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Tropic Skincare FRESH WAVES balancing moisturiser
Tropic Skincare

Tropic Skincare FRESH WAVES balancing moisturiser

Efficacy25/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Hyaluronic acid, Coconut alkanes + 14 more
Works
What the product description says
“FRESH WAVES balancing moisturiser”
Source: Tropic

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, hyaluronic acid.

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: vaccinium corymbosum seed oil, vitis vinifera seed oil.

Hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne 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~2.9–4.3%
Coconut alkanesKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin~1–1.5%
Vitis vinifera seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~0.85–1.25%
Vaccinium corymbosum seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin, support the skin's barrier function and might help neutralize free radicals~0.8–1.25%
Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.8–1.2%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.55–1.35%
Coco-caprylate/caprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture~0.55–1.3%
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~0.5–1.1%
Alpha-glucan oligosaccharideKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.45–1%
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~0.4–1%
Saccharide isomerateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.8%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice· HumectantEffect: 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%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.85–1.3%
Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.55–1.25%
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract· Humectant, EmollientEffect: 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~0.4–0.9%
TocopherolEffect: LowPure 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~0.15–0.7%
Anti-blemish
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Beta-glucan
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Packed full of vitamin A, blueberry seed extract provides a hefty helping of antioxidants to prevent breakouts, promote clarity, and neutralise free radicals.”
Source: Tropic

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

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%
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~0.4–1%
Evens skin tone
No ingredient credited for this claim
Not delivered
What the product description says
“A Tropic favourite, this skin superfoods works to refine the appearance of pores and reduce inflammation, leaving your complexion evenly-toned and glowing.”
Source: Tropic

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Tocopherol, Vitis vinifera seed oil + 3 more
Works well

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

TocopherolKey activeEffect: 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~0.15–0.7%
Vitis vinifera seed oilEffect: LowA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~0.85–1.25%
Vaccinium corymbosum seed oilEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin, support the skin's barrier function and might help neutralize free radicals~0.8–1.25%
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~0.4–1%
Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extractEffect: LowUsed as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant properties~0.15–0.6%
Anti-aging
Side benefit · Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Hyaluronic acid + 2 more
May help

This product contains tocopherol. This ingredient help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they might be able to prevent early signs of aging (like fine lines and wrinkles), at least to some extent. These ingredients will not be able to "reverse" signs of aging.

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%
Hyaluronic acidEffect: LowOne 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~2.9–4.3%
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~0.4–1%
TocopherolEffect: LowPure 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~0.15–0.7%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
6 strong irritants: Gardenia florida flower extract, Parfum + 4 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 18 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Gardenia florida flower extractFragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~1.2–1.8%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~1.2–1.8%est.
Sodium anisateUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.3–0.75%est.
Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extractUsed as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.15–0.6%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~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.
Vitis vinifera seed oilA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~6.8–10.2%est.
Vaccinium corymbosum seed oilHelps soften the upper layer of the skin, support the skin's barrier function and might help neutralize free radicalsMedium~4.1–6.1%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf 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 skinMedium~1.7–2.6%est.
Coconut alkanesAn emollient that helps soften the skinMedium~1–1.5%est.
Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 estersHelp oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.85–1.25%est.
Sodium stearoyl lactylateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.5–1.1%est.
Cetearyl glucosideHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product textureMedium~0.45–1.1%est.
Levulinic acidHelps stabilize a product formulationMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Sodium levulinateA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 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
Coconut alkanesAn emollient that helps soften the skin2/5~1–1.5%est.
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.8–1.2%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
Fractionated coconut oil
Not recognized
Vitis vinifera seed oil~6.8–10.2%
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
Vaccinium corymbosum seed oil~4.1–6.1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, support the skin's barrier function and might help neutralize free radicals

More about Vaccinium corymbosum seed oil
Hyaluronic acid~2.9–4.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

One 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

More about Hyaluronic acid
Glycerin~2.2–3.4%
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
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~1.7–2.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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 extract
Tocopherol~1.4–2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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
Gardenia florida flower extract~1.2–1.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Gardenia florida flower extract
Parfum~1.2–1.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Water~1.1–1.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Coconut alkanes~1–1.5%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Coconut alkanes
Butylene glycol~0.85–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters~0.85–1.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Help oil and water mix together

More about Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters
Vitis vinifera seed oil~0.85–1.25%
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
Vaccinium corymbosum seed oil~0.8–1.25%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, support the skin's barrier function and might help neutralize free radicals

More about Vaccinium corymbosum seed oil
Sodium hyaluronate~0.55–1.35%
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
Cetearyl alcohol~0.8–1.2%
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
Coco-caprylate/caprate~0.55–1.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture

More about Coco-caprylate/caprate
Glyceryl stearate~0.55–1.25%
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
Sodium stearoyl lactylate~0.5–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl lactylate
Cetearyl glucoside~0.45–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture

More about Cetearyl glucoside
Glycerin~0.5–1.1%
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
Beta-glucan~0.4–1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-agingAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

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
Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide~0.45–1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide
Pectin~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Pectin
Sclerotium gum~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions

More about Sclerotium gum
Saccharide isomerate~0.35–0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharide isomerate
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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 extract
Sodium anisate~0.3–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Sodium anisate
Levulinic acid~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps stabilize a product formulation

More about Levulinic acid
Sodium levulinate~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium levulinate
Sodium gluconate~0.2–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium gluconate
Tocopherol~0.15–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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
Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Used as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract
Parfum~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Citric acid~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Sodium citrate~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate
Maltodextrin~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin
Geraniol~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Linalool~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Ingredient list view

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Unknown, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Vaccinium corymbosum seed oil, Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Tocopherol, Gardenia florida flower extract, Parfum, Water, Coconut alkanes, Butylene glycol, Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Vaccinium corymbosum seed oil, Sodium hyaluronate, Cetearyl alcohol, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Glyceryl stearate, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, Cetearyl glucoside, Glycerin, Beta-glucan, Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, Pectin, Sclerotium gum, Saccharide isomerate, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Sodium anisate, Levulinic acid, Sodium levulinate, Sodium gluconate, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract, Parfum, Citric acid, Sodium citrate, Maltodextrin, Geraniol, Linalool

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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
Tropic SkincareFRESH WAVES balancing moisturiserYOUR PRODUCTtropic-stagingSKIN FEAST nourishing moisturiser - UnscentedCetaphilNourishing & Hydrating LotionBeplainChamomile pH-Balanced Lotion
Match—36%36%35%
Price——$22.46$24.00
Shared key ingredients—5 of 94 of 94 of 9
Key difference—Agran OilNiacinamideCeramide Np
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 17 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  3. 3
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
  6. 6
    Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Tropic Skincare FRESH WAVES balancing moisturiser
Tropic SkincareFRESH WAVES balancing moisturiser
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