Our Water Bomb vs. $289 Cult Favourite
An indepth side-by-side Comparison: Our Affordable $69 Water Bomb Cream and a $289 Luxury Skincare Icon - lets see how we did, you might be presently surprised!
Today, we're putting this old adage to the test - "You get what you pay for". In this article, we will compare our $69.00AUD Water Bomb Face Cream with the cult favorite, Dr. Barbara Sturm's Face Cream $289.00AUD, to see how they stack up against each other.
Now, you might be wondering: Should we really be scrutinising Dr. Barbara Sturm's products? It's a fair question. With Dr. Sturm's hefty price tag of $289 AUD for a 50mL jar of their Rich Face Cream, I'm genuinely quite curious - and I'm sure you are too.
There are countless YouTube videos that review products on a very superficial level, often focusing primarily on texture and feel while vaguely mentioning ingredients. We're going to take it a step further to truly assess the core value. Plus, I believe we have a fantastic cream, and I'm excited to see how ours compares to some of the best. And if you are one of our customers, hopefully we can give you something to boast about.
Review Breakdown
Our review will be very impartial, we will essentially just take a look at whats under the hood and let the ingredients speak for itself.
- Review 1: Hydration Comparison
- Review 2: Moisturising Comparison
- Review 3: Actives Comparison
- Review 4: Texture & Feel Comparison
- Judgement Day: Our Honest Review
Comparing Brand Ethos
Lets start by comparing the brand's ethos which reveals much about the direction a skincare company takes in its formulations. By referencing the brand's "About Us" page, we can gain insights into their core values, and overall approach to skincare, highlighting their commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.
About Leitin
Source: https://www.leitin.com.au/pages/about
In a market dominated by synthetic, water-based formulations that primarily focus on hydration, the critical need for lipids is often overlooked. Lipids are equally important for maintaining healthy, vibrant skin. Our brand offers a refreshing alternative by combining both hydration and lipids. Refined with Australian native extracts and balanced with essential actives, our products not only hydrate but also nourish and maintain the skin barrier, providing effective and gentle skincare solutions.
About Dr Barbara Strum
Source: https://sg.drsturm.com/pages/about-dr-barbara-sturm
At Dr. Barbara Sturm, our ethos represents the credibility of innovation without the use of toxic, harmful or aggressive ingredients in our products. We use advanced science ingredients that are healthy, healing and safe, nurturing rather than attacking living skin. Our philosophy of skin healing also means we do not use substances and ingredients that are both unnecessary for the skin and may promote inflammation, including artificial fragrance, color, micro plastics and aggressive preservatives.
Product Descriptions
Water Bomb Face Cream
Source: www.leitin.com.au
Ultimate hydrating skincare with our velvety face moisturiser, perfect for all skin types, including dry and mature skin. Enriched with antioxidants to deeply hydrate, nourish, and restore your skin's natural radiance. Utilizing advanced phospholipid technology, it mimics the skin's natural bilayers to deliver surface lipids, hydrolipids, and phyto-ceramides, enhancing the skin barrier.
Hero Ingredients
- Tasmanian Kelp
- Argireline (5%)
- Niacinamide (4%)
- 4D Hyaluronic Acids
- Advanced Lipid Formula
The Rich Face Cream
Source: www.mecca.com.au
The pillar of any Sturm skincare routine, this nourishing and active face cream promotes a firmer and more hydrated complexion. Suitable for drier skin types, this rich but gentle formula protects against free radical damage, reduces cell ageing and strengthens the skin.
Hero Ingredients
- Purslane Extract
- Skullcap
- Squalane
- Corn Oil
- Shea Butter
- Vitamin E
- Panthenol
- Glycerine
Our 50g Water Bomb Face Cream is priced at $69.00 AUD, whereas Dr. Barbara Sturm's 50g Face Cream retails for $289.00 AUD—a significant $220.00 difference. This stark contrast raises an intriguing question: what do you get for an extra $220.00? If you’re curious, so am I.
Let’s dive into the ingredients!
