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Dr. Denese Body Rx Pre Treatment Skin Exfoliator
Dr. Denese

Dr. Denese Body Rx Pre Treatment Skin Exfoliator

Efficacy41/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Cannabis sativa seed oil, Sodium hyaluronate + 8 more
Works
What the product description says
“Full of nourishing ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Multi Vitamins, Ginger Extract, Bisabolol, Witch Hazel and more.”
Source: Dr. Denese

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: sodium hyaluronate.

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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone.

Cannabis sativa seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA plant oil that due to its high linoleic acid content can help strengthen skin's barrier function and soften its upper layer~2–3.1%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~1.4–2.1%
Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronateKey activeEffect: HighAttracts water into the upper layer of the skin~1.2–1.8%
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~1.1–1.6%
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~0.15–0.55%
PhospholipidsKey activeEffect: MediumEmollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product~0.15–0.6%
Pantothenic acidKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and may help reduce inflammation in skin~0.1–0.5%
Garcinia mangostana fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties~0.35–0.8%
Ananas sativus fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skin~0.3–0.75%
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanoneEffect: LowAn anti-oxidant. Is also called 6-paradol. It might be able to neutralize free radicals in skin. The manufacturer claims that it is able to stimulate synthesis of hyaluronic acid in skin, but there is no evidence of effectiveness of this ingredient so far. The only evidence of efficacy for this ingredient so far come from small lab tests. This ingredient comes together with Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride as part of the complex called SymDecanox HA produced by a cosmetic ingredient supplier Symrise.~0.1–0.4%
Evens skin tone
Punica granatum extract, Retinyl palmitate
Not delivered
What the product description says
“A non-abrasive dual exfoliator, both physical and enzymatic, dedicated to removing dull skin and other elements that sit on top your skin; allowing for a reveal of brighter and smoother skin tone.”
Source: Dr. Denese

This product contains ingredients (punica granatum extract) that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

Punica granatum extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective~0.2–0.8%
Retinyl palmitateUnder-dosedThree steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect~0.1–0.45%
Exfoliation
Retinyl palmitate
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Body Rx Pre Treatment Skin Exfoliator”
Source: Dr. Denese

This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.

Retinyl palmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseThree steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect~0.1–0.45%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · Punica granatum extract, Actinidia chinensis fruit extract + 7 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (punica granatum extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Punica granatum extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective~0.2–0.8%
Actinidia chinensis fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking~0.45–1%
Garcinia mangostana fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties~0.35–0.8%
Psidium guajava fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.15–0.65%
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanoneEffect: LowAn anti-oxidant. Is also called 6-paradol. It might be able to neutralize free radicals in skin. The manufacturer claims that it is able to stimulate synthesis of hyaluronic acid in skin, but there is no evidence of effectiveness of this ingredient so far. The only evidence of efficacy for this ingredient so far come from small lab tests. This ingredient comes together with Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride as part of the complex called SymDecanox HA produced by a cosmetic ingredient supplier Symrise.~0.1–0.4%
Zingiber officinale root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking~0.05–0.3%
BisabololEffect: Low, below effective doseAn active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties~0.1–0.35%
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.~0.1–0.45%
Ascorbyl palmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.~0.1–0.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Hamamelis virginiana water, Retinyl palmitate + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 19 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Hamamelis virginiana waterA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~4.8–7.2%est.
Actinidia chinensis fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lackingHigh~0.45–1%est.
Garcinia mangostana fruit extractA fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.35–0.8%est.
Psidium guajava fruit extractA fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant effectHigh~0.15–0.65%est.
Retinyl palmitateThree steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effectHigh~0.1–0.45%est.
Zingiber officinale root extractA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lackingHigh~0.05–0.3%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.01–0.1%est.
Cannabis sativa seed oilA plant oil that due to its high linoleic acid content can help strengthen skin's barrier function and soften its upper layerMedium~2–3.1%est.
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.6–2.4%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~1.1–1.6%est.
Ananas sativus fruit extractA fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skinMedium~0.3–0.75%est.
Punica granatum extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effectiveMedium~0.2–0.8%est.
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~0.15–0.65%est.
Ascorbyl palmitateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.Medium~0.1–0.45%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~0.1–0.45%est.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Sodium stearoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.5%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Hamamelis virginiana water~4.8–7.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating

More about Hamamelis virginiana water
Perlite~3.7–5.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A type of volcanic glass. Absorbs moisture and can temporarily mattify the skin

