Best-selling Clean Moisturizers, Oils, and Serum Reviews
Due to the popular demand for clean beauty product reviews, we started this post. It is a work in progress. New Products will be added weekly. So please bookmark the page and check it often. If you'd like us to review products you might be using or curious about, please let us know in the comment section at the bottom of the page.
Products reviewed so far, in order:
Ember Wellness 04 Moisturizing Oil, Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil, Olio e Osso Balm Vita, Herbivore Phoenix Facial Oil, True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil, Taila Prana Face Oil, Follain Moisturizer, Tatcha The Water Cream, GOOPGENES All-in-One Nourishing Face Cream, Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, Joanna Vargas Supernova Moisturizing Cream, Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum, Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream, Avène Hydrance RICH Hydrating Cream, Bioderma Hydrabio Moisturizing Cream, Toleriane Dermallergo Moisturizing Cream
Best-Selling Skincare Product Reviews:
Ember Wellness 04 Moisturizing Oil Review
💰Price:💲55
🔥 Key Ingredients: Marula Oil and Almond oil
All Ingredients:
Organic marula seed oil 50% (Sclerocarya birrea), Organic Sweet Almond Oil 50% (Prunus dulcis), Rosemary Leaf Extract (Rosmarinus officinalis) (as a preservative).
✅ Pros
- Organic
- Simple formulation, leaving less room for reactions
- Protective Amber Glass packaging
- Rosemary leaf extract (preservative) is a natural and effective way to ensure the product stays fresh without the use of harsh chemicals.
- Known Carcinogens: None
- Hormonal disruptors: None
❌ Cons
- None
The Beauty Doctrine Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Note about the rating: The formula is smooth, simple, organic, and packaged in dark glass, which is ideal to protect the fragile Marula oil from oxidation. The brand is marketing for dry skin types, which is appropriate given that Almond oil has superior moisturizing and nourishing properties. However, its lightweight texture makes it suitable for all skin types. As an added bonus, the sustainable and ethical sourcing of its ingredients makes it a conscious choice for those who care about the environmental impact of their skincare routine.
Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil Review
💰Price:💲72
🔥 Key Ingredients: Rosehip, Jojoba, and Noni.
All Ingredients:
Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil *, Tocopherol, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Seed Oil*, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil*, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/leaf/stem Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Morinda Citrifolia (Noni) Fruit Extract *, Citronellol**, Geraniol**, Linalool**, Benzyl Benzoate**.
✅ Pros
- 99.28% Organic
- Good ingredient combination that's suitable for all skin types, and may address many skin issues.
- Known Carcinogens: None
- Hormonal disruptors: None
❌ Cons
- Essential Oils may increase skin sensitivity with long-term use.
- Irritants: Essential oils could potentially irritate sensitive skin.
- Packaging: Clear glass packaging is not optimal to maintain fragile oils such as Rosehip. The product might oxidize quickly. This takes away efficacy and can introduce harmful oxidants to the skin.
The Beauty Doctrine Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Note about the rating: Although this is an organic formula with good ingredients, essential oils, and the packaging earned it 3 stars instead of 5. If you purchase this oil, try to use it up within two months, before it oxidizes. Store it in a cool place that's dark, like your medicine cabinet or a drawer. When you run out, purchase a different oil that has no essential oil to give your skin a break and prevent sensitivity. A good option is Barrier Repair Serum. It also has Jojoba and Rosehip, but packaged in a dark bottle, and has no irritating ingredients.
Olio e Osso Balm Vita Review
💰Price: 💲40
🔥 Key Ingredients: Olive Oil · Meadowfoam · Beeswax · Squalane · Ceramide E
All Ingredients:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Cera Alba (Natural Beeswax), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Nut Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Olive Squalane, Ceramide E.
✅ Pros
- Simple Formulation with highly moisturizing and healing ingredients.
- Fragrance-Free.
- Versatile and practical.
❌ Cons
- Contains Beeswax; a non-vegan ingredient. It's great for the skin, but worth noting for those seeking vegan formulations.
The Beauty Doctrine Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Note about the rating: This brand is a top seller at clean beauty retailers. They are known for their multitasking Tinted Balm Sticks. We decided to review the Balm Vita only as it is 100% essential oil-free. The rest of the collection gets⭐️⭐️ due to the presence of citrus oils, which may contribute to hyperpigmentation.
Herbivore Phoenix Facial Oil Review
💰Price: 💲88
🔥 Key Ingredients: Jojoba, Rosehip, and Meadowfoam oils.
All Ingredients:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Seed Extract, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil, Ubiquinone, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Tocopherol, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Oil.
✅ Pros
- Several Organic ingredients.
