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Updated on April 19, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin and sensitive skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain oils and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream
COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream
General Moisturizer
South Korean Brand South Korea
ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients
ph level
6

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness

Centella Asiatica Leaf Water is created by distilling centella asiatica leaves. Centella Asiatica is a herb native to Southeast Asia.

Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
Oil  •  Helps hydrate Dry Skin  •  2 Concerns

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Masking, Skin Conditioning

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
2 / 1
Fatty Alcohol  •  3 Concerns

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

2 Com. / 1 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Betaine Humectant, Skin Conditioning
3 Benefits

Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.

Ceramide Ns Skin Conditioning
Ceramide  •  4 Benefits

Ceramide NS is a type of Ceramide. Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.

Cetearyl Olivate
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Cetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.

Disliked Full details ->
Sorbitan Olivate Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Sorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Ceramide NP Skin Conditioning
Ceramide  •  4 Benefits

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Hydrogenated Lecithin Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecule hydrogen and another element.

Sucrose Distearate Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
0 / 2
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Sucrose Distearate is made up of the sucrose (sugar) esthers of stearic acid. It is an emollient and emulsifier.

0 Com. / 2 Irr.
Unknown Full details ->
Glyceryl Stearate Emollient, Emulsifying
1 / 0
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Dipropylene Glycol Masking, Solvent

Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created stabilizer and solvent. It is a part of the glycol class in the alcohol family.

Disliked Full details ->
Elaeis Guineensis Oil Emollient
Oil  •  Not safe for Fungal Acne

Elaeis Guineensis Oil comes from the African Palm tree. This tree is native to Western and Southwestern Africa.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Elaeis Guineensis Kernel Oil Emollient
Oil  •  Not safe for Fungal Acne

Elaeis Guineensis Oil comes from the African Palm tree. This tree is native to Western and Southwestern Africa.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Beeswax Emulsion Stabilising, Masking, Skin Conditioning
0-2 / 0
2 Concerns

Beeswax is natural wax produced by honey bees and can be synthetically created. It consists mainly of fatty acid esters and long-chain alcohols.

0-2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Emulsion Stabilising

This is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.

Disliked Full details ->
Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

Cyclomethicone Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
0 / 0
Silicon

Cyclomethicone is a class of silicones used to improve the texture of products.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Dimethicone Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
1 / 0
Silicon

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Panthenol Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
Helps reduce irritation

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Niacinamide Smoothing
Niacinamide  •  6 Benefits

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
Hyaluronic Acid

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Xanthan Gum Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

Disliked Full details ->
Asiaticoside Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Antioxidant

Asiaticoside comes from the super popular skin-soothing ingredient, Centella asiatica. It is one of four active compounds found in the extract of Centella Asiatica.

Asiatic Acid Skin Conditioning, Stabilising

Asiatic Acid is a major component of Centella Asiatica Extract. It has wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Madecassic Acid Skin Conditioning

Madecassic Acid is a major component of Centella Asiatica Extract. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance  •  Oil

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is the oil from the bergamot orange. This bergamot is native to Italy.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Dimethicone Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
1 / 0
Silicon

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate Emollient, Emulsifying
2 / 0
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate is derived from isostearic acid. It is an emollient and emulsifier.

2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene Emollient, Skin Conditioning
1 / 2

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.

1 Com. / 2 Irr.
Stearic Acid Cleansing, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
2-3 / 0
2 Concerns

Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.

2-3 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Behenyl Alcohol Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising
Fatty Alcohol

A type of fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as traditional alcohols.

Disliked Full details ->
Palmitic Acid Emollient, Emulsifying
2 / 0
2 Concerns

Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid found in our skin. In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It is a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.

2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate Emollient

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.

1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

Arachidyl Alcohol Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising

Arachidyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol made from peanut oil. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener.

Very Disliked Full details ->
C14-22 Alcohols Emulsion Stabilising

C14-22 Alcohols is made up of synthetic fatty alcohols. More specifically, these fatty alcohols contain 14 to 22 carbons in the alkyl chain.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea Emollient

We don't have a description for Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea.

Polyacrylate-13

Polyacrylate-13 is a type of acrylate polymer. Acrylate polymers are commonly used as adhesives in cosmetics.

Disliked Full details ->
Arachidyl Glucoside Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Arachidyl Glucoside.

Disliked Full details ->
Mannitol Humectant, Masking, Moisturising

Mannitol is a sugar alcohol. It is a humectant and moisturizes the skin. In vitro (not tested on a living organism), mannitol displays antioxidant properties.

C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside Emulsifying

We don't have a description for C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside.

Unknown Full details ->
Polyisobutene

Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer made from isobutene.

