Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance 3.4 oz
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This moisturizer contains a range of beneficial ingredients such as sodium hyaluronate, ceramide NP, and Centella Asiatica extract, which are known for their hydrating and soothing properties. However, the presence of phenoxyethanol, a preservative that can cause irritation, and the inclusion of PEG compounds, which are synthetic emulsifiers, slightly detract from its overall safety profile. The product is moderately processed, which also influences its rating.
Key ingredients 38
Hydrolyzed Sodium HyaluronateVery Good
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate is a smaller molecule form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper into the skin. It provides long-lasting hydration and improves skin texture. It is a highly beneficial ingredient in skincare.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and smoothness.
Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateVery Good
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a stable form of Vitamin C that provides antioxidant protection. It helps to brighten the skin and reduce signs of aging. It is a beneficial ingredient in skincare.
Risks
Low risk of irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Brightens skin tone and provides antioxidant protection.
Centella Asiatica ExtractVery Good
Centella Asiatica Extract is a plant extract known for its healing and soothing properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and promote skin repair. It is a highly beneficial ingredient in skincare.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Calms and heals the skin, promoting repair.
Aloe Barbadensis ExtractVery Good
Aloe Barbadensis Extract, commonly known as Aloe Vera, is known for its soothing and hydrating properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and provide moisture. It is a highly beneficial ingredient in skincare.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Soothes and hydrates the skin, reducing irritation.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilVery Good
Sunflower Seed Oil is a natural oil rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. It helps to moisturize and protect the skin. It is considered a highly beneficial ingredient in skincare.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Moisturizes and protects the skin, enhancing barrier function.
Sodium HyaluronateGood
Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid that helps to retain moisture in the skin. It is highly effective in hydrating and plumping the skin. It is considered a beneficial ingredient in skincare.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Provides intense hydration and improves skin elasticity.
Chlorella Vulgaris ExtractGood
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract is a plant extract known for its antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It is considered a beneficial ingredient in skincare.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and supports skin health.
Ceramide NPGood
Ceramide NP is a lipid that helps to restore the skin's natural barrier. It improves skin hydration and reduces moisture loss. It is a highly beneficial ingredient in skincare.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Strengthens skin barrier and enhances hydration.
PhytosterolsGood
Phytosterols are plant-derived compounds that help to soothe and moisturize the skin. They have anti-inflammatory properties and support skin health. They are considered beneficial in skincare.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Soothes skin and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
Linoleic AcidGood
Linoleic Acid is an essential fatty acid that helps to maintain the skin's barrier function. It improves skin hydration and reduces inflammation. It is considered a beneficial ingredient in skincare.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Enhances skin barrier and reduces inflammation.
Echinacea Purpurea ExtractGood
Echinacea Purpurea Extract is a plant extract known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It is considered beneficial in skincare.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and reduces inflammation.
Rosa Centifolia Flower ExtractGood
Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract is a plant extract known for its soothing and antioxidant properties. It helps to calm the skin and protect it from environmental damage. It is considered beneficial in skincare.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Soothes skin and provides antioxidant protection.
Linolenic AcidGood
Linolenic Acid is an essential fatty acid that helps to maintain the skin's barrier function. It improves skin hydration and reduces inflammation. It is considered a beneficial ingredient in skincare.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Enhances skin barrier and reduces inflammation.
TocopherolGood
Tocopherol, also known as Vitamin E, is an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It supports skin health and reduces signs of aging. It is considered a beneficial ingredient in skincare.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and supports skin health.
Water/Aqua/EauNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in the application and absorption of the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.
Benefits
Essential for dissolving and mixing other ingredients.
Ethylhexyl HydroxystearateNeutral
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate is an emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not have significant benefits or risks.
Risks
Minimal risk of skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Helps to improve skin texture and hydration.
Butylene GlycolNeutral
Butylene Glycol is a solvent and conditioning agent that helps to improve the texture of the product. It is widely used in cosmetics and is considered safe. It does not have significant benefits or risks.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Improves product spreadability and skin feel.
Cetearyl EthylhexanoateNeutral
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that provides a smooth feel to the skin. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its texture-enhancing properties. It does not have significant benefits or risks.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Enhances skin smoothness and product application.
Cetyl CaprylateNeutral
Cetyl Caprylate is an emollient that helps to soften and condition the skin. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not have significant benefits or risks.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Improves skin softness and hydration.
Stearic AcidNeutral
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It does not have significant benefits or risks.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Stabilizes product formulations and enhances texture.
OctyldodecanolNeutral
Octyldodecanol is an emollient that provides a smooth feel to the skin. It is widely used in cosmetics for its texture-enhancing properties. It does not have significant benefits or risks.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Improves skin smoothness and product application.
Glyceryl Stearate SENeutral
Glyceryl Stearate SE is an emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in cosmetics. It is considered safe for use in skincare products. It does not have significant benefits or risks.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Stabilizes product formulations and enhances texture.
PEG-100 StearateNeutral
PEG-100 Stearate is an emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in cosmetics. It is commonly used in skincare products for its stabilizing properties. It does not have significant benefits or risks.
Risks
Potential for contamination with harmful impurities.
Benefits
Stabilizes product formulations and enhances texture.
Palmitic AcidNeutral
Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emollient and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It does not have significant benefits or risks.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and stability.
Myristic AcidNeutral
Myristic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It does not have significant benefits or risks.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Stabilizes product formulations and enhances texture.
Lactic AcidNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Exfoliates and hydrates the skin, improving texture.
PropanediolNeutral
Propanediol is a solvent and humectant that helps to improve the texture and hydration of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not have significant benefits or risks.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Improves product texture and skin hydration.
Potassium Cetyl PhosphateNeutral
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in cosmetics. It is considered safe for use in skincare products. It does not have significant benefits or risks.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Stabilizes product formulations and enhances texture.
Tetrasodium Glutamate DiacetateNeutral
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is a chelating agent that helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not have significant benefits or risks.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Enhances product stability and efficacy.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative and skin conditioning agent. It helps to improve the shelf life of the product and enhance skin feel. It does not have significant benefits or risks.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Improves product preservation and skin feel.
Cetyl AlcoholNeutral
Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It does not have significant benefits or risks.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and stability.
CarbomerNeutral
Carbomer is a thickening agent used to stabilize and improve the texture of cosmetic products. It is considered safe for use in skincare. It does not have significant benefits or risks.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Stabilizes product formulations and enhances texture.
Hydroxystearic AcidNeutral
Hydroxystearic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It does not have significant benefits or risks.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Stabilizes product formulations and enhances texture.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium Hydroxide is a pH adjuster used to maintain the stability and efficacy of cosmetic products. It is used in small amounts and is considered safe. It does not have significant benefits or risks.
Risks
Can cause irritation if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
Maintains product stability and efficacy.
PEG-8Bad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Potential for contamination with harmful impurities.
Benefits
Helps to maintain skin hydration.
DimethiconeBad
Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.
Risks
May cause breakouts in acne-prone skin.
Benefits
Provides a protective barrier and improves skin texture.
Aminomethyl PropanolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Maintains product stability and efficacy.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can cause irritation in some individuals. It is considered a potentially harmful ingredient in skincare.
Risks
May cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth, extending product shelf life.
Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping
Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.
Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle PlayAmazon pricing & content
Amazon price as of . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.