- Good ingredient combination that's suitable for all skin types, and may address many skin issues.
- Known Carcinogens: None
- Hormonal disruptors: None
❌ Cons
- Neroli Essential Oil may increase skin sensitivity with long-term use, as well as skin reactions in direct sunlight.
- Irritants: Essential oils could potentially irritate sensitive skin.
- Packaging: Clear glass packaging is not optimal to maintain fragile oils such as Rosehip. The product might oxidize quickly. This takes away efficacy and can introduce harmful oxidants to the skin.
The Beauty Doctrine Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Note about the rating: Although this is an organic formula with good ingredients, essential oils, and the packaging earned it 3 stars instead of 5. If you purchase this oil, try to use it up within two months, before it oxidizes. Store it in a cool place that's dark, like your medicine cabinet or a drawer. When you run out, purchase a different oil that has no essential oil to give your skin a break and prevent sensitivity. A good option is Barrier Repair Serum. It also has Jojoba and Rosehip, but packaged in a dark bottle, and has no irritating ingredients.
True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil Review
💰Price: 💲110
🔥 Key Ingredients: Helichrysum, Hemp Seed, Pumpkin Seed oils, and Algea Extract.
All Ingredients:
simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil*, carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil*, cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil*, cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil*, argania spinosa (argan) kernel oil*, vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil*, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, borago officinalis (borage) seed oil*, persea gratissima (avocado) oil*, crambe abyssinica seed oil, sesamum indicum (sesame) seed oil*, rubus idaeus (raspberry) seed oil, vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) seed oil*, santalum paniculatum (sandalwood) wood oil*, citrullus lanatus (watermelon) seed oil, tocopherol, squalane, lavandula hybrida (lavender) oil*, helichrysum italicum flower oil*, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, silybum marianum (milk thistle) seed oil, nigella sativa (black cumin) seed extract*, cupressus sempervirens (cypress) oil*, tarchonanthus camphoratus oil, haematococcus pluvialis (astaxanthin) extract*, nannochloropsis oculata (algae) extract, porphyra umbilicalis (red algae) extract, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) extract, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract*, linalool, limonene.
✅ Pros
- Great ingredient profile with Jojoba being the primary oil, which is suitable for all skin types.
- Known Carcinogens: None
- Hormonal disruptors: None
❌ Cons
- Lavender Essential Oil may increase skin sensitivity with long-term use.
- Irritants: Essential oils could potentially irritate sensitive skin.
The Beauty Doctrine Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Note about the rating: Although this is an organic formula with good ingredients, essential oils, and the packaging earned it 4 stars instead of 5. If you purchase this oil, try to use it up within two months, before it oxidizes. Store it in a cool place that's dark, like your medicine cabinet or a drawer. When you run out, purchase a different oil that has no essential oil to give your skin a break and prevent sensitivity. A good option is Barrier Repair Serum. It also has Jojoba and Rosehip, but packaged in a dark bottle, and has no irritating ingredients.
Taïla Prana Face Oil Review
💰Price:💲110
🔥 Key Ingredients: Brahmi, Rosehip Seed Oil, Saffron, and Turmeric.
All Ingredients: Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame Seed) Oil*, Centella Asiatica (Brahmi) Extract*, Rosa Rubiginosa (Rosehip Seed) Oil**, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil**, Phyllanthus Emblica (Amla) Extract*, Ocimum Sanctum (Tulsi) Oil*, Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Oil*, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Oil*, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Oil*, Eugenol+, Linalool+, Limonene+, Benzyl Benzoate+, Citronellol+, Geraniol+*
✅ Pros
- 100% natural ingredients
- Organic and sustainably sourced Free of synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and colors
- Suitable for all skin types, except the most sensitive skin
- High-quality blend of nourishing oils and Ayurvedic herbs
❌ Cons
- Some essential oil, but not ones I'm g concerned about such as citrus oils.
- A bottle isn't ideal to block light, so this needs to be stored in a cabinet.
The Beauty Doctrine Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Note about the rating: The Taila Prana Face Oil has an impressive combination of organic and sustainably sourced ingredients, including a blend of nourishing oils and Ayurvedic herbs. The absence of synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and colors is also noteworthy. The product is suitable for all skin types and may promote healthy, glowing skin. Based on the information provided, this product deserves a 5-star rating.
Follain Moisturizer Review
💰Price: 💲32
🔥 Active Ingredients: Bakuchiol, Peptides, and Rosehip Oil.
All Ingredients:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Olivate, Pentylene Glycol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides, Sorbitan Olivate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Bakuchiol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract, Squalane, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract, Candelilla Cera/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire de Candelilla, Glyceryl Caprylate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Olive Oil Decyl Esters, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Tocopherol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.