Disliked Full details ->
Glyceryl Caprylate Emollient, Emulsifying

Glyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid, a fatty acid from coconut.

Panax Ginseng Root Water Masking, Skin Protecting, Tonic

Panax Ginseng Root Water is created by distilling ginseng, popular herb from Asia. This root contains antioxidants, favonoids, and vitamins B12 and D.

Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer

We don't have a description for Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer.

Unknown Full details ->
Polysorbate 20 Emulsifying
0 / 0
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Sorbitan Isostearate Emulsifying
1-2 / 0
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.

1-2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Carbomer Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
1 / 0

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract Antioxidant
Antioxidant

Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract is an antioxidant.

Unknown Full details ->
Myristic Acid Cleansing, Emulsifying
3 / 0
2 Concerns

Myristic Acid is a saturated fatty acid. It is naturally found in milk fat. Other sources include palm oil, coconut oil, and butter fat.

3 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Arachidic Acid Cleansing, Emulsifying
2 / 0
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Arachidic Acid is a fatty acid naturally found in peanut oil and cocoa butter. Like other fatty acids, arachidic acid moisturizes the skin.

2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Cholesterol Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
2 Benefits

Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract Skin Conditioning, Tonic

We don't have a description for Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract.

Glucose Humectant

Glucose is a simple sugar and is the most important source of energy in all organisms. In skincare, glucose is used to hydrate the skin. It also acts as a prebiotic for our natural biome.

Silica Abrasive, Absorbent
Exfoliant  •  2 Concerns

Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Disliked Full details ->
Glycine Max Oil Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Oil

Glycine Max Oil is an oil.

Disliked Full details ->
Ceramide NP Skin Conditioning
Ceramide  •  4 Benefits

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Phytosphingosine Skin Conditioning

Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.

Hydrogenated Lecithin Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecule hydrogen and another element.

Tocopherol Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
0-3 / 0-3
Vitamin E  •  Antioxidant  •  4 Benefits  •  May cause irritation

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

0-3 Com. / 0-3 Irr.
Canola Oil Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Oil  •  Not safe for Fungal Acne

Canola Oil is Rapeseed oil with low amounts of erucic acid. It is an emollient and helps hydrate the skin. Emollients help hydrate and soften your skin by trapping moisture.

Disliked Full details ->
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Antimicrobial, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin
Skin Conditioning
Loved

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.

Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.

If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.

Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP

Learn more about Ceramide NP
Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Liked

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecule hydrogen and another element.

Hydrogenated Lecithin is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within.

The phospholipids in Hydrogenated Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier to be better absorbed.

As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.

Learn more about Hydrogenated Lecithin
Skin Conditioning
Mixed

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream
12
3
14
2
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream
13
6
18
5
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

100 Routines
40% use in am
60% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
883 Routines
35% use in am
64% use in pm
95% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream 31 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 6 ratings
Works Well (2) Hydrating (2) Light Scent (2) Heavy (1) No Scent (1) Light (1)
Sophfeah's avatar

Sophfeah

10 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

Overhydrated?
I think i might be the wrong demographic or i used the product wrong, I do not have dry skin maybe that was the issue but when I used...

Overhydrated?
I think i might be the wrong demographic or i used the product wrong, I do not have dry skin maybe that was the issue but when I used this it made my skin flakey and i could not wear makeup or sunscreen over it. I have combo/normal skin but i think it would have worked wonders during winter time and for someone with dry skin since the formula is very thick

lucia.h's avatar

lucia.h

4 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

love the texture, does not feel oily/greasy whatsoever and feels super moisturizing and cooling. doesn't break me out and makes my skin so glowy!!

ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream 42 ingredients

3.4 /5
from 25 ratings
Hydrating (5) No Scent (5) Broke Me Out (4) Great Value (4) Absorbs Well (3) Sticky (3)
Butter's avatar

Butter

3 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

The best thing I've ever tried for my eczema. I don't tend to use this on my face, but instead my hands, neck, knees & elbows where my eczema...

The best thing I've ever tried for my eczema. I don't tend to use this on my face, but instead my hands, neck, knees & elbows where my eczema flares and I've never had such consistent results when it comes to keeping my eczema from flaring. Best thing is it's not massively expensive and I don't need to replace hand creams every 2-4 weeks. Would definitely recommend to any eczema sufferers to give this a try.

raggedrobbin's avatar

raggedrobbin

4 months ago · Unsure Skin
Review

Unexpectedly nice on my oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin. Didn't cause breakouts or clog my pores, didn't feel heavy at all and worked great...

Unexpectedly nice on my oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin. Didn't cause breakouts or clog my pores, didn't feel heavy at all and worked great under makeup.