Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent NU Glow In Balm Face Priming Moisturizer

Name: Yves Saint Laurent - NU Glow In Balm Face Priming Moisturizer
Brand: Yves Saint Laurent

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Glycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride + 16 more

Works

What the product description says

“NU Glow In Balm Face Priming Moisturizer”

Source: Sephora CA

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, sodium hyaluronate.

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~1–1.45%

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~0.85–1.3%

Jojoba estersKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function~0.6–1.4%

Coco-caprylate/caprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture~0.55–1.3%

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~0.55–1.35%

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~0.5–1.1%

Helianthus annuus seed waxKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function while creating a thicker product consistency~0.5–1.15%

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~0.5–1.2%

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.~0.45–1.1%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.2–0.75%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.65%

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~23–34%

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~8.2–12.3%

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~0.9–1.35%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.85–1.25%

Behenyl alcohol· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient~0.5–1.2%

Polyglyceryl-6 distearateEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin~0.5–1.15%

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~0.4–0.9%

Exfoliation

Side benefit · 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~1.8–2.7%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Tocopherol, Haematococcus pluvialis extract + 2 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).

The following ingredients - haematococcus pluvialis extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

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~8.2–12.3%

Haematococcus pluvialis extractKey activeEffect: MediumGreen algae extract that might contain antioxidant astaxanthin~0.4–0.95%

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~0.5–1.2%

Zingiber officinale root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking~0.4–0.9%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · 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~1.8–2.7%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Tocopherol, Butyrospermum parkii butter

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.

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~8.2–12.3%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Parfum, Zingiber officinale root extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 15 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~2.1–3.1%est.

Capryloyl salicylic acid—High~1.8–2.7%est.

Acacia decurrens flower waxUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.45–1.05%est.

Zingiber officinale root extractA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lackingHigh~0.4–0.9%est.

Cinnamomum cassia bark extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.4–1%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~1.5–2.2%est.

Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateUsed to improve stability of the formulationMedium~1.2–1.9%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~0.85–1.3%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.85–1.25%est.

Jojoba estersAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier functionMedium~0.6–1.4%est.

Polyglyceryl-6 distearateHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.5–1.15%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~0.45–1.1%est.

Haematococcus pluvialis extractGreen algae extract that might contain antioxidant astaxanthinMedium~0.4–0.95%est.

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.4–0.9%est.

Sodium stearoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.2–0.75%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 radicals3/5~0.5–1.2%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.2/5~0.45–1.1%est.

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix together2/5~0.4–0.9%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

BIOTHERM BLUE THERAPY CREAM-IN-OIL

Higher efficacy · 100/10054% match

$80.66

L'Oréal Paris Cell Renewal Midnight Cream Anti-Aging Night Moisturizer with Antioxidants, Fragrance Free

Higher efficacy · 100/10053% match

$36.99

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Butylene glycol~23–34%

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~8.2–12.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingMoisturizing

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~0.5–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Ci 77491~4–6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Ci 77491

Titanium dioxide~3.7–5.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin

More about Titanium dioxide

Parfum~2.1–3.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Phosphate

Not recognized

Capryloyl salicylic acid~1.8–2.7%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

ExfoliationAnti-blemishEvens skin tone

More about Capryloyl salicylic acid

Citric acid~1.5–2.2%

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~1.2–1.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to improve stability of the formulation

More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate

Water~1.1–1.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~1–1.45%

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

Dicaprylyl ether~0.9–1.35%

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~0.85–1.3%

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~0.85–1.25%

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~0.6–1.4%

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~0.55–1.25%

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~0.55–1.35%

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~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

Polyglyceryl-6 distearate~0.5–1.15%

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~0.5–1.2%

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~0.5–1.2%

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~0.45–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Pelargonium graveolens extract

Acacia decurrens flower wax~0.45–1.05%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Acacia decurrens flower wax

Glycine soja oil~0.45–1.1%

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~0.4–0.9%

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~0.5–1.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Sanguisorba officinalis root extract

Helianthus annuus seed wax~0.5–1.15%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function while creating a thicker product consistency

More about Helianthus annuus seed wax

Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.5–1.1%

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~0.4–0.95%

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~0.4–1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Cinnamomum cassia bark extract

Tin oxide~0.5–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Tin oxide

Sorbitan oleate~0.4–0.9%

Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan oleate

Isohexadecane~0.4–0.9%

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~0.15–0.65%

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~0.2–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl glutamate

Polysorbate 80~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polysorbate 80

Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer

Cetyl alcohol~0.2–0.75%

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

Ingredient list view

Butylene glycol, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Ci 77491, Titanium dioxide, Parfum, Unknown, Capryloyl salicylic acid, Citric acid, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, 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 wax, Glycine soja oil, Zingiber officinale root extract, Sanguisorba officinalis root extract, Helianthus annuus seed wax, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Haematococcus pluvialis extract, Cinnamomum cassia bark extract, Tin oxide, Sorbitan oleate, Isohexadecane, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Polysorbate 80, Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, Cetyl alcohol

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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 Balm Face Priming MoisturizerYOUR PRODUCT	BIOTHERMBLUE THERAPY CREAM-IN-OIL	L'Oréal ParisCell Renewal Midnight Cream Anti-Aging Night Moisturizer with Antioxidants, Fragrance Free	the Torriden StoreBALANCEFUL 5D Cica Complex Soothing Cream for Sensitive & Redness Skin
Match	—	54%	53%	51%
Price	—	$80.66	$36.99	$26.00
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 12	4 of 12	2 of 12
Key difference	—	Adenosine	Adenosine	Dipeptide-2
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Yves Saint Laurent - NU Glow In Balm Face Priming Moisturizer" is a well-rounded moisturizing product. As we expect from a proper moisturizer, the formula includes a combo of effective humectants and emollients. These are the two different types of ingredients that are essential for improving the skin hydration and supporting a healthy skin barrier. Humectants in this product (glycerin, sodium hyaluronate and butylene glycol) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Ceramide np, glycine soja oil, helianthus annuus seed cera, jojoba esters and caprylic/capric triglyceride in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.

Ingredient callouts

Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (ceramide np 0.70% - 1.05%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.

Irritation risk

There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits for the skin. 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.