Dr Sam Bunting's Flawless Moisturiser Balance, a new lightweight moisturiser designed specifically for oily, combination, and blemish-prone skin, has become a favourite among shoppers who previously struggled to find a hydrating product that does not cause breakouts. The fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula has earned a 4.84-star rating out of five from customers, with many calling it a "game changer" for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
Developed for Those Who Avoid Moisturisers
Cosmetic dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting created the product after repeatedly hearing patients say they avoid moisturisers because everything they try either breaks them out or feels too heavy. The Flawless Moisturiser Balance follows the success of the brand's cult Flawless Moisturiser Intense, which has won 10 beauty awards since its launch in 2023. The new formula reinvents the original award-winning formula for oilier skin types.
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. The science behind it is the most advanced we've put into a moisturiser formula. And the texture - finally - does justice to it. I hope it changes things for you the way I know it can."
Key Ingredients and Clinical Results
The star ingredient is 2% Sunflower Sprout Extract (SSE), which bolsters mitochondrial resilience against environmental stress, helping skin cells stay healthy and generate energy despite aggressors like pollution and UV rays. In trials led by Professor Mark Birch-Machin, Professor of Molecular Dermatology at Newcastle University, SSE reduced UV-induced damage to mitochondrial DNA in human skin cells by 34% and preserved cellular energy reserve by 18%. Dr Sam described these as "statistically significant results."
The formula also includes 3% Silymarin, an antioxidant that protects against oxidative stress; 1% Ectoin, which calms reactive skin and enhances hydration; ceramides to reinforce the skin barrier; and Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract to reduce redness. The moisturiser works harmoniously with retinoids and other active skincare ingredients.
Customer Feedback and Comparisons
Clinical testing on 32 individuals with oily, combination skin over two weeks found that 100% agreed it hydrated without clogging pores, and 97% said stressed and sensitive skin felt soothed. Customer reviews echo these results. One reviewer wrote: "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 throughout the day."
Another said: "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 with very sensitive, acne-prone skin noted: "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 reviewer pointed out that it does not blend as effectively with tanning drops, which could be a drawback for those who mix products with their moisturiser. They said: "Really good moisturiser for sensitive/blemish prone skin. I've really struggled to find a good moisturiser that doesn't flare up my skin, but this was great! Only thing I would say is that it doesn't mix as well as others with tanning drops. But a great base for spf and makeup."
Alternative Options
For those seeking similar benefits, Mantle's The Lite Cream, also containing SSE and niacinamide, is available for £35 (down from £42). A more budget-friendly option is CeraVe Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream, priced at £17 at Boots, formulated with three essential ceramides, niacinamide, and oil-absorbing technology for a matte finish.
Shoppers can find out more about the Flawless Moisturiser Balance on the Dr Sam's website.
