Barrier creams are everywhere these days but one of the first super popular creams targeting the moisture barrier was the Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream ($60 for 50mL). And one of our early SKINSKOOL discoveries was that the Biossance Omega hand cream had a super highly similar ingredient list to the brand’s facial cream version. But it was a fraction of the price. So that handcream became one of those finds that our SKINSKOOL community just loved. Fast forward some time later and the hand cream version is discontinued, Biossance’s owner is bankrupt and the future of the brand is uncertain. But we still get asked about what we think could be an affordable alternative for the Biossance Omega Repair Cream. Luckily SKINSKOOL has as at today’s date 8004 moisturizers without sunscreen in our database so there are constantly new alternatives to surface. And if you check our site regularly, you’ll see that our algorithm does just that. Currently the highest ingredient list alternative (or dupe) to the Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream is the Skin Proud Secure The Barrier Cream. Scoop it up while you can because it’s $16.99 for 50mL compared to $60 for 50mL for the OG Biossance Omega Repair Cream.
Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream vs. Skin Proud Secure The Barrier Cream
Let’s break down the comparative analysis.
When comparing the Biossance Omega & Squalane Repair Cream with the Skin Proud Barrier Cream, there are several ingredients they share which are fundamental to barrier repair, as well as a few distinct differences that may make each product appealing to different user preferences.
Shared Ingredients:
- Water: Solvent that forms the base of both creams.
- Glycerin: Moisturizing agent that attracts water to the skin.
- Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter: Moisturizer with soothing properties.
- Cetearyl Alcohol: Fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, and stabilizer.
- Squalane: A hydrating and non-greasy emollient.
- Sodium Hyaluronate: Hydrates by attracting water into the skin.
- Phenoxyethanol: Preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E): Antioxidant that protects against free radical damage.
- Ceramide NP: Enhances the skin barrier and retains moisture.
- Oleic Acid and Linoleic Acid: Omega fatty acids important for skin health and moisture retention.
Biossance Repair Cream texture (L) vs. Skin Proud Repair Cream texture (R)
Differences
Biossance's Unique Ingredients:
- Euterpe Oleracea Sterols: Antioxidant-rich components derived from açaí berries.
- Jojoba Esters: Provide a lightweight moisture and enhance skin's texture.
- Ethyl Linoleate: An ester of linoleic acid that can help soothe and enhance the appearance of the skin's texture.
Skin Proud's Unique Ingredients:
- Niacinamide: Also known as Vitamin B3, improves the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines, and dullness.
- Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate: A stable Vitamin C derivative, known for brightening and evening out skin tone.
- Avocado Oil: Rich in fatty acids, excellent for nourishing the skin.
- Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract: Green tea extract, which offers antioxidant properties.
Product Focus
Biossance emphasizes a combination of squalane and omega fatty acids, which is indicative of a formula that is very focused on hydration and reinforcing the skin's lipid layer.
Skin Proud, while also focused on hydration and barrier repair, seems to incorporate a wider range of skin health benefits, like brightening and antioxidants, which might appeal to those looking for a multi-benefit product.
Conclusion
Both creams contain ingredients focused on bolstering the skin's moisture barrier and hydration, yet they diverge in their approach to added benefits. Biossance centers on deep hydration and skin barrier reinforcement through a rich mix of omega fatty acids and squalane, ideal for users who need profound moisture restoration. Skin Proud, in addition to using fatty acides and squalane, also presents a diverse array of ingredients that not only hydrate but also illuminate and protect the skin, meeting the needs of those who seek additional perks like anti-aging and brightening along with essential barrier repair. All this with a price point that is one of the lowest we've seen for a barrier cream.
We hope this has been helpful to those of you looking for a highly affordable barrier cream that has as its contextual reference point, a much more expensive and prominent product. As always, we offer product discoveries for you to try in real life. We compare, you decide!
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- No7 Beauty has some intriguing matchups to much pricier products
