Institut Esthederm

Institut Esthederm Cellular Water Melting Moisturizing Cream

Name: Institut Esthederm - Cellular Water Melting Moisturizing Cream
Brand: Institut Esthederm

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing

29 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“Cellular Water Melting Moisturizing 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: algae extract, artemia extract.

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, phenyl trimethicone.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide 3, urea

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~4.3–5.2%

SerineKey activeEffect: HighAn 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~0.15–0.25%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.3%

Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.15–0.25%

Soluble collagenKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA typically plant-derived compound that is supposed mimic human collagen. Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.3%

Algae extractKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: HighPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet~0.25–0.45%

Superoxide dismutaseKey activeEffect: HighAn antioxidant enzyme that is naturally present in skin. It can help support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin. It is used in topical medications for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. There are three types of natural Superoxide Dismutase in human skin. The compound used in topical treatments and cosmetics are mimics of typically one of these natural variants~0.15–0.3%

UreaHero· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally 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~0.15–0.25%

Artemia extractKey active· HumectantEffect: HighZooplankton extract that can attract water to the upper level of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.15–0.3%

CarnosineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage~0.1–0.2%

Ceramide 3Hero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.2–0.35%

CholesterolKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.25–0.45%

CyclomethiconeKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: HighA type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer~5.7–7%

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~3.1–3.7%

Imperata cylindrica root extractKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA plat extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer~0.15–0.3%

MannitolKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.3%

Phenyl trimethiconeKey active· OcclusiveEffect: HighA type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture~0.3–0.5%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.55–0.85%

GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.15–0.3%

Ethylhexyl palmitateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture~1.9–2.4%

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~0.8–1.2%

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~2.3–2.8%

Peg-8· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product consistency~0.2–0.35%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.2–0.4%

Sorbitol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.15–0.25%

AllantoinUnder-dosedEffect: HighHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.15–0.3%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedEffect: HighAn 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)~0.15–0.3%

CyclohexasiloxaneEffect: Low, below effective doseA silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels~0.45–0.65%

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~0.2–0.35%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · 6 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

This product contains antioxidants (carnosine, superoxide dismutase) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - creatine, imperata cylindrica root extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

CarnosineKey activeEffect: HighA type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage~0.1–0.2%

CreatineKey activeEffect: MediumCan support skin's ability to neutralize free radicals and produce collagen, though further research is needed to confirm effectiveness~0.15–0.3%

Imperata cylindrica root extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plat extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer~0.15–0.3%

Artemia extractEffect: LowZooplankton extract that can attract water to the upper level of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.15–0.3%

TocopherolUnder-dosedEffect: HighPure 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~0.2–0.35%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · 6 ingredients credited for this claim

Moderate support

This product contains carnosine, creatine, serine. These ingredients 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.

CarnosineKey activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage~0.1–0.2%

CreatineKey activeEffect: MediumCan support skin's ability to neutralize free radicals and produce collagen, though further research is needed to confirm effectiveness~0.15–0.3%

SerineKey activeEffect: MediumAn 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~0.15–0.25%

Algae extractEffect: LowPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet~0.25–0.45%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedEffect: MediumAn 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)~0.15–0.3%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

7 strong irritants: Parfum, Hexyl cinnamal + 5 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 24 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

Hexyl cinnamalA fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritantHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

Butylphenyl methylpropionalA fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehydeA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

Benzyl benzoateFragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

Steareth-2Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.6–1.9%est.

Steareth-21Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.65–1%est.

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Lactic acidAn 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)Medium~0.15–0.3%est.

Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

BhtA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

Imperata cylindrica root extractA plat extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layerMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Calcium chlorideHelps create a thicker product consistency. Might be irritatingMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Peg-8Used to create a nice product consistencyMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Ci 17200A red colorantMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Cetrimonium bromideHelps oil and water mix together. Also helps to preserve productsMedium~0.05–0.1%est.

ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Comedogenic

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

2 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

Ethylhexyl palmitateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture3/5~1.9–2.4%est.

Algae extractPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet3/5~0.25–0.45%est.

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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

Cyclomethicone~5.7–7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer

More about Cyclomethicone

Dimethicone~4.3–5.2%

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

Glycerin~3.1–3.7%

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

Butylene glycol~2.3–2.8%

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

Ethylhexyl palmitate~1.9–2.4%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Ethylhexyl palmitate

Steareth-2~1.6–1.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Steareth-2

Boron nitride~1.4–1.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to absord oil and evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in product formulation

More about Boron nitride

Xylitol~1.1–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function

More about Xylitol

Cyclopentasiloxane~0.8–1.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

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

Steareth-21~0.65–1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Steareth-21

Cetyl alcohol~0.55–0.85%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol

Cyclohexasiloxane~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels

More about Cyclohexasiloxane

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer

C10-30 cholesterol/lanosterol esters~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about C10-30 cholesterol/lanosterol esters

Phenyl trimethicone~0.3–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture

More about Phenyl trimethicone

Sodium citrate~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate

Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Cholesterol~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

More about Cholesterol

Lactic acid~0.15–0.3%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

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)