The Ingredients
Finding The Fold Point
Most people know that ingredients on a product label are listed by weight, from the highest percentage to the lowest. When evaluating ingredients, we look for the 'Fold' point, which indicates where ingredient concentrations are likely to be 2% or higher. This analysis allows us to understand what the formula largely consists of. We then classify ingredients as either 'above the fold' or 'below the fold.' Identifying the fold point requires a trained eye, but we have illustrated it below, with ingredients marked in red representing those above the fold. Please note that Dr. Strum's fold point is an educated guess only.
Ingredient Comparision Table
We have painstakingly analysed Dr Strum's ingredient list and grouped their ingredients into categories based the purpose they are likely to surve in the formula.
| Formulation Category | LEITIN Water Bomb | DR STRUM's Rich Face Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Price Point | $69.00 AUD | $289.00 AUD |
| Water Content | aqua/water, aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice | aqua/water/eau |
| Chelating Agents | sodium phytate | None |
| Humectants | glycerin, propanediol, pentylene glycol, erythritol | urea, glycerin, propanediol, pantolactone, sorbitol |
| Gums/Thickeners/Texturises | lysolecithin, sclerotium gum, xanthan gum, pullulan, silica, amylopectin | carbomer, xanthan gum |
| Emulsifier | c12-16 alcohols, hydrogenated lecithin, palmitic acid, glyceryl stearate, peg-100 stearate | potassium cetyl phosphate, hydrogenated palm glycerides |
| Plant Waxes | helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed wax | hydrogenated vegetable glycerides |
| Emollient: Primary | rosa canina (rosehip) fruit oil, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil | octyldodecanol |
| Emollient: Secondary | butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, c15-19 alkane, isostearyl isostearate, dimethecone | butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, zea mays (corn) germ oil, c1215 alkyl benzoate |
| Emollient: Below the Fold | None | vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, persea gratissima (avocado) oil, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, decyl oleate, dimethicone |
| Advanced Lipid Complexes | jojoba oil/macadamia seed oil esters, squalene, phytosteryl macadamiate, phytosterols, glycosphingolipids, glycolipids | phytosterols |
| Actives | acetyl hexapeptide-8 (argiriline), panthenol (pro vitamin B5), niacinamide (Vitamin B3), sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, sodium hyaluronate, sodium acetylated hyaluronate, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, cetyl stearate, cetyl alcohol, potassium cetyl phosphate, stearic acid | panthenol, baicalin |
| Plant Extracts | hibiscus sabdariffa (rosella) extract, durvillea potatorum (tasmanian kelp) extract, banksia serrata (banksia flower) extract | lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract |
| Antioxidants | tocopherol, ascorbyl palmitate | tocopheryl acetate |
| Aroma/Fragrance | commiphora myrrha (myrrh) oil, santalum album (sandalwood) oil, lavandula angustifolia herb (lavender) oil, pelargonium graveolens flower (rose geranium) oil, rosa damascena (rose) flower oil, citrus aurantium spp amara (neroli) oil | None |
| Preservative | ethylhexylglycerin, gluconolactone, sodium benzoate, calcium gluconate | phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, potassium sorbate, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate |
| pH Adjuster | sodium hydroxide | citric acid |
| Not Categorised | alcohol | alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate |
1. Ingredients listing for the Dr Strum Rich Face Cream were sourced from en.drsturm.com/face-cream-rich/ and are accurate as at 18/07/2024.
2. We do not have access to Dr. Strum's exact formulation, so we have categorized their ingredients based on our best estimation and experience.
