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CHANEL la crème main - NOURISH-SOFTEN-ILLUMINATE
CHANEL

CHANEL la crème main - NOURISH-SOFTEN-ILLUMINATE

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Ceramide np, Phytosphingosine + 16 more
Works well
What the product description says
“nourishing, protective properties”
Source: Chanel

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: faex, 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: dimethicone, ethyl linoleate.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np, phytosphingosine

Ceramide npHero· EmollientEffect: 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~0.65–1%
PhytosphingosineHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect~0.65–1%
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~4.5–5.5%
UndecaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps create a non-greasy finish on the skin~4.3–5.3%
Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~2.8–3.4%
Jojoba estersKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function~2.7–3.3%
Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~2.1–2.6%
Lauroyl lysineKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product texture~0.8–1.2%
FaexKey active· HumectantEffect: HighYeast extract. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.65–0.95%
DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~0.6–0.9%
Butyrospermum parkii butter unsaponifiablesKey activeEffect: HighA great moisturizing ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.25–0.5%
Ethyl linoleateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps reduce acne and blemishes. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce inflammation. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone, but evidence of effectiveness in skin are lacking~0.25–0.45%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~1.8–2.2%
Ethyl oleate· EmollientEffect: LowEthyl oleate is a long-chain fatty acid ethyl ester resulting from the formal condensation of the carboxy group of oleic acid with the hydroxy group of ethanol. It derives from an oleic acid. In skincare, it is used to soften the upper layer of the skin, improve the product texture and smell~1.1–1.4%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.35–0.6%
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~0.2–0.4%
Camellia oleifera seed oilUnder-dosedAn emollient that does not leave a greasy finish~1.4–1.7%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 15 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~0.25–0.45%est.
UndecaneHelps create a non-greasy finish on the skinMedium~4.3–5.3%est.
Jojoba estersAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier functionMedium~2.7–3.3%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~1.8–2.2%est.
TridecaneHelps create a dry, non-greasy finish of the skinMedium~1.4–1.7%est.
Camellia oleifera seed oilAn emollient that does not leave a greasy finishMedium~1.4–1.7%est.
Ethyl oleateEthyl oleate is a long-chain fatty acid ethyl ester resulting from the formal condensation of the carboxy group of oleic acid with the hydroxy group of ethanol. It derives from an oleic acid. In skincare, it is used to soften the upper layer of the skin, improve the product texture and smellMedium~1.1–1.4%est.
Sodium stearoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.75–1.15%est.
Cetearyl glucosideHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product textureMedium~0.6–0.85%est.
ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.16–0.32%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.35–0.6%est.
Ethyl linoleateHelps reduce acne and blemishes. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce inflammation. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone, but evidence of effectiveness in skin are lackingMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Phytic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmeticsMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.1–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 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
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~2.8–3.4%est.
Butyrospermum parkii butter unsaponifiablesA great moisturizing ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals2/5~0.25–0.5%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~4.5–5.5%
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
Undecane~4.3–5.3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps create a non-greasy finish on the skin

More about Undecane
Cetearyl alcohol~2.8–3.4%
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
Jojoba esters~2.7–3.3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function

More about Jojoba esters
Cetyl alcohol~2.1–2.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
Pentylene glycol~1.8–2.2%
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
Tridecane~1.4–1.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps create a dry, non-greasy finish of the skin

More about Tridecane
Camellia oleifera seed oil~1.4–1.7%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that does not leave a greasy finish

More about Camellia oleifera seed oil
Ethyl oleate~1.1–1.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Ethyl oleate is a long-chain fatty acid ethyl ester resulting from the formal condensation of the carboxy group of oleic acid with the hydroxy group of ethanol. It derives from an oleic acid. In skincare, it is used to soften the upper layer of the skin, improve the product texture and smell

More about Ethyl oleate
Lauroyl lysine~0.8–1.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Lauroyl lysine
Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.75–1.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl glutamate
Iris pallida root extract~0.65–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Iris pallida root extract
Faex~0.65–0.95%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Yeast extract. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Faex
Ceramide np~0.65–1%
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 Ceramide np
Phytosphingosine~0.65–1%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemish

A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect

More about Phytosphingosine
Cetearyl glucoside~0.6–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture

More about Cetearyl glucoside
Dimethicone~0.6–0.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone
Ethyl stearate~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ethyl stearate
Propanediol~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Propanediol
Chlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin
Caprylyl glycol~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Parfum~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Carbomer~0.3–0.5%
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
Xanthan gum~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Butyrospermum parkii butter unsaponifiables~0.25–0.5%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great moisturizing 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 unsaponifiables
Ethyl linoleate~0.25–0.45%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-blemishMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

Helps reduce acne and blemishes. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce inflammation. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone, but evidence of effectiveness in skin are lacking

More about Ethyl linoleate
Ethyl palmitate~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ethyl palmitate
Tocopherol~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingMoisturizing

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
Sodium hyaluronate~0.2–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Phytic acid~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmetics

More about Phytic acid
1,2-hexanediol~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps 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 lecithin
Sodium citrate~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · medium
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 citrate
Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Bs000368a
Not recognized
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Undecane, Cetearyl alcohol, Jojoba esters, Cetyl alcohol, Pentylene glycol, Tridecane, Camellia oleifera seed oil, Ethyl oleate, Lauroyl lysine, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Iris pallida root extract, Faex, Ceramide np, Phytosphingosine, Cetearyl glucoside, Dimethicone, Ethyl stearate, Propanediol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl glycol, Parfum, Carbomer, Xanthan gum, Butyrospermum parkii butter unsaponifiables, Ethyl linoleate, Ethyl palmitate, Tocopherol, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium hydroxide, Phytic acid, 1,2-hexanediol, Hydrogenated lecithin, Sodium citrate, Sodium benzoate, Unknown

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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
CHANELla crème main - NOURISH-SOFTEN-ILLUMINATEYOUR PRODUCTCeraVeRepairing Hand CreamROUND LABBirch Juice Hand Cream 30mlUNICATFortune Cat Hand Cream Vanilla
Match—61%55%54%
Price$99.00$8.03−$90.97$5.58−$93.42$8.40−$90.60
Shared key ingredients—5 of 115 of 115 of 11
Key difference—Ceramide EopAdenosineMineral Oil
Irritancy Medium Low Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, "CHANEL - la crème main - NOURISH-SOFTEN-ILLUMINATE" works well for moisturizing the skin. 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, glycerin, polyglycerin-3, sodium hyaluronate and butylene 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). C13-16 isoparaffin, ethyl linoleate, helianthus annuus seed cera, helianthus annuus seed wax and jojoba esters 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

  • An effective concentration of Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 0.55% - 0.85%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.
This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: vitamin e and caprylic/capric triglyceride

Irritation risk

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 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.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin’s own natural moisturizing systemsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Topically Applied Ceramides Interact with the Stratum Corneum Lipid Matrix in Compromised Ex Vivo Skinncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
  5. 5
    Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
  6. 6
    Ethyl linoleate inhibits α-MSH-induced melanogenesis through Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin signal pathwayncbi.nlm.nih.gov
CHANEL la crème main - NOURISH-SOFTEN-ILLUMINATE
CHANELla crème main - NOURISH-SOFTEN-ILLUMINATE
Buy at Chanel$99.00Amazon

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Chanel$99.00Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.