Beautycounter Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream Review

Beautycounter Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Beautycounter Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Methylpropanediol, Coconut Alkanes, Alcohol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Lauroyl Lysine, Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen) Leaf Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Malic Acid, Behenyl Alcohol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Zinc Gluconate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Review

Does Beautycounter Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Beautycounter Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream has to offer:
 
✅ Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Beautycounter Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Beautycounter Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream:
 

🔵 Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Beautycounter Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Methylpropanediol (est. ≈7.5%) and Glycerin (est. ≈2.5%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

📌 Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost 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 model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Beautycounter Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Beautycounter Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Beautycounter Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Pros & Cons of Beautycounter Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Beautycounter Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants
   

Summary: Beautycounter Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Beautycounter Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, making it ideal for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
That said, there are some things about Beautycounter Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream worth noting.
 
Looking at its moisturizing profile, we found that it doesn’t contain any occlusive ingredients, potentially allowing the moisture attracted to the skin by humectants to evaporate. Therefore, if it’s used as the only moisturizer in a routine, it’s recommended to pair it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
7.5
5
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Methylpropanediol
Function:
Origin:
Coconut Alkanes
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Lauroyl Lysine
Function:
Origin:
Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Malic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.6
7.5
2.5
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.6 10
10.0
7.5
2.5
1.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
7.5
2.5
1.3
0.3
All humectants 11.6 10
10
All humectants
11.6
7.5
2.5
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
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
1.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.6 3 No
All antioxidants
1.6
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
1.3
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.9 5 No
All soothing
1.9
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
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.
Methylpropanediol
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
MethylpropanediolMethylpropanediol is a unique glycol that contains two primary hydroxyl groups. That makes methylpropanediol a powerful humectant and an excellent solvent.
Coconut Alkanes
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Coconut AlkanesAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient mixture that is similar to paraffin. It is produced from coconut oil and can allegedly form a soft, non-greasy film on the skin’s surface. It can be used as an alternative to silicones.
Alcohol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
Glycerin
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %2
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.
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Zea Mays (Corn) StarchA white, very finely powdered starch extracted from corn. It works as an anti-caking and absorbent ingredient in powdered products, as well as as a thickening agent in liquids. It also helps to create a matte finish after application.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lauroyl Lysine
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Lauroyl LysineA synthetic insoluble powder that improves the texture of a product, leaving the skin silky smooth and absorbing oils and sweat.
Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen) Leaf Extract
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem ExtractAn extract from a plant known in North America as Fireweed and in Europe as Willowherb. It is commonly used in traditional herbal medicine. Due to its abundant content of tannins and flavonoids, it has great astringent and antioxidant properties.
Malic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malic AcidA simple organic alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) commonly found in unripe fruits. It is more gentle of an exfoliant when compared to the famous and potent glycolic and lactic acids.
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateA naturally-derived emollient ester. It is a blend of caprylates and caprates and, relative to other emollients, is lightweight and dry on the skin. As a result, coco-caprylate/caprate serves as a natural alternative to volatile silicones.
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.
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.

Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Zinc Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zinc GluconateOne of the most commonly used ingredients in anti-acne products. It is an organic salt of zinc that helps to combat microbial infections, soothes and heals inflamed pimples, and regulates hormones in the skin.
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.