Clarifying Balancing Water Cream
Clarifying Balancing Water Cream
Product Description
A lightweight, low-irritant gel-cream moisturizer formulated with Skin-Sync Rx technology to soothe sensitive skin while maintaining optimal oil-moisture balance. Dermatologically tested and non-comedogenic, this fragrance-free water cream delivers refreshing hydration without greasinessβperfect for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Oil-Moisture Balance
Skin-Sync Rx technology helps regulate sebum production while maintaining optimal hydration levels for balanced, healthy-looking skin.
Soothing Formula
Beta-glucan and Chaga mushroom extract calm irritated, sensitive skin while strengthening the skin barrier against environmental stressors.
Deep Hydration
Multi-layered hydration with Glycerin, Trehalose, and Hydroxyethyl Urea delivers lasting moisture without heaviness or pore-clogging.
Barrier Support
Hydrogenated Lecithin and skin-identical ingredients help reinforce the moisture barrier for resilient, protected skin.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Free from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains no fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, or fermented ingredients that feed malassezia. Verified safe for pityrosporum folliculitis.
Dermatologically tested and proven not to clog pores. Safe for acne-prone skin with minimal risk of breakouts.
Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula with no common irritants. Patch tested and suitable for reactive, easily irritated skin types.
Safe to use with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, and niacinamide. Apply as the moisturizing step after actives have absorbed.
Contains no oxybenzone or octinoxate. Environmentally conscious formula that is safe for coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π Beta-Glucan Proven
A powerful polysaccharide derived from yeast, mushrooms, and oats with intensive skin-repairing and wound-healing properties. Acts as a natural moisturizer and anti-inflammatory agent.
- Function: Soothing, moisturizing, barrier repair
- Studies: Shown to reduce wrinkle depth and improve skin roughness after 8 weeks of use at 0.1% concentration
- Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, promotes collagen synthesis
π² Glycoproteins (Chaga Mushroom) Promising
Extracted from Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus), these glycoproteins are part of the proprietary Skin-Sync Rx formula. Known for exceptional antioxidant and anti-aging properties.
- Function: Antioxidant protection, skin soothing
- Source: Chaga mushroom extract
- Benefits: Fights free radicals, calms inflammation, supports skin health
π¬ Trehalose Proven
A natural sugar with exceptional water-binding properties and antioxidant benefits. Provides long-lasting hydration by attracting and retaining moisture in the skin.
- Function: Humectant, antioxidant
- Properties: Protects cells from dehydration stress
- Benefits: Superior moisture retention, skin protection
π§ Glycerin High % Proven
A gold-standard humectant naturally present in skin. Attracts water from the environment and deeper skin layers to maintain hydration and support barrier function.
- Function: Humectant, skin-identical ingredient
- Comedogenicity: 0 (non-comedogenic)
- Benefits: Hydration, barrier repair, prevents moisture loss
π§ͺ Hydroxyethyl Urea Proven
A gentle urea derivative that provides moisturizing benefits similar to glycerin but with a lighter, non-tacky feel. Helps skin retain water for improved elasticity.
- Function: Humectant, moisture retention
- Feel: Non-sticky, lubricating sensation
- Benefits: Deep hydration without tackiness
18 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Methicone, Trehalose, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Beta-Glucan, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Glycoproteins, Dimethicone/Phenyl Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Trisodium EDTA
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as your primary moisturizer for oily/combo skin, or as a hydrating layer under heavier creams for dry skin. Apply AM and PM.
π How to Use
Cleanse & Prep
Start with clean, toned skin. Apply any treatment serums or essences and allow them to absorb for 1-2 minutes.
Dispense
Take a pea-sized amount (about 1-2 pumps) onto fingertips. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.
Apply & Pat
Gently massage onto face and neck in upward motions. Pat gently to promote absorption. Avoid rubbing harshly.
Follow Up
In the morning, follow with sunscreen. At night, can be used alone or with a sleeping mask for extra hydration.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
- You struggle with fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You need a lightweight moisturizer that won't clog pores
- You have sensitive or easily irritated skin
- You prefer fragrance-free products
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need safe skincare
- You want a non-greasy moisturizer for humid climates
- You need a hydrator that layers well under makeup
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin needing rich, occlusive creams
- You prefer luxurious, thick cream textures
- You want anti-aging actives like retinol in your moisturizer
- You need heavy-duty overnight hydration
- You prefer products with noticeable fragrances
- You live in extremely cold, dry winter climates
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight gel-cream absorbs instantly without adding shine. Helps regulate sebum production for balanced, matte-fresh finish throughout the day.
Perfectly balances hydration across different face zones. Moisturizes dry areas while controlling T-zone oiliness without heavy layering.
Non-comedogenic, fungal-acne safe formula won't trigger breakouts. Beta-glucan helps soothe active inflammation and support healing.
Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologically tested. Minimal ingredient list reduces irritation risk for reactive skin.
Provides good hydration but may need a heavier occlusive moisturizer layered on top, especially in winter or very dry climates.
Beta-glucan shows anti-aging benefits. Lightweight texture works well layered with anti-aging serums. May prefer richer formula for advanced concerns.
π Results Timeline
Immediate Hydration & Comfort
Skin feels instantly refreshed and hydrated after each application. Reduced tightness and discomfort. Formula absorbs quickly without residue.
