
1 of 2 advertised claims delivered
“A lightweight, fast-absorbing hydrator with TFC8® that helps replenish moisture and restore the complexion.”
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:
alanyl glutamine, anhydroxylitol.
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: arginine, caprylic/capric triglyceride.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide ng, ceramide np, palmitoyl tripeptide-8, panthenol
“Clinically proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks.”
This product contains ingredients (glycine soja protein) 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.
This product contains antioxidants (superoxide dismutase) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
This product contains alanyl glutamine, lysine, palmitoyl tripeptide-8. 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.

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Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
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 triglycerideUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolOne 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 GlycerinHelps oil and water mix together
More about Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholineHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about SorbitolA 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 acetateUsed 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 glycolA 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 butterUsed to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolCan 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 AlcoholTraditionally 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 juiceHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-oxidant properties
More about Hydrolyzed rice proteinThree steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect
More about Retinyl palmitateA 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 oilAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneA preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolAn emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolHelps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.
More about Ascorbyl palmitateHelps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide npUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinA plant extract that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. It might be somewhat helpful for evening out the skin tone. It might be able to support elastin production but solid research is lacking
More about Glycine soja proteinAn antioxidant enzyme that is naturally present in skin. It can help support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin. It is used in topical medications for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. There are three types of natural Superoxide Dismutase in human skin. The compound used in topical treatments and cosmetics are mimics of typically one of these natural variants
More about Superoxide dismutaseA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Alanyl glutamineAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
More about ArginineA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide ngCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidHelps attract water to the most upper layer of the skin. Derived from sugar
More about DextranHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function
More about GlycineAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
More about LysineHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness
More about Oleic acidAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidA micro-algae extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin, support its barrier function, amd might help neutralize free radicals, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking
More about Scenedesmus rubescens extractThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
More about Ascorbic acidPure 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 TocopherolA 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 butterNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholHelps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients
More about Dicaprylyl etherOne 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 GlycerinHelps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Lauryl laurateAn emollient. Is not recommended for acne-prone skin as it can be comedogenic
More about Myristyl myristateAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateHelps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearateHelps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl glutamateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function
More about XylitylglucosideHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrir function
More about AnhydroxylitolHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function
More about XylitolCan 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 AlcoholCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidAn active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololUsed to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPure 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 TocopherolA 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 oilHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function
More about GlucoseA 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 acetateAn emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolHelps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Alanyl glutamineAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
More about ArginineA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide ngA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide npHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function
More about GlycineAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
More about LysineHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness
More about Oleic acidAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidA micro-algae extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin, support its barrier function, amd might help neutralize free radicals, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking
More about Scenedesmus rubescens extractA preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolUnknown, Cream, Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Pentylene glycol, Propylene glycol, Glycerin, Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine, Sorbitol, Tocopheryl acetate, Butylene glycol, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Xanthan gum, Panthenol, Sodium carbomer, Alcohol, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Hydrolyzed rice protein, Retinyl palmitate, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Squalane, Phenoxyethanol, Cholesterol, Hydrogenated lecithin, Ascorbyl palmitate, Carbomer, Ceramide np, Lecithin, Glycine soja protein, Superoxide dismutase, Sodium hydroxide, Alanyl glutamine, Arginine, Ceramide ng, Citric acid, Dextran, Glycine, Lysine, Oleic acid, Palmitic acid, Palmitoyl tripeptide-8, Phenylalanine, Proline, Scenedesmus rubescens extract, Ascorbic acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium benzoate, Tocopherol, Brassica alba seed extract, Disodium edta, Oligopeptide-177, Sodium ascorbate, Sodium dextran sulfate, Potassium sorbate, Unknown, Cream, Water, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Behenyl alcohol, Dicaprylyl ether, Glycerin, Lauryl laurate, Myristyl myristate, Glyceryl stearate, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Chlorphenesin, Alcohol, Sodium benzoate, Citric acid, Bisabolol, Xanthan gum, Tocopherol, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Glucose, Tocopheryl acetate, Cholesterol, Hydrogenated lecithin, Sodium hydroxide, Verbena officinalis flower/leaf extract, Alanyl glutamine, Arginine, Ceramide ng, Ceramide np, Glycine, Lysine, Oleic acid, Palmitic acid, Phenylalanine, Proline, Scenedesmus rubescens extract, Brassica alba seed extract, Disodium edta, Oligopeptide-177, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium ascorbate
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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.
| Augustinus BaderThe Icons with The CreamYOUR PRODUCT | Youth To The PeopleAdaptogen Deep Moisture Cream Packet | Clinicians ComplexC-Plus Antioxidant Cream | Cellex-CAdvanced C Skin Tightening Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 67% | 66% | 66% |
| Price | $415.00 | $52.00−$363.00 | $70.00−$345.00 | $155.25−$259.75 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 24 | 7 of 24 | 4 of 24 |
| Key difference | — | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract | Ceramide 1 | Dimethicone |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Judging from the ingredient list, "Augustinus Bader - The Icons with The Cream" works well for improving skin hydration As we expect from a proper moisturizer, the formula includes a combo of effective humectants and emollients. These are the two different types of ingredients that are essential for improving the skin hydration and supporting a healthy skin barrier. Panthenol, alanyl glutamine, anhydroxylitol, arginine and dextran 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). Emollients in this formulation (ceramide ng, ceramide np, cholesterol, arginine and caprylic/capric triglyceride) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.
There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits for the 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.
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 35 studies and safety reviews.
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