Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance Moisturizer

Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance Moisturizer
6.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
9.8 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.9 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity

Review

Does Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance Moisturizer work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance Moisturizer:

  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.4 out of 10.

Lightweight moisturizer perfect for oily to normal skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance Moisturizer is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.9 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 9.8 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%) and PEG-8 (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

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

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance Moisturizer has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Centella Asiatica Extract, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do 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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
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
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:
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecanol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Phytosterols
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Linoleic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Echinacea Purpurea Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Palmitic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Myristic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Linolenic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Aminomethyl Propanol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
9.8
6
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
5.9
2.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 9.8 10
9.8
6
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 5.9 20
2.9
2.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 9.8 10
9.8
All humectants
9.8
6
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 5.9 20
2.9
All occlusives
5.9
2.5
1.3
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 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.7 3 No
All antioxidants
2.7
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
0.3
Phytosterols
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Echinacea Purpurea Extract
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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.
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate
Butylene Glycol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Cetearyl EthylhexanoateAn emollient ester that is derived from palm and palm kernel oil and is known for its velvety soft skin feel and excellent spreading properties.
Cetyl Caprylate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Cetyl Caprylate
Stearic Acid
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
PEG-8
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PEG-8A synthetic liquid that serves as a humectant. It also works as a solvent because of its ability to dissolve a wide range of ingredients.
Octyldodecanol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
OctyldodecanolAn emollient fatty alcohol that spreads easily without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. It is also used as a solvent and dispersing agent for other ingredients.
Dimethicone
Est. %1.3
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.
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Stearate SEAn emulsifier, where the SE stands for self-emulsifying. Emulsions containing glyceryl stearate SE often impart a smooth, velvety feel upon the skin.
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.
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.

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Sodium HyaluronateA very small-molecule version of regular sodium hyaluronate. It is a powerful humectant skin-identical ingredient that absorbs into the skin and offers plumping, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateThe most researched derivative of vitamin C. It boosts collagen synthesis, thereby improving skin structure and elasticity. SAP is effective in the treatment of inflamed acne lesions and has a weak but positive effect on pigmentation issues.
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chlorella Vulgaris ExtractA dried mass of tiny, single-cell green algae. It is widely used as a food source or dietary supplement since it is rich in proteins, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. This dark green extract is used as an antioxidant agent in skincare.
Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
Phytosterols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosterolsA plant-based version of cholesterol that is used for its emollient properties in skincare. The richest sources of phytosterols are corn, rapeseed, and wheat germ oil.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Linoleic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Linoleic AcidA fatty acid isolated from various plant oils (notably evening primrose, safflower, grape seed, and sunflower oil). It is an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that doesn't leave an oily, sticky residue and is especially suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
Echinacea Purpurea Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Echinacea Purpurea ExtractAn extract derived from purple echinacea flowers with antioxidant phenolic acids - cichoric and caftaric acid.
Aloe Barbadensis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis ExtractAn antioxidant extract from the gelatinous pulp of Aloe vera leaves with humectant moisturizing polysaccharide mucilage. It is suitable for irritated or eczema-prone skin.
Palmitic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitic AcidA saturated fatty acid used in skincare as a strongly occlusive moisturizer and barrier repairing, emollient ingredient. It is a waxy-looking, white solid. Palmitic acid can be commonly found in animal and vegetable fats, notably palm oil.
Myristic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Myristic AcidA common fatty acid found in various vegetable oils, most notably palm and coconut oil. It is a strongly occlusive moisturizing, emollient, and emulsifying ingredient.
Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Centifolia Flower ExtractDerived from the Provence or cabbage rose, this extract contains a fragrant rose essential oil and astringent tannins.
Lactic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Linolenic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Linolenic AcidAn essential polyunsaturated occlusive fatty acid isolated from various plant oils. It is necessary for the correct barrier function of the skin and moisturizes without leaving a sticky after-feel.
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
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.

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Cetyl PhosphateA powerful emulsifier that can even mix particularly problematic water and oil blends. It is also a surfactant perfect for cleansing products that effectively rinse off oil and dirt particles from the surface of the skin.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrasodium Glutamate DiacetateA biodegradable chelating agent that chemically captures the heavy metal ions naturally present in water and disarms their harmful effects.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
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.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Hydroxystearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxystearic AcidA strongly emollient and occlusive saturated fatty acid isolated from castor oil.
Aminomethyl Propanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aminomethyl PropanolA synthetic ingredient that helps to adjust the pH of a product to make it less acidic.
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.

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.