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SheaMoisture Balancing Moisturizer
SheaMoisture

SheaMoisture Balancing Moisturizer

Efficacy62/100IrritancyMedium
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Works for

1 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing
21 ingredients credited for this claim
Good support
What the product description says
“Balancing Moisturizer”
From product name

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: allantoin, 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: butyrospermum parkii butter, caprylic/capric triglyceride.

GlycerinKey activeEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~1–1.6%
Mangifera indica seed butterKey activeEffect: HighHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.1–0.45%
Melia azadirachta seed oilKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function due to the high linoleic acid content~0.2–0.75%
Theobroma cacao seed butterKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.45–1.05%
Vitis vinifera seed oilKey activeEffect: HighA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~0.45–1.05%
AllantoinKey activeEffect: HighHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.15–0.6%
Butyrospermum parkii butterKey activeEffect: 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~1.3–2%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey activeEffect: 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~5.4–8%
Cocos nucifera oilKey activeEffect: HighAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic~0.4–0.9%
Cetearyl alcoholKey activeEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1.3–1.9%
Cetyl alcoholKey activeEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~1.9–2.8%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: LowTraditionally 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~23–34%
Glyceryl stearateEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~3.3–5%
Glyceryl stearate citrateEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin~1.4–2.2%
Glyceryl caprylateEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.85–1.3%
Caprylyl glycolEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.45%
Persea gratissima oilUnder-dosedEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function~0.4–0.9%
Prunus armeniaca kernel oilUnder-dosedEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin~0.35–0.8%
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilUnder-dosedEffect: HighSoftens 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.~0.45–1.1%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.35–0.8%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.35–0.8%
Evens skin tone
2 ingredients credited for this claim
Limited support
What the product description says
“Use after facial cleanser and skin care toner made for treating uneven skin tone.”
Source: Walgreens

This product contains ingredients (punica granatum extract) that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

Punica granatum extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective~0.1–0.5%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.35–0.8%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · 10 ingredients credited for this claim
Moderate support

This product contains antioxidants (punica granatum extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Punica granatum extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective~0.1–0.5%
Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA 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~1.3–2%
Theobroma cacao seed butterEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.45–1.05%
Vitis vinifera seed oilEffect: LowA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~0.45–1.05%
Mangifera indica seed butterEffect: LowHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.1–0.45%
TocopherolUnder-dosedEffect: HighPure 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~0.35–0.8%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractUnder-dosedEffect: MediumCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.35–0.8%
Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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.~0.35–0.85%
BisabololEffect: Low, below effective doseAn active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties~0.15–0.6%
Prunus armeniaca kernel oilEffect: Low, below effective doseAn emollient that helps soften the skin~0.35–0.8%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilAn essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.2–0.7%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally 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 skinMedium~23–34%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~5.4–8%est.
Sodium shea butterateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.55–1.3%est.
Sodium cocoateWorks as a cleansing agentMedium~0.5–1.2%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~0.45–1.1%est.
Vitis vinifera seed oilA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~0.45–1.05%est.
Persea gratissima oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier functionMedium~0.4–0.9%est.
Prunus armeniaca kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the skinMedium~0.35–0.8%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~0.35–0.85%est.
Avena sativa bran extract—Medium~0.35–0.75%est.
Salix nigra bark extractA plant extract that might contain salicylic acidMedium~0.3–0.7%est.
Punica granatum extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effectiveMedium~0.1–0.5%est.
Triethyl citrateUsed as a fragrance. Rarely causes irritationMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Comedogenic
4 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
4 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 radicals3/5~1.3–2%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 effect3/5~0.45–1.05%est.
Cocos nucifera oilAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.4–0.9%est.
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~1.3–1.9%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~23–34%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessReduces irritationAnti-blemishAnti-aging

Traditionally 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 juice
Water~12–18%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~5.4–8%
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
Glyceryl stearate~3.3–5%
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
Stearyl alcohol~2.6–3.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Stearyl alcohol
Cetyl alcohol~1.9–2.8%
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 citrate~1.4–2.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin

More about Glyceryl stearate citrate
Cetearyl alcohol~1.3–1.9%
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~1.3–2%
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
Glycerin~1–1.6%
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
Glyceryl caprylate~0.85–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate
Sodium palm kernelate~1.1–1.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Sodium palm kernelate
Sodium shea butterate~0.55–1.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Sodium shea butterate
Sodium cocoate~0.5–1.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Works as a cleansing agent

More about Sodium cocoate
Theobroma cacao seed butter~0.45–1.05%
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
Pod ash
Not recognized
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.45–1.1%
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
Vitis vinifera seed oil~0.45–1.05%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties

More about Vitis vinifera seed oil
Cocos nucifera oil~0.4–0.9%
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
Solanum lycopersicum fruit/leaf/stem extract~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Solanum lycopersicum fruit/leaf/stem extract
Persea gratissima oil~0.4–0.9%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function

More about Persea gratissima oil
Tamarindus indica fruit extract~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Tamarindus indica fruit extract
Prunus armeniaca kernel oil~0.35–0.8%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Prunus armeniaca kernel oil
Tocopheryl acetate~0.35–0.85%
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
Avena sativa bran extract~0.35–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
More about Avena sativa bran extract
Tocopherol~0.35–0.8%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure 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 Tocopherol
Allantoin~0.15–0.6%
Key active
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
Bisabolol~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.35–0.8%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Salix nigra bark extract~0.3–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Exfoliation

A plant extract that might contain salicylic acid

More about Salix nigra bark extract
Charcoal powder~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Benefits for the skin are not clear

More about Charcoal powder
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.2–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil
Ormenis multicaulis oil~0.15–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ormenis multicaulis oil
Melia azadirachta seed oil~0.2–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function due to the high linoleic acid content

More about Melia azadirachta seed oil
Punica granatum extract~0.1–0.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin tone

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective

More about Punica granatum extract
Mangifera indica seed butter~0.1–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Mangifera indica seed butter
Triethyl citrate~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used as a fragrance. Rarely causes irritation

More about Triethyl citrate
Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Benzoic acid~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid
Parfum~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ingredient list view

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glyceryl stearate, Stearyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Cetearyl alcohol, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Glycerin, Glyceryl caprylate, Sodium palm kernelate, Sodium shea butterate, Sodium cocoate, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Unknown, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Cocos nucifera oil, Solanum lycopersicum fruit/leaf/stem extract, Persea gratissima oil, Tamarindus indica fruit extract, Prunus armeniaca kernel oil, Tocopheryl acetate, Avena sativa bran extract, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Salix nigra bark extract, Charcoal powder, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Ormenis multicaulis oil, Melia azadirachta seed oil, Punica granatum extract, Mangifera indica seed butter, Triethyl citrate, Caprylyl glycol, Benzoic acid, Parfum

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Amazon USPrice as of 10/11/2026 18:01 GMT
$12.99
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Walgreens
$12.99
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Cocoa polyphenols and their influence on parameters involved in ex vivo skin restructuringncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
  5. 5
    Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoinscielo.br
  6. 6
    α-(-)-Bisabolol Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production and Ameliorates Skin Inflammationresearchgate.net
SheaMoisture Balancing Moisturizer
SheaMoistureBalancing Moisturizer
Buy at Walgreens$12.99$12.99as of 10/11 18:01 GMT

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

Buy at Walgreens$12.99$12.99as of 10/11 18:01 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.