Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Moisturizing
- Anti-oxidation
Doesn't work for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-aging
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: high
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 4
Key actives
Product Summary
"ESPA - Optimal Skin Instant Facial" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory
This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.30% - 0.60% and glycerin 4.90% - 6.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 77.00A$ in Australia, from 82.00$ up to 93.80$ in the United States, from 37.80£ up to 60.00£ in the United Kingdom and for 103.40CA$ in Canada.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Anti-oxidation
This product contains antioxidants (squalene) 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.
An oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast
A plant oil that is effective in reducing irritation in skin, restore the barrier function and support its hydration
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
A plant extract that can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
A seaweed extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have an anti-oxidant effect
An emollient that softens the skin
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
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
A Mineral & Electrolyte Complex delivers a surge of moisture to the skin, while antioxidant-rich macroalgae cell extract helps to protect the skin barrier.
Source: Lookfantastic Australia
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, 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: butyrospermum parkii butter, cocos nucifera oil.
A plant oil that is effective in reducing irritation in skin, restore the barrier function and support its hydration
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
An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
An emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
An oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast
A seaweed extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have an anti-oxidant effect
An emollient that softens the skin
Helps soften the skin and attract water to its upper layer. Helps create nice product texture
An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation
A plant extract that can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
A plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Is unlikely to be helpful in restoring skin barrier function due to the low content of linoleic acid
Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating
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
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.
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)
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
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Naturally Powerful Skin & Body Therapy Signature Blends Active Nutrients Optimal Radiance Aromatherapy Candles ESPA Men Tri-Active™ Resilience Tri-Active™ Regenerating Tri-Active™ Lift & Firm
Source: Espa UK
This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.This ingredient - butyrospermum parkii butter - could be helpful for preventing or repairing signs of aging in theory, but there is no evidence that it actually works.
This ingredient squalene might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin and help it fight off some of the sun damage.
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
An emollient that softens the skin
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
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)
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
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Moisturizing | |
| Anti-aging |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 62/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
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| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 ESPA Optimal Skin Instant Facial | Current | $37.80 | |
 Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum with Lactic Acid | 51% | $108.00 | |
 Shani Darden Skin Care Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum | 51% | $88.00 | |
 Ere Perez Quandong Green Booster Serum | 50% | $33.80 | |
BIHAKU JOSHI White Mask | 50% | $12.70 | |
 QMS Medicosmetics Active Exfoliant 11 % Resurfacing Fluid | 50% | $90.00 |
Key Actives
A plant oil that is effective in reducing irritation in skin, restore the barrier function and support its hydration
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
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)
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
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
A seaweed extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have an anti-oxidant effect
An oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic
An emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function
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.
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
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
Potential irritants
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating
A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity
A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
An essential oil with a lemon-like smell that is extracted from a fruit grown in Asia. Used as a fragrance
Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
An emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function
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.
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
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
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)
A plant extract that can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
A plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Is unlikely to be helpful in restoring skin barrier function due to the low content of linoleic acid
Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration
Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration
Comedogenic ingredients
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
An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic
An oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast
A plant extract that can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
All ingredients
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
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
An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic
An emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function
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.
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
A plant oil that is effective in reducing irritation in skin, restore the barrier function and support its hydration
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
Helps soften the skin and attract water to its upper layer. Helps create nice product texture
An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity
A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin
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
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
A seaweed extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have an anti-oxidant effect
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
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)
An oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast
An essential oil with a lemon-like smell that is extracted from a fruit grown in Asia. Used as a fragrance
A plant extract that can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
A plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Is unlikely to be helpful in restoring skin barrier function due to the low content of linoleic acid
Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration
Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration
Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Glyceryl oleate citrate, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Linum usitatissimum seed oil, Olea europaea fruit oil, Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil, Citric acid, Cocos nucifera oil, Persea gratissima oil, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Borago officinalis seed oil, Limonene, C10-18 triglycerides, Bentonite, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Sodium hyaluronate, Xanthan gum, Sodium benzoate, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Citrus nobilis peel oil, Potassium sorbate, Tocopherol, Sodium citrate, Olive oil decyl esters, Ascorbyl glucoside, Sclerotium gum, Sea water extract, Hydrated silica, Undaria pinnatifida extract, Parfum, Citrus aurantium amara leaf/twig oil, Cymbopogon nardus oil, Linalool, Lactic acid, Squalene, Geraniol, Jasminum officinale flower extract, Litsea cubeba fruit oil, Rosa centifolia flower extract, Citral, Chlorella vulgaris extract, Moringa oleifera seed oil, Maris sal, Sea salt, Citrus aurantium amara flower oil, Rosa damascena flower oil, Parfum
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Use of “natural” oils for moisturization: Review of olive, coconut, and sunflower seed oil
- Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils
- Dermatology News - Commentary: Borage Seed Oil
- Undershirts coated with borage oil alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis in children
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- Safety Assessment of Citrus-Derived Peel Oils as Used in Cosmetics
- Oxidized citrus oil (R-limonene): A frequent skin sensitizer in Europe
- Air oxidation increases skin irritation from fragrance terpenes
- Oxidized citrus oil (R-limonene): A frequent skin sensitizer in Europe
- Vitamin E in dermatology
- Vitamin E and Skin Health
- The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health
- Stability, transdermal penetration, and cutaneous effects of ascorbic acid and its derivatives
- Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Squalene and its potential clinical uses
- Biological and Pharmacological Activities of Squalene and Related Compounds: Potential Uses in Cosmetic Dermatology
- Enhanced comedo formation in rabbit ear skin by squalene and oleic acid peroxides
- Annex I: Clinical evidence regarding sensitisation to individual fragrance chemicals and to natural extracts
- Ethnopharmacological Properties and Medicinal Uses of Litsea cubeba
- Moringa oleifera seed oil: Composition, nutritional aspects and health attributes
- Moringa oleifera Seeds and Oil: Characteristics and Uses for Human Health
- Biological Activities and Safety of Citrus spp. Essential Oils