Works for
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Sodium lactate + 3 moreWorks well
“improving wrinkles, discoloration, large pores, and skin tone.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": sodium lactate, aloe barbadensis leaf juice.
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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Anti-agingNiacinamide, Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceWorks well
“improving wrinkles, discoloration, large pores, and skin tone.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
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.
Evens skin toneNiacinamideWorks well
“improving wrinkles, discoloration, large pores, and skin tone.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
ExfoliationNo ingredient credited for this claimNot delivered
“This corrective treatment gently exfoliates, brightens, tightens and calms, with 6% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) .”
This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.
Anti-blemishSide benefit · Niacinamide, Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceWorks well
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~23–35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceRubus fruticosus seed oil~11–17%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Niacinamide~4.8–7.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideWater~3.8–5.7%
Propanediol~2.9–4.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolHydrolyzed cucurbita pepo seedcake~2.2–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Dimethyl sulfone~1.7–2.5%
Zinc oxide~1.9–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant
More about Zinc oxideLecithin~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerPolysorbate 20~0.3–0.75%
Sodium lactate~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
More about Sodium lactatePhenoxyethanol~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCaprylyl glycol~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolSorbic acid~0.05–0.25%
Ingredient list view
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Rubus fruticosus seed oil, Niacinamide, Water, Propanediol, Hydrolyzed cucurbita pepo seedcake, Dimethyl sulfone, Zinc oxide, Lecithin, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Sodium lactate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Sorbic acid
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| about-face essentialscure-allYOUR PRODUCT | Vivant Skin CareBrightening & Gently Exfoliating Peel Pads | Mario BadescuHyaluronic Dew Drops Hydrating Serum | Dr. BrandtDark Spots No More Triple Acid Spot Minimising Concentrate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 82% | 81% | 80% |
| Price | $35.00 | $86.00+$51.00 | $21.00−$14.00 | $63.27+$28.27 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 3 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 3 |
| Key difference | — | Salicylic Acid | Lactic Acid | Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Comfort Zone Sublime Skin Peel PadNassifMD Dermaceuticals Even, Correct & Renew Retexturizing Pads
Product summary
"about-face essentials - cure-all" is effective for: Moisturizing, Anti-blemish, Anti-aging and Evens skin tone
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (4.80% - 7.20%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- Humectants (sodium lactate 0.15% - 0.50%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 35.00$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 7 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 4
- 5
- 6
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