BIOTHERM

BIOTHERM FORCE SUPREME FERULIC ACID CARE FOR DARK SPOTS

Name: BIOTHERM - FORCE SUPREME FERULIC ACID CARE FOR DARK SPOTS
Brand: BIOTHERM

Efficacy33/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging

Adenosine, Tocopherol + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“A global anti-aging formula enriched with Force Supreme rebuilding and resurfacing Blue Algae Extract & regenerating Life Plankton™ + the concentrated brightening power of pure Ferulic Acid .”

Source: Biotherm CA

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine.

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.

AdenosineKey activeEffect: HighMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.5–1.1%

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~0.1–0.45%

Retinyl palmitateUnder-dosedThree 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~0.1–0.45%

Evens skin tone

Retinyl palmitate ~0.1–0.45%

Under-dosed

What the product description says

“The ultimate efficacy against the appearance of dark spots, including pigmentary spots, and dark skin tone.”

Source: Biotherm CA

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Hydrolyzed soy proteinEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and skin lightening properties, but solid evidence is missing~0.35–0.8%

Exfoliation

Retinyl palmitate

Not delivered

What the product description says

“A global anti-aging formula enriched with Force Supreme rebuilding and resurfacing Blue Algae Extract & regenerating Life Plankton™ + the concentrated brightening power of pure Ferulic Acid .”

Source: Biotherm CA

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.

Retinyl palmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseThree 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~0.1–0.45%

Moisturizing

Side benefit · Hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine, Glycerin + 15 more

Works well

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: aphanizomenon flos-aquae extract, biosaccharide gum-1.

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: glycine soja oil, isononyl isononanoate.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine

Hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganineHeroEffect: HighA 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~0.3–0.7%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.3–6.4%

Hydrogenated starch hydrolysateKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can add sweet taste to lip products~1.7–2.5%

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae extractKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn extract from ablue-green algae. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to neutralize free radicals~1–1.5%

Glycine soja oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.~0.85–1.25%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: MediumMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.5–1.1%

Hydrolyzed soy proteinKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and skin lightening properties, but solid evidence is missing~0.35–0.8%

Hydrolyzed rice proteinKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-oxidant properties~0.35–0.85%

Hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriolKey activeEffect: HighA sugar-derived compound that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might be able to stimulate synthesis of skin's own moisturizing factors, but solid research is lacking. It could be irritating~0.3–0.7%

Biosaccharide gum-1Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin~0.15–0.6%

Dicaprylyl carbonate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin~3.6–5.4%

Isononyl isononanoate· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowForms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness~2.1–3.2%

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~1.4–2.2%

Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~0.4–0.95%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.3–0.75%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.15–0.6%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Aphanizomenon flos-aquae extract, Adenosine + 3 more

May help

This product contains antioxidants (aphanizomenon flos-aquae 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.

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae extractKey activeEffect: MediumAn extract from ablue-green algae. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to neutralize free radicals~1–1.5%

AdenosineEffect: LowMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.5–1.1%

Hydrolyzed rice proteinEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-oxidant properties~0.35–0.85%

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~0.1–0.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

4 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Retinyl palmitate + 2 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 12 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~2.7–4.1%est.

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.4–0.95%est.

Hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriolA sugar-derived compound that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might be able to stimulate synthesis of skin's own moisturizing factors, but solid research is lacking. It could be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.7%est.

Retinyl palmitateThree 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 effectHigh~0.1–0.45%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.01–0.1%est.

Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.Medium~0.85–1.25%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.75%est.

Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateUsed to improve stability of the formulationMedium~0.15–0.65%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.15–0.6%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.3%est.

Ci 42090A colorant (dye)Medium~0.05–0.25%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 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

Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.2/5~0.85–1.25%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Kiehl's s Age Defender Power Serum

Higher efficacy · 100/10060% match

$48.10

Youth To The People Superfood Skin Drip Smooth + Glow Barrier Serum

Higher efficacy · 100/10053% match

$39.00

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~4.3–6.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 Glycerin

Dicaprylyl carbonate~3.6–5.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin

More about Dicaprylyl carbonate

Alcohol denat.~2.7–4.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.

Isononyl isononanoate~2.1–3.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Forms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness

More about Isononyl isononanoate

Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate~1.7–2.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can add sweet taste to lip products

More about Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate

Butylene glycol~1.4–2.2%

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

Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~1.3–1.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae extract~1–1.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An extract from ablue-green algae. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to neutralize free radicals

More about Aphanizomenon flos-aquae extract

Glycine soja oil~0.85–1.25%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

More about Glycine soja oil

Adenosine~0.5–1.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)

More about Adenosine

Propylene glycol~0.4–0.95%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol

Hydrolyzed rice protein~0.35–0.85%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Hydrolyzed rice protein

Hydrolyzed soy protein~0.35–0.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and skin lightening properties, but solid evidence is missing

More about Hydrolyzed soy protein

Hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine~0.3–0.7%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

A 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 Hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine

Hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol~0.3–0.7%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

A sugar-derived compound that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might be able to stimulate synthesis of skin's own moisturizing factors, but solid research is lacking. It could be irritating

More about Hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol

Caprylyl glycol~0.3–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Vitreoscilla ferment~0.2–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Vitreoscilla ferment

Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.15–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to improve stability of the formulation

More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate

Biosaccharide gum-1~0.15–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin

More about Biosaccharide gum-1

Maltodextrin~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin

Pentylene glycol~0.15–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Retinyl palmitate~0.1–0.45%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishExfoliation

Three 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 palmitate

Tocopherol~0.1–0.45%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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

Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to increase stability of product formulations

More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate

Potassium sorbate~0.05–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Ci 42090~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A colorant (dye)

More about Ci 42090

Ci 60730~0.05–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ci 60730

Linalool~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Parfum~0.01–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Alcohol denat., Isononyl isononanoate, Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, Butylene glycol, Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae extract, Glycine soja oil, Adenosine, Propylene glycol, Hydrolyzed rice protein, Hydrolyzed soy protein, Hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine, Hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol, Caprylyl glycol, Vitreoscilla ferment, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Biosaccharide gum-1, Maltodextrin, Pentylene glycol, Retinyl palmitate, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Potassium sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Ci 42090, Ci 60730, Linalool, Parfum

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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
	BIOTHERMFORCE SUPREME FERULIC ACID CARE FOR DARK SPOTSYOUR PRODUCT	Kiehl'ss Age Defender Power Serum	Youth To The PeopleSuperfood Skin Drip Smooth + Glow Barrier Serum	AlgenistELEVATE Firming & Lifting Contouring Serum
Match	—	60%	53%	44%
Price	—	$48.10	$39.00	—
Shared key ingredients	—	6 of 8	3 of 8	2 of 8
Key difference	—	Caffeine	Niacinamide	Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide
Irritancy	High	High	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"BIOTHERM - FORCE SUPREME FERULIC ACID CARE FOR DARK SPOTS" is effective for: Anti-aging and Moisturizing

Ingredient callouts

this product includes a form of Retinoids (vitamin A) - retinyl palmitate 0.10% - 0.45%, but this type of vitamin A is not very effective. It could in theory help with fine lines and wrinkles, but the effect is most likely minimal.
Adenosine 0.50% - 1.10%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).
Humectants (biosaccharide gum-1 0.15% - 0.60%, aphanizomenon flos-aquae extract 1.00% - 1.50% and glycerin 4.30% - 6.40%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.