Excellage Balm Cream

Institut Esthederm

Where to buy Possibly in stock

About this product

The Institut Esthederm Excellage Balm Cream is a moisturizer. Our analysis of its 67 ingredients (56 low-risk) rates it Excellent (99/100). Based on its ingredients, it looks well-suited to dry skin. Heads up: it contains fragrance, which can irritate sensitive or reactive skin.

Vegan-friendly Reef-safe

Summarised from our ingredient analysis — not brand marketing copy.

At a glance

Type
Moisturizers
Ingredients
67
Low-risk
56
Fragrance
Contains fragrance
Origin
France

The evidence

Quick Product Notes

Paraben-Free Sulfate-Free Alcohol-Free Silicone-Free EU Allergen-Free Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Notable Effects & Ingredients

No Notable Effects & Ingredients

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Good   Bad — tap a skin type to see which ingredients · estimated from ingredient functions
Dry Skin 23/10
Good for dry skin
C10-18 Triglycerides Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax Glucose Glyceryl Stearate Decyl Oleate Camellia Japonica Seed Oil Mannitol Anhydroxylitol Saccharide Isomerate Cetyl Alcohol Xylitol Xylitylglucoside Caprylyl Glycol Butylene Glycol Glycerin Propylene Glycol Polyglycerin-3 Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate Jojoba Esters Dimethicone Sodium Lactate Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Caution for dry skin
Cetyl Alcohol Sodium Dextran Sulfate Xanthan Gum Glycerin Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate Ceteth-20 Steareth-20 Polysorbate 20 PEG-75 Stearate Silica
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin No data
Sensitive Skin 8/10
Good for sensitive skin
Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax Asiaticoside Glycerin Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate Laminaria Digitata Extract Jojoba Esters Dimethicone Aminoethanesulfinic Acid
Caution for sensitive skin
Dipropylene Glycol Mannitol Cetyl Alcohol Sodium Citrate Asiaticoside Butylene Glycol Glycerin Propylene Glycol Citric Acid Phenoxyethanol

