Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer Versus Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance Moisturizer
Updated on September 13, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and 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
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer 65 ingredients
Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance Moisturizer 38 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
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer 65 ingredients
Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance Moisturizer 38 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
PPG-24-Glycereth-24
EmulsifyingJojoba Wax PEG-120 Esters
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Humectant
Trehalose
Humectant
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin Conditioning
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
Humectant
Sodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningErgothioneine
Antioxidant
Beta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Verbascum Thapsus Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil
Masking
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Raspberry Ketone
Masking
Jasminum Sambac Flower Extract
Masking
Santalum Album Oil
Masking
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Cystine
MaskingGlycine
Buffering
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopherol
Antioxidant
Mannitol
Humectant
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhytic Acid
Citric Acid
Buffering
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
C12-13 Pareth-3
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingAscorbyl Methylsilanol Pectinate
Antioxidant
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientP-Anisic Acid
MaskingBenzyl Glycol
SolventMethylpropanediol
SolventSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Glycerin, Squalane, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, PPG-24-Glycereth-24, Jojoba Wax PEG-120 Esters, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Trehalose, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Allantoin, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium PCA, Sodium Levulinate, Ergothioneine, Beta-Carotene, Lactobacillus Ferment, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Verbascum Thapsus Extract, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Glycine Soja Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Raspberry Ketone, Jasminum Sambac Flower Extract, Santalum Album Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Bisabolol, Cystine, Glycine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol, Mannitol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phytic Acid, Citric Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, C12-13 Pareth-3, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ascorbyl Methylsilanol Pectinate, Glyceryl Caprylate, P-Anisic Acid, Benzyl Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Hydroxystearate
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Emollient
Cetyl Caprylate
EmollientStearic Acid
Cleansing
PEG-8
HumectantOctyldodecanol
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
PEG-100 Stearate
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Phytosterols
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Echinacea Purpurea Extract
MoisturisingAloe Barbadensis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Myristic Acid
Cleansing
Rosa Centifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Linolenic Acid
Cleansing
Propanediol
Solvent
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxystearic Acid
Cleansing
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetyl Caprylate, Stearic Acid, PEG-8, Octyldodecanol, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate Se, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Ceramide NP, Phytosterols, Centella Asiatica Extract, Linoleic Acid, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Palmitic Acid, Myristic Acid, Rosa Centifolia Extract, Lactic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Propanediol, Tocopherol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Hydroxystearic Acid, Aminomethyl Propanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol
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 WaterPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractHelianthus 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.
Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.
Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.
Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopherol (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.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted effects and reactions from a product. These metal ions may come from water and are found in miniscule amounts.
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate can also help other preservatives be more effective.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer 65 ingredients
Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance Moisturizer 38 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer 65 ingredients
Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance Moisturizer 38 ingredients
I’m just not impressed. I bought this because I usually have great luck with Dermalogica products, and I’ve been having some extra dryness lately so I thought this would be a good solution. To be honest it just doesn’t hydrate as well as you would hope for a product that claims to provide “intensive” moisturizing. I don’t really feel like it’s improved anything. I also suspect it’s what is causing Show more
