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ACURE Brightening Day Cream
ACURE

ACURE Brightening Day Cream

Efficacy62/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Cetearyl alcohol, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil + 10 more
Works
What the product description says
“Acure Brightening Day Cream contains Cica and Argan Oil to help hydrate and restore the skin.”
Source: Lila Beauty

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: helianthus annuus seed oil, carthamus tinctorius seed oil.

Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~6.2–7.6%
Carthamus tinctorius seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation~3.2–3.9%
Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~1.8–2.2%
Theobroma cacao seed butterKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~1.2–1.5%
Oenothera biennis oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~0.35–0.6%
Glyceryl stearate citrate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin~3.7–4.5%
Cocoglycerides· EmollientEffect: LowHelp soften the upper layer of the skin and make it easier for oil and water mix together. Recently, a rising number of allergic reactions to cocoglycerides and other coconut-derived surfactants has been reported. As there is a significant overlap between frequent irritants and allergens, we flag this ingredient for attention of those with very sensitive, reactive skin~2.4–2.9%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice· HumectantEffect: LowTraditionally 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~2–2.4%
Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.25–0.45%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~0.15–0.3%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.7–1.05%
Argania spinosa kernel oilUnder-dosedAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~0.5–0.75%
Evens skin tone
Punica granatum extract
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Cica and argan oil moisturize and protect, fight dullness and even out skin tone for skin that's bright and beautiful.”
Source: Ulta

This product contains ingredients (punica granatum extract) that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

Punica granatum extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective~0.3–0.55%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Punica granatum extract, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil + 9 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (punica granatum extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Punica granatum extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective~0.3–0.55%
Carthamus tinctorius seed oilEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation~3.2–3.9%
Theobroma cacao seed butterEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~1.2–1.5%
Euterpe oleracea fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can have some anti-oxidant effect in skin~0.45–0.65%
Rubus fruticosus fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin~0.45–0.65%
Rosa canina fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but evidence is lacking~0.4–0.6%
Aspalathus linearis leaf extractEffect: LowPlant extract that might have help to neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is skin is lacking~0.35–0.65%
Oenothera biennis oilEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~0.35–0.6%
Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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.~0.6–0.9%
Argania spinosa kernel oilEffect: Low, below effective doseAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~0.5–0.75%
TocopherolUnder-dosedPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.7–1.05%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
5 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Calendula officinalis flower + 3 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 19 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
CocoglyceridesHelp soften the upper layer of the skin and make it easier for oil and water mix together. Recently, a rising number of allergic reactions to cocoglycerides and other coconut-derived surfactants has been reported. As there is a significant overlap between frequent irritants and allergens, we flag this ingredient for attention of those with very sensitive, reactive skinHigh~2.4–2.9%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.95–1.2%est.
Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.5%est.
Calendula officinalis flower—High~0.25–0.5%est.
Eugenia caryophyllus leaf oilAn essential oil. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and sensitizingHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
Citrus nobilis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.25–0.4%est.
Sodium anisateUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.25–0.4%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally 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 skinMedium~2–2.4%est.
Glyceryl laurateHelps water and oil mix together and has an anti-microbial effect helping to preserve product formulationsMedium~1.5–1.8%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA 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.Medium~0.6–0.9%est.
Argania spinosa kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Rubus fruticosus fruit extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skinMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
Euterpe oleracea fruit extractA plant extract that can have some anti-oxidant effect in skinMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
Rosa canina fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but evidence is lackingMedium~0.4–0.6%est.
Punica granatum extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effectiveMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Oenothera biennis oilHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier functionMedium~0.35–0.6%est.
Sodium levulinateA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.05–0.1%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Theobroma cacao seed butterHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect3/5~1.2–1.5%est.
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~6.2–7.6%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Cetearyl alcohol~6.2–7.6%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol
Glyceryl stearate citrate~3.7–4.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin

More about Glyceryl stearate citrate
Carthamus tinctorius seed oil~3.2–3.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation

