Avene Moisturizing Melt-In Balm

Avene Moisturizing Melt-In Balm
8.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
9.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
7.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does Avene Moisturizing Melt-In Balm work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Avene Moisturizing Melt-In Balm:

  • Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 8.4 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Perfect moisturizer for normal to dry skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Avene Moisturizing Melt-In Balm is intensely moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 8.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Question icon The Humectancy (from 0 to 10) is based on the amount of humectants in the formula and indicates how well the product can attract moisture to the skin. Humectants are effective moisturizers that work well for all skin types. The Occlusivity (from 0 to 10) is based on the amount of occlusives in the formula and indicates how effective the product is at sealing moisture into the skin. Occlusive moisturizers are ideal for those with dry skin. Question icon The Humectancy (from 0 to 10) is based on the amount of humectants in the formula and indicates how well the product can attract moisture to the skin. Humectants are effective moisturizers that work well for all skin types. The Occlusivity (from 0 to 10) is based on the amount of occlusives in the formula and indicates how effective the product is at sealing moisture into the skin. Occlusive moisturizers are ideal for those with dry skin. Rather humectant. It has a very high humectancy of 9.3 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈9.0%), and a high occlusivity of 7.6 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil (est. ≈6.0%) and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈4.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with normal skin who want intense hydration in a rich yet not overly thick formula. It combines a high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing.

The product’s occlusive profile suggests a texture that is rich and creamy but not overly thick, offering the potential to absorb into the skin without leaving a greasy afterfeel in most cases.

This product may also be a good choice for people with dry (but not very dry) skin for daily hydration, as it strikes a balance between significant moisturizing potential and a texture that is not too thick.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that Avene Moisturizing Melt-In Balm is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (est. ≈3.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
C14-22 Alcohols
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Benzoic Acid
Function:
Origin:
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
C20-22 Alcohols
Function:
Origin:
C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Camelina Sativa Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
9.3
9
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
15.1
6.0
4.0
3.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
8.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 9.3 10
9.3
9
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 15.1 20
7.6
6.0
4.0
3.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
8.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
0.3
All humectants 9.3 10
9.3
All humectants
9.3
9
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
4
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 15.1 20
7.6
All occlusives
15.1
6.0
4.0
3.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
1.3
All antioxidants 4.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.3
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
3
Tocopheryl Acetate
1.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) OilButyrospermum parkii oil is a liquid fraction from the more commonly used shea butter. It consists mainly of oleic acid and is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient. Read more on shea butter here: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed OilA fatty oil pressed from safflower seeds that is used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It contains unusually high amounts of linoleic acid (up to 70%), as well as antioxidant compounds such as vitamin E, phytosterols, and phenolics.
Isopropyl Palmitate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Isopropyl PalmitateAn emollient ester of palmitic acid and isopropanol that gives the skin a smooth, soft, dry, non-oily after-feel. Isopropyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
C14-22 Alcohols
Est. %2
Function
Origin
C14-22 AlcoholsA naturally-derived emulsion stabilizer that has a light feel. It is not a drying alcohol, in fact the emulsions it helps create can make the skin feel soft and cushioned.
Dimethicone
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Benzoic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzoic AcidA preservative effective against fungi, yeast, and some bacteria. It is commonly paired with phenoxyethanol to create a broad spectrum preservation system. Benzoic acid can also serve as a pH adjuster, fragrance, and bulking agent.
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
C20-22 Alcohols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C20-22 Alcohols
C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate
Camelina Sativa Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camelina Sativa Seed OilAn oil expressed from wild flax seeds. It is a good base oil due to its moisturizing (occlusive) and emollient properties, its fatty acid composition, and its high content of antioxidants.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.