Real Barrier

Intense Moisture Cream

Name: Real Barrier - Intense Moisture Cream
Brand: Real Barrier

Efficacy 100/100·High irritancy

Efficacy measures how well the formula delivers the claims the brand advertises · 1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

"Real Barrier - Intense Moisture Cream" is a well-rounded moisturizing product.

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Product summary

"Real Barrier - Intense Moisture Cream" is a well-rounded moisturizing product. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Real Barrier - Intense Moisture Cream ticks this box. Panthenol, arginine, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans 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). Emollients in this formulation (ceramide np, phytosterols, arginine, caprylic/capric triglyceride and ricinus communis seed oil) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

Ingredient callouts

As a plus, this moisturizer also contains Ceramides (ceramide np 0.30% - 0.55%). 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.
Actives derived from an extract of the Centella Asiatica plant (also known as Gotu Kola) - madecassoside 0.25% - 0.50% The Centella Asiatica Actives help strengthen and restore the skin barrier, decrease inflammation in skin and neutralize free radicals. They also can help to reduce scarring. The good news is that these actives work even in low concentrations.
An effective concentration of Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 3.90% - 4.80%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.

This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: allantoin and vitamin e

Irritation risk

This moisturizer contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. 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 from 32.00A$ up to 33.00A$ in Australia and from 24.80$ up to 32.00$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Product claims breakdown

Moisturizing

22 ingredients contribute at the levels below

Strong evidence

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: arginine, 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: arginine, caprylic/capric triglyceride.

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

MADECASSOSIDERole: HeroAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.25–0.5%

PANTHENOLRole: Key activeHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~3.9–4.8%

CERAMIDE NPRole: Key activeA 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~0.3–0.55%

LINOLEIC ACIDRole: Under-dosedAn 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~0.4–0.65%

CYCLOPENTASILOXANERole: Key activeA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~3.1–3.8%

ECTOINRole: Key activeSoftens the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~0.25–0.5%

GLYCERINRole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.6–0.9%

HYALURONIC ACIDRole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.1–0.2%

HYDROLYZED GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANSRole: Key activeLong sugars that help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%

HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACIDRole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin~0.25–0.5%

HYDROXYETHYL UREARole: Key activeA 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~1.5–1.8%

PHYTOSTEROLSRole: Key activeLipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function~0.3–0.6%

RICINUS COMMUNIS SEED OILRole: Key activeA plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency~0.3–0.55%

SODIUM ACETYLATED HYALURONATERole: Key activeA type of hyaluronic acid that works as an excellent moisturizer by attracting water into the upper layer of the skin. Is typically feels less sticky on the skin compared to the usual hyaluronic acid~0.25–0.45%

SODIUM HYALURONATERole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%

SODIUM HYALURONATE CROSSPOLYMERRole: Key activeAttracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%

SQUALANERole: Key activeAn 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.~1.3–1.6%

ALLANTOINRole: Under-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.35–0.6%

TOCOPHEROLRole: Under-dosedPure 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~0.35–0.65%

ARGININERole: Key activeAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~0.45–0.7%

BETA-GLUCANRole: Key activeHelps 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~0.25–0.45%

CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDERole: Key activeA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~2.4–3%

Exfoliation

HYDROXYETHYL UREA at ~1.5–1.8% delivers this without it being on the label

Quiet bonus

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.

ALLANTOINRole: Under-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.35–0.6%

PanthenolRole: Key activeHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~3.9–4.8%

CyclopentasiloxaneRole: Key activeA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~3.1–3.8%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideRole: Key activeA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~2.4–3%

SqualaneRole: Key activeAn 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.~1.3–1.6%

Cetearyl alcoholRole: Key activeA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1.1–1.3%

GlycerinRole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.6–0.9%

Canola oilRole: Key activeA plant oil that can help soften the upper layer of the skin~0.55–0.85%

ArginineRole: Key activeAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~0.45–0.7%

PhytosterolsRole: Key activeLipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function~0.3–0.6%

Ricinus communis seed oilRole: Key activeA plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency~0.3–0.55%

EctoinRole: Key activeSoftens the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~0.25–0.5%

Sodium hyaluronateRole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerRole: Key activeAttracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%

Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycansRole: Key activeLong sugars that help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%

Ceramide npRole: Key activeA 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~0.3–0.55%

MadecassosideRole: Key activeAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.25–0.5%

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidRole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin~0.25–0.5%

Beta-glucanRole: Key activeHelps 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~0.25–0.45%

Sodium acetylated hyaluronateRole: Key activeA type of hyaluronic acid that works as an excellent moisturizer by attracting water into the upper layer of the skin. Is typically feels less sticky on the skin compared to the usual hyaluronic acid~0.25–0.45%

Hyaluronic acidRole: Key activeOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.1–0.2%

Anti-oxidation

MADECASSOSIDE at ~0.25–0.5% delivers this without it being on the label

Quiet bonus

This product contains antioxidants (madecassoside) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

TOCOPHEROLRole: Under-dosedPure 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~0.35–0.65%

Irritancy

20 flagged ingredients — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 20 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skinHigh~0.25–0.5%est.

Copaifera officinalis resinUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilAn essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Lavandula angustifolia oilAn essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

Cananga odorata flower oilAn essential oil. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

Anthemis nobilis flower oilAn essential oil that is used as a fragrance and can be irritating. It might have some anti-oxidant effect in skinHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

Chamomilla recutita flower oilPlant oil that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains volatile compouunds that are potential allergens and can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

Raspberry ketoneUsed as a fragrance. It can reduce skin pigmentation, but it is not safe to use for these purposes in high concentrations as use of raspberry ketone and its derivative is linked to causing loss of skin pigmentation in people (leukoderma)High~0.1–0.15%est.

MethylpropanediolHelps dissolve other ingredients in a formulationLow~5.8–7%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 glycerinLow~2.4–3%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeLow~0.6–0.9%est.

Canola oilA plant oil that can help soften the upper layer of the skinLow~0.55–0.85%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureLow~0.5–0.75%est.

PhytosterolsLipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier functionLow~0.3–0.6%est.

Ricinus communis seed oilA plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistencyLow~0.3–0.55%est.

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerAttracts water into the upper layer of the skinLow~0.25–0.5%est.

Juniperus virginiana oilCedarwood oil. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingLow~0.25–0.5%est.

MadecassosideAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulationsLow~0.25–0.5%est.

Benzyl glycolHelps dissolve other ingredients and preserve productsLow~0.25–0.5%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeLow~0.15–0.3%est.

Comedogenic

Cetearyl alcohol ~1.1–1.3% — rinse-off or low %

Low risk

We flag 1 ingredient with a low-to-moderate comedogenic rating — at these concentrations, or in rinse-off use, they're unlikely to clog pores for most skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product textureMed~1.1–1.3%est.

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.