Institut Esthederm LIFT & REPAIR ABSOLUTE SMOOTHING CREAM
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Moisturizing19 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“LIFT & REPAIR ABSOLUTE SMOOTHING 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:
algae extract, carnosine.
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, algae extract.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: palmitoyl oligopeptide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7
Anti-aging6 ingredients credited for this claimModerate support
“Dedicated to tightening the look of facial features, the high-tech, anti-fatigue emulsion works day after day to instantly diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; performing a lifting effect to help reshape contours and create a smooth complexion with long-lasting results.”
This product contains asiaticoside, carnosine, creatine, palmitoyl oligopeptide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7. 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.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 7 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product contains antioxidants (asiaticoside, 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 also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Alcohol, ParfumMedium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
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Ingredients
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Water~45–55%
Glycerin~4.9–6%
- 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 GlycerinIsononyl isononanoate~4.2–5.1%
- 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 isononanoateButylene glycol~3–3.7%
- 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 glycolDimethicone~2.4–3%
- 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 DimethiconeSteareth-2~1.9–2.3%
Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate~1.7–2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearateCetyl alcohol~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholSteareth-21~1.3–1.5%
Acacia decurrens/jojoba/sunflower seed wax polyglyceryl-3 esters~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Acacia decurrens/jojoba/sunflower seed wax polyglyceryl-3 estersNylon-12 fluorescent brightener 230 salt~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that create a smooth product finish and can create an optical soft-focus effect on the skin. Helps to thicken the product consistency
More about Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymerAmmonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerCreatine~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can support skin's ability to neutralize free radicals and produce collagen, though further research is needed to confirm effectiveness
More about CreatineFagus sylvatica bud extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydrolyzed manihot esculenta tuber extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tocopheryl acetate~0.45–0.65%
- 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 acetateGlyceryl dibehenate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A stable derivative of pectin and vitamin C. It might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is lacking. Helps create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the product formulation
More about Ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinateTribehenin~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin
More about TribeheninGlyceryl behenate~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and help soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Glyceryl behenateSilica dimethyl silylate~0.3–0.55%
Polyvinylalcohol crosspolymer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydrolyzed wheat protein~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to gluten
More about Hydrolyzed wheat proteinAlcohol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
More about AlcoholCarbomer~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 CarbomerTris(tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) citrate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.5%
Polysorbate 20~0.3–0.55%
Carnosine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 CarnosineMorus alba leaf extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pyrus malus fruit extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content
More about Pyrus malus fruit extractAlgae extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
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 extractDisodium adenosine triphosphate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium hydroxide~0.25–0.5%
Palmitoyl oligopeptide~0.35–0.6%
- 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 oligopeptidePalmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~0.3–0.55%
- 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-7Superoxide dismutase~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 dismutaseTromethamine~0.25–0.5%
Asiaticoside~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating
More about AsiaticosideAsiatic acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and madecassic acid) asiatic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating
More about Asiatic acidMadecassic acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and asiatic acid), madecassic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating
More about Madecassic acidXanthan gum~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPentylene glycol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolDisodium edta~0.2–0.4%
Propylene glycol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolChlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolParfum~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumWater~0.15–0.3%
Disodium adenosine triphosphate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Carnosine~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 CarnosineMineral salts~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicked product formulations. Might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin
More about Mineral saltsIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Isononyl isononanoate, Butylene glycol, Dimethicone, Steareth-2, Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate, Cetyl alcohol, Steareth-21, Acacia decurrens/jojoba/sunflower seed wax polyglyceryl-3 esters, Nylon-12 fluorescent brightener 230 salt, Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Creatine, Fagus sylvatica bud extract, Hydrolyzed manihot esculenta tuber extract, Tocopheryl acetate, Glyceryl dibehenate, Ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate, Tribehenin, Glyceryl behenate, Silica dimethyl silylate, Polyvinylalcohol crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Alcohol, Carbomer, Tris(tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 20, Carnosine, Morus alba leaf extract, Pyrus malus fruit extract, Algae extract, Disodium adenosine triphosphate, Sodium hydroxide, Palmitoyl oligopeptide, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Superoxide dismutase, Tromethamine, Asiaticoside, Asiatic acid, Madecassic acid, Xanthan gum, Pentylene glycol, Disodium edta, Propylene glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Unknown, 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.
| Institut EsthedermLIFT & REPAIR ABSOLUTE SMOOTHING CREAMYOUR PRODUCT | KLAVUURejuve Pearlsation Multi Pearl Peptide Cream | Lab Series Skincare for MenAnti-Age Max Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 51% | 51% |
| Price | $89.69 | $29.10−$60.59 | $99.00+$9.31 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 11 | 5 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredient list, "Institut Esthederm - LIFT & REPAIR ABSOLUTE SMOOTHING CREAM" can work well for skin moisturization. The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Algae extract, carnosine, glycerin, hydrolyzed wheat protein 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). Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, algae extract, dimethicone, acacia decurrens/jojoba/sunflower seed wax polyglyceryl-3 esters and cetyl alcohol 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
- This moisturizer also contains Peptides (palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 0.30% - 0.55% and palmitoyl oligopeptide 0.35% - 0.60%). Peptides are a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of aminoacids. Our skin produces Peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of Peptides is, but it is very likely that they are helpful. Peptides might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.
- Actives derived from an extract of the Centella Asiatica plant (also known as Gotu Kola) - madecassic acid 0.25% - 0.45%, asiaticoside 0.20% - 0.40% and asiatic acid 0.25% - 0.45% The Centella Asiatica Actives, even in low concentration, can help reduce inflammation in skin, strengthen the skin barrier and reduce photodamage. They can also help to decrease scarring.
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit 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.
Price
The product retails for 109.90$ in the United States and from 69.00£ up to 86.95£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 26 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 4
- 5
- 6
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