Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Moisturizing13 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Key Benefits Protects against damaging blue light and environmental aggressors Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection Lightweight formulation of hydrating crambe seed oil and coconut alkanes Vitamin E conditions and moisturises the skin Helps to encourage a smooth, dewy complexion UK200027142”
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, butylene glycol.
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: helianthus annuus seed oil, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl tetrapeptide-11, acetyl tetrapeptide-9
Anti-aging3 ingredients credited for this claimModerate support
“Skin Type All Skin Types Targeting Dullness Fine Lines & Wrinkles Dehydration The Good Stuff Cruelty Free Paraben Free Silicone Free SPF Sun Protection Sulphate Free Nourish and protect the skin and encourage a radiant complexion with Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light, a lightweight formula that boosts hydration and helps to defend against pollution, UVA and UVB rays with SPF 20.”
This product contains acetyl tetrapeptide-11, acetyl tetrapeptide-9. 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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy6 strong irritants: Rosa damascena extract, Michelia alba leaf oil + 4 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Homosalate~5.4–6.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation
More about HomosalateOctocrylene~4.4–5.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about OctocryleneEthylhexyl salicylate~3.5–4.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about Ethylhexyl salicylateC12-15 alkyl benzoate~2.4–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth
More about C12-15 alkyl benzoateButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~2.5–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.
More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneButylene glycol~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolCoconut alkanes~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Coconut alkanesGlycerin~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinSilica~1.2–1.5%
Crambe abyssinica seed oil~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Crambe abyssinica seed oilCetyl alcohol~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholGlyceryl stearate~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateCaprylyl methicone~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 methiconePotassium cetyl phosphate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Potassium cetyl phosphatePeg-75 stearate~0.4–0.65%
Dimethyl isosorbide~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to dissolve other ingredients in a product and can enhance their ability to penetrate the skin
More about Dimethyl isosorbidePolysorbate 20~0.35–0.65%
Phenoxyethanol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolHydroxyacetophenone~0.25–0.5%
Marrubium vulgare extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ceteth-20~0.35–0.65%
Steareth-20~0.3–0.5%
Coco-caprylate/caprate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
More about Coco-caprylate/caprateXanthan gum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCarbomer~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerDisodium edta~0.2–0.35%
Rosa damascena extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Oil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics. Extensive research has shown it has mixed benefits. In the pro column, inhaling this flower’s scent seems to have relaxing properties and the plant’s petals contain skin-soothing and antioxidant compounds that can benefit skin. On the flipside, the numerous chemicals that create this rose’s distinctive fragrance pose a risk of causing skin aggravation.
More about Rosa damascena extractEthylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%
Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.4%
Beta-carotene~0.2–0.35%
Tocopherol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolXanthophylls~0.2–0.35%
Michelia alba leaf oil~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil used in cosmetics for its smell. Can be irritating
More about Michelia alba leaf oilCitric acid~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidHelianthus annuus seed oil~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A 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 oilRosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractSolanum tuberosum pulp extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acetyl tetrapeptide-11~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Acetyl tetrapeptide-11Acetyl tetrapeptide-9~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Acetyl tetrapeptide-9Linalool~0.15–0.25%
Citronellol~0.1–0.15%
Geraniol~0.1–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Water, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl salicylate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butylene glycol, Coconut alkanes, Glycerin, Silica, Crambe abyssinica seed oil, Cetyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Caprylyl methicone, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Peg-75 stearate, Dimethyl isosorbide, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Marrubium vulgare extract, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Xanthan gum, Carbomer, Disodium edta, Rosa damascena extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium hydroxide, Beta-carotene, Tocopherol, Xanthophylls, Michelia alba leaf oil, Citric acid, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Solanum tuberosum pulp extract, Acetyl tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl tetrapeptide-9, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol
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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.
| Charlotte TilburyMagic Cream LightYOUR PRODUCT | Youth To The PeoplePolypeptide-121 Future Cream | Peter Thomas RothFace Care Wrinkle Resist Eye Cream | FilorgaGLOBAL-REPAIR Nutri-Restorative Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 55% | 55% | 52% |
| Price | $34.00 | $64.00+$30.00 | $59.76+$25.76 | $37.65+$3.65 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 9 | 3 of 9 | 5 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Tripeptide-1 | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | High |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
"Charlotte Tilbury - Magic Cream Light" is a well-rounded moisturizing product. The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Glycerin 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). Emollients in this formulation (helianthus annuus seed oil, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, cetyl alcohol, coco-caprylate/caprate and coconut alkanes) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.
Ingredient callouts
- This moisturizer also contains Peptides (acetyl tetrapeptide-9 0.15% - 0.30% and acetyl tetrapeptide-11 0.15% - 0.30%). Peptides are a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of aminoacids. Our skin produces Peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of Peptides is, but it is very likely that they are helpful. Peptides might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.
Irritation risk
There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive 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.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Charlotte Tilbury" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails for 128.94A$ in Australia, from 34.00$ up to 75.10$ in the United States and from 26.00£ up to 76.97£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 5Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
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