Based on the ingredients included, "All Purpose Creams - APH Hydroquinone Cream" works well for moisturizing the skin. The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Humectants in this product (aloe barbadensis extract and propylene glycol) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Emollients in this formulation (paraffinum liquidum, dimethicone, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate and stearic acid) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.
This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: allantoin
Irritation risk
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.
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following
effective ingredients:
hydroquinone.
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.
A potent anti-pigmentation active. It can have serious side-effects though and ideally is used under supervision of a doctor. It should not be used over a long period of time (over a year).
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives:
dimethicone, cetyl alcohol.
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).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with
the hydration level: paraffinum liquidum
Mineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function
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
A potent anti-pigmentation active. It can have serious side-effects though and ideally is used under supervision of a doctor. It should not be used over a long period of time (over a year).
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
Mineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function
A potent anti-pigmentation active. It can have serious side-effects though and ideally is used under supervision of a doctor. It should not be used over a long period of time (over a year).
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Comodogenic ingredients
We couldn't find any comodogenic ingredients in this product
Mineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function