What's In My Jar
First Honey Manuka Honey Cream
First Honey

First Honey Manuka Honey Cream

Efficacy37/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Honey, Coco-caprylate + 17 more
Works
What the product description says
“Manuka Honey Cream”
From product name

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: betaine, 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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, helianthus annuus seed oil.

HoneyKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen~4–4.9%
Coco-caprylateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product texture~2.4–2.9%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~1.7–2%
Cetyl palmitateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability~0.6–0.85%
Olea europaea fruit oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation~0.5–0.75%
Jojoba estersKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function~0.3–0.55%
BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.3–0.5%
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~0.25–0.5%
Aleurites moluccanus seed oilKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.4%
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~0.2–0.4%
Pongamia glabra seed oilKey activeEffect: MediumA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%
Stearic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~2–2.5%
Behenyl alcohol· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient~1.5–1.8%
Glyceryl stearate citrate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.65%
Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.3–0.6%
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~0.1–0.15%
Butyrospermum parkii butterUnder-dosedA 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~0.4–0.6%
GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.4–0.65%
PanthenolUnder-dosedHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.15–0.25%
Evens skin tone
Gluconolactone
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Mānuka honey also boasts high levels of MGO (methylglyoxal), a compound known for its potent antibacterial properties.With its distinctive light caramelto dark brown hue, Mānuka Honey 600+ is thicker and richer than typical honeys.”
Source: N/A

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.4–0.65%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Lavandula angustifolia oil, Mentha piperita oil + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 18 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Lavandula angustifolia oilAn essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Mentha piperita oilUsed as a fragrance and can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
Rosmarinus officinalis extract—High~0.1–0.2%est.
Coco-caprylateAn emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product textureMedium~2.4–2.9%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~1.7–2%est.
Potassium laurateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~1.1–1.4%est.
Glyceryl behenateUsed to create a thicker product consistency and help soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.95–1.15%est.
Tapioca starchUsed to create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.65–0.95%est.
Olea europaea fruit oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammationMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
GluconolactoneA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicalsMedium~0.4–0.65%est.
Sorbitan palmitateHelps water and oil mix together and stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.4–0.6%est.
Jojoba estersAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier functionMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Polyglyceryl-3 cocoateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Polyglyceryl-6 caprylateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Polyglyceryl-6 ricinoleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Caprylhydroxamic acidA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~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
Butyrospermum parkii butterA 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 radicals3/5~0.4–0.6%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
ReVersive Pro Youth Eye Cream
BABOR ReVersive Pro Youth Eye Cream
Higher efficacy · 58/10050% match
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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
Leptospermum scoparium branch/leaf oil~4.6–5.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Leptospermum scoparium branch/leaf oil
Honey~4–4.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAntibacterial

Helps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen

More about Honey
Stearyl alcohol~2.7–3.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Stearyl alcohol
Coco-caprylate~2.4–2.9%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product texture

More about Coco-caprylate
Stearic acid~2–2.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1.7–2%
Key activeIrritant · 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
Behenyl alcohol~1.5–1.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient

More about Behenyl alcohol
Isopentyl
Not recognized
Potassium laurate~1.1–1.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Potassium laurate
Glyceryl behenate~0.95–1.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and help soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Glyceryl behenate
Tapioca starch~0.65–0.95%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Tapioca starch
Cetyl palmitate~0.6–0.85%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability

More about Cetyl palmitate
Olea europaea fruit oil~0.5–0.75%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation

More about Olea europaea fruit oil
Gluconolactone~0.4–0.65%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneExfoliationMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals

More about Gluconolactone
Glyceryl stearate citrate~0.45–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin

More about Glyceryl stearate citrate
Sorbitan olivate~0.4–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan olivate
Sorbitan palmitate~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together and stabilize the product formulation

More about Sorbitan palmitate
Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.4–0.6%
Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

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

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter
Betaine~0.3–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine
Glyceryl caprylate~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate
Xanthan gum~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Jojoba esters~0.3–0.55%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function

More about Jojoba esters
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.25–0.5%
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
Polyglyceryl-3 cocoate~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 cocoate
Polyglyceryl-4 caprate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Polyglyceryl-4 caprate
Polyglyceryl-6 caprylate~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-6 caprylate
Polyglyceryl-6 ricinoleate~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-6 ricinoleate
Aminomethyl propanol~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the pH in formulations

More about Aminomethyl propanol
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Aleurites moluccanus seed oil~0.25–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Aleurites moluccanus seed oil
Lavandula angustifolia oil~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Lavandula angustifolia oil
Mentha piperita oil~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance and can be irritating

More about Mentha piperita oil
Potassium sorbate~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Pongamia glabra seed oil~0.2–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Pongamia glabra seed oil
Vanilla
Not recognized
Glycerin~0.2–0.4%
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
Caprylhydroxamic acid~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Caprylhydroxamic acid
Panthenol~0.15–0.25%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Rosmarinus officinalis extract~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Rosmarinus officinalis extract
Bisabolol~0.1–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol
Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate
Tocopherol~0.1–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-aging

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, Leptospermum scoparium branch/leaf oil, Honey, Stearyl alcohol, Coco-caprylate, Stearic acid, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Behenyl alcohol, Unknown, Potassium laurate, Glyceryl behenate, Tapioca starch, Cetyl palmitate, Olea europaea fruit oil, Gluconolactone, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Sorbitan olivate, Sorbitan palmitate, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Betaine, Glyceryl caprylate, Xanthan gum, Jojoba esters, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Polyglyceryl-3 cocoate, Polyglyceryl-4 caprate, Polyglyceryl-6 caprylate, Polyglyceryl-6 ricinoleate, Aminomethyl propanol, Sodium benzoate, Aleurites moluccanus seed oil, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Mentha piperita oil, Potassium sorbate, Pongamia glabra seed oil, Unknown, Glycerin, Caprylhydroxamic acid, Panthenol, Rosmarinus officinalis extract, Bisabolol, Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate, Tocopherol

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/4 18:02 GMT
$18.96
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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
First HoneyManuka Honey CreamYOUR PRODUCTBABORReVersive Pro Youth Eye CreamAHCHydrating Essential Real Eye Cream for FaceJASONEster-C Creme Anti-Aging Moisturizer
Match—50%43%43%
Price$18.96—$21.42+$2.46—
Shared key ingredients—5 of 95 of 96 of 9
Key difference—Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9Copper Tripeptide-1Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Irritancy High Medium High High
Drying alcohol—— Contains drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 23 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Use of “natural” oils for moisturization: Review of olive, coconut, and sunflower seed oilonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  2. 2
    A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acnencbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    The Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone Protects Against Ultraviolet Radiation in an In Vitro Model of Cutaneous Photoagingonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  4. 4
    Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivityncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative studydovepress.com
  6. 6
    A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimenncbi.nlm.nih.gov
First Honey Manuka Honey Cream
First HoneyManuka Honey Cream
Buy on Amazon$18.96 · as of 11/4 18:02 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy on Amazon$18.96 · as of 11/4 18:02 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.