Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance 50ml
Description
Description
Nourishing day cream for dry skin with ceramides and BioReplenish Complex
Dry skin is not a temporary condition you work through — it is a skin type with a naturally lower lipid production than average. The skin barrier contains fewer ceramides, phytosterols, and fatty acids, which means the skin has a harder time retaining moisture and reacts more sensitively to climate factors, mild cleansers, and cosmetic actives. A standard moisturizer provides comfort to this skin but does not solve the underlying problem. What dry skin needs is a cream that not only adds moisture but also replenishes the missing lipids itself.
Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance in the 50 ml size is developed precisely for this. It is a rich day cream with a BioReplenish Complex — a scientifically validated combination of ceramides, phytosterols, and fatty acids that mimic the natural composition of the skin barrier. At the same time, a prebiotic chlorella algae complex nourishes the skin’s natural microbiome. The 50 ml size is the most chosen standard size — good for about three months with twice daily use. A thoughtful choice for those who have already found their moisturizer and use it as a fixed part of their morning and evening routine.
Benefits
- Strengthens the lipid barrier of dry skin with ceramides, phytosterols, and fatty acids
- Restores the natural skin microbiome thanks to prebiotic chlorella algae complex
- Intensively hydrates with hyaluronic acid in multiple molecular sizes
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines through lasting hydration of the stratum corneum
- Rich but non-greasy texture, suitable for twice daily use
Active Ingredients
BioReplenish Complex (ceramide NP, phytosterols, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, linolenic acid): The core technological ingredient of Intensive Moisture Balance. This complex contains a scientifically formulated combination of lipids that exactly match the building blocks of a healthy skin barrier. In dry skin, this barrier is naturally thinner and more permeable — the BioReplenish Complex replenishes the missing lipids and thus restores the natural protective layer. The effect builds cumulatively: the longer you use the cream, the stronger and more resilient the skin barrier becomes.
Ceramide NP: Specifically mentioned because ceramides are the most essential lipids in the skin barrier. Together with cholesterol and fatty acids, they form the "mortar" between skin cells. In dry and mature skin, natural ceramide production decreases, leading to increased moisture loss and sensitivity. Topical ceramides like Ceramide NP replenish this deficiency and are among the best-supported ingredients for dry skin.
Prebiotic chlorella algae complex (Chlorella Vulgaris Extract): A green algae extract that acts as a prebiotic for the natural skin microbiome. It nourishes the good bacteria that naturally live on the skin and helps balance the ecosystem. A disturbed microbiome is one of the underlying causes of sensitive, irritated, or dull skin — by supporting this microbiome, the skin restores itself from within.
Hyaluronic acid complex (sodium hyaluronate and hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate): Two molecular sizes that work at different levels in the skin. The larger molecules adhere superficially and form a hydrating layer, while the smaller ones penetrate deeper into the stratum corneum and hydrate from within. Hyaluronic acid can bind up to a thousand times its own weight in water — an indispensable ingredient for a day cream that needs to hydrate intensively.
Centella Asiatica (Cica): An Asian herbal extract used for centuries to repair and soothe the skin. Centella contains triterpenoids that stimulate collagen production and counteract mild inflammatory reactions. Particularly valuable for dry skin often accompanied by sensitivity and minor irritations.
Echinacea Purpurea extract: A traditional plant ingredient that strengthens the skin and helps protect against oxidative stress. In the context of a day cream for dry skin, echinacea adds a layer of protection to a skin type naturally more sensitive to external stressors.
Aloe vera extract: The classic soothing and hydrating ingredient that releases polysaccharides forming a thin protective film. Combined with other humectants, aloe vera provides immediate relief for dry, tight skin.
Vitamin C in stable form (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate): A water-stable form of vitamin C that protects as an antioxidant against free radicals and contributes to a more even skin tone. For dry and mature skin, which often suffers from dullness, this ingredient adds a mild strengthening effect.
Rose blossom extract (Rosa Centifolia): A soothing floral extract known for its effect on dry and sensitive skin. Adds a lightly perfumed, characteristic mild scent to the formula.
Lactic acid: A mild AHA present in low concentration to support skin tone and enhance the effect of other actives. Not exfoliating at this concentration, but supportive of skin renewal.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) and sunflower oil: Vitamin E protects the other lipids in the formula from oxidation and adds antioxidant action. Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid and enhances the lipid repair of the BioReplenish Complex.
How to use
- Thoroughly cleanse your face with your regular Dermalogica cleansing routine
- Apply a hydrating toner and optionally your serum of choice
- Dispense a coin-sized amount of Intensive Moisture Balance onto your fingertips
- Warm the cream briefly between your fingertips and apply with light, upward movements over face and neck
- Always finish with sun protection as the last step in the morning. In the evening, use as the last step of your nighttime routine
Suitable for
- Normal to dry skin needing intensive nourishment
- Dehydrated skin with a weakened skin barrier
- Mature skin from the first fine lines caused by dehydration
- Skin affected by climate stress, retinol use, or professional treatments
- Daily use in both morning and evening routines
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose the 50 ml size?
The 50 ml size is the most chosen standard size — ideal for those who use Intensive Moisture Balance as their regular moisturizer in their daily routine. With twice daily use, a tube lasts about three months on average. Unsure if the cream suits your skin? Start with the 15 ml size. Have you been using it longer? Then the 100 ml or 150 ml sizes are more cost-effective per milliliter.
What is the difference with Skin Smoothing Cream?
Skin Smoothing Cream is a medium-weight moisturizer for combination to lightly dry skin with Active HydraMesh Technology — mainly focused on hydration. Intensive Moisture Balance is a richer, nourishing cream for dry to very dry skin with a ceramide complex — mainly focused on lipid repair of the skin barrier. If you have dry skin that quickly feels dehydrated and tight, Intensive Moisture Balance is a better fit. If you have more combination skin, Skin Smoothing Cream is more suitable.
What exactly is the BioReplenish Complex?
It is a scientifically formulated combination of ceramides, phytosterols, and essential fatty acids that exactly match the building blocks of a healthy skin barrier. In dry skin, where these lipids are naturally present in lower amounts, the complex replenishes the missing elements. This restores the skin barrier and helps the skin retain moisture naturally.
Is this cream suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, particularly suitable. A weakened skin barrier is one of the main causes of sensitive skin — by strengthening the barrier with ceramides and supporting the microbiome with chlorella, sensitivity gradually decreases. The formula contains no harsh actives or artificial fragrances. However, we recommend testing a small amount on the jawline first if you have very reactive skin.
Can I use Intensive Moisture Balance during pregnancy?
According to Dermalogica, Intensive Moisture Balance is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always check with your midwife or doctor, as individual situations may vary.
How does the cream fit into a routine with retinol or acids?
Excellent. Intensive Moisture Balance is one of the best choices for those using retinol or acids because the ceramide complex nourishes the barrier that these actives temporarily stress. Apply your retinol or acid product first on clean skin, wait a minute, then finish with Intensive Moisture Balance as a protective layer.
Can I also use this cream during the day under my makeup?
Yes. The texture is rich but not greasy and absorbs into the skin within minutes. Wait a few minutes after applying before putting on your foundation or sunscreen, so your makeup stays perfect.
How long before I see results?
Immediately after the first application, the skin feels softer and better hydrated. For visible repair of the skin barrier — less tightness, less flaking, less sensitivity — usually two to four weeks of daily use are needed. For visible reduction of fine lines caused by dehydration, a period of six to eight weeks is realistic. The effect builds cumulatively.
