Dr. Brandt Needles No More Wrinkle Smoothing Cream
Works for
Anti-agingAdenosine, Glycolic acid + 6 moreWorks well
“What it is: A cream formulated with a revolutionary tri-blend, wrinkle-smoothing complex that visibly smooths expression lines for younger-looking skin.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine, glycolic acid.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: palmitoyl heptapeptide-18, palmitoyl hexapeptide-52.
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.
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Palmitoyl hexapeptide-52, Palmitoyl heptapeptide-18 + 18 moreWorks well
“Needles No More Wrinkle Smoothing Cream”
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: butyrospermum parkii butter, helianthus annuus seed oil.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: palmitoyl heptapeptide-18, palmitoyl hexapeptide-52
ExfoliationSide benefit · Glycolic acid, Lactic acidWorks well
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid.
Evens skin toneSide benefit · Glycolic acid, Lactic acidWorks well
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Lavandula angustifolia flower extract, LinaloolMedium risk
Comedogenic3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale3 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Perfluorohexane~5.3–6.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used in products to help dissolve oxygen and enhance oxygen molecule penetration into the skin. There is no evidence for benefits of the oxygen emulsion in topical creams, lotions or serums. There is a study available confirming a positive impact of oxygen therapy for skin wound healing, but it used an oxygen emulsion stored under high pressure using special equipment
More about PerfluorohexanePerfluoroperhydrophenanthrene~4.1–5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Butyrospermum parkii butter~3–3.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
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 butterPerfluorodecalin~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
C12-16 alcohols~1.8–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product's texture
More about C12-16 alcoholsButylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate~1.6–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicapratePolymethyl methacrylate~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to enhance product texture and can help to optically mask skin imperfections
More about Polymethyl methacrylateSodium acrylates copolymer~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylates copolymerGlycerin~1–1.2%
- 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 GlycerinIsopropyl palmitate~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Isopropyl palmitateMethyl methacrylate crosspolymer~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps thicken the product consistency
More about Methyl methacrylate crosspolymerAdenosine~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 AdenosineTocopherol~0.5–0.75%
- 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 TocopherolRicinus communis seed oil~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency
More about Ricinus communis seed oilLavandula angustifolia flower extract~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
Essential oil that can be irritating
More about Lavandula angustifolia flower extractAnthemis nobilis flower oil~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that is used as a fragrance and can be irritating. It might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin
More about Anthemis nobilis flower oilMagnesium gluconate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A mineral that might be able to support skin hydration, but convincing research on its effectiveness in topical skincare is lacking
More about Magnesium gluconateProlinamidoethyl imidazole~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Butylene glycol~0.3–0.55%
- 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 glycolGlutamylamidoethyl imidazole~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A peptide that is claimed to be helpful in supporting vitamin D production in skin but evidence is lacking
More about Glutamylamidoethyl imidazolePalmitoyl hexapeptide-52~0.25–0.5%
- 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 Palmitoyl hexapeptide-52Polyvinyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
Lactic acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
More about Lactic acidGlycolic acid~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
More about Glycolic acidPalmitoyl heptapeptide-18~0.25–0.45%
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 lecithinPalmitic acid~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidSodium cocoyl glutamate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium cocoyl glutamateGlyceryl stearate~0.3–0.6%
- 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 stearateStearic acid~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidCetearyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholLecithin~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinPhenoxyethanol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolEthylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%
Sodium hydroxide~0.25–0.45%
Glyceryl caprylate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
More about Glyceryl caprylateMenthone glycerin acetal~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
P-anisic acid~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps preserve products. Can mask unpleasant smell. Could be irritating
More about P-anisic acidCitric 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 acidXanthan gum~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumHydroxyethylcellulose~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
More about HydroxyethylcelluloseHelianthus annuus seed oil~0.2–0.35%
- 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 oilChlorphenesin~0.1–0.15%
Sodium phytate~0.1–0.2%
Silanediol salicylate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tromethamine~0.1–0.2%
Methylpropanediol~0.05–0.1%
Linalool~0.05%
Ingredient list view
Water, Perfluorohexane, Perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Perfluorodecalin, C12-16 alcohols, Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, Polymethyl methacrylate, Sodium acrylates copolymer, Glycerin, Isopropyl palmitate, Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, Adenosine, Tocopherol, Ricinus communis seed oil, Lavandula angustifolia flower extract, Anthemis nobilis flower oil, Magnesium gluconate, Prolinamidoethyl imidazole, Butylene glycol, Glutamylamidoethyl imidazole, Palmitoyl hexapeptide-52, Polyvinyl alcohol, Lactic acid, Glycolic acid, Palmitoyl heptapeptide-18, Hydrogenated lecithin, Palmitic acid, Sodium cocoyl glutamate, Glyceryl stearate, Stearic acid, Cetearyl alcohol, Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium hydroxide, Glyceryl caprylate, Menthone glycerin acetal, P-anisic acid, Citric acid, Xanthan gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Chlorphenesin, Sodium phytate, Silanediol salicylate, Tromethamine, Methylpropanediol, Linalool
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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.
| Dr. BrandtNeedles No More Wrinkle Smoothing CreamYOUR PRODUCT | It CosmeticsConfidence in a Cream Barrier Boost Skin Barrier Repair Moisturizer | STEAMBASESqualane Moisture Restoring Cream | LANBELLEUltra Lifting Eye Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 40% | 40% | 39% |
| Price | $89.00 | $49.00−$40.00 | $31.00−$58.00 | $44.84−$44.16 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 11 | 3 of 11 | 4 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester | Panthenol | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Doctor Rogers Restore Restore Face CreamGlytone Age-Defying Peptide+ Overnight Restorative Cream
Product summary
Based on the ingredients included, "Dr. Brandt - Needles No More Wrinkle Smoothing Cream" works well for moisturizing the skin. This moisturizer uses a good combo of humectants and emollients. These both types of ingredients are essentials for improving the skin hydration and keeping the skin barrier healthy. Humectants in this product (glycerin and butylene glycol) 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). Emollients in this formulation (butyrospermum parkii butter, helianthus annuus seed oil, ricinus communis seed oil, butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate and cetearyl alcohol) 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
- We like that this moisturizer contains peptides (palmitoyl hexapeptide-52 0.25% - 0.50% and palmitoyl heptapeptide-18 0.25% - 0.45%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. Peptides might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
- Adenosine 0.50% - 0.75%. 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).
Irritation risk
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.
Price
The product retails for 89.00$ in the United States and from 72.00£ up to 77.00£ 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 27 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Topical Oxygen Emulsion A Novel Wound Therapyjamanetwork.com
- 2
- 3
- 4Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isopropyl Isostearatejournals.sagepub.com
- 5
- 6Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.