Works for
2 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Anti-aging3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica, stem cells from a rare Swiss Apple that have been proven to slow down and delay the aging process.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: oligopeptide-9.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Moisturizing22 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“'M' Cream”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
cyclomethicone, glycerin.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, peg-10 dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: oligopeptide-9, urea
Evens skin tone2 ingredients credited for this claimWeak support
Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy6 strong irritants: Humulus lupulus extract, Melissa officinalis leaf extract + 4 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Cyclomethicone~5.8–7.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer
More about CyclomethiconeGlycerin~4–4.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinButylene glycol~3.1–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolCetyl ethylhexanoate~2.5–3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture
More about Cetyl ethylhexanoateDimethicone~2.1–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeCaprylyl methicone~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin
More about Caprylyl methiconePeg-10 dimethicone~1.6–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss
More about Peg-10 dimethiconeStearyl dimethicone~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Stearyl dimethiconePolymethyl methacrylate~1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to enhance product texture and can help to optically mask skin imperfections
More about Polymethyl methacrylateDisteardimonium hectorite~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of clay that is used to thicken the product consistency
More about Disteardimonium hectoriteSodium pca~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about Sodium pcaSodium hyaluronate~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateOligopeptide-9~0.5–0.75%
Adenosine~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
More about AdenosineKrameria triandra root extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Avena sativa kernel extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties
More about Avena sativa kernel extractVitex agnus castus extract~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Foeniculum vulgare fruit extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Humulus lupulus extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
Hops extract. Can contain common irritants and allergens geraniol, limonene, linalool
More about Humulus lupulus extractMelissa officinalis leaf extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that is added for its fragrance. Can be irritating
More about Melissa officinalis leaf extractViscum album leaf extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but solid research is lacking
More about Viscum album leaf extractChamomilla recutita flower extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Chamomilla recutita flower extractAchillea millefolium extract~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritating
More about Achillea millefolium extractDipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening
More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizateTocopheryl acetate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetateCitrus aurantium amara peel oil~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
Lavandula angustifolia oil~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Lavandula angustifolia oilUrea~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations
More about UreaAllantoin~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinAscorbyl tetraisopalmitate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
More about Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateCaprylic/capric triglyceride~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideCyclodextrin~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of sugar that is used to support delivery of active ingredients and can enhance their penetration into the skin without disrupting the skin's barrier
More about CyclodextrinCetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together. Can help to soften upper layer of the skin
More about Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethiconeBis-vinyl dimethicone/dimethicone copolymer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Panthenol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolLecithin~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinSodium citrate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citrateCitric acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidSclerotium gum~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions
More about Sclerotium gumAlcohol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
More about AlcoholMagnesium sulfate~0.25–0.45%
Xanthan gum~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumSodium phosphate~0.2–0.4%
Sodium chloride~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideEdta~0.2–0.35%
Disodium edta~0.15–0.3%
Synthetic fluorphlogopite~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A mineral that is used as an optical filter (makes the skin looks nicer through light reflection) and to improve the texture of cosmetic products
More about Synthetic fluorphlogopiteTitanium dioxide~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxideTin oxide~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation
More about Tin oxidePhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCaprylyl glycol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolIngredient list view
Water, Cyclomethicone, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Cetyl ethylhexanoate, Dimethicone, Caprylyl methicone, Peg-10 dimethicone, Stearyl dimethicone, Polymethyl methacrylate, Disteardimonium hectorite, Sodium pca, Sodium hyaluronate, Unknown, Oligopeptide-9, Unknown, Adenosine, Krameria triandra root extract, Avena sativa kernel extract, Vitex agnus castus extract, Foeniculum vulgare fruit extract, Humulus lupulus extract, Melissa officinalis leaf extract, Viscum album leaf extract, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Achillea millefolium extract, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Tocopheryl acetate, Citrus aurantium amara peel oil, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Urea, Allantoin, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Cyclodextrin, Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone, Bis-vinyl dimethicone/dimethicone copolymer, Panthenol, Lecithin, Sodium citrate, Citric acid, Sclerotium gum, Alcohol, Magnesium sulfate, Xanthan gum, Sodium phosphate, Sodium chloride, Edta, Disodium edta, Synthetic fluorphlogopite, Titanium dioxide, Tin oxide, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol
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Product summary
"3LAB -'M' Cream" is a well-rounded moisturizing product. The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Urea, cyclomethicone, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate and sodium pca in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Cyclomethicone, stearyl dimethicone, dimethicone, peg-10 dimethicone and caprylyl glycol in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.
Ingredient callouts
- This moistruizer also contains peptides (oligopeptide-9 0.50% - 0.75%). Peptides is a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of amino-acids. Our skin produces peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural anti-biotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of peptides is, but it is very likely that peptides in skincare are helpful. They might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.
- Adenosine 0.45% - 0.65% in this product adds an anti-aging property to it. Adenosine is a chemical present inside our skin cells. A clinical trial confirmed that topical application of adenosine in a low concentration reduce dynamic wrinkles (these are the wrinkles that appear with age in a places where we our mimic is the most active, for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead).
Irritation risk
There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 350.00$ in the United States, from 142.07£ up to 266.00£ in the United Kingdom and for 399.00CA$ in Canada.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 21 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 4Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5
- 6
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