CARE:NEL

CARE:NEL Anti-Melasma Cica Cream

Name: CARE:NEL - Anti-Melasma Cica Cream
Brand: CARE:NEL

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

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Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing

15 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“Anti-Melasma Cica Cream”

From product name

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.

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: madecassoside, niacinamide

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~4.7–5.7%

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~4.2–5.1%

Tranexamic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn amino acid that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone. It can also help in skin barrier recovery. It is used to treat melasma, especially with injections and when taken orally~0.3–0.5%

MadecassosideHeroEffect: HighAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.25–0.45%

Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~1–1.3%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~2–2.5%

Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~1.1–1.3%

Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)Key active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~0.75–1.1%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.65–0.95%

Glyceryl stearate citrate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.6%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.5–0.75%

Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.55–0.85%

Hydrogenated polydecene· EmollientEffect: LowHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~3.1–3.7%

Caprylyl methiconeEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin~1.6–2%

Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.6–0.9%

Evens skin tone

3 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“Brand from South Korea CARE NEL. Benefits This is an anti-melasma cream that helps relieve the appearance of dark spots and brightens dull skin.”

Source: Yesstyle

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide, tranexamic acid

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: madecassoside.

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.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~4.2–5.1%

MadecassosideEffect: LowAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.25–0.45%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

This product contains antioxidants (madecassoside) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - centella asiatica extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

MadecassosideKey activeEffect: HighAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.25–0.45%

Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~1.1–1.3%

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA 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~1–1.3%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · 4 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

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

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: centella asiatica extract, madecassoside.

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.

MadecassosideKey activeEffect: MediumAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.25–0.45%

Anti-blemish

Not advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

Centella asiatica extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~1.1–1.3%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

5 strong irritants: Parfum, Citronellol + 3 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 14 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.35–0.65%est.

CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

FarnesolAdded to create a nice product smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~2–2.5%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.75–1.1%est.

Centella asiatica extractA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.Medium~1.1–1.3%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenicMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

MadecassosideAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulationsMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Caprylyl/capryl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agentMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Comedogenic

4 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

4 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

Butyrospermum parkii butterA 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 radicals3/5~1–1.3%est.

Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.3–0.55%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.65–0.95%est.

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix together2/5~0.25–0.45%est.

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Ingredients

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Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~4.7–5.7%

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

Niacinamide~4.2–5.1%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialReduces redness

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide

Hydrogenated polydecene~3.1–3.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Hydrogenated polydecene

Propanediol~2.3–2.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~2–2.5%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

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 triglyceride

Caprylyl methicone~1.6–2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin

More about Caprylyl methicone

1,2-hexanediol~0.75–1.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Centella asiatica extract~1.1–1.3%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.

More about Centella asiatica extract

Butyrospermum parkii butter~1–1.3%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

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 butter

Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)~0.75–1.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)

Polyglyceryl-3 distearate~0.6–0.95%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Polyglyceryl-3 distearate

Cetearyl alcohol~0.65–0.95%

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

Palmitic acid~0.55–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid

Stearic acid~0.6–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid

Glyceryl stearate~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Carbomer~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Parfum~0.35–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Tromethamine~0.35–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer

Tranexamic acid~0.3–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin tone

An amino acid that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone. It can also help in skin barrier recovery. It is used to treat melasma, especially with injections and when taken orally

More about Tranexamic acid

Glyceryl stearate citrate~0.3–0.6%

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

Polyisobutene~0.3–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to improve the product consistency

More about Polyisobutene

Disodium edta~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Myristic acid~0.3–0.55%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic

More about Myristic acid

Madecassoside~0.25–0.45%

Hero · MoisturizingIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin tone

An antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations

More about Madecassoside

Sorbitan oleate~0.25–0.45%

Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan oleate

Caprylyl/capryl glucoside~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Caprylyl/capryl glucoside

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Citronellol~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol

Farnesol~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Added to create a nice product smell. Can be irritating

More about Farnesol

Geraniol~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol

Linalool~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Hydrogenated polydecene, Propanediol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Caprylyl methicone, 1,2-hexanediol, Centella asiatica extract, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin), Polyglyceryl-3 distearate, Cetearyl alcohol, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Glyceryl stearate, Carbomer, Parfum, Tromethamine, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Tranexamic acid, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Polyisobutene, Disodium edta, Myristic acid, Madecassoside, Sorbitan oleate, Caprylyl/capryl glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citronellol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Linalool

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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
	CARE:NELAnti-Melasma Cica CreamYOUR PRODUCT	numbuzinNo.2 Cica Ceramide Repair Cream	TOSOWOONGCica Snail Cream	MISSHANear Skin Madecanol Cream
Match	—	97%	96%	93%
Price	$15.56	$16.10+$0.54	$16.40+$0.84	$26.97+$11.41
Shared key ingredients	—	6 of 7	6 of 7	5 of 7
Key difference	—	Madecassic Acid	Copper Tripeptide-1	Panthenol
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Low
Drying alcohol	—	Contains drying alcohol	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

Based on the ingredient list, "CARE: NEL - Anti-Melasma Cica Cream" can work well for skin moisturization. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. CARE: NEL - Anti-Melasma Cica Cream ticks this box. Humectants in this product (glycerin) 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). Butyrospermum parkii butter, caprylic/capric triglyceride, cetearyl alcohol, hydrogenated poly (c6-14 olefin) and glyceryl stearate 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 particularly like that there is a good concentration of Niacinamide (4.20% - 5.10%) in this moisturizer. Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is a great ingredient to have in a moisturizer. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and help improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
Actives derived from an extract of the Centella Asiatica plant (also known as Gotu Kola) - madecassoside 0.25% - 0.45% The Centella Asiatica Actives help strengthen and restore the skin barrier, decrease inflammation in skin and neutralize free radicals. They also can help to reduce scarring. The good news is that these actives work even in low concentrations.

This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: stearic acid

Irritation risk

This moisturizer contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. 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.