Dr. Barbara Sturm

Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Essentials

Name: Dr. Barbara Sturm - Super Anti-Aging Essentials
Brand: Dr. Barbara Sturm

Efficacy87/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Ceramide np, Glutathione + 18 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Super Anti-Aging Essentials”

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, pantolactone.

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, squalane.

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

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~0.25–0.5%

GlutathioneKey activeEffect: HighA peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin~1.3–1.6%

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~0.45–0.65%

Decyl oleateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.65%

SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn 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.~0.3–0.55%

Olea europaea fruit oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation~0.3–0.55%

Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~0.25–0.45%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.4%

Plankton extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%

PantolactoneKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.25%

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~5.9–7.2%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.4–0.6%

C12-16 alcohols· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product's texture~0.25–0.5%

Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.25–0.5%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.15–0.25%

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%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.5–0.75%

Butyrospermum parkii butterUnder-dosedA 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~0.45–0.65%

Persea gratissima oilUnder-dosedAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function~0.3–0.55%

PanthenolUnder-dosedHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.25–0.4%

Anti-aging

Polygonum bistorta root extract, Butyrospermum parkii butter + 1 more

May help

What the product description says

“Super Anti-Aging Essentials”

From product name

This product contains glutathione. This ingredient help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they might be able to prevent early signs of aging (like fine lines and wrinkles), at least to some extent. These ingredients will not be able to "reverse" signs of aging.

Polygonum bistorta root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties and is claimed by its manufacturer to be able to decrease lines and wrinkles but evidence is lacking~0.25–0.45%

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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~0.45–0.65%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Glutathione, Polygonum bistorta root extract + 3 more

Works well

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

Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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.~0.25–0.5%

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~0.2–0.4%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · Glutathione, Lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract

Works well

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glutathione

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: lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract.

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.

Lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extractEffect: LowObtained from fermenting a plant extract with bacteria Lactobacillus. The resulting compound might be able to calm down inflammation and have some anti-oxidant properties, but solid evidence is missing~0.3–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

14 flagged ingredients

Medium risk

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

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateA preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determineMedium~1.8–2.2%est.

GlutathioneA peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skinMedium~1.3–1.6%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.7–1.05%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~0.5–0.75%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.4–0.6%est.

Olea europaea fruit oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammationMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Persea gratissima oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier functionMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA 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.Medium~0.25–0.5%est.

Polygonum bistorta root extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties and is claimed by its manufacturer to be able to decrease lines and wrinkles but evidence is lackingMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Plankton extractCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

C12-16 alcoholsHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product's textureMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Hexylene glycolHelps create a more spreadable product textureMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.05–0.1%est.

Comedogenic

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

3 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 radicals3/5~0.45–0.65%est.

Plankton extractCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.25–0.45%est.

Decyl oleateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin2/5~0.45–0.65%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

celimax Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream

CheaperHigher efficacy · 100/10058% match

$14.39

Cetaphil Redness Relieving Night Moisturizer

CheaperHigher efficacy · 100/10057% match

$9.51

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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

Butylene glycol~5.9–7.2%

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

Lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract~4.2–5.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-blemishEvens skin toneReduces redness

Obtained from fermenting a plant extract with bacteria Lactobacillus. The resulting compound might be able to calm down inflammation and have some anti-oxidant properties, but solid evidence is missing

More about Lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract

Propanediol~3–3.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

Sodium hyaluronate~2.2–2.7%

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

Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~1.8–2.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine

More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate

Baicalin~1.5–1.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Baicalin

Glutathione~1.3–1.6%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingEvens skin tone

A peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glutathione

Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.7–1.05%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Cream~0.6–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Cream

Water~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.5–0.75%

Under-dosedIrritant · 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

Decyl oleate~0.45–0.65%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Decyl oleate

Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.45–0.65%

Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

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

Glycerin~0.45–0.65%

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

Hydrogenated lecithin~0.4–0.6%

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

Pentylene glycol~0.4–0.6%

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

Lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract~0.3–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryReduces rednessReduces irritationAnti-blemishEvens skin tone

