COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream Versus Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer
Updated on June 26, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream 34 ingredients
Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer 41 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream 34 ingredients
Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer 41 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Betaine
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Olivate
Elaeis Guineensis Oil
Emollient
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingBeeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Elaeis Guineensis Kernel Oil
Emollient
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSucrose Distearate
Emollient
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Limonene
Perfuming
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Asiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Linalool
Perfuming
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Betaine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Ceramide NP, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Triethylhexanoin, Beeswax, Elaeis Guineensis Kernel Oil, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Sucrose Distearate, Dipropylene Glycol, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Limonene, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
C13-15 Alkane
SolventCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-1
Emollient
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientXylitylglucoside
Humectant
Honey Extract
Humectant
Betaine
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Propolis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Royal Jelly Extract
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract
Humectant
Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil
Emollient
Glucose
Humectant
Bisabolol
Masking
Xylitol
Humectant
Anhydroxylitol
Humectant
Cetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingTriolein
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
Masking
Aroma
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Dioleate
Emollient
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantSodium Phytate
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C13-15 Alkane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-1, Diisostearyl Malate, Xylitylglucoside, Honey Extract, Betaine, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Ceramide NP, Propolis Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Tocopherol, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Glucose, Bisabolol, Xylitol, Anhydroxylitol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Triolein, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Arginine, Aroma, Hydroxyacetophenone, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Dioleate, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Sodium Phytate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycerinThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetearyl 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.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholBetaine 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.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Learn more about Betaine1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
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 NPThis is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.
It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolXanthan 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.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream 34 ingredients
Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer 41 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream 34 ingredients
Great moisturizer for winter. Skin feels plump and hydrated. Works well in reducing dermatitis around mouth area, the only downside that it slightly irritates area around the eyes if it’s already inflamed. Would recommend for anyone with dry skin who is not too sensitive.
Update: once my skin barrier got restored the second tube of the cream started to cause massive breakouts.
Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer 41 ingredients
I love this cream, but the price hurts my soul (and wallet).
I personally don’t like to spend more than $30 on a single product, so I suggest waiting for a sale or buying a smaller size (this product is offered in 4 sizes, with the 1.7 Fl Oz jar being the default at $48). This moisturizer just works so well for my dry skin. It’s not too heavy and it absorbs quickly, but my skin is still left Show more
Best moisturizer I've ever used, sadly
This moisturizer breaks the bank for me so I can't go on buying it... but oh my goodness it's the best cream I've ever used by far. It makes the skin glowy, LOCKS IN moisture and is wonderful for dry or combo skin (I used this primarily in the winter with combo/oily skin). I really expected this to break me out when I first tried it because it was so thick Show more