✅ Pros
- Lightweight, making it suitable for all skin types.
- Has firming ingredients such as Bakuchiol, Peptides, and Rosehip.
- Airtight container.
❌ Cons
- Lemon Essential Oil may increase skin sensitivity with long-term use, as well as skin reactions in direct sunlight.
- Irritants: Essential oils could potentially irritate sensitive skin.
The Beauty Doctrine Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Note about the rating: We don't recommend this moisturizer as the first ingredient is water (typical in most moisturizers) but could be better if using juice or another base with added benefits to the skin. Lemon essential oil, however, is the main determining factor in the rating. It is not suitable for long-term use and may cause skin reactions in those that are sensitive or prone to hyperpigmentation.
Tatcha The Water Cream Review
💰Price: 💲70
🔥 Key Ingredients: Hadasei-3™ Complex (Antioxidants), Japanese Leopard Lily, And Japanese Wild Rose.
All Ingredients:
AQUA/WATER/EAU, SACCHAROMYCES/CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF/CLADOSIPHON OKAMURANUS/RICE FERMENT FILTRATE*, DIMETHICONE, PROPANEDIOL, GLYCERIN, DIGLYCERIN, DIPHENYLSILOXY PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, GOLD, BELAMCANDA CHINENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, ROSA MULTIFLORA FRUIT EXTRACT, HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA EXTRACT, SOPHORA ANGUSTIFOLIA ROOT EXTRACT, SODIUM HYALURONATE, LECITHIN, PISTACIA LENTISCUS (MASTIC) GUM, SODIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM CITRATE, MICA, PEG-9 POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE, DIMETHICONE/PEG-10/15 CROSSPOLYMER, DIMETHICONE/PHENYL VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, DISODIUM EDTA, TIN OXIDE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE, ALCOHOL, PHENOXYETHANOL
*HADASEI-3*.
✅ Pros
- Lightweight.
- Formulated without: Mineral oil, sulfate detergents, parabens, urea, DEA, TEA or phthalates
❌ Cons
- Oil-free formula: this might sound appealing to those with oily skin, but a moisturizer without oil isn't much help to the skin. There is a high amount of Dimethicone, which tends to give an allusion of moisture, without actual benefits, except for a silky texture.
- Irritants: Fragrance, Pegs,
- Toxins: Disodium EDTA is an environmental toxin.
The Beauty Doctrine Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Note about the rating: Between the lack of oils, high level of silicones, fragrance, Pegs & Disodium EDTA, this cream earned 2 stars. It is not worth the $70 price tag. A better lightweight, clean alternative that's comparable in light texture and target customer (oily/ combination), is Odacite Green Smoothie for $69 or Earth Harbor Mermaid Moisturizer, for a mere $24, and a far superior formula.
GOOPGENES All-in-One Nourishing Face Cream Review
💰Price: 💲98
🔥 Key Ingredients: Jojoba, Glycerin, MuruMuru Butter
All Ingredients:
Water/aqua/eau, glycerin, shorea stenoptera seed butter, squalane, cetyl lactate, oleyl alcohol, vegetable oil (olus oil), dicaprylyl ether, propanediol, c12-16 alcohols, glyceryl stearate citrate, palmitic acid, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, hydrogenated lecithin, schisandra chinensis fruit extract, glycosphingolipids, glycolipids, oryza sativa (rice) bran extract, bidens pilosa extract, gossypium herbaceum seed oil, punica granatum flower extract, polyglyceryl-3 diisosterate, astrocaryum murumuru (palm) seed butter, linum usitatissimum (linseed) seed extract, polygonum aviculare (knotweed) extract, helianthus annuus (sunflower) extract, microcitrus australascica fruit extract, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, tocopherol, ribose, diheptyl succinate, capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer, xanthan gum, ethylhexylglycerin, caprylhydroxamic acid, benzyl alcohol, potassium sorbate, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, sodium hydroxide, sodium citrate..
✅ Pros
- Contains various highly moisturizing ingredients like ceramides, butters, squalane, and vegetable oils.
- Fragrance-free.
- Overall clean formulation
❌ Cons
- Microcitrus australascica fruit extract is a low-PH Lime-derived ingredient that shouldn't be used in a day product as it may increase sensitivity and susceptibility to sunburn.
The Beauty Doctrine Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Note about the rating This moisturizer could have potentially earned 5 stars if it didn't have the exfoliating ingredient Microcitrus australascica, derived from lime. This cream could be great for those that are dry, but rather for use at night time only, and not for long-term. If you love the formula, rotate it with a cream that's devoid of exfoliating ingredients, especially those that are citrus-derived.
Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate Review
💰Price: 💲100
🔥 Key Ingredients: 10% Pure Vitamin C, Ascorbyl Glucoside, and Hyaluronic Acid.
All Ingredients:
Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ascorbic Acid, Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Lauroyl Lysine, Boron Nitride, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Adenosine, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Limonene, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil/Orange Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil/Lemon Peel Oil, Citral, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate..
✅ Pros
- None.
❌ Cons
- Nearly every ingredient in this formula is problematic in some way:
- Propelene Glycol: An ingredient in antifreeze, a potentially toxic, skin irritant that may trigger skin irritation and allergic reactions.
- Ascorbic Acid: Unstable, and Low PH contributing to sensitized skin.
- Cetyl Peg/Ppg Dimethicone: May be contaminated with potentially toxic manufacturing impurities such as 1,4-dioxane.
- Dimethicone: May cause skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis
- Citrus & Orange Peel Oils:
- Pentaerythrityl Tetra Di T Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate: Persistent, bioaccumulative in wildlife and humans
The Beauty Doctrine Rating: ⭐️
Joanna Vargas Daily Hydrating Cream Review
💰Price: 💲75
🔥 Active Ingredients: Vitamin C and Retinol
All Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aloe Barbadensis Gel, Dimethicone, Emulsifying Wax, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Glycerin (vegetable derived), Galactoarabinan, Cellulose Gum, Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Manihot Esculenta (Tapioca) Starch, Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E), Retinyl Palmitate, Oat Amino Protein, Peresa Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Fragrant Oil, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Scleotium Gum, Ubiquinone, Zinc Oxide.
✅ Pros
- Ubiquinone (CoQ10) is one of my favorite antioxidants- A great ingredient for free radical protection.
- Retinyl Palmitate: This is a form of Retinol with a score of 9 on EWG. FDA study Data shows that it may speed up the development of skin tumors and lesions. It may lead to cell death and may be implicated in cardiovascular disease. There is also a cancer risk according to some animal studies. Not to mention, sun sensitivity, irritation, and inflammation.
The Beauty Doctrine Rating: ⭐️
Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum Review
💰Price: 💲196
🔥 Active Ingredients: Phytic Acid, White Willow Bark, and Hyaluronic Acid.
All Ingredients:
Hordeum Vulgare Leaf Juice*, Aqua/Water/Eau, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Rosa Damascena Flower Water*, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Galactoarabinan, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Alaria Esculenta Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phoenix Dactylifera (Date) Seed Extract, Lavandula Stoechas Extract, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract*, Algae Extract, Arnica Montana (Arnica) Extract*, Borago Officinalis (Borage) Leaf Extract*, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract*, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Extract*, Spiraea Ulmaria (Meadowsweet) Extract*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil*, Menyanthes Trifoliata Leaf Extract, Santalum Spicatum (Sandalwood) Wood Oil, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract, Helichrysum Italicum Flower Oil*, Hydrolyzed Algae Extract, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil, Boswellia Carterii Oil*, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Squalane, Citrus Aurantium (Neroli) Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Leaf Oil, Glyceryl Caprylate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Sodium Levulinate, Jasminum Grandiflorum (Jasmine) CO2 Extract, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Phytate, Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Anisate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Alcohol, Linalool, Limonene, Benzyl Benzoate, Farnesol, Geraniol, Eugenol
✅ Pros
- 100% of the total ingredients are of natural origin.
- 65 % of the total ingredients are from Organic Farming.
- Contains Jojoba, Hyaluronic Acid, Mango Seed Butter & Other moisture-enhancing ingredients.
❌ Cons
- Overpriced.
- Willow Bark isn't suitable for dry or sensitive skin types. It could be overly drying.
- Pure Alcohol could be drying with continued use.
- Citrus oils are sensitizing and may contribute to hyper-pigmentation and sensitivity.
- Too many ingredients for a natural formula. This may increase susceptibility to allergic reactions.
The Beauty Doctrine Rating: ⭐️
Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream Review
💰Price: 💲56
🔥 Active Ingredients: Marine Algae Complex, Paracress Extract, Squalane
All Ingredients:
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Glycerin, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Jojoba Esters, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Panthenol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetyl Palmitate, Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Sorbitan Palmitate, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Astaxanthin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Citric Acid
✅ Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Not too many ingredients
- Has firming Tri-peptides
- Various user reviews on Sephora.com mentioned redness, sensitivity, and excessive drying of the eye area. This could potentially be due to the citric acid in the formula.
- Various user reviews on Sephora.com mentioned no notable improvement.
