Weleda

Weleda Birch Pearl Body Scrub

Name: Weleda - Birch Pearl Body Scrub
Brand: Weleda

Efficacy0/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation

Lactic acid

Not delivered

What the product description says

“Birch Pearl Body Scrub”

Source: Recreate Yourself

This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.05–0.25%

Moisturizing

Not advertised by the brand · Sesamum indicum seed oil, Cera alba + 6 more

Works

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.

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: cera alba, chondrus crispus extract.

Sesamum indicum seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function~5.4–8.2%

Cera albaKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighForms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen~2–3%

Copernicia cerifera waxKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~1.5–2.3%

Hydrogenated castor oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA 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~1.2–1.8%

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~0.95–1.45%

Prunus armeniaca kernel oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin~0.6–1.35%

Chondrus crispus extractKey active· OcclusiveEffect: HighRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency~0.4–0.95%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

6 strong irritants: Alcohol, Parfum + 4 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Coco-glucosideUsed as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritatingHigh~5.1–7.6%est.

AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~2.7–4%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.4–1%est.

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.2%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.

CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.01–0.1%est.

Disodium cocoyl glutamateHelps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agentMedium~2.1–3.2%est.

Cera albaForms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergenMedium~2–3%est.

Hydrogenated castor 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 consistencyMedium~1.2–1.8%est.

Prunus armeniaca kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the skinMedium~0.6–1.35%est.

Sodium cocoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.4–0.95%est.

Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.05–0.25%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

Chondrus crispus extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency3/5~0.4–0.95%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Sesamum indicum seed oil~5.4–8.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function

More about Sesamum indicum seed oil

Coco-glucoside~5.1–7.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Cleansing

Used as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritating

More about Coco-glucoside

Alcohol~2.7–4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol

Disodium cocoyl glutamate~2.1–3.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agent

More about Disodium cocoyl glutamate

Cera alba~2–3%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingCleansing

Forms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen

More about Cera alba

Copernicia cerifera wax~1.5–2.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency

More about Copernicia cerifera wax

Hydrogenated castor oil~1.2–1.8%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

CleansingMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A 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

More about Hydrogenated castor oil

Glycerin~0.95–1.45%

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

Prunus armeniaca kernel oil~0.6–1.35%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Prunus armeniaca kernel oil

Parfum~0.4–1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Chondrus crispus extract~0.4–0.95%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency

More about Chondrus crispus extract

Sodium cocoyl glutamate~0.4–0.95%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium cocoyl glutamate

Betula alba leaf extract~0.35–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Betula alba leaf extract

Ruscus aculeatus root extract~0.15–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ruscus aculeatus root extract

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-blemishAnti-oxidationAntibacterial

Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract

Xanthan gum~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Lactic acid~0.05–0.25%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid

Limonene~0.05–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Linalool~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Citral~0.01–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral

Ingredient list view

Water, Sesamum indicum seed oil, Coco-glucoside, Alcohol, Disodium cocoyl glutamate, Cera alba, Copernicia cerifera wax, Hydrogenated castor oil, Glycerin, Prunus armeniaca kernel oil, Parfum, Chondrus crispus extract, Sodium cocoyl glutamate, Betula alba leaf extract, Ruscus aculeatus root extract, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Xanthan gum, Lactic acid, Limonene, Linalool, Citral

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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
	WeledaBirch Pearl Body ScrubYOUR PRODUCT	The Body ShopAlmond Milk & Honey Gently Exfoliating Cream Scrub	Dr. BotanicalsCellulite Reducing Caffeine Body Scrub	MoroccanoilBody Buff
Match	—	29%	28%	28%
Price	—	$45.20	—	$55.35
Shared key ingredients	—	2 of 6	2 of 6	2 of 6
Key difference	—	Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2	Avena Sativa Meal Extract	Agran Oil
Irritancy	High	Medium	Low	Medium
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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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
Protein and oil composition of sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum, L.) grown in the Gizan area of Saudi Arabiatandfonline.com
2
Triglyceride composition of Sesamum indicum seed oilonlinelibrary.wiley.com
3
Seed oil content and fatty acid composition in East African sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) accessions evaluated over 3 yearssciencedirect.com
4
In Vitro Assessment of Skin Irritation Potential of Surfactant-based Formulations by Using a 3-D Skin Reconstructed Tissue Model and Cytokine Responseresearchgate.net
5
Allergen of the Year—Alkyl Glucosidepracticeupdate.com
6
Efficacy of barrier creams in comparison to skin care products in dental laboratory technicians--a controlled trialncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
Final report on the safety assessment of Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glyceryl Ricinoleate, Glyceryl Ricinoleate SE, Ricinoleic Acid, Potassium Ricinoleate, Sodium Ricinoleate, Zinc Ricinoleate, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Ethyl Ricinoleate, Glycol Ricinoleate, Isopropyl Ricinoleate, Methyl Ricinoleate, and Octyldodecyl Ricinoleatencbi.nlm.nih.gov
8
Castor Oil: Properties, Uses, and Optimization of Processing Parameters in Commercial Productionncbi.nlm.nih.gov
9
Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammationncbi.nlm.nih.gov
10
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
11
Safety Assessment of Amino Acid Alkyl Amides as Used in Cosmeticsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
12
Irritant and sensitizing potential of eight surfactants commonly used in skin cleansers: an evaluation of 105 patientsjournals.lww.com
13
Allergic contact dermatitis induced by rosemary leaf extract in a cleansing gelpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
14
Safety Assessment of Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmeticsjournals.sagepub.com
15
Rosmarinus officinalis Extract Suppresses Propionibacterium acnes–Induced Inflammatory Responsesliebertpub.com
16
Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
17
Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org

WeledaBirch Pearl Body Scrub

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