Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Moisturizing
- Anti-aging
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: high
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 0
Key actives
Product Summary
"Zelens - Z Recovery Intensive Repair Balm" has a good moisturizing formula. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Zelens - Z Recovery Intensive Repair Balm ticks this box. Humectants in this product (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, saccharomyces cerevisiae extract, sodium chondroitin sulfate and sodium hyaluronate) 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). Dimethicone, helianthus annuus seed oil, cyclopentasiloxane, olea europaea fruit oil and c13-14 isoparaffin 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
- We like that this moisturizer contains peptides (tripeptide-29 0.60% - 0.90%, hexapeptide-11 1.60% - 2.00% and acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester 0.70% - 1.10%). There are many different kind of peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of amino-acids. Some of them work as natural anti-biotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective peptides in skincare are, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. Peptides might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
Irritation risk
This moisturizer contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit 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.
Price
The product retails at around 131.28$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Works for
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Fortified with powerful collagen-boosting ingredients to help restore the hydrolipidic layer and strengthen the skin's natural protective barrier.
Source: Materiae
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: dimethicone, helianthus annuus seed oil.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, hexapeptide-11, tripeptide-29
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
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
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
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
A silicone that mixes with water creating nice light-weight product texture
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
A moisturizing ingredient that works as a humectant to attract water to the upper layer of the skin.
Is naturally present in skin. Helps to attract water to its upper layer
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
An amino-acid. There is not strong evidence of a particular beneficial effect for skin in topical applications, beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation
Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product
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
A silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency
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
Anti-aging
This product contains acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, hexapeptide-11, tripeptide-29. These ingredients might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
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
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
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Moisturizing |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 100/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
No comedogenic ingredients detected
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| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Zelens Z Recovery Intensive Repair Balm | Current | $131.25 | |
Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Oil-Free Matte Moisturizer | 68% | $38.00 | |
Paula's choice HYDRALIGHT Moisture Infusing Lotion | 68% | $33.00 | |
 Bioderma Hydrabio Gel-Creme | 68% | $15.99 | |
 Tula Breakout Star Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer | 68% | $52.00 | |
 Om Organics Gotu Kola + Squalane Hyaluronic Nourishing Cream | 67% | $48.00 |
Key Actives
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
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
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
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
A silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel
A silicone that mixes with water creating nice light-weight product texture
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
A moisturizing ingredient that works as a humectant to attract water to the upper layer of the skin.
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
Is naturally present in skin. Helps to attract water to its upper layer
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
Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions
Potential irritants
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation
A moisturizing ingredient that works as a humectant to attract water to the upper layer of the skin.
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
Comedogenic ingredients
We couldn't find any comedogenic ingredients in this product
All ingredients
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
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
An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation
A silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
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
A moisturizing ingredient that works as a humectant to attract water to the upper layer of the skin.
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
An amino-acid. There is not strong evidence of a particular beneficial effect for skin in topical applications, beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
Is naturally present in skin. Helps to attract water to its upper layer
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
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
Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
A silicone that mixes with water creating nice light-weight product texture
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
Ingredient list view
Water, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phospholipids, Hexapeptide-11, Butylene glycol, Olea europaea fruit oil, Polysilicone-11, Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, Tripeptide-29, Hyaluronic acid, Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Methylsilanol mannuronate, Methylsilanol hydroxyproline aspartate, Salicylic acid, Sodium chondroitin sulfate, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Tocopherol, Sodium polyacrylate, Polyacrylamide, Triethanolamine, C13-14 isoparaffin, Carbomer, Trideceth-6, Laureth-3, Laureth-7, Disodium edta, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan gum, Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone, Sorbic acid, Linalool, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium sorbate
- Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medications
- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyol
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Use of “natural” oils for moisturization: Review of olive, coconut, and sunflower seed oil
- Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humans
- Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic review
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- Allergic contact dermatitis induced by rosemary leaf extract in a cleansing gel
- Safety Assessment of Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
- Rosmarinus officinalis Extract Suppresses Propionibacterium acnes–Induced Inflammatory Responses
- Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review
- Beta Hydroxy Acids
- A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparations
- Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Salicylic–Mandelic Acid Peels in Active Acne Vulgaris and Post‐Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: A Comparative Study
- Combined effect of sodium chondroitin sulfate and sodium hyaluronate on skin moisturization following single and repeated application
- Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Care
- Topically Applied Sunflower Seed Oil Prevents Invasive Bacterial Infections in Preterm Infants in Egypt
- Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skin
- Impact of topical oils on the skin barrier: possible implications for neonatal health in developing countries
- Vitamin E in dermatology
- Vitamin E and Skin Health
- Safety Assessment of Isoparaffins as Used in Cosmetics