More about Lactic acid

Serine~0.15–0.25%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

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 Serine

Sodium lactate~0.15–0.25%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate

Sorbitol~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Sorbitol

Tea-lactate~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Tea-lactate

Urea~0.15–0.25%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingExfoliation

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 Urea

Sodium chloride~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride

Citric acid~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Soluble collagen~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A typically plant-derived compound that is supposed mimic human collagen. Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Soluble collagen

Bht~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Bht

Sodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Propylene glycol~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol

Imperata cylindrica root extract~0.15–0.3%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plat extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer

More about Imperata cylindrica root extract

Glucose~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose

Mannitol~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Mannitol

Disodium phosphate~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation

More about Disodium phosphate

Potassium chloride~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Potassium chloride

Sodium bicarbonate~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps regulate the product pH

More about Sodium bicarbonate

Calcium chloride~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps create a thicker product consistency. Might be irritating

More about Calcium chloride

Ceramide 3~0.2–0.35%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide 3

Magnesium chloride~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps thicken the product formulation

More about Magnesium chloride

Magnesium sulfate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Magnesium sulfate

Sodium benzoate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Peg-8~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product consistency

More about Peg-8

Carnosine~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage

More about Carnosine

Potassium phosphate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps regulate the pH of the formulation

More about Potassium phosphate

Allantoin~0.15–0.3%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Algae extract~0.25–0.45%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet

More about Algae extract

Disodium adenosine triphosphate~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Disodium adenosine triphosphate

Carbomer~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Tocopherol~0.2–0.35%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-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

Potassium sorbate~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Creatine~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingAnti-oxidation

Can support skin's ability to neutralize free radicals and produce collagen, though further research is needed to confirm effectiveness

More about Creatine

Ci 17200~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A red colorant

More about Ci 17200

Artemia extract~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Zooplankton extract that can attract water to the upper level of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Artemia extract

Pentylene glycol~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Superoxide dismutase~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An antioxidant enzyme that is naturally present in skin. It can help support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin. It is used in topical medications for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. There are three types of natural Superoxide Dismutase in human skin. The compound used in topical treatments and cosmetics are mimics of typically one of these natural variants

More about Superoxide dismutase

Tromethamine~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Cetrimonium bromide~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Also helps to preserve products

More about Cetrimonium bromide

Methylparaben~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Methylparaben

Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Chlorphenesin~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin

Parfum~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Hexyl cinnamal~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritant

More about Hexyl cinnamal

Butylphenyl methylpropional~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Butylphenyl methylpropional

Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde

Citronellol~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol

Linalool~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Benzyl benzoate~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Benzyl benzoate

Water~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Disodium adenosine triphosphate~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Disodium adenosine triphosphate

Carnosine~0.1–0.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage

More about Carnosine

Mineral salts~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to thicked product formulations. Might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin

More about Mineral salts

Ingredient list view

Water, Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Ethylhexyl palmitate, Steareth-2, Boron nitride, Xylitol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Steareth-21, Cetyl alcohol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, C10-30 cholesterol/lanosterol esters, Phenyl trimethicone, Sodium citrate, Sodium hydroxide, Cholesterol, Lactic acid, Serine, Sodium lactate, Sorbitol, Tea-lactate, Urea, Sodium chloride, Citric acid, Soluble collagen, Bht, Sodium hyaluronate, Propylene glycol, Imperata cylindrica root extract, Glucose, Mannitol, Disodium phosphate, Potassium chloride, Sodium bicarbonate, Calcium chloride, Ceramide 3, Magnesium chloride, Magnesium sulfate, Sodium benzoate, Peg-8, Carnosine, Potassium phosphate, Allantoin, Algae extract, Disodium adenosine triphosphate, Carbomer, Tocopherol, Potassium sorbate, Creatine, Ci 17200, Artemia extract, Pentylene glycol, Superoxide dismutase, Tromethamine, Cetrimonium bromide, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum, Hexyl cinnamal, Butylphenyl methylpropional, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, Citronellol, Linalool, Benzyl benzoate, Water, Disodium adenosine triphosphate, Carnosine, Mineral salts

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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
	Institut EsthedermCellular Water Melting Moisturizing CreamYOUR PRODUCT	UltraceuticalsUltra Rich Moisturiser Cream	Elizabeth ArdenCeramide Lift & Firm Night Cream	dreveryouthVitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Hydrabright Night Moisturiser
Match	—	56%	56%	55%
Price	$55.53	$118.00+$62.47	$44.95−$10.58	$21.17−$34.36
Shared key ingredients	—	9 of 21	8 of 21	6 of 21
Key difference	—	Ceramide Np	Acetyl Octapeptide-3	Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Irritancy	High	Medium	High	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Institut Esthederm - Cellular Water Melting Moisturizing Cream" has a good moisturizing formula. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Institut Esthederm - Cellular Water Melting Moisturizing Cream ticks this box. Humectants in this product (urea, algae extract, artemia extract, carnosine and cyclomethicone) 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). Emollients in this formulation (ceramide 3, algae extract, cholesterol, cyclomethicone and dimethicone) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

Ingredient callouts

Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (ceramide 3 0.20% - 0.35%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.

Irritation risk

This moisturizer contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. 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.