Atopalm is a Korean beauty brand that formulates products for sensitive skin, including the very popular Atopalm MLE Cream.
Created with Atopalm’s patented MLE technology, Atopalm MLE Cream is formulated to mimic the structure of the natural skin lipids, thereby aiding their replenishment in the stratum corneum.
In addition, this cream helps prevent the evaporation of the skins’ moisture and protects the entire face from environmental stresses, leading to softer skin.
However, after evaluating the Atopalm MLE Cream formula, we actually would not recommend this product for sensitive skin. Why? Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of Atopalm MLE Cream.
We’ll also share some Atopalm MLE Cream reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of this product
Is Atopalm MLE Cream Right For You?
Before we get into the details, here’s the TL;DR if you just want to know whether or not Atopalm MLE Cream is right for you.
- Key ingredients? Glycerin, Emollients, Myristoyl/palmitoyl oxostearamide/arachamide mea, Vitamin E, Purslane
- Skin type? Can be used by all skin types, ideal for dry skin
- Texture? Rich cream
- Fragrance? Yes
- Cruelty free? Yes
- Cost? $25.20 USD for 3.4 oz
What Are The Key Ingredients in Atopalm MLE Cream?
In order to determine how well Atopalm MLE Cream performs, we’ll have to evaluate the key ingredients in this formula. Let’s get started.
Myristoyl/palmitoyl oxostearamide/arachamide mea
When the brand refers to the ‘MLE Technology’ in Atopalm MLE Cream, they are referring to the ingredient called “Myristoyl/palmitoyl oxostearamide/arachamide mea”.
This name is very long and hard to pronounce, but it’s actually an excellent skin care ingredient.
According to dermatologist Dr. Leslie Baumann, Myristoyl/palmitoyl oxostearamide/arachamide mea — also referred to as multi-lamellar emulsion (MLE) technology — is a lab-created ingredient known to mimic the natural lamellar structure of your skin’s lipids that comprise the skin barrier.
The skin barrier can be thought of as a “brick and mortar” system. The bricks are the corneocytes (dead skin cells) and the intercellular lipids (ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol) represent the mortar.
Without these lipids, the skin barrier is weakened, just like without mortar a brick wall would be weak and unstable. The result is skin that can easily become dry, itchy, or irritated.
Therefore, Using a moisturizer with MLE technology is great for those with very dry skin, including chronic conditions like eczema, because the skin barrier is weakened in these conditions.
In fact, studies have shown that applying MLE formulations directly to the skin can improve skin barrier function by imitating the structure of its natural lipids.
Glycerin
There’s a high concentration of glycerin, a type of humectant, in Atopalm MLE Cream.
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.
Humectants pull water from the dermis to the epidermis and stratum corneum. In addition, humectants can draw water vapor from the air to help moisturize the skin if the humidity is over 50 percent.
Emollients
Atopalm MLE Cream also contains many different emollients, including caprylic/capric triglyceride, cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, grape seed oil, hydrogenated vegetable oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil.
An emollient is an oily substance that fills in the spaces between dead skin cells, thus creating a smooth skin surface. Basically, an emollient is a film forming substance that makes the skin feel and look smooth. While an emollient will provide some occlusive effects, the primary function is to help soften the skin
Vitamin E
Atopalm MLE Cream also features vitamin E as a key ingredient. Vitamin E is a “chain-breaking” antioxidant because it can hinder the chain reaction induced by free radicals, according to a publication by Dermatology News. This is important because free radicals contribute to signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
Another function of vitamin E is to help the skin retain moisture by strengthening the skin’s barrier function. When vitamin E is delivered to your skin through the sebaceous (oil) glands, it improves water-binding capacity and hydrates the stratum corneum (the uppermost layer of skin).
Synthetic Fragrance
So far, the Atopalm MLE Cream formula sounds pretty good, right? It is, but unfortunately there’s a big problem with this formula: it contains a synthetic fragrance blend.
The use of synthetic fragrance ingredients can be a problem because the brand can use a proprietary blend of chemicals to create the fragrance. 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.
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.
Furthermore, fragrance ingredients have the potential to cause skin irritation and sensitivity reactions. This is a major problem because Atopalm MLE Cream is marketed for those with sensitive skin!
Due to the inclusion of fragrance in this formula, we cannot recommend Atopalm MLE Cream.
How to Use Atopalm MLE Cream?
After cleansing, apply all over dry areas. Use as often as necessary, paying special attention to those stubborn, troublesome dry spots on elbows, knees and heels.
Where to Buy Atopalm MLE Cream?
Atopalm MLE Cream and other Atopalm skin care products are sold on the brand’s website (atopalm.com), as well as on several third party websites such as Amazon, iHerb, CostCo, PeachandLily, and more.
How Much is Atopalm MLE Cream?
Atopalm MLE Cream costs $25.20 USD for 3.4 oz on the brand’s website.
What is The Atopalm Return Policy?
The Atopalm return policy states, “Are you unhappy with your atopalm.com order? If so, you may return your item(s) for an exchange or refund within 14 days of the shipping date.”
Is Atopalm Cruelty Free?
Yes, Atopalm is cruelty free.
Our Verdict
Overall, we don’t recommend Atopalm MLE Cream due to the inclusion of fragrance in this product, which is one of the worst things for those with dry, sensitive skin!
Pros
- Formula contains beneficial key ingredients
- Many positive Atopalm MLE Cream reviews
- Atopalm is cruelty free
Cons
- Product contains a synthetic fragrance blend, which can cause skin sensitivity reactions
References:
J Invest Dermatol. 2003 Oct; 121(4): 794-801
Dermatology News “Update on Vitamin E” Aug 2016
Women’s Voices for the Earth “Unpacking The Fragrance Industry” 2018
