Dr. Denese Med MD 33 Clinical Neck Treatment

Based on the ingredients included, "Dr. Denese - Med MD 33 Clinical Neck Treatment" works well for moisturizing the skin. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Dr. Denese - Med MD 33 Clinical Neck Treatment ticks this box. Heptapeptide-15 palmitate, urea, dextran, glycerin and hyaluronic acid 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). Isosorbide dicaprylate, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, linolenic acid and theobroma cacao seed butter 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

• this moisturizer includes a form of retinoids (vitamin A) - retinyl palmitate 0.20% - 0.35%, 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.
• We like that this moisturizer contains peptides (palmitoyl tripeptide-38 0.30% - 0.55%, copper heptapeptide-14 pantothenate 0.30% - 0.60%, heptapeptide-15 palmitate 0.35% - 0.60%, palmitoyl tripeptide-1 0.45% - 0.65% and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 0.45% - 0.70%). There are many different kind of peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of amino-acids. Some of them work as natural anti-biotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective peptides in skincare are, 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.

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.