Dr Sam Bunting, a Harley Street cosmetic dermatologist, has launched Flawless Moisturiser Balance, a £36 moisturiser formulated specifically for oily, combination and blemish-prone skin. The launch addresses a common issue she encounters in her clinic: patients avoiding moisturisers due to fear of breakouts or heavy textures.
Why Clients Refused Moisturisers
Dr Sam Bunting says one of the most common sentences she hears is: "I don't really use moisturisers. Everything I've tried either breaks me out or feels too heavy." This feedback inspired her to create a product that suits these skin types.
Key Ingredients and Science
The hero ingredient is 2% Sunflower Sprout Extract (SSE), developed to support mitochondrial resilience under environmental stress. Tests by Professor Mark Birch-Machin, Professor of Molecular Dermatology at Newcastle University, showed SSE reduced UV-induced damage to mitochondrial DNA in human skin cells by 34% and preserved cellular energy reserve by 18%, which Dr Sam described as 'statistically significant results'.
Other ingredients include antioxidant 3% Silymarin to defend against oxidative stress, 1% Ectoin to soothe reactive skin and boost hydration, ceramides for barrier repair, and Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract to calm redness. The fragrance-free formula is non-comedogenic and fast-absorbing, designed to work with retinoids and other active ingredients.
Clinical Testing and Results
The moisturiser was clinically tested on 32 people with oily, combination skin over two weeks. Results showed 100% agreed it hydrated without clogging pores, and 97% said stressed and sensitive skin felt soothed after use. Customer feedback has earned it a 4.84-star rating out of five.
One reviewer called it 'an absolute game changer', adding: "I've used Dr Sam's moisturizer for about 5 years now and I love it, but I think I love moisturiser balance even more. It feels so hydrating but absorbs straight away. Doesn't feel sticky at all either and moisturises through out the day." Another praised: "This moisturiser is great because it goes on so smoothly and sinks into the skin really quickly, without clogging pores and breaking me out! It works beautifully under makeup and SPF. New favourite."
A third reviewer noted: "I have very sensitive, acne-prone skin, and this moisturiser is perfect for me. It's lightweight but still leaves my skin feeling hydrated without being greasy. It absorbs quickly and, unlike many other moisturisers I've tried, it doesn't cause any burning or stinging." However, one user mentioned it doesn't mix well with tanning drops.
Comparison to Other Products
Another oily skin-friendly moisturiser with SSE is Mantle's The Lite Cream, usually £42 but reduced to £35. For a budget option, CeraVe Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream is £12.75 at Boots, formulated with ceramides, niacinamide, and oil-absorbing technology.
Flawless Moisturiser Balance follows the success of Dr Sam's Flawless Moisturiser Intense, which has won 10 beauty awards since 2023. Dr Sam said: "Flawless Moisturiser Balance is the product I've wanted to create for every patient who walked out of clinic without a moisturiser because nothing on the market felt right for their skin."
