SkinCeuticals Hydra Balm Facial moisturizer for very dry skin
Works for
MoisturizingPetrolatum, Rosa canina fruit oil + 6 moreWorks well
“An occlusive, hydrating balm for compromised or very dry skin.”
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: cera microcristallina, squalane.
Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: petrolatum
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: FarnesolMedium risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
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Petrolatum~23–34%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss
More about PetrolatumRosa canina fruit oil~7.3–11%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating
More about Rosa canina fruit oilSqualane~4.8–7.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 SqualaneCera microcristallina~3.9–5.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss from its surface and create a thicker product consistency
More about Cera microcristallinaIsopropyl myristate~2.8–4.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic
More about Isopropyl myristateIsopropyl palmitate~2.1–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Isopropyl palmitateOryza sativa bran oil~1.7–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties
More about Oryza sativa bran oilBisabolol~0.55–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 BisabololTocopheryl acetate~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acetateAloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 extractFarnesol~0.1–0.3%
Ingredient list view
Petrolatum, Rosa canina fruit oil, Squalane, Cera microcristallina, Isopropyl myristate, Isopropyl palmitate, Oryza sativa bran oil, Bisabolol, Tocopheryl acetate, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Farnesol
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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.
| SkinCeuticalsHydra Balm Facial moisturizer for very dry skinYOUR PRODUCT | ISDINReparador Labial | CeraVeAdvanced Repair Ointment | Kiehl'sLip Balm #1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 54% | 52% | 51% |
| Price | $25.00 | — | — | $10.00−$15.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 7 | 2 of 7 | 3 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Mineral Oil | Mineral Oil | Mineral Oil |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Cubid CBD Re:fresh Face CreamDermatica Restoring Ceramide Skin Balm
Product summary
"SkinCeuticals - Hydra Balm Facial moisturizer for very dry skin" has a good moisturizing formula. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. SkinCeuticals - Hydra Balm Facial moisturizer for very dry skin ticks this box. Aloe barbadensis extract in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Emollients in this formulation (petrolatum, isopropyl myristate, oryza sativa bran oil, rosa canina fruit oil and cera microcristallina) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 24.00$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 3 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isopropyl Isostearatejournals.sagepub.com
- 2
- 3
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