Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Moisturizing22 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging 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:
glycerin, parachlorella beijerinckii exopolysaccharides.
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: butyrospermum parkii butter, caprylic/capric triglyceride.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1
Evens skin tone3 ingredients credited for this claimModerate support
“Even the most fragile skin appears strengthened and replenished, with the look of fine lines and wrinkles visibly reduced.”
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: albizia julibrissin bark extract, chrysin.
Anti-aging5 ingredients credited for this claimModerate support
“Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream”
This product contains palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1. These ingredients might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 7 ingredients credited for this claimModerate support
This product contains antioxidants (chrysin) 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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy17 flagged ingredientsMedium risk
Comedogenic4 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale4 flagged
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Ingredients
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Water~45–55%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~6.1–7.5%
- 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 triglycerideGlycerin~4.2–5.2%
- 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 GlycerinButyrospermum parkii butter~3.3–4.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
More about Butyrospermum parkii butterHydrogenated polyisobutene~2.5–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrogenated polyisobuteneChlorella protothecoides oil~2.1–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient. Is unlikely to have additional benefits for the skin
More about Chlorella protothecoides oilDimethicone~1.8–2.2%
- 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 DimethiconeGlyceryl stearate~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearatePeg-100 stearate~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateCetearyl alcohol~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholCetyl alcohol~0.9–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholPentylene glycol~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolSilica~0.8–1.2%
Parachlorella beijerinckii exopolysaccharides~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Compounds extracted from green algae that could help neutralize free radicals, but evidence of effectiveness in skincare products (topical applicaiton) is missing. Helps moisturize the skin by attracting water to its upper layer
More about Parachlorella beijerinckii exopolysaccharidesCollagen~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products
More about CollagenDictyopteris polypodioides extract~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Alaria esculenta extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a humectant helping to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might be effective as an anti-oxidant.
More about Alaria esculenta extractUndaria pinnatifida extract~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A seaweed extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have an anti-oxidant effect
More about Undaria pinnatifida extractPalmitoyl tripeptide-1~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-1Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Copper lysinate/prolinate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Methylglucoside phosphate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Albizia julibrissin bark extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might help to neutralize free radicals in skin. Is claimed to help reduce hyperpigmentation but evidence is missing
More about Albizia julibrissin bark extractKigelia africana fruit extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Plantago lanceolata leaf extract~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might have anti-oxidant properties
More about Plantago lanceolata leaf extractChrysin~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as lightening the skin, but solid evidence is missing. Could somewhat help in reducing the darkness of the under-eye area. Helps to neutralise free radicals in skin
More about ChrysinDarutoside~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium pca~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about Sodium pcaLeuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine
More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateStearic acid~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidCeteareth-20~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties
More about Ceteareth-20Caprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolSteareth-20~0.35–0.65%
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerButylene glycol~0.25–0.5%
- 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 glycolSodium benzoate~0.25–0.45%
Potassium sorbate~0.25–0.5%
Xanthan gum~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumChlorhexidine digluconate~0.15–0.3%
N-hydroxysuccinimide~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Is claimed to be able to brighten skin tone by removing some blood-related pigmented compounds in skin (hemoglobin and related elements) but solid research is missing. Can be irritating
More about N-hydroxysuccinimidePalmitic acid~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidBiotin~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might have some moisturising properties. Is not effective when applied topically beyond some moisturizing effect
More about BiotinChlorphenesin~0.15–0.25%
Sodium citrate~0.15–0.3%
- 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 citrateDisodium edta~0.15–0.3%
Citric acid~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidSodium hydroxide~0.1–0.2%
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient list view
Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glycerin, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, Chlorella protothecoides oil, Dimethicone, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Pentylene glycol, Silica, Parachlorella beijerinckii exopolysaccharides, Collagen, Dictyopteris polypodioides extract, Alaria esculenta extract, Undaria pinnatifida extract, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Copper lysinate/prolinate, Methylglucoside phosphate, Albizia julibrissin bark extract, Kigelia africana fruit extract, Plantago lanceolata leaf extract, Chrysin, Darutoside, Sodium pca, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Stearic acid, Ceteareth-20, Caprylyl glycol, Steareth-20, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Butylene glycol, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Xanthan gum, Chlorhexidine digluconate, N-hydroxysuccinimide, Palmitic acid, Biotin, Chlorphenesin, Sodium citrate, Disodium edta, Citric acid, Sodium hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol
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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.
| AlgenistGenius Ultimate Anti-Aging CreamYOUR PRODUCT | Elizabeth GrantCollagen Re-Inforce 3D Advanced Face Lift Night Cream | Transparent LabBAKUCHIOL FIRMING CREAM Firming Facial Cream | SkinLabE Plus Moisturizing Vitamin Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 61% | 61% | 57% |
| Price | $40.00 | $90.00+$50.00 | — | $25.78−$14.22 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 11 | 5 of 11 | 7 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Tripeptide-10 Citrulline | Bakuchiol | Adenosine |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "Algenist - Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream" works well for improving skin hydration To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Algenist - Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream ticks this box. Glycerin, parachlorella beijerinckii exopolysaccharides, sodium pca, butylene glycol and caprylyl glycol 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). Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, butyrospermum parkii butter, caprylic/capric triglyceride and chlorella protothecoides oil 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
- We like that this moisturizer contains peptides (palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 0.35% - 0.65% and palmitoyl tripeptide-1 0.40% - 0.60%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. Peptides might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. 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 from 40.00$ up to 112.00$ in the United States, from 47.95£ up to 89.00£ in the United Kingdom, for 139.00CA$ in Canada and from 594.00HK$ up to 990.00HK$ in Hong Kong.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 10 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 5
- 6Microalgal polysaccharide compositionspatents.google.com
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