The Beauty Doctrine Rating: ⭐️
Avène Hydrance RICH Hydrating Cream Review
💰Price: 💲35
🔥 Active Ingredients: Can't find any 🤷🏻♀️
All Ingredients:
Avène Thermal Spring Water, Mineral Oil, Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Carthamus Tinctoris Seed Oil (safflower Seed Oil), Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate, Triethylhexanoin, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, 1,2-hexandiol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (shea Butter), Cetearyl Glucoside, Benzoic Acid, Fragrance, Phytosterols, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide, Sorbitan Isostearate, Water, Xanthan Gum.
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
- 2nd ingredient after water is mineral oil, a heavily processed petroleum product 🤮. Mineral oil creates a film on the skin's surface that can trap dirt, bacteria, and other impurities, leading to acne breakouts and other skin problems. Additionally, some studies suggest that prolonged use of mineral oil may lead to premature aging and even more serious health issues, such as cancer. Here are a few references:
-
The Tumor-Promoting Effects of a Commercially Available Mineral Oil in a Mouse Model of Skin Carcinogenesis" by S. B. Cotte et al. (Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2019)
-
"Aging and the skin barrier: A quantitative approach (an update)" by E. Farage et al. (International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2019)
-
"Safety assessment of petroleum hydrocarbons in cosmetics" by M. Di Giovanni et al. (Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 2018)
- PEG-100: Known to be a skin irritant and can cause allergic reactions in some people. In addition, it can also act as a penetration enhancer, which means that it can increase the absorption of other substances into the skin or body. This can be a concern if PEG-100 is combined with other potentially harmful ingredients. a study published in the International Journal of Toxicology in 2008 found that PEG-100, when used in certain formulations, can cause skin irritation and may even contribute to the development of skin cancer. Another study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2001 found that PEG-100 can increase the absorption of certain drugs into the body, which can potentially lead to toxicity.
- I can keep going, but let's just close with 'FRAGRANCE'! In addition to being an umbrella term to cover 100's of chemicals, several studies have shown the potentially harmful effects of fragrances in skincare products. For example, a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that fragrances were the most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with eczema. Another study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that exposure to fragrances in personal care products was associated with an increased risk of asthma symptoms.
The Beauty Doctrine Rating: ⭐️
Bioderma Hydrabio Moisturizing Cream Review
💰Price: 💲29.99
🔥 Active Ingredients: Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide
All Ingredients:
Aqua/water/eau, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/dicaprate, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Xylitol, Cetyl Palmitate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Niacinamide, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Behenyl Alcohol, Hdi/trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Tribehenin, Dimethicone/vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Arachidyl Glucoside, Acrylates/c10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Behenate, Disodium Edta, Squalane, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Mannitol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hexyldecanol, Tocopherol, Polysorbate 60, Rhamnose, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Seed Extract, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Fragrance (Parfum).
✅ Pros
- Some moisturizing and hydrating ingredients like Glycerin and Sunflower Seed Oil
- Niacinamide is great for acne and hyperpigmentation
❌ Cons
- Too much Dimethicone
- Disodium EDTA
- Fragrance. More on this in our ingredient education doc
- Various other ingredients that can potentially be sensitizing
The Beauty Doctrine Rating: ⭐️
Review
💰Price: 💲30.99
🔥 Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Peptides, Glycerin
All Ingredients:
AQUA • GLYCERIN • SQUALANE • PROPANEDIOL • BUTYLENE GLYCOL • BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER • PENTYLENE GLYCOL • DIMETHICONE • POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE • POLYSORBATE 20 • GLYCERYL ACRYLATE/ACRYLIC ACID COPOLYMER • DIMETHICONOL • ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE • AMMONIUM POLYACRYLDIMETHYLTAURAMIDE • DISODIUM EDTA • ACETYL DIPEPTIDE-1 CETYL ESTER.
✅ Pros
- Affordable, although there are much better and cleaner moisturizers that are less pricey like Earth Harbor.
❌ Cons
- Propanediol is an interesting choice of preservative for a moisturizer marketed to sensitive skin. Studies suggest that it's an irritant, especially in higher concentrations or when used on sensitive skin. It can also be comedogenic, meaning it has the potential to clog pores and cause acne or other skin problems.
- Disodium EDTA is not classified as a skin irritant or sensitizer on its own, but it can enhance the penetration of other ingredients that are, which could potentially cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. There are also some concerns regarding the persistence and bioaccumulation in the environment, given the widespread use of EDTA.
- Other ingredients may be problematic, such as Dimethicone.
The Beauty Doctrine Rating: ⭐️⭐️
As always, be well, be safe, and be beautiful!