95% noticed immediate hydrationOil Balance Improvement
Noticeable reduction in excess sebum production. Skin appears more balanced with less midday shine. Pores may appear less congested.
78% reported better oil controlSkin Barrier Strengthening
Improved skin resilience and reduced sensitivity. Skin texture appears smoother and more even. Better tolerance to other active ingredients.
82% noticed improved skin textureLong-Term Skin Health
Consistently balanced, healthy-looking skin. Reduced frequency of breakouts for acne-prone users. Established as reliable daily moisturizer.
89% would repurchaseβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Truly fungal acne safe - rare find in moisturizers
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing without greasiness
- Fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive skin
- Non-comedogenic - won't clog pores
- Great under makeup - no pilling
- Effective at balancing oil production
- Soothing for irritated, reactive skin
- Clean, minimal ingredient list (18 ingredients)
- Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Affordable K-beauty derma option
β Criticized
- Not hydrating enough for very dry skin
- 80ml size feels small for the price
- May need additional moisturizer in winter
- Plain packaging - not luxurious looking
- Can be hard to find in physical stores
- No anti-aging actives included
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Larger size (100ml) at similar price. Contains 70% birch sap for soothing. Slightly less FA-safe due to cetearyl alcohol. Light lotion texture vs gel-cream.
Similar lightweight gel-cream texture. Contains oat extract for soothing. Not fully fungal acne safe. Great for sensitive skin but different key ingredients.
More occlusive texture. Contains panthenol and madecassoside. Not fungal acne safe. Better for dry-sensitive skin than oily skin.
Widely available drugstore option. Hyaluronic acid focused. Contains fragrance and is NOT fungal acne safe. Different target audience and formulation approach.
π Comparison with Competitors
Dr. Belmeur Clarifying Water Cream
~$22Belif True Cream Aqua Bomb
~$38COSRX Birch Sap Lotion
~$20Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Cream
~$25π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening. Check packaging for the 12M symbol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Room temperature is fine; refrigeration optional but can enhance the cooling effect.
Sealed plastic bottle with pump dispenser for hygienic, controlled dispensing. Helps preserve formula integrity and prevent contamination.
Yes, 80ml is under the 100ml TSA limit for carry-on liquids. Sturdy bottle withstands travel well.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this water cream is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid (BHA), hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or other ingredients typically restricted during pregnancy. The formula uses gentle, pregnancy-safe humectants and soothing agents like glycerin, beta-glucan, and trehalose. As always, consult with your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Yes, this is one of the few moisturizers that is 100% fungal acne safe. The formula contains no fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, or fermented ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast. It has been verified by ingredient analysis databases as safe for pityrosporum folliculitis. Many users with stubborn fungal acne have found success with this product when others caused breakouts.
Yes, this water cream is compatible with all common active ingredients including retinol, vitamin C, AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid), BHAs (salicylic acid), niacinamide, and peptides. Apply your actives first and allow them to absorb for 1-2 minutes, then follow with this moisturizer. The gentle formula helps buffer potential irritation from actives while maintaining hydration.
This water cream is ideal for oily, combination, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types. It excels at providing lightweight hydration without greasiness or pore-clogging. Those with fungal acne will particularly benefit from its malassezia-safe formula. While it can work for dry skin as a hydrating layer, very dry skin types may need to layer a heavier moisturizer on top for sufficient moisture.
Immediate hydration and comfort are noticeable from the first use. Oil-balancing effects typically become apparent within 2-3 weeks of consistent use. Skin barrier improvements and texture refinement usually develop over 4-8 weeks. For fungal acne sufferers, you may notice reduced breakouts within 1-2 weeks if other triggering products have been eliminated from your routine.
Apply this water cream as your moisturizer step, typically after cleansing, toning, and any treatment serums or essences. In the morning, follow with sunscreen as the final step. At night, you can use it as your final step or apply a sleeping mask/occlusive on top if you need extra hydration. For oily skin, it may be sufficient as your only moisturizer.
No, this product is non-comedogenic with a comedogenic rating of 0-1 out of 5. It has been dermatologically tested for acne-prone skin and proven not to clog pores. The lightweight gel-cream formula absorbs quickly without leaving pore-blocking residue. It's specifically designed for oily and acne-prone skin that is prone to congestion and breakouts.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Look for the "12M" symbol on the packaging. The sealed bottle with pump dispenser helps maintain formula integrity by minimizing air exposure and contamination. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for optimal preservation. With regular twice-daily use, the 80ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months.
Verdict: The Dr. Belmeur Clarifying Balancing Water Cream is an exceptional choice for anyone with oily, combination, acne-prone, or sensitive skin seeking a lightweight, non-clogging moisturizer. Its standout feature is being one of the few truly fungal acne-safe moisturizers on the market, making it a holy grail for those struggling with malassezia folliculitis. The Skin-Sync Rx formula with beta-glucan and chaga mushroom effectively soothes and hydrates while balancing oil production. While it may not be hydrating enough for very dry skin types, its clean 18-ingredient formula, fragrance-free formulation, and dermatologically-tested safety make it an outstanding value in the K-beauty derma category. A reliable, no-nonsense moisturizer that delivers on its promises.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» 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 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 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
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Trehalose
Humectant, Flavoring Agent, Moisturising
|
Hydrating
|