More about Carthamus tinctorius seed oil
Cocoglycerides~2.4–2.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Help soften the upper layer of the skin and make it easier for oil and water mix together. Recently, a rising number of allergic reactions to cocoglycerides and other coconut-derived surfactants has been reported. As there is a significant overlap between frequent irritants and allergens, we flag this ingredient for attention of those with very sensitive, reactive skin

More about Cocoglycerides
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~2–2.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAntibacterialReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAnti-aging

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 juice
Helianthus annuus seed oil~1.8–2.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Glyceryl laurate~1.5–1.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together and has an anti-microbial effect helping to preserve product formulations

More about Glyceryl laurate
Theobroma cacao seed butter~1.2–1.5%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-dandruff

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Theobroma cacao seed butter
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.95–1.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil
Tocopherol~0.7–1.05%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Tocopheryl acetate~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

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 acetate
Centella asiatica meristem cell culture~0.55–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Centella asiatica meristem cell culture
Argania spinosa kernel oil~0.5–0.75%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties

More about Argania spinosa kernel oil
Rubus fruticosus fruit extract~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Rubus fruticosus fruit extract
Euterpe oleracea fruit extract~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can have some anti-oxidant effect in skin

More about Euterpe oleracea fruit extract
Rosa canina fruit extract~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but evidence is lacking

More about Rosa canina fruit extract
Aspalathus linearis leaf extract~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Plant extract that might have help to neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is skin is lacking

More about Aspalathus linearis leaf extract
Punica granatum extract~0.3–0.55%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin tone

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective

More about Punica granatum extract
Oenothera biennis oil~0.35–0.6%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function

More about Oenothera biennis oil
Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract
Calendula officinalis flower~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory
More about Calendula officinalis flower
Eugenia caryophyllus leaf oil~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and sensitizing

More about Eugenia caryophyllus leaf oil
Citrus nobilis peel oil~0.25–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin

More about Citrus nobilis peel oil
Sodium anisate~0.25–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Sodium anisate
Xanthan gum~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Sodium levulinate~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium levulinate
Glyceryl caprylate~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate
Butylene glycol~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 glycol
Sodium phytate~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate
Potassium sorbate~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Citric acid~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Ingredient list view

Water, Cetearyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil, Cocoglycerides, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Glyceryl laurate, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl acetate, Centella asiatica meristem cell culture, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Rubus fruticosus fruit extract, Euterpe oleracea fruit extract, Rosa canina fruit extract, Aspalathus linearis leaf extract, Punica granatum extract, Oenothera biennis oil, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Calendula officinalis flower, Eugenia caryophyllus leaf oil, Citrus nobilis peel oil, Sodium anisate, Xanthan gum, Sodium levulinate, Glyceryl caprylate, Butylene glycol, Sodium phytate, Potassium sorbate, Citric acid

Compare prices

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/11 00:26 GMT
$19.99
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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
ACUREBrightening Day CreamYOUR PRODUCTvendors?q=AcureACURE - Resurfacing Dewy All Day MoisturizerSukinSensitive Calming Night CreamDerma EVitamin E 12,000 IU Cream
Match—41%37%37%
Price$19.99—$14.84−$5.15$15.00−$4.99
Shared key ingredients—5 of 73 of 72 of 7
Key difference—Glycolic AcidBorago Officinalis Seed OilPanthenol
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 17 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Careonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  2. 2
    Topically Applied Sunflower Seed Oil Prevents Invasive Bacterial Infections in Preterm Infants in Egyptjournals.lww.com
  3. 3
    Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  4. 4
    Impact of topical oils on the skin barrier: possible implications for neonatal health in developing countriesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    Cocoa polyphenols and their influence on parameters involved in ex vivo skin restructuringncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
ACURE Brightening Day Cream
ACUREBrightening Day Cream
Buy on Amazon$19.99 · as of 11/11 00:26 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy on Amazon$19.99 · as of 11/11 00:26 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.