydroxamic acid, Tocopherol, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Sodium sulfate, T-butyl alcohol
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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.
| PrequelSKIN UTILITY BALM MULTI-PURPOSE SKIN PROTECTANTYOUR PRODUCT | CeraVeIntensive Moisturizing Cream | DermaticaNourishing Ceramide + Peptides | PAPA RECIPEMild Derma Ectoin 1% Cream Moisturizer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 53% | 53% | 52% |
| Price | $19.99 | $17.99−$2.00 | $21.38+$1.39 | $23.99+$4.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 10 | 7 of 10 | 6 of 10 |
| Key difference | — | Ceramide Eop | Niacinamide | Ceramide Ns |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Judging from the ingredient list, "Prequel - SKIN UTILITY BALM MULTI-PURPOSE SKIN PROTECTANT" works well for improving skin hydration 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. Glycerin and caprylyl 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, isosorbide dicaprylate, phytosphingosine, cholesterol and butyrospermum parkii butter 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.
This moisturizer contains actives 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.
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 22 studies and safety reviews.
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.