Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Moisturizing
- Anti-aging
- Evens skin tone
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: high
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 2
Key actives
Product Summary
"ESPA - Optimal Skin Pro-Serum" is effective for: Moisturizing
Ingredient callouts
- Another helpful ingredient in this product is Linoleic Acid. It is one of the fatty acids naturally present in skin. It is part of the skin barrier. Preliminary research shows that it might be able to reduce clogged pores.
Price
The product retails from 15.00£ up to 78.00£ in the United Kingdom, from 38.12A$ up to 77.00A$ in Australia, from 12.00$ up to 115.00$ in the United States and for 97.10CA$ in Canada.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Works for
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
ESPA Men Tri-Active™ Lift & Firm
Source: Espa UK
This product contains retinyl palmitate. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.
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
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
Works as a humectant helping to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might be effective as an anti-oxidant.
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.
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Turmeric – brightens and evens the appearance of skin tone
Source: Espa
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: retinyl palmitate.
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
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
This nutrient-rich, glow-giving serum hydrates and nourishes the skin with supercharged natural actives
Source: Espa
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: caprylic/capric triglyceride, helianthus annuus seed oil.
Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties
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 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
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
A great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating
A plant oil that because of its high content of alpha-linolenic acid help support skin barrier function and moisturize the skin
An emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.
An emollient that helps soften the skin
A plant extract that helps soften the upper layer of the skin
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
An algae extract that might have anti-oxidant properties
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation
Works as a humectant helping to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might be effective as an anti-oxidant.
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
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Evens skin tone |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 75/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
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| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 ESPA Optimal Skin Pro-Serum | Current | $12.00 | |
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Key Actives
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
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
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
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
A great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating
A plant oil that because of its high content of alpha-linolenic acid help support skin barrier function and moisturize the skin
An emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties
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
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 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
Plant extract that might hep calm down inflammation in skin
Potential irritants
A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant
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
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
A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin
An essential oil used for fragrance. Can be an allergen and irritant
A plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating
Plant extract that might hep calm down inflammation in skin
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties but evidence is missing
Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. 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
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
A great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating
A plant oil that because of its high content of alpha-linolenic acid help support skin barrier function and moisturize the skin
An emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.
A plant extract that helps soften the upper layer of the skin
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.
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
Comedogenic ingredients
An algae extract that might have anti-oxidant properties
All ingredients
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties
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
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 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
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
A great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating
A plant oil that because of its high content of alpha-linolenic acid help support skin barrier function and moisturize the skin
An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant
An emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
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 essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating
An algae extract that might have anti-oxidant properties
A plant extract that helps soften the upper layer of the skin
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
A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin
An essential oil used for fragrance. Can be an allergen and irritant
A plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating
Works as a humectant helping to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might be effective as an anti-oxidant.
Plant extract that might hep calm down inflammation in skin
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
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.
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties but evidence is missing
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
Ingredient list view
Oryza sativa bran oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Coconut alkanes, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Helianthus annuus seed oil unsaponifiables, Oenothera biennis oil, Rosa canina fruit oil, Echium plantagineum seed oil, Octyldodecanol, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Curcuma longa root extract, Ribes nigrum seed oil, Limonene, Tocopherol, Cedrus deodara wood oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Cananga odorata flower oil, Crithmum maritimum extract, Lupinus albus seed extract, Retinyl palmitate, Glyceryl oleate, Citrus nobilis peel oil, Citrus reticulata peel oil, Eugenia caryophyllus flower extract, Pogostemon cablin leaf extract, Eugenol, Alaria esculenta extract, Spilanthes acmella flower extract, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Jasminum sambac flower extract, Mentha viridis leaf oil, Plumeria acutifolia flower extract, Rosa centifolia flower oil, Linalool, Ascorbyl palmitate, Geraniol, Citric acid, Cardiospermum halicacabum flower/leaf/vine extract, Glyceryl stearate, Lecithin, Benzyl benzoate, Citronellol, Benzyl salicylate, Farnesol, Benzyl alcohol
- Study on the Composition of Rice Bran Oil and Its Higher Free Fatty Acids Value
- Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Care
- Topically Applied Sunflower Seed Oil Prevents Invasive Bacterial Infections in Preterm Infants in Egypt
- Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skin
- Impact of topical oils on the skin barrier: possible implications for neonatal health in developing countries
- Healing fats of the skin: the structural and immunologic roles of the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids
- Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics
- Vaughn, A. R., Branum, A., & Sivamani, R. K. (2016). Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. Phytotherapy Research, 30(8), 1243–1264. doi:10.1002/ptr.5640
- Vitamin E in dermatology
- Vitamin E and Skin Health
- Contact Sensitization to Emulsifying Agents: An Underrated Issue?
- 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
- Transdermal behaviour of the N-alkylamide spilanthol (affinin) from Spilanthes acmella (Compositae) extracts
- Allergic contact dermatitis induced by rosemary leaf extract in a cleansing gel
- Safety Assessment of Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
- Rosmarinus officinalis Extract Suppresses Propionibacterium acnes–Induced Inflammatory Responses
- Annex I: Clinical evidence regarding sensitisation to individual fragrance chemicals and to natural extracts
- Evidence for the efficacy and safety of topical herbal drugs in dermatology: Part I: Anti-inflammatory agents