innisfree

innisfree Brightening & pore-caring cream

Name: innisfree - Brightening & pore-caring cream
Brand: innisfree

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

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Works for

3 of 3 advertised claims delivered

Anti-aging

Niacinamide, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid + 1 more

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“improved look of firmness around the pores”

Source: Innisfree

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.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs 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~2.4–3%

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help 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~0.15–0.3%

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%

Evens skin tone

Niacinamide, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“Brightening & pore-caring cream”

Source: Innisfree

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.

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidUnder-dosedEffect: MediumA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help 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~0.15–0.3%

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Niacinamide + 14 more

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“gel cream for a moisture-filled glow”

Source: Innisfree

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, butylene glycol.

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: dimethicone, dimethiconol.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide, panthenol

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~3.2–3.9%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.95–1.2%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~6.1–7.5%

DimethiconolKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time~0.45–0.65%

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs 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~2.4–3%

CyclopentasiloxaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~1.5–1.8%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.6–0.85%

Glyceryl stearate citrate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin~0.6–0.95%

Hydrogenated polyisobutene· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowUsed to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin~0.75–1.1%

Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.35–0.6%

Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.3–0.55%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.45–0.65%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~4.3–5.2%

Cetyl ethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture~1.2–1.5%

Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.4–0.65%

Anti-blemish

Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Lauric acid

Strong evidence

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.

Lauric acidEffect: LowHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes~0.2–0.35%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Limonene, Citrus reticulata peel extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Citrus reticulata peel extractA likely irritant. Might have some anti-oxidant activity, but is mostly used as a fragrance in cosmetic productsHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help 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 productsHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.95–1.15%est.

Cetyl ethylhexanoateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product textureMedium~1.2–1.5%est.

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~0.55–0.8%est.

Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.4%est.

Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenicMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Lauric acidHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishesMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Comedogenic

3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

3 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

Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.2–0.35%est.

Lauric acidHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes3/5~0.2–0.35%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.6–0.85%est.

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Olay Vitamin C & Peptide 24 Advanced Moisturizer

Closest match96% 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

Dimethicone~6.1–7.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone

Butylene glycol~4.3–5.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 glycol

Glycerin~3.2–3.9%

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

Niacinamide~2.4–3%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishMoisturizingReduces irritationAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces redness

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 Niacinamide

Trisiloxane~2–2.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A type of silicone. Used to improve product texture

More about Trisiloxane

1,2-hexanediol~0.95–1.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Cyclopentasiloxane~1.5–1.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MattifyingMoisturizing

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane

Cetyl ethylhexanoate~1.2–1.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture

More about Cetyl ethylhexanoate

Panthenol~0.95–1.2%

Hero · Moisturizing

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

Hydrogenated polyisobutene~0.75–1.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated polyisobutene

Glyceryl stearate citrate~0.6–0.95%

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

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.55–0.8%

Irritant · medium

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 copolymer

Cetearyl alcohol~0.6–0.85%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer

Propanediol~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Polyacrylate-13~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the product formulation

More about Polyacrylate-13

Dimethiconol~0.45–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time

More about Dimethiconol

Glyceryl stearate~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Polyisobutene~0.35–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to improve the product consistency

More about Polyisobutene

Hydrogenated lecithin~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin

Glyceryl caprylate~0.35–0.6%

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

Limonene~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Stearic acid~0.4–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid

Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate

Sorbitan isostearate~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan isostearate

Palmitic acid~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid

Fragrance / parfum

Not recognized

Citrus reticulata peel extract~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A likely irritant. Might have some anti-oxidant activity, but is mostly used as a fragrance in cosmetic products

More about Citrus reticulata peel extract

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Polysorbate 60~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60

Polysorbate 20~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20

Disodium edta~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid~0.15–0.3%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-aging

A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help 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

More about 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid

Linalool~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Myristic acid~0.2–0.35%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic

More about Myristic acid

Lauric acid~0.2–0.35%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

CleansingAnti-blemishAntibacterial

Helps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes

More about Lauric acid

Tocopherol~0.1–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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, Dimethicone, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Trisiloxane, 1,2-hexanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl ethylhexanoate, Panthenol, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Cetearyl alcohol, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Propanediol, Polyacrylate-13, Dimethiconol, Glyceryl stearate, Polyisobutene, Hydrogenated lecithin, Glyceryl caprylate, Limonene, Stearic acid, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Sorbitan isostearate, Palmitic acid, Unknown, Citrus reticulata peel extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 20, Disodium edta, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Linalool, Myristic acid, Lauric acid, Tocopherol

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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
	innisfreeBrightening & pore-caring creamYOUR PRODUCT	OlayVitamin C & Peptide 24 Advanced Moisturizer	NaturiumMulti-Peptide Moisturizer	Dr.Reju-AllAdvanced PDRN Rejuvenating Cream Max
Match	—	96%	92%	91%
Price	—	—	$11.00	$66.71
Shared key ingredients	—	6 of 7	5 of 7	4 of 7
Key difference	—	Lactic Acid	Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5	Adenosine
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, "innisfree - Brightening & pore-caring cream" works well for moisturizing the skin. As we expect from a proper moisturizer, the formula includes a combo of effective humectants and emollients. These are the two different types of ingredients that are essential for improving the skin hydration and supporting a healthy skin barrier. Panthenol, glycerin and butylene glycol in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Dimethicone, dimethiconol, cetearyl alcohol, cyclopentasiloxane and cetyl ethylhexanoate 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 2.40% - 3.00%. 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.
This formulation also includes panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 0.95% - 1.20% concentration. In this concentration, panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.

Irritation risk

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.