Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance
Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance is a high-performance moisturizer specifically engineered to restore lipid balance to dry, depleted skin. This ultra-nourishing formula utilizes a BioReplenish Complex to enhance the skin’s natural resilience and support barrier recovery. With a texture that feels rich yet absorbs beautifully, it features key emollients like Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate and Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, which provide a smooth, velvety finish. The inclusion of humectants like Butylene Glycol ensures that hydration is locked into the deeper layers of the epidermis, helping to smooth the appearance of fine lines and improve overall elasticity. For users dealing with chronic dryness or environmental damage, this Dermalogica staple provides a sophisticated blend of vitamins and phytonutrients. It is designed to deliver intense nourishment without the heavy, suffocating feel often associated with traditional dry-skin creams, making it a professional-grade solution for achieving a healthy, radiant glow while protecting the skin's delicate moisture barrier.
Our Analysis
Our analysis of Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance indicates a low overall comedogenic risk, making it a relatively safe choice for most users. We identified two flagged ingredients: stearic acid and cetyl alcohol, both carrying a 2/5 rating. Stearic acid is a fatty acid used as a thickening agent; while it provides a creamy texture, it can occasionally be problematic for those highly prone to congestion. Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol emollient that is generally skin-friendly but may trigger sensitivity in rare cases. Overall, the formula is well-balanced for dry skin types.
Skin Type Recommendations
This product is best suited for dry, very dry, and dehydrated skin types requiring intense barrier repair. While it carries a low comedogenic risk, those with extremely oily or active cystic acne should proceed with caution due to the rich emollient base. It is generally safe for sensitive and combination skin.
Flagged Ingredients
Found in many butters; thickening agent with low-moderate risk.
A fatty alcohol (emollient) that is generally safe, but can be problematic for very sensitive individuals.
Want Deeper Analysis?
Run our MACR (Multi-Axis Comedogenic Risk) analysis to get a comprehensive 5-axis risk assessment. This AI-powered analysis evaluates ingredients for Plugging Risk, Barrier Damage, Fungal Acne Risk, Oxidation Risk, and real-world User Reports — giving you personalized scores for your skin type.
