EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex Review

EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex
5.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.6 out of 10.
  • Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10, EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex is effective in minimizing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.6 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 maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%).

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

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

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.

Significant Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%), 
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 

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

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

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.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

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.

Pros & Cons of EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Delivers signficant anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help reduce irritation and soothe the skin

Cons: 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
5
4
3
2.5
2
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide EOS
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NS
Function:
Origin:
Ceteareth-25
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide EOP
Function:
Origin:
Caprooyl Sphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Caprooyl Phytosphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AP
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate
Function:
Origin:
Xylitylglucoside
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Anhydroxylitol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
Function:
Origin:
Polyisobutene
Function:
Origin:
Piptadenia Colubrina Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Bromelain
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Xylitol
Function:
Origin:
Ficin
Function:
Origin:
Glutamine
Function:
Origin:
Biotin
Function:
Origin:
Proline
Function:
Origin:
Behenic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Bisulfite
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.4
5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.6
2.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.4 10
10.0
5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.6 20
1.3
2.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.4 10
10
All humectants
11.4
5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 2.6 20
1.3
All occlusives
2.6
2.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 5 6
Total
6
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
5
Anti-wrinkle rating
6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 6.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.2
Niacinamide
5
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Sodium Bisulfite
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
5
0.3
All soothing 5.3 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
5.3
5
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.
Ethylhexyl Isononanoate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl IsononanoateA synthetic ester (simple oil) that does not feel greasy or heavy. It can also reduce the sticky or greasy feeling of other ingredients.
Niacinamide
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %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.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %2.5
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.
Dimethicone
Est. %2
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.
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.
Cholesterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CholesterolAn emollient and important barrier repairing lipid, effective when combined with fatty acids and ceramides. Around 25% of the skin’s lipid layer is made up of cholesterol and it is found in the membrane of every single cell in our body.
Ceramide EOS
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide EOS

A skin-identical lipid that is an essential part of the skin barrier. Aging or exposed-to-cold skin lacks it and applying a ceramide-rich cream can replenish the lipid barrier. It may replenish linoleic acid levels in acne-prone skin.

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.
Ceramide NS
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NSA wax-like lipid natural to the skin’s lipid matrix. It is less frequently used but, in combination with other ceramides, can help to restore balance in the skin’s lipid barrier.
Ceteareth-25
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceteareth-25A natural or synthetically produced emulsifier often used to help form stable emulsions.
Ceramide EOP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide EOP

Formerly called Ceramide 1, this ingredient is a skin-identical wax-like lipid with an ultra-long fatty acid chain. It restores and stabilizes the skin’s lipid matrix and helps to treat dry and flaky skin, especially when combined with other ceramides.

Caprooyl Sphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprooyl SphingosineA synthetic emollient similar to skin-identical ceramides. It helps to replenish the building blocks of the skin’s lipid barrier and aids in the formation and stability of emulsions.
Caprooyl Phytosphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprooyl PhytosphingosineA synthetic emollient that is similar to skin-identical ceramides. It helps to replenish the building blocks of the skin’s lipid barrier and helps with the formation and stability of emulsions.
Ceramide AP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide APPreviously called Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide AP is one of the most common ceramides in the skin. Research has shown that dry, flaky skin has significantly less Ceramide AP. Its application helps to treat dry skin by restoring balance in the skin lipids.
Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate
Xylitylglucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
XylitylglucosideAn emollient extract from rice bran, the brown outer part of the rice kernel. It includes palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic acids, and antioxidants such as tocopherols and γ-oryzanol.
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.
Anhydroxylitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AnhydroxylitolA derivative of xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol. It has humectant moisturizing properties.
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
Polyisobutene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolyisobuteneA highly viscous liquid that is used in lip gloss formulations to prolong wear time and add shimmer. Polyisobutene dramatically increases the thickness of skincare products it is added to.
Piptadenia Colubrina Peel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Piptadenia Colubrina Peel Extract
Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit ExtractDerived from the golden kiwi fruit, this extract is rich in humectant polysaccharides and antioxidant organic acids, as well as phenolic compounds.
Bromelain
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BromelainA mixture of enzymes extracted from the pineapple plant. It acts as a skin-softening agent and mild exfoliant by breaking down proteins.
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.

Xylitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
XylitolAn organic compound that is most well-known for its use as a sweetener that also protects your teeth from cavities. Xylitol is used in skincare as a moisturizing humectant and has been shown to improve the protective barrier function of the skin.
Ficin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ficin
Glutamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlutamineA humectant moisturizing amino acid that, aside from attracting water to the skin’s surface, can also soothe allergic itching and reduce the signs of inflammation.
Biotin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BiotinBiotin is an important nutrient that can cause weak hair and nails if deficient. Unfortunately, while biotin supplements have promising studies, topical biotin in creams and serums doesn’t have a large body of evidence to support its use.
Proline
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ProlineThe best humectant moisturizer of all the amino acids. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor and increases hydration in the top layers of the skin. It also has antioxidant activity and helps to heal damaged skin.
Behenic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenic AcidA naturally-occuring ingredient from certain plant oils, behenic acid acts as an emulsifier and surfactant and provides a soft cushiony feeling.
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.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
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.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.

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.

Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
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.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl PalmitateA rich emollient without the oily after-feel, making it a popular replacement for mineral oil. It is derived from natural sources such as palm oil and palm kernel oil. Ethylhexyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Sodium Bisulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BisulfiteAn inorganic salt that kills bacteria and protects against oxidation.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.