Curel Intensive Moisture Facial Cream Versus Balense Post Laser Recovery Cream
Updated on December 20, 2024
Overview
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols or common allergens
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
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
Curel Intensive Moisture Facial Cream 19 ingredients
Balense Post Laser Recovery Cream 24 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Curel Intensive Moisture Facial Cream 19 ingredients
Balense Post Laser Recovery Cream 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Trisiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
PEG-3 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Magnesium Sulfate
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether
Skin ConditioningPEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Succinic Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingBis-Methoxypropylamido Isodocosane
EmollientEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Methylparaben
Preservative
Water, Glycerin, Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Squalane, Trisiloxane, Dimethicone, PEG-3 Dimethicone, Allantoin, Magnesium Sulfate, Butylene Glycol, Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Succinic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Bis-Methoxypropylamido Isodocosane, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Methylparaben
Water
Skin ConditioningChondrus Crispus
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Palmitoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate
Emollient
Betaine
Humectant
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingOctyldodecanol
EmollientLeptospermum Scoparium Branch/Leaf Oil
Tonic
Piper Nigrum Seed Extract
RefreshingMagnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract
Antimicrobial
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDecylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Disodium EDTA
Water, Chondrus Crispus, Sodium Hyaluronate, Gluconolactone, Potassium Palmitoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Squalane, Coco-Caprylate, Betaine, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Leptospermum Scoparium Branch/Leaf Oil, Piper Nigrum Seed Extract, Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Trehalose, Glycerin, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Decylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Disodium EDTA
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualaneIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Curel Intensive Moisture Facial Cream 19 ingredients
Balense Post Laser Recovery Cream 24 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Curel Intensive Moisture Facial Cream 19 ingredients
I've been struggling with a seriously annoying case of malassezia. I've tried so many products over the years that were deemed safe for fungal acne. Alas - this did not work for me. I wanted this to work so bad!
I've done an extensive amount of research on malassezia. I've figured out that many ingredients that are listed as FA safe are actually problematic for me.
The ingredient that Show more
I love this so much! I have sensitive, dry skin (and I'm allergic to limonene and linalool), and this hydrates my face really well. I use it in combination with the water essence and my skin feels nice and plump after it. In intense situations (very cold or very hot weather), I feel I need to apply it more than once in the day, but I do have VERY dry skin.
