Balance Me Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum Review

Balance Me Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum
3.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does Balance Me Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Balance Me Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.8 out of 10.

Key Benefits of Balance Me Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Balance Me Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Well-Suited for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Balance Me Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.3 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 6.3 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is well-suited for oily skin, providing moderate hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It can also be a good option for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant enhancement will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

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

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Balance Me Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Balance Me Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Balance Me Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Bakuchiol, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Bakuchiol provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Bakuchiol may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Balance Me Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Balance Me Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant moisturizing well-suited for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing enhancement for any skincare routine

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
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
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
0.15
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Function:
Origin:
Cellulose Gum
Function:
Origin:
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Bakuchiol
Function:
Origin:
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Terminalia Chebula Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Bursera Graveolens Wood Oil
Function:
Origin:
Boswellia Carterii Gum Oil
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Pelargonium Roseum Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Dehydroacetic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Citral
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.3
6
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.7
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.3 10
6.3
6
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.7 20
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
0.3
All humectants 6.3 10
6.3
All humectants
6.3
6
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 2.7 20
1.3
All occlusives
2.7
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Bakuchiol
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.5 3 No
All antioxidants
1.5
Bakuchiol
0.3
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
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. %70
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. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Coco-Caprylate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Coco-CaprylateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced oil with a very light feel. An alternative to silicones, this ingredient spreads quickly and doesn't leave a residue on skin.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Microcrystalline CelluloseA plant-based ingredient derived from cellulose. The rough version of microcrystalline cellulose is used in scrubs instead of plastic microbeads and the finer version is used as a thickener and stabilizer and readily absorbs oil and sweat.
Cellulose Gum
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Cellulose GumA polymer that is derived from its namesake, cellulose, which is plant-based. It has many formula-helper benefits, including thickening and product stabilization.
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %1
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.
Bakuchiol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BakuchiolA newly discovered bioactive obtained from the seeds of Babchi. It boosts collagen production like retinol, but with fewer side effects. Its effects include reduced wrinkles and faded pigmentation.
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Crambe Abyssinica Seed OilA fatty oil obtained from the Crambe plant. It mainly consists of moisturizing occlusive and emollient fatty acids such as erucic, oleic, linoleic acids.
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Borago Officinalis Seed OilA fatty emollient and occlusive oil expressed from the seeds of borage flowers. It has a uniquely high content of a rare gamma-linolenic acid and also contains squalene, phytosterols, and vitamin E.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
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.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Terminalia Chebula Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Terminalia Chebula Fruit Extract
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.
Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Leaf Extract
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed OilDerived from cranberry seeds, this rich-in-antioxidants oil contains a combination of emollient and occlusive moisturizing omega-3,-6, and -9 fatty acids.
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Canina Fruit OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil extracted from the little hard seeds inside of the red, fleshy rosehip. It contains mainly emollient fatty acids and a very high amount of antioxidant carotenoids, which give the oil its light orange color.
Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil
Bursera Graveolens Wood Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bursera Graveolens Wood Oil
Boswellia Carterii Gum Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Boswellia Carterii Gum Oil
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil
Pelargonium Roseum Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pelargonium Roseum Leaf Oil
Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Litsea Cubeba Fruit OilA lemon-scented essential oil distilled from the fruits of an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia.
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil expressed from the peels of mandarin. It contains up to 74% of limonene and other volatile compounds which create its sweet, mandarin aroma. It may induce sun allergies in people sensitive to citrus fruits.

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

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.
Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Stearoyl LactylateA negatively charged surfactant that mixes oils with water and cleanses skin.
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.

Dehydroacetic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dehydroacetic AcidA globally approved preservative ingredient. It is a powerful fungicide and a moderate bactericide, which makes it a broad-spectrum preservative. Because it is mildly effective against bacteria, it is often paired with stronger bactericides.
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.

Citral
Est. %0.15
Function
Origin
Citral

A fragrant compound found in many essential oils (especially lemon myrtle and lemongrass essential oil). It has a sweet, lemon-like scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citral, or at least do a patch test before using.

Citronellol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citronellol

A fragrant compound found naturally in many essential oils (mainly lemongrass). It can have a lemon or a rose scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citronellol, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geraniol

A fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.