3. Determining which ingredinets are above or below the fold are based on our best estimation and experience.
Fatty Acid Profile of Natural Oils
The table below details the fatty acid content of the fixed botanical oils utilized in our formulations. It highlights the unique benefits of each oil, underscoring the significance of blending oils to achieve a balanced and harmonious profile of fatty acids and vitamins.
| Fatty Acids | Rose Hip Oil | Sweet Almond Oil | Shea Butter | Zea Mays (Corn) Germ Oil |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C 16:0 Palmitic Acid | 8-10% | 5-9% | <1% | 10-15% |
| C 16:1 Palmitoleic Acid | 2 | <1% | <1% | <1% |
| C 18:0 Stearic Acid | 2-4% | 1-3% | 20-50% | 2-5% |
| C 18:1 Oleic Acid | 14-20% | 62-86% | 40-60% | 25-35% |
| C 18:2 Linoleic Acid | 35-55% | 20-30% | 3-11% | 45-60% |
| C 18:3 Alpha Linolenic Acid | 15-30% | <1% | <1% | <1% |
| C 20:0 Arachidic Acid | 0-2% | <1% | 0-3% | <1% |
| Behenic acid (C22:0) | <1% | <1% | <1% | <1% |
| Vitamin Content | A, C & D | E, K, A | A, E & D | E, K & A |
| Beneficial Compounds | Carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic | Phytosterols, Squalene, Zinc, Magnesium | Phytosterols, Triterpenes, Catechins | Phytosterols, Ferulic Acid, Squalene |
1. Percentages vary depending on source, location and extraction method.
2. Rose Hip Oil & Sweet Almond All are both cold pressed oils.
3. Zea Mays (Corn) Germ Oil, is a refined oil that goes through a bleaching process.
Review 1:
Hydration Camparison
The amount of water in the skin is crucial for maintaining skin health and function. Since most of the water we consume is metabolized for other bodily functions, very little reaches the skin, making topical hydration through skincare essential. Face creams hydrate the skin in three ways. First, they contain water, the main ingredient in most skin creams, which becomes available to the skin upon application. Second, they include humectants that draw moisture from the environment, adding to the cream's water content, which the skin can absorb. Third, some formulas include advanced actives that transport water deeper into the skin's layers, providing more intensive hydration. When evaluating formulations, we consider the water content, the humectants used, and any advanced hydration actives that promote deeper hydration.
| Formulation Category | LEITIN Water Bomb | DR STRUM's Rich Face Cream | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Content | aqua/water, aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice | aqua/water/eau | Leitin has incorporated aloe vera juice to balance the water content, providing ingredients that help calm the skin and offer additional antioxidant support. |
| Humectants | glycerin, propanediol, pentylene glycol, erythritol | urea, glycerin, propanediol, pantolactone, sorbitol | Both formulations have similar humectant profiles. Dr. Strum however, has included Urea, which is an excellent humectant but also a great ingredient that conditions and improves the skin. |
| Hydration Actives | sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, sodium hyaluronate, sodium acetylated hyaluronate, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, cetyl stearate, isostearyl isostearate, cetyl alcohol, potassium cetyl phosphate, stearic acid | None | Leitin has integrated four distinct types of hyaluronic acids that synergize with humectants for optimal hydration. Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer forms a 3D mesh over the skin to lock in moisture, while Sodium Hyaluronate binds water to the skin's surface. Moreover, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate and Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate penetrate deeper into the skin, delivering intense hydration. In addition to these hyaluronic acid compounds, Leitin features the advanced hydration complex 'DuraQuench.' This innovative complex creates an intelligent structural bilayer on the skin's surface, enhancing the natural barrier and providing up to 72 hours of sustained hydration. |
Based on the table above LEITIN's Water Bomb cream has a superior hydration complex compared to Dr Strum's Rich Face Cream.
Review 2:
Moisturising Properties
Emollients typically constitute the second largest portion of a cream. They are ingredients that soften and moisturize the skin, reducing dryness and making it feel smoother and more supple whilst also contributing toward overal skin and barrier health.
A good formula consists of a range of emollients, each offering different properties, textures, and feels. Typically, there is a primary emollient, complemented by a variety of secondary emollients to create a balanced moisturizing complex while achieving the desired texture and feel. For example, natural formulations often prioritize Natural Botanical Oils as their primary emollient, as seen in our Water Bomb Cream. These oils are quite heavy but provide significant benefits to the skin. To balance this, secondary emollients are introduced to add lightness and enhance absorption.
