Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm Review

Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm
5.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm has to offer:
 
✅ Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10, impaired by the lack of humectants.

  

Key Benefits of Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 0.9 out of 10 and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈45.0%), Phenyl Trimethicone (est. ≈6.0%) and Caprylyl Methicone (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

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: Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm contains a low level of humectants.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

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

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Ascorbyl Palmitate may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available 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 Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Exceptionally rich moisturizer with the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm
, as a moisturizer, provides an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin, delivered in a rich, thick texture.
 
That said, there are some things about Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains only a small amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
❗️ 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.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
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
Est. %
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Talc
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate
Function:
Origin:
Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Ozokerite
Function:
Origin:
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Boron Nitride
Function:
Origin:
C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Phytosterols
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Trihydroxystearin
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Glucomannan
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
55.9
45.0
6.0
3.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 55.9 20
10.0
45.0
6.0
3.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
45
6
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 55.9 20
10.0
All occlusives
55.9
45.0
6.0
3.0
1.0
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
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
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
All antioxidants 1.8 3 No
All antioxidants
1.8
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
0.3
Phytosterols
0.3
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
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

Dimethicone
Est. %45
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.
Talc
Est. %22
Function
Origin
TalcA mineral powder used as a base material for powders, make-up, and pastes that absorbs sweat and oils very well. It is also often used in baby powders. Talc should never be applied to skin with a damaged lipid barrier (e.g. wounds and burns).
Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate
Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Phenyl TrimethiconeA silicone fluid that is used as an occlusive moisturizer. It applies smoothly to the skin and reduces the tack associated with organic oils.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Est. %4
Function
Origin
PolymethylsilsesquioxaneA type of spherical powder that functions on a ball-bearing effect in which the tiny microspheres roll around on the skin and create lubricity. Polymethylsilsesquioxane offers extra slip to skincare products and makes the skin feel soft and smooth.
Caprylyl Methicone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl MethiconeA liquid silicone with occlusive moisturizing properties. Being compatible with natural oils is a challenge for most silicones, but caprylyl methicone plays well with all types of oils.
Ozokerite
Est. %2
Function
Origin
OzokeriteA petroleum based wax that comes in a variety of forms, all with different melting points and therefore different performance and feel. Overall ozokerite is often used for solid products like lipsticks.
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Silica Dimethyl SilylateA synthetic 'filler' powder primarily used as a formula helper. It is added in skincare products to adjust their consistency and thickness.
Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2An emollient ester that is used as a non-animal substitute for lanolin. Similar to lanolin, it melts at body temperature, making it ideal for use in body butters, lip balms, and ointments.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Boron Nitride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Boron NitrideA synthetically made compound that has several functions. As an opacifier, it can provide a range of appearances, ranging from translucent to completely opaque. It is also an excellent absorber and is capable of high oil absorption.
C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Aluminum Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aluminum HydroxideA white mineral powder, also known as alumina, that is derived from aluminum metal. It is frequently used as an abrasive in exfoliating products and as a thickener. Aluminum oxide is also a great opacifier.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
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.

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.
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) OilA fatty oil expressed from the fleshy part of an avocado, used in skincare for its excellent emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Avocado oil contains fatty acids, notably oleic acid (up to 80%), squalene, vitamin E, and carotenoids.
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.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil

A famous olive oil widely used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer. It contains mainly unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant flavonoids, and oleuropeins. Olive oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.

Trihydroxystearin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trihydroxystearin
Sorbitan Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OleateA vegetable-based ingredient that stabilizes mixtures of oil and water. Sorbitan oleate serves primarily as an emulsifier that produces water-in-oil emulsions.
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.

Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.
Glucomannan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlucomannanA polysaccharide of plant origin that is used as a gelling, water binding, and thickening agent. It is able to moisturize the skin’s surface and aid in the healing process. It is also an excellent prebiotic for skin microflora.
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)A red colorant also known as red iron oxide. This is an EU-approved colorant used in a wide variety of products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)Also known as iron (III) oxide, this ingredient is a yellow-colored pigment that can either be derived from minerals or produced synthetically. It adds yellow tones to cosmetic products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)A black colorant also known as black iron oxide used in a wide range of skincare products.