Ingredients list

67 total
Lower hazard (1) Higher hazard (4)
All67 Skin Conditioning54 Humectant18 Emollient11 Fragrance10 Viscosity Controlling10 Solvent9 Emulsion Stabilising7 Skin Protecting6
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1
Water
(Solvent)
1
B
Decyl Oleate
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient)
Bad for Oily Skin
Bad for Oily Skin
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
2
A
Glycerin
(Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care Agent, Oral Health Care Drug, Skin Protecting, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Perfuming, Solvent)
Good for Dry Skin
Good for Dry Skin
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
1
A
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
(Emollient, Skin Conditioning)
1
A
Dipropylene Glycol
(Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Masking, Viscosity Controlling)
1
2
A
Silica
(Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking Agent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying, Viscosity Controlling)
1
A
Jojoba Esters
(Emollient, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning, Soothing)
1
A
Butylene Glycol
(Fragrance, Skin Conditioning, Solvent, Viscositydecreasing Agent, Humectant, Masking, Viscosity Controlling)
Good for Dry Skin
Good for Dry Skin
1
A
Cetyl Alcohol
(Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Opacifying, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Masking, Viscosity Controlling)
1
C10-18 Triglycerides
(Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent)
3
A
Dimethicone
(Antifoaming Agent, Skin Protecting, Emollient, Skin Conditioning)
Silicone
Silicone
1
A
Niacinamide
(Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing)
1
A
Glyceryl Stearate
(Emollient, Emulsifying)
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax
(Skin Conditioning)
1
Xylitylglucoside
(Humectant, Skin Conditioning)
3
A
PEG-75 Stearate
(Surfactant)
1
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
(Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning)
1
Propanediol
(Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Viscosity Controlling)
1
Anhydroxylitol
(Humectant, Skin Conditioning)
1
A
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
(Skin Conditioning)
1
Mannitol
(Binding Agent, Flavoring Agent, Humectant, Binding, Masking, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning)
1
A
Pentylene Glycol
(Skin Conditioning, Solvent)
1
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
(Emulsion Stabilising, Viscosity Controlling)
CI 77891
(Colorant)
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
(Skin Protecting)
1
Xylitol
(Flavoring Agent, Humectant, Skin Conditioning)
2
B
Ceteth-20
(Cleansing, Emulsifying, Surfactant)
3
B
Steareth-20
(Sufactant, Emulsifying, Surfactant)
1
A
Caprylyl Glycol
(Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Humectant)
1
A
1,2-Hexanediol
(Solvent)
1
Polyglycerin-3
(Humectant)
1
A
Sodium Citrate
(Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Chelating, Masking)
1
A
Sodium Dextran Sulfate
(Suspending Agent Nonsurfactant, Gel Forming, Viscosity Controlling)
PARFUM
(Fragrance, Perfuming)
1
A
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
(Antioxidant)
A
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
(Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Skin Conditioning)
1
A
Glucose
(Flavoring Agent, Humectant, Skin Conditioning Agent Miscellaneous)
1
Creatine
(Skin Conditioning)
Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
(Skin Conditioning)
1
B
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
(Film Forming, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent)
1
Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Skin Protecting)
Aminoethanesulfinic Acid
(Antioxidant, Reducing)
1
B
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Emulsifying, Surfactant)
Bad for Oily Skin
Bad for Oily Skin
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
1
Adenosine
(Skin Conditioning)
1
Asiaticoside
(Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning, Perfuming)
1
2
CI 77491
(Colorant, Cosmetic Colorant)
1
Madecassic Acid
(Skin Conditioning)
3
B
Propylene Glycol
(Fragrance, Humectant, Skin Conditioningagent Miscellaneous, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling)
Good for Dry Skin
Good for Dry Skin
1
Asiatic Acid
(Skin Conditioning, Stabilising)
4
A
Phenoxyethanol
(Fragrance, Preservative)
Paraben
Paraben
1
A
Carbomer
(Emulsion Stabilising, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Gel Forming, Viscosity Controlling)
3
B
Sodium Lactate
(Buffering Agent, Exfoliant, Humectant, Keratolytic)
2
A
Citric Acid
(Chelating Agent, Fragrance, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Masking)
Bad for Sensitive Skin
Bad for Sensitive Skin
1
CI 77492
(Colorant, Cosmetic Colorant)
3
B
Polysorbate 20
(Emulsifying, Surfactant)
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
ASCORBIC ACID
(Antioxidant, Buffering, Fragrance, Skin Conditioning)
1
Carnosine
(Skin Conditioning)
1
A
Xanthan Gum
(Binding Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Skin Conditioning, Surfactant Emulsifying Agent, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Binding, Gel Forming, Viscosity Controlling)
1
Saccharide Isomerate
(Humectant)
1
Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate
(Skin Conditioning)
TOCOPHEROL
(Antioxidant, Fragrance, Skin Conditioning)
1
Artemia Extract
(Skin Conditioning)
1
Laminaria Digitata Extract
(Skin Protecting)
1
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient)
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
Sodium Glycerophosphate
(Antiplaque, Oral Care Agent)
1
A
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
(Skin Conditioning)
1
A
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
(Skin Conditioning)

My Ingredient Notes

No personal ingredient notes yet. Save ingredients to your profile to get good/bad alerts here.

Browse similar moisturizer
No close formula match yet — browse other products like this

Key ingredients

Antioxidants
Shields skin from free radical damage.
Peptides
Supports skin hydration and improves firmness.
Vitamin C
Brightens, evens tone, and supports collagen.
Vitamin E
Protects skin and soothes irritation.
Niacinamide
Strengthens, smooths, and brightens skin.
Exfoliators
Removes dead skin cells to smoothe texture.
Show all 6 key ingredients

Benefits

HydratingBoosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Barrier RepairStrengthen and restore your skin's natural barrier.
Scar HealingImproves the look of marks and scars.
Anti-AgingSoftens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Redness ReducingSoothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Reduces IrritationEases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Skin TextureSmooths rough patches and refines texture.
BrighteningRestores radiance to dull, tired skin.