The same principle applies to synthetic emollients. While they lack lipids, they offer excellent textures, lightness, and feel. In this case, secondary emollients often include natural botanical oils to incorporate lipid-loving ingredients.Overall, it's a balancing act. Great formulations creatively combine different emollients to provide the best of both worlds.
Below The Fold Emollients
In the skincare industry, it's common to see products containing small amounts of natural botanical oils. These minimal quantities are often used to market the benefits of the oils, even though the amounts may not be substantial enough to make a significant impact. Most clinical studies on botanical fixed oils are conducted at dosages of 2% or higher. This is why we pay close attention to the fold point in an ingredient list.
Advanced Lipid Complexes
The skin's lipid barrier and surface lipids consist of a complex lipid profile that includes ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids, triglycerides, wax esters, and squalene. While botanical plant oils, butters, and waxes are rich in fatty acids, wax esters, and triglycerides, a formula can be enhanced by incorporating advanced lipid complexes that include esters, squalene, ceramides, and cholesterol. This approach offers a robust solution for barrier repair and restoration.
| Formulation Category | LEITIN Water Bomb | DR STRUM Rich Face Cream | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Emollient | rosa canina (rosehip) fruit oil, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil | octyldodecanol | LEITIN has prioritised natural fixed botanical oils as their primary emollient. Dr Strum's Rich Face Cream, prioritises a synthetic emollient as their primary emollient. |
| Secondary Emollients | butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, c15-19 alkane, dimethecone | butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, zea mays (corn) germ oil, c12-15 alkyl benzoate | LEITIN has enhanced the richness of the formula by incorporating Shea Butter. To balance the heaviness of the natural oils lightness is created by adding C15-19 Alkanes, naturally derived from Sugar Cane. To improve product feel, 2% Dimethicone, a synthetic ingredient, has also been included. Dr Strum has added natural botanicals, Shea Butter, and Zea Mays Corn Germ Oil, which provide skin-loving lipids, this helps to balance the synthetic primary emollient, Dr. Strum . To maintain the lightness of the formula, they have included C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, which can be either synthetic or naturally derived. |
| Below the fold Emollients | None | vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, persea gratissima (avocado) oil, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, dimethicone | Dr Strum has incorporated Grape Seed Oil, and Olive Fruit Oil into the formulation at inputs that may be less than 2%. |
| Advanced Lipid Complexes | jojoba oil/macadamia seed oil esters, squalene, phytosteryl macadamiate, phytosterols, glycosphingolipids, glycolipids | phytosterols | LEITIN's formulation includes plant-derived cholesterol, ceramides, squalene and plant esters. Dr. Strum's formulation includes plant-derived cholesterol only. |
Based on the table above, LEITIN's Water Bomb Cream includes ingredients that likely offer a higher concentration and broader range of lipids, enhancing and nourishing the skin barrier.
Review 3:
Actives & Extracts
It is not just the actives themselves that matter, but also the percentages at which they are used. For example, most clinical data on Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 for diminishing wrinkles involves a 5% dosage, highlighting the importance of dosage as well as the ingredient itself.
Because actives and extracts are effective at very low quantities the below the fold rule does not apply.
| Formulation Category | LEITIN Water Bomb | DR STRUM Face Cream | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Aging Actives | acetyl hexapeptide-8 (argiriline) | baicalin (skullcap) | Leitin has included Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 at a clinically proven dosage of 5% to help diminish fine lines and wrinkles. Dr Strum has included biacalin which is dervied from the roots of "Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi" also known as Skullcap which revitalises skin, Improves skin firmness, elasticity and micro-relief. |
| Skin Conditioning Actives | panthenol (pro vitamin B5), niacinamide (Vitamin B3) | panthenol (pro vitamin B5) | Both brands include Pro Vitamin B5, however LEITIN also includes 4% Niacianmide. |
| Plant Extracts | hibiscus sabdariffa (rosella) extract, durvillea potatorum (tasmanian kelp) extract, banksia serrata (banksia flower) extract | lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea (Purslane) ferment extract, | Both brands include plant extracts that have unique properties to improve hydration, calm skin and provide antioxidant support. |
Actives are comprable
Review 4
Texture & Feel
Source: www.leitin.com.au
Source: tiktok
Both creams absorb into the skin similarly and have comparable after-feels. Because of the choice of primary emollients, Dr. Strum's cream texture and feel does have the edge, but both are fairly comprable.
