What's In My Jar
Yves Saint Laurent NU Glow in Balm
Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent NU Glow in Balm

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Glycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride + 19 more
Works
What the product description says
“The high-performance highlighter helps to moisturise and nourish the skin, while delivering a lit-from-within-glow.”
Source: Lookfantastic

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, polyglycerin-3.

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 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~4.9–6%
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~3.1–3.8%
Jojoba estersKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function~1.9–2.3%
Cetyl estersKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften upper layer of the skin and can enhance penetration of other ingredients into the upper layer of the skin~1.4–1.7%
Coco-caprylate/caprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture~1.2–1.4%
Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: 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~0.75–1.1%
Acacia decurrens flower ceraKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumMimosa flower fax. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. It adds a nice smell, but could be irritating~0.5–0.7%
Glycine soja oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.~0.45–0.65%
Helianthus annuus seed ceraKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.6%
Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~0.35–0.6%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%
Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.25–0.45%
Polyglycerin-3Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%
Dicaprylyl ether· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients~4.1–5%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~2.3–2.9%
Polyglyceryl-6 distearateEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin~0.95–1.15%
Behenyl alcohol· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient~0.6–0.95%
Isohexadecane· EmollientEffect: LowImproves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent~0.35–0.6%
Hydrolyzed opuntia ficus-indica flower extractEffect: LowA plant extract. Can help attract water the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties~0.3–0.6%
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~0.15–0.3%
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~0.15–0.25%
Exfoliation
Not advertised by the brand · Capryloyl salicylic acid
Works well

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: capryloyl salicylic acid.

Capryloyl salicylic acidKey activeEffect: High~0.25–0.4%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · Haematococcus pluvialis extract, Butyrospermum parkii butter + 3 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (haematococcus pluvialis 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.

Haematococcus pluvialis extractKey activeEffect: MediumGreen algae extract that might contain antioxidant astaxanthin~0.3–0.5%
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~0.75–1.1%
Zingiber officinale root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking~0.4–0.6%
Hydrolyzed opuntia ficus-indica flower extractEffect: LowA plant extract. Can help attract water the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties~0.3–0.6%
TocopherolUnder-dosedPure 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~0.15–0.25%
Evens skin tone
Not advertised by the brand · Capryloyl salicylic acid
May help

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: capryloyl salicylic acid.

Capryloyl salicylic acidKey activeEffect: Medium~0.25–0.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Zingiber officinale root extract, Cinnamomum cassia bark extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 19 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Acacia decurrens flower ceraMimosa flower fax. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. It adds a nice smell, but could be irritatingHigh~0.5–0.7%est.
Zingiber officinale root extractA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lackingHigh~0.4–0.6%est.
Cinnamomum cassia bark extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.
Hydrolyzed opuntia ficus-indica flower extractA plant extract. Can help attract water the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.3–0.6%est.
Capryloyl salicylic acid—High~0.25–0.4%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.1%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~3.1–3.8%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~2.3–2.9%est.
Jojoba estersAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier functionMedium~1.9–2.3%est.
Polyglyceryl-6 distearateHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.95–1.15%est.
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.Medium~0.45–0.65%est.
Haematococcus pluvialis extractGreen algae extract that might contain antioxidant astaxanthinMedium~0.3–0.5%est.
Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Sodium stearoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Hydroxypropyl starch phosphateHelps oil and water mix together and used to stabilize product formulationsMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateUsed to improve stability of the formulationMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Polyglyceryl-3 beeswaxHelps water and oil mix together. Could be an allergen (beeswax)Medium~0.25–0.4%est.
Comedogenic
3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
3 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 radicals3/5~0.75–1.1%est.
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.2/5~0.45–0.65%est.
Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix together2/5~0.25–0.45%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Cera Repair Barrier Cream
BIOTHERM Cera Repair Barrier Cream
Higher efficacy · 100/10062% match
$46.64
Minéral 89 72H Moisture Boosting Cream
Vichy Minéral 89 72H Moisture Boosting Cream
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$27.98
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~4.9–6%
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
Dicaprylyl ether~4.1–5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients

More about Dicaprylyl ether
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~3.1–3.8%
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
Pentylene glycol~2.3–2.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol
Jojoba esters~1.9–2.3%
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
Propanediol~1.6–1.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Propanediol
Cetyl esters~1.4–1.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften upper layer of the skin and can enhance penetration of other ingredients into the upper layer of the skin

