TONYMOLY Propolis Tower Barrier Rebalancing Emulsion

TONYMOLY Propolis Tower Barrier Rebalancing Emulsion

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh
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Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Anti-aging
Adenosine, Niacinamide + 4 more
Strong evidence
What the product description says
“Functional product for skin brightening and wrinkle improvement.”
Source: Yesstyle

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine, niacinamide.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

AdenosineKey activeEffect: HighMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.1–0.3%
NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~2.4–3.6%
Beta-glucanEffect: LowHelps 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~0.05–0.25%
Centella asiatica extractUnder-dosedEffect: MediumA 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.~0.3–0.75%
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~0.1–0.35%
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~0.05–0.3%
Moisturizing
Niacinamide, Ceramide np + 22 more
Strong evidence
What the product description says
“Propolis Tower Barrier Rebalancing Emulsion”
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: glycerin, saccharomyces ferment filtrate.

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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, jojoba esters.

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

Jojoba estersKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function~1.5–2.2%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.05–0.2%
NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~2.4–3.6%
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~3.8–5.8%
Saccharomyces ferment filtrateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.45%
Prunus armeniaca kernel oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin~1.9–2.9%
Ceramide npHero· EmollientEffect: HighA 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~0.1–0.45%
Corallina officinalis extractKey activeEffect: HighRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants~0.05–0.25%
Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA mix of amino acids and plant-based lipids. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss over time~0.1–0.4%
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~22–33%
Beta-glucanKey activeEffect: HighHelps 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~0.05–0.25%
AdenosineKey activeEffect: MediumMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.1–0.3%
Honey extractKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.4%
Lactobacillus ferment lysateKey activeEffect: MediumA "broth" with parts of dead cells of lactobacteria. Might be helpful supporting diverse microbiome in skin, but evidence is lacking~0.1–0.45%
Propolis extractKey activeEffect: MediumA complex substance produced by honey bees. Can have anti-bacterial and some anti-oxidant effect. Is an allergen and can be irritating76%
Ethylhexyl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.45%
Portulaca oleracea extract· HumectantEffect: LowA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.4%
Pyrus communis fruit extract· HumectantEffect: LowCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content~0.05–0.25%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.3%
PanthenolUnder-dosedEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.2–0.75%
Centella asiatica extractUnder-dosedEffect: HighA 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.~0.3–0.75%
Rosa damascena flower waterEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed to add a nice rose smell to the product. Might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect. Can be irritating~0.05–0.25%
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~0.05–0.3%
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~0.1–0.35%
Evens skin tone
Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Strong evidence

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~2.4–3.6%
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~0.1–0.35%
Anti-blemish
Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Beta-glucan + 3 more
Strong evidence

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~2.4–3.6%
Beta-glucanEffect: LowHelps 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~0.05–0.25%
Melia azadirachta leaf extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating~0.05–0.25%
Centella asiatica extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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.~0.3–0.75%
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~0.1–0.35%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Rosa damascena flower water, Jasminum officinale flower water + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 27 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Propolis extractA complex substance produced by honey bees. Can have anti-bacterial and some anti-oxidant effect. Is an allergen and can be irritatingHigh76%
Arctium lappa root extractPlant extract. Has some anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
Melia azadirachta leaf extractA plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
Rosa damascena flower waterUsed to add a nice rose smell to the product. Might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
Curcuma longa root extractA plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritantHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
Prunus persica fruit extractA fruit extact. Might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.1–0.5%est.
Jasminum officinale flower waterUsed as a fragrance. Can lead to irritationHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
Vanilla planifolia fruit extractA plant extract used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
Ocimum sanctum leaf extractA plant extract that is rich in a fragrance compound eugenol that is a frequent allergen and can be irritating. It might also contain anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicalsHigh~0.05–0.25%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~3.8–5.8%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~2–3%est.
Prunus armeniaca kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the skinMedium~1.9–2.9%est.
Jojoba estersAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier functionMedium~1.5–2.2%est.
Polyglyceryl-10 laurateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.95–1.45%est.
Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.55–1.25%est.
Centella asiatica extractA 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.Medium~0.3–0.75%est.
Honey extractHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Portulaca oleracea extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Vitex agnus-castus extractA plant extract that might have some antioxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is missingMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
C12-20 alkyl glucosideHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Pyrus communis fruit extractCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar contentMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Melia azadirachta flower extractA plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skinMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Cucumis melo fruit extractA fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.6%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.3%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.1%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 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
Corallina officinalis extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants3/5~0.05–0.25%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Propolis extract76%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAntibacterialAnti-oxidation

A complex substance produced by honey bees. Can have anti-bacterial and some anti-oxidant effect. Is an allergen and can be irritating

More about Propolis extract
Glycerin~22–33%
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
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~3.8–5.8%
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
Propanediol~4–6.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
1,2-hexanediol~2–3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Niacinamide~2.4–3.6%
Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide
Prunus armeniaca kernel oil~1.9–2.9%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Prunus armeniaca kernel oil
Jojoba esters~1.5–2.2%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function

More about Jojoba esters
C14-22 alcohols~1.2–1.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A non-drying alcohol that helps stabilize product formulations

More about C14-22 alcohols
Polyglyceryl-10 laurate~0.95–1.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-10 laurate
Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~0.55–1.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate
Centella asiatica extract~0.3–0.75%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Reduces rednessReduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

