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EISENBERG Youth Elixir Illuminating Lifting Gel for Men
EISENBERG

EISENBERG Youth Elixir Illuminating Lifting Gel for Men

Efficacy37/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Glycerin, Saccharide isomerate + 17 more
Works
What the product description says
“Functioning as a skin enhancer, the anti-ageing gel hydrates and repairs skin, whilst leaving it visibly lifted.”
Source: Beauty Expert

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: biosaccharide gum-1, glycerin.

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, borago officinalis seed oil.

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~3.8–4.7%
Saccharide isomerateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~1.5–1.9%
Chondrus crispus powderKey activeEffect: MediumA powder from red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency~1.5–1.8%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.5%
Borago officinalis seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA plant oil that is effective in reducing irritation in skin, restore the barrier function and support its hydration~0.25–0.45%
Biosaccharide gum-1Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin~0.25–0.45%
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%
Oenothera biennis oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~0.25–0.45%
Bacillus fermentKey activeEffect: HighA product of bacterial fermentation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%
LactoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%
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~5.7–7%
Peg-8· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product consistency~1.1–1.3%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.45–0.65%
Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~0.3–0.55%
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~0.1–0.2%
Rosa canina fruit oilUnder-dosedA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating~0.25–0.45%
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilUnder-dosedSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~0.25–0.5%
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~0.2–0.35%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn 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)~0.1–0.15%
Anti-aging
Retinyl palmitate ~0.15–0.25% + 1 more
Under-dosed
What the product description says
“Functioning as a skin enhancer, the anti-ageing gel hydrates and repairs skin, whilst leaving it visibly lifted.”
Source: Beauty Expert

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

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~0.1–0.2%
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~0.15–0.25%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn 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)~0.1–0.15%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Parfum, Limonene + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 23 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Centaurea cyanus flower waterCornflower water. Might have an anti-oxidant effect and can help reduce inflammation in skin. However, it can be irritating on its ownHigh~3.1–3.7%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.2–0.35%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~0.15–0.25%est.
Peg-8Used to create a nice product consistencyMedium~1.1–1.3%est.
Ppg-26-buteth-26Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.6–0.9%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.5–0.8%est.
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Dehydroacetic acidA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Oenothera biennis oilHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier functionMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Rosa canina fruit oilA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritatingMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~0.25–0.5%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~0.2–0.4%est.
Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.3%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~0.2–0.35%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Lactic acidAn 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)Medium~0.1–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 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
Chondrus crispus powderA powder from red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency3/5~1.5–1.8%est.

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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~5.7–7%
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
Glycerin~3.8–4.7%
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
Centaurea cyanus flower water~3.1–3.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

Cornflower water. Might have an anti-oxidant effect and can help reduce inflammation in skin. However, it can be irritating on its own

More about Centaurea cyanus flower water
Carbomer~2.2–2.7%
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
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Saccharide isomerate~1.5–1.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharide isomerate
Chondrus crispus powder~1.5–1.8%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

A powder from red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency

More about Chondrus crispus powder
Peg-8~1.1–1.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product consistency

More about Peg-8
Sodium hydroxide~0.75–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Ppg-26-buteth-26~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Ppg-26-buteth-26
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.5–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil
Disodium edta~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Caprylyl glycol~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Fagus sylvatica bud extract~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Fagus sylvatica bud extract
Benzyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol
Propylene glycol~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol
Sodium hyaluronate~0.3–0.5%
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
Parfum~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Biosaccharide gum-1~0.25–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin

More about Biosaccharide gum-1
Sodium polyacrylate~0.3–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions

More about Sodium polyacrylate
Citric acid~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Sodium citrate~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate
Bacillus ferment~0.2–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A product of bacterial fermentation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Bacillus ferment
Lactose~0.2–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Lactose
Limonene~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Dehydroacetic acid~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Dehydroacetic acid
Borago officinalis seed oil~0.25–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant oil that is effective in reducing irritation in skin, restore the barrier function and support its hydration

More about Borago officinalis seed oil
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
Oenothera biennis oil~0.25–0.45%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatory

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function

More about Oenothera biennis oil
Rosa canina fruit oil~0.25–0.45%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating

More about Rosa canina fruit oil
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.25–0.5%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil
Tocopheryl acetate~0.2–0.4%
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
Lactis proteinum~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Lactis proteinum
Benzoic acid~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid
Retinyl palmitate~0.15–0.25%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishExfoliation

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
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.2–0.35%
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
Potassium sorbate~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Lactic acid~0.1–0.15%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

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 acid
Tocopherol~0.1–0.2%
Formula
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
Ingredient list view

Water, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Centaurea cyanus flower water, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Saccharide isomerate, Chondrus crispus powder, Peg-8, Sodium hydroxide, Ppg-26-buteth-26, Ethylhexylglycerin, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Disodium edta, Caprylyl glycol, Fagus sylvatica bud extract, Benzyl alcohol, Propylene glycol, Sodium hyaluronate, Parfum, Biosaccharide gum-1, Sodium polyacrylate, Citric acid, Sodium citrate, Bacillus ferment, Lactose, Limonene, Dehydroacetic acid, Borago officinalis seed oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Oenothera biennis oil, Rosa canina fruit oil, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Tocopheryl acetate, Lactis proteinum, Benzoic acid, Retinyl palmitate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Potassium sorbate, Lactic acid, Tocopherol

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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
EISENBERGYouth Elixir Illuminating Lifting Gel for MenYOUR PRODUCTW3LL PEOPLEFresh Dew Snow Mushroom Gel-Cream MoisturizerBABORSkinovage moisiturizing eye creamDr Dennis GrossHyaluronic Marine Hydrating Eye Gel Cream | Dr. Dennis Gross
Match—40%39%39%
Price—$23.00$59.90$20.00
Shared key ingredients—5 of 135 of 134 of 13
Key difference—NiacinamidePanthenolMadecassoside
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 20 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Anti-inflammatory and immunological effects of Centaurea cyanus flower-headsresearchgate.net
  3. 3
    Amended Safety Assessment of Butyl Polyoxyalkylene Ethers as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  4. 4
    Amended Safety Assessment of PEGylated Oils as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  5. 5
    Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
EISENBERG Youth Elixir Illuminating Lifting Gel for Men
EISENBERGYouth Elixir Illuminating Lifting Gel for Men
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Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.