Erborian Glow Cream Illuminating Face Cream by Erborian
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Moisturizing12 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Harness the secrets of Korean beauty rituals with Erborian Glow Cream, a nourishing skincare formula enriched with natural ingredients to visibly blur imperfections, hydrate and protect, and illuminate the complexion.”
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:
arginine, cyclomethicone.
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: arginine, phenyl trimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Evens skin tone2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“This soothing, multi-use cream boasts liquorice root extract, vegetal squalane, vitamin E and poria cocos, which offer antioxidant benefits and brightening properties.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
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: glycyrrhiza glabra root 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.
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
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.
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy8 strong irritants: Parfum, Hexyl cinnamal + 6 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
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Water~45–55%
Cyclomethicone~5.8–7.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer
More about CyclomethiconeButylene glycol~4.3–5.3%
- 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 glycolTitanium dioxide~3.8–4.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxidePhenyl trimethicone~2.6–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture
More about Phenyl trimethiconePentylene glycol~2.2–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolNiacinamide~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideDicaprylyl carbonate~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonateMica~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaHexyl laurate~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Hexyl laurateGlycyrrhiza glabra root extract~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractPoria cocos extract~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Cetearyl alcohol~0.6–0.9%
- 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 alcoholXanthan gum~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumSilica~0.6–0.9%
Squalane~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 SqualaneGlyceryl stearate~0.45–0.7%
- 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 stearatePeg-100 stearate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearatePhenoxyethanol~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolPotassium cetyl phosphate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Potassium cetyl phosphateAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.3–0.55%
- 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 crosspolymerArginine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
More about ArginineAcrylates/stearyl acrylate/dimethicone methacrylate copolymer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerEthylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%
Parfum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumPolysorbate 60~0.25–0.5%
Sorbitan isostearate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan isostearate1,2-hexanediol~0.2–0.4%
Tocopherol~0.25–0.4%
- 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 TocopherolHexyl cinnamal~0.2–0.35%
Alpha-isomethyl ionone~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Alpha-isomethyl iononeLinalool~0.1–0.2%
Citronellol~0.1–0.2%
Geraniol~0.1–0.15%
Eugenol~0.05–0.1%
Limonene~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneIngredient list view
Water, Cyclomethicone, Butylene glycol, Titanium dioxide, Phenyl trimethicone, Pentylene glycol, Niacinamide, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Mica, Hexyl laurate, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Poria cocos extract, Cetearyl alcohol, Xanthan gum, Silica, Squalane, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Arginine, Acrylates/stearyl acrylate/dimethicone methacrylate copolymer, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan isostearate, 1,2-hexanediol, Tocopherol, Hexyl cinnamal, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Eugenol, Limonene
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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.
| ErborianGlow Cream Illuminating Face Cream by ErborianYOUR PRODUCT | P.CALMCato Cream | Serendi BeautySea Water Algae Cream | MIGUHARACica Bakuchiol Erasing Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 91% | 90% | 90% |
| Price | $11.63 | $17.99+$6.36 | $27.60+$15.97 | $27.04+$15.41 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 7 | 3 of 7 | 3 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Madecassic Acid | Oligopeptide-1 | Madecassoside |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "Erborian - Glow Cream Illuminating Face Cream by Erborian" works well for improving skin hydration 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 (arginine, cyclomethicone 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 (cyclomethicone, arginine, phenyl trimethicone, squalane 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 love that this moisturizer contains a good concentration of niacinamide 2.00% - 2.50%. Niacinamide is a perfect active in a moistruizer because it helps calm down inflamation in skin and support the skin barrier. More than that, it is helpful for most common skin concerns: it helps regulat oil production, help reduce acne and clogged pores, improve skin tone and prevent pigmentation marks. It also helps fight photodamage.
Irritation risk
This moisturizer contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. 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.
Price
The product retails for 61.72CA$ in Canada, for 120.75A$ in Australia and from 8.80£ up to 19.00£ 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 6 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
- 6
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