Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Mask Versus Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant Rebalancing Face Mask
Updated on February 05, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe wash off masks. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, 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 common allergens, fragrances, parabens or silicones
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols
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
Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Mask 36 ingredients
Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant Rebalancing Face Mask 14 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
Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Mask 36 ingredients
Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant Rebalancing Face Mask 14 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract
Antioxidant
Octyldodecanol
EmollientBrassica Campestris Sterols
Emollient
Cetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Lens Esculenta Seed Extract
Skin ProtectingEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Polygonum Bistorta Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentSodium Cetearyl Sulfate
Cleansing
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingArginine
Masking
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Pantolactone
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitric Acid
Buffering
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Kaolin, Alcohol Denat., Cetearyl Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract, Octyldodecanol, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Cetearyl Glucoside, Panthenol, Zinc PCA, Allantoin, Lens Esculenta Seed Extract, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polygonum Bistorta Root Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Disodium EDTA, Hexylene Glycol, Arginine, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Pantolactone, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891
Yeast Extract
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Bentonite
Absorbent
Kaolin
Abrasive
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Vinegar
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Hamamelis Virginiana Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingIngredients 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 WaterKaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.
Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.
Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.
The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.
Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.
Learn more about KaolinAlcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying - mostly due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue, constricting pores and leaving your skin dried out.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is if this alcohol is near the end of an ingredients list, it will probably not affect your skin much.
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.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.
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
Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Mask 36 ingredients
Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant Rebalancing Face Mask 14 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Mask 36 ingredients
I’ve only used this a few times but, despite what I was scared would happen based off the ingredient information here, my skin appeared less inflamed immediately
after. Within a few hours I noticed the texture of my skin was smoother and less dehydrated. I also love how it’s fragrance free. Maybe this isn’t for everyone but I have sensitive, dehydrated combination skin with occasional breakouts Show more