More about Cetyl esters
Coco-caprylate/caprate~1.2–1.4%
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
Polyglyceryl-6 distearate~0.95–1.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

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

More about Polyglyceryl-6 distearate
Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.75–1.1%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

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
Behenyl alcohol~0.6–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient

More about Behenyl alcohol
Pelargonium graveolens extract~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Pelargonium graveolens extract
Acacia decurrens flower cera~0.5–0.7%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Mimosa flower fax. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. It adds a nice smell, but could be irritating

More about Acacia decurrens flower cera
Glycine soja oil~0.45–0.65%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

More about Glycine soja oil
Zingiber officinale root extract~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking

More about Zingiber officinale root extract
Sanguisorba officinalis root extract~0.45–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Sanguisorba officinalis root extract
Helianthus annuus seed cera~0.4–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Helianthus annuus seed cera
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.35–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Haematococcus pluvialis extract~0.3–0.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Green algae extract that might contain antioxidant astaxanthin

More about Haematococcus pluvialis extract
Cinnamomum cassia bark extract~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Cinnamomum cassia bark extract
Tin oxide~0.4–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation

More about Tin oxide
Sorbitan oleate~0.25–0.45%
Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan oleate
Isohexadecane~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Isohexadecane
Sodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.45%
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
Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl glutamate
Silica silylate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps create a thicker product consistency

More about Silica silylate
Hydrolyzed opuntia ficus-indica flower extract~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant extract. Can help attract water the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Hydrolyzed opuntia ficus-indica flower extract
Hydroxypropyl starch phosphate~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps oil and water mix together and used to stabilize product formulations

More about Hydroxypropyl starch phosphate
Capryloyl salicylic acid~0.25–0.4%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationAnti-blemishEvens skin tone
More about Capryloyl salicylic acid
Citric acid~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to improve stability of the formulation

More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate
Synthetic fluorphlogopite~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A mineral that is used as an optical filter (makes the skin looks nicer through light reflection) and to improve the texture of cosmetic products

More about Synthetic fluorphlogopite
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Polyglycerin-3~0.2–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Polyglycerin-3
Polyglyceryl-3 beeswax~0.25–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together. Could be an allergen (beeswax)

More about Polyglyceryl-3 beeswax
Polysorbate 80~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polysorbate 80
Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps water and oil mix together and create gel-like textures

More about Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer
Cetyl alcohol~0.25–0.45%
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
Butylene glycol~0.15–0.3%
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
Tocopherol~0.15–0.25%
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
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ci 77491~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A red colorant made of iron oxide. Typically is not irritating

More about Ci 77491
Ci 77891~0.1–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 77891
Parfum~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl ether, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Pentylene glycol, Jojoba esters, Propanediol, Cetyl esters, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Polyglyceryl-6 distearate, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Behenyl alcohol, Pelargonium graveolens extract, Acacia decurrens flower cera, Glycine soja oil, Zingiber officinale root extract, Sanguisorba officinalis root extract, Helianthus annuus seed cera, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Haematococcus pluvialis extract, Cinnamomum cassia bark extract, Tin oxide, Sorbitan oleate, Isohexadecane, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Silica silylate, Hydrolyzed opuntia ficus-indica flower extract, Hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, Capryloyl salicylic acid, Citric acid, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Synthetic fluorphlogopite, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglycerin-3, Polyglyceryl-3 beeswax, Polysorbate 80, Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, Cetyl alcohol, Butylene glycol, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Ci 77491, Ci 77891, Parfum

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🇬🇧 Lookfantastic (UK)40 ml
≈ $28.91 Out of stock
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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
Yves Saint LaurentNU Glow in BalmYOUR PRODUCTBIOTHERMCera Repair Barrier CreamVichyMinéral 89 72H Moisture Boosting CreamL'Oréal ParisParis Age Perfect Manuka Honey Intensive Cream
Match—62%62%61%
Price—$46.64$27.98$14.49
Shared key ingredients—5 of 116 of 119 of 11
Key difference—AdenosineNiacinamideCera Alba
Irritancy High Medium Medium High
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 19 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Comparison of skin calming effects of cosmetic products containing 4-t-butylcyclohexanol or acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester on capsaicin-induced facial stinging in volunteers with sensitive skinncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Amended Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  4. 4
    Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  5. 5
    Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): A review of recent researchsciencedirect.com
  6. 6
    Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Careonlinelibrary.wiley.com
Yves Saint Laurent NU Glow in Balm
Yves Saint LaurentNU Glow in Balm
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Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.