More about Perlite
Propanediol~2.7–4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Propanediol
Cannabis sativa seed oil~2–3.1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A plant oil that due to its high linoleic acid content can help strengthen skin's barrier function and soften its upper layer

More about Cannabis sativa seed oil
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~1.6–2.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil
Sodium hyaluronate~1.4–2.1%
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
Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate~1.2–1.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1.1–1.6%
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
Averrhoa carambola fruit extract~0.6–1.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Averrhoa carambola fruit extract
Passiflora incarnata fruit extract~0.45–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Passiflora incarnata fruit extract
Actinidia chinensis fruit extract~0.45–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Actinidia chinensis fruit extract
Garcinia mangostana fruit extract~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

A fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Garcinia mangostana fruit extract
Ananas sativus fruit extract~0.3–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skin

More about Ananas sativus fruit extract
Punica granatum extract~0.2–0.8%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin tone

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective

More about Punica granatum extract
Litchi chinensis fruit extract~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Litchi chinensis fruit extract
Zizyphus jujuba fruit extract~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Zizyphus jujuba fruit extract
Psidium guajava fruit extract~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Psidium guajava fruit extract
Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.15–0.65%
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
Phospholipids~0.15–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product

More about Phospholipids
Retinyl palmitate~0.1–0.45%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneExfoliation

Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect

More about Retinyl palmitate
Pantothenic acid~0.1–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-blemishReduces redness

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and may help reduce inflammation in skin

More about Pantothenic acid
Ascorbyl palmitate~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-agingAnti-oxidation

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.

More about Ascorbyl palmitate
Tocopheryl acetate~0.1–0.45%
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
Bisabolol~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol
Zingiber officinale root extract~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking

More about Zingiber officinale root extract
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

An anti-oxidant. Is also called 6-paradol. It might be able to neutralize free radicals in skin. The manufacturer claims that it is able to stimulate synthesis of hyaluronic acid in skin, but there is no evidence of effectiveness of this ingredient so far. The only evidence of efficacy for this ingredient so far come from small lab tests. This ingredient comes together with Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride as part of the complex called SymDecanox HA produced by a cosmetic ingredient supplier Symrise.

More about Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone
Dimethicone~0.15–0.55%
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
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer
Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl glutamate
Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Disodium edta~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Parfum~0.01–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ingredient list view

Water, Hamamelis virginiana water, Perlite, Propanediol, Cannabis sativa seed oil, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Sodium hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Averrhoa carambola fruit extract, Passiflora incarnata fruit extract, Actinidia chinensis fruit extract, Garcinia mangostana fruit extract, Ananas sativus fruit extract, Punica granatum extract, Litchi chinensis fruit extract, Zizyphus jujuba fruit extract, Psidium guajava fruit extract, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Phospholipids, Retinyl palmitate, Pantothenic acid, Ascorbyl palmitate, Tocopheryl acetate, Bisabolol, Zingiber officinale root extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone, Dimethicone, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Sodium hydroxide, Disodium edta, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum

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Dr. Denese
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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. DeneseBody Rx Pre Treatment Skin ExfoliatorYOUR PRODUCTAPRIL SKINCarrotene IPMP Body Lotion 200mlLa MerThe Body RefinerSkinCeuticalsBody Retexturizing Treatment
Match—32%25%24%
Price—$17.52—$64.00
Shared key ingredients—3 of 83 of 83 of 8
Key difference—NiacinamidePetrolatumNiacinamide
Irritancy High Medium High High
Drying alcohol——— Contains drying alcohol
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Product summary

"Dr. Denese - Body Rx Pre Treatment Skin Exfoliator" could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • this product includes a form of Retinoids (vitamin A) - retinyl palmitate 0.15% - 0.50%, but this type of vitamin A is not very effective. It could in theory help with fine lines and wrinkles, but the effect is most likely minimal.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed oil: Analytical and phytochemical characterization of unsaponifiable fractionpubs.acs.org
  2. 2
    Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) as a Resource for Green Cosmeticstandfonline.com
  3. 3
    Amended Safety Assessment of PEGylated Oils as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  4. 4
    Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
  6. 6
    Extract of Punica granatum inhibits skin photoaging induced by UVB irradiationncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Dr. Denese Body Rx Pre Treatment Skin Exfoliator
Dr. DeneseBody Rx Pre Treatment Skin Exfoliator
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Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.