Formula Absolute Ultimate Sleep Cream
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Anti-aging8 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“0 out of 5 Restore & Nourish Advanced Radiance Super Serum 30ml Formula Sleep & Replenish Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream 15ml Current Price £17.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, serine.
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.
Moisturizing30 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Absolute Ultimate Sleep Cream”
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: beeswax, dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, niacinamide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, urea
Evens skin tone1 ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
“0 out of 5 Restore & Nourish Firming Night Cream 50ml Formula Prevent & Brighten Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream 15ml Current Price £17.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
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-blemishNot advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claimGood support
This product might be able to help reduce blemishes and clogged pores because it contains niacinamide.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Parfum, Benzophenone-4Medium risk
Comedogenic3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale3 flagged
User reviews
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Isododecane~6–7.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture
More about IsododecaneNiacinamide~4.2–5.1%
- 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 NiacinamideC10-18 triglycerides~3.1–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the skin and attract water to its upper layer. Helps create nice product texture
More about C10-18 triglyceridesIsodecyl neopentanoate~2.4–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin. It also forms a protective on its surface to reduce water loss.
More about Isodecyl neopentanoateButylene glycol~1.9–2.3%
- 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 glycolBeeswax~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Forms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen
More about BeeswaxIsononyl isononanoate~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Forms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness
More about Isononyl isononanoateDimethicone~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeGlycerin~1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinHydrogenated tetradecenyl/methylpentadecene~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sucrose polystearate~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sucrose polystearateGlyceryl stearate~0.55–0.85%
- 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~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateBehenyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholButyrospermum parkii butter~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
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 butterAcrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps water and oil mix together and create gel-like textures
More about Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymerPhenoxyethanol~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIsohexadecane~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent
More about IsohexadecaneOlea europaea fruit oil~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 oilTocopheryl acetate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acetateParfum~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumDimethicone crosspolymer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface
More about Dimethicone crosspolymerTrehalose~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehaloseUrea~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations
More about UreaCaprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolBenzophenone-4~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Sulisobenzone. A UV filter. Is typically used to improve the product stability under exposure to UV light. It is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It can be used is larger concentrations as a sun protection ingredient for the skin, but can be irritating
More about Benzophenone-4Cetyl palmitate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability
More about Cetyl palmitateSclerocarya birrea seed oil~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.
More about Sclerocarya birrea seed oilAleurites moluccanus seed oil~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Aleurites moluccanus seed oilDisodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Sorbitan laurate~0.25–0.5%
Polysorbate 80~0.3–0.5%
Chlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Pentylene glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolSerine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
More about SerineSorbitan oleate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan oleateHydroxyethylcellulose~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
More about HydroxyethylcelluloseAcetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl esterCarbomer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerSodium lactate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
More about Sodium lactateAlgin~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Used to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about AlginDisodium phosphate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation
More about Disodium phosphateGlyceryl polyacrylate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to create a nice product texture and spread the product more easily on the skin
More about Glyceryl polyacrylatePullulan~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect
More about PullulanSodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateCitric acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidPolysorbate 20~0.25–0.5%
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.45%
Potassium phosphate~0.25–0.45%
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba gum~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Xanthan gum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumTocopherol~0.2–0.4%
- 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 TocopherolAscorbyl palmitate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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.
More about Ascorbyl palmitateTetrapeptide-26~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-1Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Ci 15985~0.1–0.2%
Ci 19140~0.1–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Water, Isododecane, Niacinamide, C10-18 triglycerides, Isodecyl neopentanoate, Butylene glycol, Beeswax, Isononyl isononanoate, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Hydrogenated tetradecenyl/methylpentadecene, Sucrose polystearate, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Behenyl alcohol, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Isohexadecane, Olea europaea fruit oil, Unknown, Tocopheryl acetate, Parfum, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Trehalose, Urea, Caprylyl glycol, Benzophenone-4, Cetyl palmitate, Sclerocarya birrea seed oil, Aleurites moluccanus seed oil, Disodium edta, Sorbitan laurate, Polysorbate 80, Chlorphenesin, Pentylene glycol, Serine, Sorbitan oleate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, Carbomer, Sodium lactate, Algin, Disodium phosphate, Glyceryl polyacrylate, Pullulan, Sodium hyaluronate, Citric acid, Polysorbate 20, Sodium benzoate, Potassium phosphate, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba gum, Xanthan gum, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl palmitate, Tetrapeptide-26, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Ci 15985, Ci 19140
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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.
| FormulaAbsolute Ultimate Sleep CreamYOUR PRODUCT | e.l.f. CosmeticsFragrance Free Holy Hydration! Face Cream | e.l.f.Happy Hydration Face Cream | AHCEye Cream For Face | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 68% | 67% | 65% |
| Price | $21.15 | $9.10−$12.05 | $15.86−$5.29 | $14.85−$6.30 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 17 | 6 of 17 | 10 of 17 |
| Key difference | — | Panthenol | Panthenol | Copper Tripeptide-1 |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | High |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "Formula - Absolute Ultimate Sleep Cream" works well for improving skin hydration The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Humectants in this product (urea, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, sodium lactate and trehalose) 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). Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, beeswax, dimethicone and c10-18 triglycerides in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.
Ingredient callouts
- We love that this moisturizer contains a good concentration of niacinamide 4.20% - 5.10%. 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.
- We like that this moisturizer contains peptides (palmitoyl tripeptide-1 0.20% - 0.35%, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 0.20% - 0.35% and acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester 0.25% - 0.50%). There are many different kind of peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of amino-acids. Some of them work as natural anti-biotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective peptides in skincare are, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. Peptides might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
Irritation risk
There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. 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.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 18 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 5
- 6Use of “natural” oils for moisturization: Review of olive, coconut, and sunflower seed oilonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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