Intensive Moisturizing Balm

Description

AQUA, GLYCERIN, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER (Vegetable shea butter), HYDROXYETHYL UREA, PROPANEDIOL, ISOPROPYL PALMITATE (Potentially comedogenic), CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CETYL ALCOHOL, MYRISTYL MYRISTATE (Potentially comedogenic), GLYCERYL STEARATE, WISTERIA (Amino acid), PEG-100 STEARATE (Nonionic surfactant), STEARETH-20, CERAMIDE NP (Ceramide), CERAMIDE AP (Ceramide), CERAMIDE EOP (Ceramide), CARBOMER, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, DIMETHICONE (Silicone), BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE (Cationic surfactant), TRIETHYL CITRATE, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, SODIUM PCA (Natural moisturizing factor), SERINE (Amino acid), Sodium lauroyl lactylate, SODIUM HYALURONATE (Hyaluronic acid), CHOLESTEROL (Cholesterol), ALANINE (Amino acid), HYDROXYACETOPHENONE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, Hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid (Hepes), CITRIC ACID, XANTHAN GUM, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (Antioxidant), PHYTOSPHINGOSINE (Pre ceramide), BENZOIC ACID

My Doctor's Diagnosis: Analysis and Target

Visit Intensive Moisturizing Balm from CeraVe is primarily intended for dry to very dry skin prone to dehydration, skin discomfort, or atopic eczema. Its formulation aims to restore the skin barrier and maintain optimal hydration over the long term. My expert opinion is that this product stands out for its biomimetic approach, which respects the skin's physiology, making it particularly suitable for fragile, sensitive, or atopic skin.

Formula Analysis: Key Assets

Three key active ingredients give this balm its effectiveness:

• Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP) These essential lipids, naturally present in the skin, help rebuild and maintain the skin barrier. External application promotes the repair of damaged skin and limits imperceptible water loss.
• Hyaluronic acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) : A powerful humectant, it attracts and retains water in the epidermis, providing a plumping effect and long-lasting hydration.
• Shea butter Rich in fatty acids, it intensely nourishes, soothes, and protects the skin from external aggressions.

The presence of cholesterol and amino acids enhances the repairing and moisturizing synergy, justifying the dermatological quality of the product.

Tips and Application Ritual

I recommend applying this balm in the morning and/or evening to clean skin, ideally after showering to maximize absorption. It can be used on the face and body. Compatible with most moisturizing active ingredients (niacinamide, panthenol), it is best to avoid immediate combination with powerful exfoliants (AHA/BHA acids) to limit the risk of irritation on sensitive skin.

My Final Verdict & Safety Opinion

This balm stands out for its tolerance, lack of fragrance, and non-greasy, enveloping texture. Its effectiveness in repairing the skin barrier has been proven. The only downside is the presence of a few potentially comedogenic agents, which should be monitored on skin that is very prone to acne. In conclusion, it is a benchmark product for restoring and protecting dry to atopic skin.