Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance 3.4 oz

Common questions

Is Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance 3.4 oz healthy?

Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance 3.4 oz scores 78/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. 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.

Which ingredients drive Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance 3.4 oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate count in its favor; PEG-8, Dimethicone, Aminomethyl Propanol are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance 3.4 oz

Dermalogica
78 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$83.00 · 3.4 fl oz · $24.41 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 14
Harmful ingredients 4
Owned by Unilever
Category Moisturizer
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 Hyaluronate
Very 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.

See more about Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate →
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Very 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.

See more about Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate →
Centella Asiatica Extract
Very 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.

See more about Centella Asiatica Extract →
Aloe Barbadensis Extract
Very 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.

See more about Aloe Barbadensis Extract →
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Very 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.

See more about Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil →
Sodium Hyaluronate
Good

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.

See more about Sodium Hyaluronate →
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Good

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 NP
Good

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.

See more about Ceramide NP →
Phytosterols
Good

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.

See more about Phytosterols →
Linoleic Acid
Good

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.

See more about Linoleic Acid →
Echinacea Purpurea Extract
Good

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 Extract
Good

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 Acid
Good

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.

Tocopherol
Good

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.

See more about Tocopherol →
Water/Aqua/Eau
Neutral

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.

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Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate
Neutral

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.

See more about Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate →
Butylene Glycol
Neutral

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.

See more about Butylene Glycol →
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Neutral

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 Caprylate
Neutral

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 Acid
Neutral

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.

See more about Stearic Acid →
Octyldodecanol
Neutral

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.

See more about Octyldodecanol →
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Neutral

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.

See more about Glyceryl Stearate SE →
PEG-100 Stearate
Neutral

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.

See more about PEG-100 Stearate →
Palmitic Acid
Neutral

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.

See more about Palmitic Acid →
Myristic Acid
Neutral

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 Acid
Neutral

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.

See more about Lactic Acid →
Propanediol
Neutral

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.

See more about Propanediol →
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Neutral

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 Diacetate
Neutral

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.

See more about Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate →
Ethylhexylglycerin
Neutral

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.

See more about Ethylhexylglycerin →
Cetyl Alcohol
Neutral

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.

See more about Cetyl Alcohol →
Carbomer
Neutral

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.

See more about Carbomer →
Hydroxystearic Acid
Neutral

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.

See more about Hydroxystearic Acid →
Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

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.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
PEG-8
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Potential for contamination with harmful impurities.

Benefits

Helps to maintain skin hydration.

See more about PEG-8 →
Dimethicone
Bad

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.

See more about Dimethicone →
Aminomethyl Propanol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

Maintains product stability and efficacy.

See more about Aminomethyl Propanol →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

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.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →

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