Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream is a facial moisturizer that’s claimed to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier with mineral-rich vegetable extracts. Its rich, creamy texture makes it ideal for those with normal to dry skin types, or anyone that prefers a richer moisturizer.
If you’re trying to decide whether or not Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream is right for you, keep reading because below we’ll give you all the details on the key ingredients in this formula, as well as the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skin care. We’ll also share some Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of this product.
Is Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream Right For You?
Before we get into the details, here’s the TL;DR if you just want to know whether or not Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream is right for you.
- Key ingredients? Green Mineral Water, Humectants, Silicones
- Skin type? All skin types; ideal for those with normal to dry skin
- Texture? Rich cream
- Fragrance? Yes
- Cruelty free? No
- Cost? $38 USD for 1.6 fl oz
What Are The Key Ingredients in Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream?
In order to determine how well Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream performs, we’ll have to evaluate the key ingredients in this formula. Let’s get started.
Green Mineral Water
The brand highlights “Green Mineral Water” as the key ingredient in Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream. Apparently this water is extracted from brussel sprouts, artichoke, and lima beans in order to hydrate skin.
The brand claims the Green Mineral Water will “strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier”, but we have to point out that there’s much better ingredients to use to strengthen the skin barrier, such as ceramides and fatty acids.
Additionally, you could look for ingredients that will replenish the skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF). An article by Practical Dermatology explains that the NMF is composed of free amino acids, and various derivatives of these amino acids such as PCA, urocanic acid, and inorganic salts, sugars, as well as lactic acid and urea. All of these substances work together to keep the skin’s surface intact, supple, and hydrated.
While the Green Mineral Water isn’t doing your skin any harm and it may hydrate skin, we believe there’s much better ingredients to look for in a moisturizer.
Silicones
We noticed that Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream contains high concentrations of several different silicones, such as methyl trimethicone and phenyl trimethicone.
Silicones are multi-tasking ingredients that provide many benefits. For instance, you’ll notice that this cream has a soft, silky texture that glides onto skin effortlessly, and you can thank silicones for that.
After application, silicones form a non-greasy and non-sticky invisible film that prevents the loss of moisture from the surface. This film still allows oxygen, nitrogen, and other important nutrients to pass through but blocks water from evaporating.
Additionally, silicones help to “blur” the look of fine lines and wrinkles, minimize the appearance of pores, and create a matte finish to keep shine at bay. They also help even out skin texture (temporarily) and allow makeup to go on smoother and last longer.
Humectants
Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream includes a couple of humectants, such as glycerin and butylene glycol, to help hydrate skin. A humectant is a hygroscopic substance that has a molecular structure with several hydrophilic (water loving) groups. These groups hydrogen bond with water, essentially “grabbing” it and holding it on the skin.
Synthetic Fragrance
Unfortunately, we noticed that Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream contains a pretty high concentration of a synthetic fragrance blend.
You may already know that fragrance ingredients have the potential to cause skin irritation and sensitivity.
But did you know that the brand can use a proprietary blend of chemicals to create the fragrance in their product? On average, this consists of 30 to 50 chemicals (but it can have as much as 200 components).
Want to know the worst part? The brand does not have to disclose which chemicals they use on the label. They are allowed to list this blend as “Fragrance (Parfum)” on the ingredient list.
Furthermore, a 2018 study by Women’s Voices for the Earth discovered that in over 3,000 chemicals reportedly used for fragrances, 1,242 were chemicals of concern – and that included at least 7 possible carcinogenic (cancer-causing) agents.
How to Use Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream?
After cleansing, spread Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream evenly on the face. This cream can be used both in the morning and in the evening.
Where to Buy Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream?
Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream and other Laneige skin care products are sold on the brand’s website, as well as several third party online retailers, such as Sephora, Amazon, iHerb, and more.
How Much is Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream?
Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream costs $38 USD for 1.6 fl oz.
What is The Laneige Return Policy?
The Laneige return policy states, “We are happy to accept returns of most new, unopened products and gently used products purchased from our website at us.laneige.com (“Site”) within 45 days of delivery.”
Is Laneige Cruelty Free?
Laneige is not cruelty free because Laneige products are sold in mainland China where animal testing is required by law.
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream is a very basic moisturizer, and we wouldn’t recommend it due to the inclusion of synthetic fragrance ingredients.
Pros
- Humectants and silicones are good ingredients
- Many positive Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream reviews
Cons
- Mostly consists of humectants and silicones
- There are better ingredients than “Green Mineral Water” to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier
- Laneige is not cruelty free
- Formula contains a synthetic fragrance blend
- Several reviews mention side effects (dryness, redness, irritation) and acne breakouts
References:
Women’s Voices for the Earth “Unpacking The Fragrance Industry” 2018
4. Practical Dermatology “Understanding the Role of Natural Moisturizing Factor in Skin Hydration” Joseph Fowler, MD, FAAD July 2012