More about Lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract

Olea europaea fruit oil~0.3–0.55%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation

More about Olea europaea fruit oil

Persea gratissima oil~0.3–0.55%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function

More about Persea gratissima oil

Tocopheryl acetate~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A 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 acetate

Ceramide np~0.25–0.5%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

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

Sodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.4%

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

Polygonum bistorta root extract~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-aging

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties and is claimed by its manufacturer to be able to decrease lines and wrinkles but evidence is lacking

More about Polygonum bistorta root extract

Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate

Plankton extract~0.25–0.45%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Plankton extract

Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Panthenol~0.25–0.4%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

C12-16 alcohols~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product's texture

More about C12-16 alcohols

Palmitic acid~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

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

More about Palmitic acid

Squalane~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An 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 Squalane

Xanthan gum~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Carbomer~0.2–0.4%

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

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 oil

Tocopherol~0.2–0.4%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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

Teprenone~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Teprenone

Sodium hydroxide~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Hexylene glycol~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a more spreadable product texture

More about Hexylene glycol

Pantolactone~0.15–0.25%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Pantolactone

Caprylyl glycol~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Citric acid~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Ingredient list view

Water, Butylene glycol, Lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract, Propanediol, Sodium hyaluronate, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Baicalin, Glutathione, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cream, Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Decyl oleate, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Glycerin, Hydrogenated lecithin, Pentylene glycol, Lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract, Olea europaea fruit oil, Persea gratissima oil, Tocopheryl acetate, Ceramide np, Sodium hyaluronate, Polygonum bistorta root extract, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Plankton extract, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, C12-16 alcohols, Palmitic acid, Squalane, Xanthan gum, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Tocopherol, Teprenone, Sodium hydroxide, Hexylene glycol, Pantolactone, Caprylyl glycol, Citric acid

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/7 09:19 GMT

$265.50

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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
	Dr. Barbara SturmSuper Anti-Aging EssentialsYOUR PRODUCT	celimaxDual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream	CetaphilRedness Relieving Night Moisturizer	STEAMBASESqualane Moisture Restoring Cream
Match	—	58%	57%	57%
Price	$265.50	$14.39−$251.11	$9.51−$255.99	$31.00−$234.50
Shared key ingredients	—	6 of 13	7 of 13	7 of 13
Key difference	—	Ceramide Ap	Niacinamide	Adenosine
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 21 studies and safety reviews.

1
Therapeutic Advantages of Medicinal Herbs fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum, in Topical Application and its Activities on Atopic Dermatitisonlinelibrary.wiley.com
2
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
4
Glutathione as a skin whitening agent: Facts, myths, evidence and controversiesijdvl.com
5
Glutathione for skin lightening: a regnant myth or evidence-based verity?ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
Glutathione for skin lightening for dermatologists and cosmetologistsijord.com
7
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
8
Use of “natural” oils for moisturization: Review of olive, coconut, and sunflower seed oilonlinelibrary.wiley.com
9
Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin’s own natural moisturizing systemsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
10
Topically Applied Ceramides Interact with the Stratum Corneum Lipid Matrix in Compromised Ex Vivo Skinncbi.nlm.nih.gov
11
Cosmetic or dermatological use of a polygonum bistorta extractpatents.google.com
12
See all › 15 References See all › 31 Figures Download citation Share Download full-text PDF Restoration of Both Epithelial and Endothelial Perlecan / Dystroglycan Expressions by Polygonum bistorta induces Skin Rejuvenationresearchgate.net
13
Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
14
Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
15
Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Careonlinelibrary.wiley.com
16
Topically Applied Sunflower Seed Oil Prevents Invasive Bacterial Infections in Preterm Infants in Egyptjournals.lww.com
17
Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
18
Impact of topical oils on the skin barrier: possible implications for neonatal health in developing countriesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
19
Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
20
Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
21
Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org

Dr. Barbara SturmSuper Anti-Aging Essentials

Buy on Amazon$265.50 · as of 11/7 09:19 GMT

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

Buy on Amazon$265.50 · as of 11/7 09:19 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.