Barrier Renew PM Moisturizer
Barrier Renew PM Moisturizer
Product Description
Product overview
RoC Barrier Renew PM Moisturizer is an ultra-lightweight, fragrance-free night cream clinically proven to hydrate, smooth and help repair the skin barrier in 14 nights. Built on three barrier-essential pillars — ceramides, antioxidant green tea and lipo-peptides — it sinks in fast with a silky, non-greasy finish, making it a gentle overnight reset for sensitive and reactive skin.
Barrier Repair in 14 Nights
Clinically formulated to retrain and maintain a healthy moisture barrier with ceramides that nourish and replenish overnight.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBarrier Repair in 14 Nights
Clinically formulated to retrain and maintain a healthy moisture barrier with ceramides that nourish and replenish overnight.
Antioxidant Green Tea
Camellia Sinensis polyphenols help skin recover from the effects of pollution and daily environmental stress.
Soothing Lipo-Peptides
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8 helps calm and retrain skin to minimize visible signs of sensitivity and redness.
Ultra-Lightweight, Won't Clog Pores
Silky, non-greasy texture absorbs quickly — comfortable for sensitive, combination and oilier skin alike.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. Ceramides, peptides, squalane and green tea are generally considered low-risk. Always confirm with your OB/GYN.
Contains shea butter, oleic acid, lecithin and esters (Glyceryl Behenate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate) that may feed malassezia yeast. Avoid if prone to fungal acne.
A great buffer over retinol, vitamin C, AHAs or BHAs — its ceramides and peptides help cushion potential irritation from stronger treatments.
Fragrance-free, paraben-free, hypoallergenic and accepted by the National Eczema Association. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCeramides (NP + NG) Barrier blendProven
Ceramides are skin-identical lipids that bind skin cells together to form the moisture barrier. RoC pairs Ceramide NP and Ceramide NG to nourish, replenish and help lock hydration in overnight.
- Function: Restore and reinforce the lipid barrier that prevents trans-epidermal water loss.
- Research: Ceramide-containing moisturizers are well documented to improve dryness and barrier function in conditions like eczema.
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract AntioxidantPromising
Green tea leaf extract is rich in polyphenols and L-theanine. RoC positions it as the antioxidant that helps skin recover from pollution and environmental stress while soothing visible irritation.
- Source: Polyphenols neutralize free radicals and may help calm inflamed skin.
- Research: Topical green tea has shown soothing and antioxidant activity, though it is not a replacement for sunscreen.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8 (Lipo-Peptide) SoothingPromising
A synthetic signal peptide RoC describes as a "lipo-peptide" used to soothe and retrain skin to minimize visible signs of sensitivity such as redness.
- Manufacturer: Marketed for its ability to calm neurogenic inflammation and reactive, sensitized skin.
- Note: Peptide benefits build with consistent nightly use over several weeks.
Squalane INCI #3Proven
Sitting high on the list at the third position, squalane is a lightweight, skin-mimicking emollient that softens and helps the skin hold onto moisture without a heavy or greasy feel.
- Research: Shown to be non-irritating even at 100% concentration and well tolerated by sensitive skin.
- Benefit: Adds antioxidant support and a comfortable, cushioned finish.
Glycerin HumectantProven
A gold-standard humectant that pulls water into the upper layers of the skin and supports a healthier, more hydrated barrier.
- Research: A 2016 study found glycerin to be a more effective humectant than hyaluronic acid and AHAs.
- Benefit: Works synergistically with ceramides to keep moisture locked in.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) AntioxidantProven
A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the skin's natural lipids from free-radical damage and helps reinforce the barrier alongside the ceramides.
- Function: Shields the skin's lipid barrier and supports overnight recovery.
- Synergy: Pairs well with the green tea antioxidants in this formula.
28 ingredients
Water (Aqua/Eau), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Methyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Polysilicone-11, Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Beta-Sitosterol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Oleic Acid, Glyceryl Behenate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ceramide NG, Ceramide NP, Tocopherol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dextran, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Laureth-7.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your final hydrating step at night. Apply over serums and treatments to seal in actives and support barrier repair while you sleep. Pair with the RoC Barrier Renew AM Moisturizer SPF 30 by day.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse First
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser so skin is clean and slightly damp — the most receptive state for overnight repair.
Apply Any Treatments
Layer serums or actives (retinol, vitamin C, exfoliating acids) first and allow them to absorb before moisturizing.
Smooth On a Pea-Sized Amount
Gently massage over face and neck at night. A little goes a long way thanks to the lightweight texture.
Use Nightly
Apply every evening. RoC's study showed visible improvements building over 14 consecutive nights of use.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have a dry, dehydrated or compromised skin barrier
- You want a fragrance-free, sensitive-skin-friendly night cream
- You use retinol or acids and need a soothing buffer
- You prefer a lightweight, non-greasy overnight finish
- You want ceramides + peptides at a drugstore price
Consider alternatives if:
- You are prone to fungal acne (malassezia)
- You want exfoliating actives built into your moisturizer
- You have very dry skin needing a rich, occlusive balm
- You are allergic to shea butter or soy-derived lecithin
- You want a single-active, ultra-minimalist formula
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESCeramides, squalane and shea butter replenish lipids and lock in overnight hydration.
Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and accepted by the National Eczema Association.
Lightweight finish balances most zones; may feel light on very dry patches.
Non-comedogenic and absorbs fast, though shea butter and oleic acid may feel rich for some.
Non-comedogenic for typical acne, but contains esters and fatty acids that aren't malassezia-safe.
Results timeline
4+ WEEKSInstant Comfort & Hydration
Skin feels softer, smoother and more comfortable on waking. RoC shows visibly healthier-looking skin in un-retouched after-1-day imagery.
97% felt skin hydratedCalmer, Smoother Surface
Continued nightly use helps reduce the look of dryness and rough texture as the barrier is reinforced.
94% said skin felt smootherRetrained, Healthier Barrier
In RoC's 200-patient study, skin looked hydrated, balanced and healthy with fewer visible issues including dryness, dullness and redness.
93% saw healthy-looking skinMaintained Resilience
With ongoing use, peptides and ceramides help maintain a more resilient barrier and a calmer baseline for reactive skin.
100% had fewer visible issuesRatings by platform
630+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Lightweight, non-greasy, absorbs fast
- Leaves skin noticeably soft and smooth
- Fragrance-free and sensitive-skin friendly
- Ceramides + peptides + green tea at drugstore price
- Clinically backed by a 200-patient study
- Cruelty-free and eczema-association accepted
Criticized
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Small 2.5 oz size for the price
- Too light for some very dry skin in winter
- Tube packaging can leak in shipping
- Exact active percentages not disclosed
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Three ceramides plus niacinamide and hyaluronic acid in an oil-free night lotion. Bigger size, lower price, and a slightly more fungal-acne-considerate formula — minus the green tea and peptides.
Ultra-minimalist, allergen-free barrier cream for very sensitive skin. Richer and more occlusive, but without ceramides, peptides or antioxidants.
A ceramide-focused overnight treatment at a similar price. Targets barrier repair like RoC but skips the green tea and lipo-peptide soothing angle.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDERoC Barrier Renew PM (Featured)
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening (check the jar-with-number symbol on the tube)
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed.
Squeeze tube — hygienic and easy to dispense without contamination.
Yes — at 74ml / 2.5 fl oz it's under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit.
Frequently asked questions
FAQIt's generally considered pregnancy-friendly. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens — instead relying on ceramides, peptides, squalane, glycerin and green tea, which are typically regarded as low-risk during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As always, confirm with your OB/GYN before introducing any new product.
No. It contains several ingredients that may feed malassezia yeast, including shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), oleic acid, lecithin, Glyceryl Behenate and Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate. If you are prone to fungal acne, a stripped-back ceramide lotion may be a safer choice.
Yes. It actually makes an excellent buffer over actives. Apply your retinol, vitamin C or exfoliating acid first, let it absorb, then layer this moisturizer on top. Its ceramides and soothing peptides help cushion potential dryness or irritation from stronger treatments.
It's best for dry, dehydrated, sensitive or compromised barriers, and works well for combination skin too. Oily skin can use it thanks to the lightweight, non-comedogenic texture, though those who dislike any richness may prefer a gel. It's marketed as suitable for all skin types and diverse skin tones.
Many users feel softer, more hydrated skin after the first night. In RoC's 200-patient study, 93% saw hydrated, smoother, healthy-looking skin and 100% had fewer visible issues after 14 consecutive nights of use. Peptide and ceramide benefits continue to build with ongoing nightly use.
Use it as your final hydrating step in your evening routine, after cleansing and any serums or treatments. If you use a face oil or sleeping mask, those can go on top. Pair it with the RoC Barrier Renew AM Moisturizer SPF 30 during the day.
RoC formulates and tests it as non-comedogenic, so it's unlikely to clog pores for most people — we'd estimate a low comedogenic rating of around 1/5. That said, it does contain shea butter and oleic acid, so very breakout-prone skin should patch test first.
The Period After Opening is typically 12 months — look for the open-jar symbol with "12M" on the tube. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the cap closed to preserve the antioxidants and peptides.
Verdict: RoC Barrier Renew PM Moisturizer is a smart, clinically backed barrier-repair night cream that punches well above its drugstore price. The trio of ceramides, soothing lipo-peptides and antioxidant green tea makes it a standout for dry, sensitive and reactive skin, while the lightweight, fragrance-free texture keeps it comfortable across most skin types. The main caveats: it isn't fungal-acne safe, the 2.5 oz tube feels small for the price, and very dry winter skin may want something richer on top. For anyone rebuilding a compromised barrier on a budget, it's an easy recommendation.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 4 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Refatting
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 3 |
Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antifoaming Agent, Skin Protecting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|