Judgement Day
I am surprised at how well our $69 Water Bomb Face Cream compares to Dr. Strum's $289 Rich Face Cream. While our Water Bomb cream excels in many areas, their standout ingredient for me is the incorporation of urea.
The main difference between our formulations lies in the choice of primary emollients: we opted for natural ingredients, while they chose synthetic ones. So, the question remains: are octyldodecanol and urea enough to justify such a high price tag?
I'll let you decide!
| Review Category | LEITIN Water Bomb | DR STRUM Face Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Hydration Review | 5 Stars | 3 Stars |
| Emollient Review | 5 Stars | 3 Stars |
| Actives & Extracts Review | 5 Stars | 3 Stars |
| Texture & Feel | 4.5 Stars | 5 Stars |
| Value For Money | 5 Stars | 1.5 Stars |
| Product Align with their Ethos | 5 Stars | 3 Stars |
| Final Star Rating | 4.83 Stars | 3 Stars |
See Why People Love The Range
Love This Range
Love this range, never in a million years would I think I needed a toner but the toner combined with the face cream is amazing, I highly recommend.
Lucy F.
Walcha, NSW
Skin Has Never Felt More Comfortable
I am 85 and have been using Oil of Olay from the supermarket for years, mostly out of habit, as it wasn't that great. After trying these new products, my skin has never felt more comfortable. The cream is thicker than what I'm used to, but I only need to apply it once, and it lasts all day without feeling heavy or greasy. Also the milk cleanser, I have never used one before and absolutely love it, especially the smell.
Marg K.
Northcote, VIC
Very Impressed
I have to say I'm very impressed. Fast delivery, very nice packaging but best of all the products are beautiful. I'm pretty obsessed with my morning and night skin care routine now. They all smell so so good. My skin is looking pretty good as well. Really nice complexion and even skin tone.
Megan D.
Clofton Springs, VIC
Step 1: Milk Cleanser
As you embrace the beauty and wisdom of your 60s, it's essential to choose skincare that nurtures and respects your skin's changing needs.
Our gentle milk cleanser is designed to provide a soothing and nourishing cleanse that preserves your skin’s natural moisture. Formulated with delicate, hydrating ingredients, our milk cleanser removes impurities without stripping your skin of its essential oils.
A calming, luxurious cleanse that leaves your skin feeling soft, refreshed, and revitalized.
Step 2: Hydrating Toner
Proper hydration is crucial for aging skin to remain healthy, resilient, and functional, making it an indispensable part of any skincare regimen, particularly for mature skin.
Following cleansing, it's essential to hydrate and balance your skin. Using an alcohol-free hydrating toner can effectively enhance moisture levels, while also delivering vitamins, antioxidants, and other actives.
Step 3: Vitamin C Serum
A Vitamin C Serum is an excellent addition to your skincare routine to address dark spots and pigmentation. Rich in antioxidant properties, Vitamin C is renowned for its ability to brighten the complexion and even out skin tone.
Regular use of LEITIN's Halo Vitamin C Serum can significantly improve the texture and tone of your skin, making it appear smoother and more supple. It's also effective in reducing the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation, common concerns as skin matures.
Step 4: Moisturise
Daily moisturizing a critical step in your skincare routine. With skin becoming thinner and more sensitive than ever, it's crucial to provide robust support. Opt for an anti-aging cream rich in niacinamide to minimize fine lines and rosehip oil to safeguard your skin's moisture barrier. LEITIN's Water Bomb Face Cream is an excellent choice. Featuring a Renewal Complex, it diminishes fine lines and evens skin tone. This intensely nourishing cream caters to various skin types and decelerates visible aging signs through its potent ingredients.