A 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 extract
Panthenol~0.2–0.75%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Scrophularia buergeriana extract~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Honey extract~0.1–0.4%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Honey extract
Portulaca oleracea extract~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Portulaca oleracea extract
Phellinus linteus extract~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Arctium lappa root extract~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Plant extract. Has some anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating

More about Arctium lappa root extract
Lactobacillus ferment lysate~0.1–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A "broth" with parts of dead cells of lactobacteria. Might be helpful supporting diverse microbiome in skin, but evidence is lacking

More about Lactobacillus ferment lysate
Saccharomyces ferment filtrate~0.1–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharomyces ferment filtrate
Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract
Vitex agnus-castus extract~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some antioxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is missing

More about Vitex agnus-castus extract
C12-20 alkyl glucoside~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about C12-20 alkyl glucoside
Ethylhexyl stearate~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Ethylhexyl stearate
Corallina officinalis extract~0.05–0.25%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants

More about Corallina officinalis extract
Beta-glucan~0.05–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

Helps 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

More about Beta-glucan
Pyrus communis fruit extract~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Can have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content

More about Pyrus communis fruit extract
Melia azadirachta leaf extract~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
AntibacterialAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating

More about Melia azadirachta leaf extract
Rosa damascena flower water~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Used to add a nice rose smell to the product. Might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect. Can be irritating

More about Rosa damascena flower water
Melia azadirachta flower extract~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Melia azadirachta flower extract
Curcuma longa root extract~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant

More about Curcuma longa root extract
Prunus persica fruit extract~0.1–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A fruit extact. Might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Prunus persica fruit extract
Jasminum officinale flower water~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can lead to irritation

More about Jasminum officinale flower water
Hedera helix leaf/stem extract~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Vanilla planifolia fruit extract~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Vanilla planifolia fruit extract
Cucumis melo fruit extract~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Cucumis melo fruit extract
Ocimum sanctum leaf extract~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that is rich in a fragrance compound eugenol that is a frequent allergen and can be irritating. It might also contain anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicals

More about Ocimum sanctum leaf extract
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishEvens skin tone

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
Water~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Ceramide np~0.1–0.45%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

A 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 np
Sodium hyaluronate~0.05–0.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate~0.1–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A mix of amino acids and plant-based lipids. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss over time

More about Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps 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 lecithin
Trideceth-6~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Trideceth-6
Sodium polyacrylate~0.2–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions

More about Sodium polyacrylate
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.15–0.6%
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
Xanthan gum~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Tromethamine~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine
Adenosine~0.1–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)

More about Adenosine
Ethyl ascorbyl ether
Not recognized
Tocopherol~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

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
Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredient list view

Propolis extract, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Propanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, Niacinamide, Prunus armeniaca kernel oil, Jojoba esters, C14-22 alcohols, Polyglyceryl-10 laurate, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Centella asiatica extract, Panthenol, Scrophularia buergeriana extract, Honey extract, Portulaca oleracea extract, Phellinus linteus extract, Arctium lappa root extract, Lactobacillus ferment lysate, Saccharomyces ferment filtrate, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Vitex agnus-castus extract, C12-20 alkyl glucoside, Ethylhexyl stearate, Corallina officinalis extract, Beta-glucan, Pyrus communis fruit extract, Melia azadirachta leaf extract, Rosa damascena flower water, Melia azadirachta flower extract, Curcuma longa root extract, Prunus persica fruit extract, Jasminum officinale flower water, Hedera helix leaf/stem extract, Vanilla planifolia fruit extract, Cucumis melo fruit extract, Ocimum sanctum leaf extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Water, Ceramide np, Sodium hyaluronate, Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, Hydrogenated lecithin, Trideceth-6, Sodium polyacrylate, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Xanthan gum, Tromethamine, Adenosine, Unknown, Tocopherol, Caprylyl glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin

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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
TONYMOLYPropolis Tower Barrier Rebalancing EmulsionYOUR PRODUCThwarang'Bellflower Moisturizing Barrier CreamMEDIHEALMadecassoside Derma Cream Blemish RepairNEOGEN X SUR.MEDICSurmedic 24K Gold Caviar Repair Vital Cream
Match—88%86%86%
Price$26.00$16.83−$9.17$19.63−$6.37$60.00+$34.00
Shared key ingredients—10 of 178 of 179 of 17
Key difference—Butyrospermum Parkii ButterMadecassosideCopper Tripeptide-1
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

Based on the ingredient list, "TONYMOLY - Propolis Tower Barrier Rebalancing Emulsion" can work well for skin moisturization. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. TONYMOLY - Propolis Tower Barrier Rebalancing Emulsion ticks this box. Glycerin, saccharomyces ferment filtrate, sodium hyaluronate, honey extract 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). Emollients in this formulation (ceramide np, jojoba esters, phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, prunus armeniaca kernel oil and caprylic/capric triglyceride) 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

  • We particularly like that there is a good concentration of Niacinamide (2.40% - 3.60%) in this moisturizer. Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is a great ingredient to have in a moisturizer. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and help improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
  • As a plus, this moisturizer also contains Ceramides (ceramide np 0.10% - 0.45%). 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.
  • Adenosine 0.10% - 0.30%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).
This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: vitamin e

Irritation risk

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 for 26.00$ 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 41 studies and safety reviews.

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TONYMOLY Propolis Tower Barrier Rebalancing Emulsion
TONYMOLYPropolis Tower Barrier Rebalancing Emulsion

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