Concerns

Contains paraben
Contains silicone
Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe
May not suit sensitive skin

Ingredients explained

Water
Solvent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Solvent
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Emollient, Skin conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A EmollientSkin conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
Fragrance, Solvent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A FragranceSolventViscosity decreasing agentMaskingViscosity controlling
Silica
Abrasive, Absorbent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1–2 CIR A AbrasiveAbsorbentAnticaking agentBulking agentOpacifyingViscosity controlling
Jojoba Esters
Emollient, Moisturising
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A EmollientMoisturisingSkin conditioningSoothing
Cetyl Alcohol
Emulsion stabilising, Fragrance
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A Emulsion stabilisingFragranceOpacifyingEmulsifyingSurfactantFoam boostingViscosity increasing agentEmollientMaskingViscosity controlling
C10-18 Triglycerides
Emollient, Skin conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 EmollientSkin conditioningSolvent
Niacinamide
Hair conditioning, Skin conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A Hair conditioningSkin conditioningSmoothing
Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin conditioning
Limited public safety data.Read moreShow less
EWG N/A Skin conditioning
Xylitylglucoside
Humectant, Skin conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 HumectantSkin conditioning
PEG-75 Stearate
Surfactant
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 3 CIR A Surfactant
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
Skin conditioning, Antistatic agent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Skin conditioningAntistatic agentHair conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity decreasing agent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 SolventViscosity decreasing agentViscosity controlling
Anhydroxylitol
Humectant, Skin conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 HumectantSkin conditioning
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A Skin conditioning
+ 41 more — see the full ingredients list above
Decyl Oleate
Skin conditioning, Emollient
Potentially comedogenic - can block poresRead moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR B Skin conditioningEmollient Bad for Oily SkinFungal-acne trigger
Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 2 CIR A DenaturantFragranceHair conditioningHumectantOral care agentOral health care drugSkin protectingViscosity decreasing agentPerfumingSolvent Good for Dry SkinFungal-acne trigger
Butylene Glycol
Fragrance, Skin conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A FragranceSkin conditioningSolventViscositydecreasing agentHumectantMaskingViscosity controlling Good for Dry Skin
Dimethicone
Antifoaming agent, Skin protecting
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 3 CIR A Antifoaming agentSkin protectingEmollientSkin conditioning Silicone
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient, Emulsifying
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A EmollientEmulsifying Fungal-acne trigger
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Skin conditioning, Emollient
Potentially comedogenic - can block poresRead moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR B Skin conditioningEmollientEmulsifyingSurfactant Bad for Oily SkinFungal-acne trigger
Propylene Glycol
Fragrance, Humectant
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 3 CIR B FragranceHumectantSkin-conditioningagent - miscellaneousSolventViscosity decreasing agentSkin conditioningViscosity controlling Good for Dry Skin
Phenoxyethanol
Fragrance, Preservative
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 4 CIR A FragrancePreservative Paraben
Citric Acid
Chelating agent, Fragrance
Skin irritation can occur at high concentrationRead moreShow less
EWG 2 CIR A Chelating agentFragrancePh adjusterBuffering agentMasking Bad for Sensitive Skin
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying, Surfactant
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 3 CIR B EmulsifyingSurfactant Fungal-acne trigger
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
Skin conditioning, Emollient
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Skin conditioningEmollient Fungal-acne trigger

How to use

How to use

  • 1 Where it fits: Apply near the end of your routine, after thinner serums.
  • 2 Morning works well: Antioxidants like vitamin C pair well with daytime use under sunscreen.

General guidance from this product's category and active ingredients — always follow the directions on the package.

Trust & honesty

Effective levels — general guide

The concentrations these actives are typically effective at in research — not a measurement of this product.

Vitamin C (ascorbic) 5–20%

L-ascorbic acid is usually used at 5–20% (around 10–15% is common). Above ~20% adds little and tends to irritate more; it also needs a low pH to work.

ASCORBIC ACID

Niacinamide 2–5% (up to 10%)

Most research uses 2–5%; some formulas go to 10%. Very high levels can cause flushing in sensitive skin.

Niacinamide

INCI lists don't disclose amounts, and we don't claim to know this product's levels — these are the ranges these ingredients are usually effective at, so you can tell a real formula from "fairy-dusting" a marketed active. How we estimate this.

From the community

0
Reviews
0
Saved by users
0
In collections

Ratings & reviews

Write a Review
0.0
from 0 ratings

Used this product? Rate it in 10 seconds

Alternatives

More like this

Other products people analyze alongside this one.