Institut Esthederm

Institut Esthederm Pure System Pore Refiner Concentrate new

Name: Institut Esthederm - Pure System Pore Refiner Concentrate new
Brand: Institut Esthederm

Efficacy25/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging

Creatine, Carnosine + 2 more

May help

What the product description says

“Institut Esthederm products are made from traceable, selected and tested actives that act on the skin whilst respecting it's natural form and delaying premature ageing.”

Source: Feelunique

This product contains carnosine, creatine. 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.

CreatineKey activeEffect: MediumCan support skin's ability to neutralize free radicals and produce collagen, though further research is needed to confirm effectiveness~0.35–0.6%

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~0.3–0.55%

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~0.4–0.65%

Laminaria saccharina extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations~0.3–0.6%

Evens skin tone

No ingredient credited for this claim

Not delivered

What the product description says

“Genuine skin perfector, it helps to even the complexion and to improve the skin appearance.”

Source: Cocoon Center

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Anti-blemish

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract

Not delivered

What the product description says

“It reduces the appearance of pores and minimises small blemishes.”

Source: Naos Store

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Ginkgo biloba leaf extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritating~0.3–0.55%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Creatine, Carnosine + 5 more

Works well

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, ginkgo biloba leaf extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

CreatineKey activeEffect: MediumCan support skin's ability to neutralize free radicals and produce collagen, though further research is needed to confirm effectiveness~0.35–0.6%

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~0.3–0.55%

Ginkgo biloba leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritating~0.3–0.55%

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%

Ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinateEffect: LowA 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~0.25–0.5%

Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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.~0.45–0.7%

Pyrus malus fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content~0.3–0.55%

Moisturizing

Side benefit · Paraffinum liquidum, Cyclopentasiloxane + 13 more

Works well

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: paraffinum liquidum

Paraffinum liquidumHero· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighMineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function~1–1.3%

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~3.2–3.9%

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~2–2.5%

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~1.8–2.1%

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~0.4–0.65%

Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethiconeKey activeEffect: HighA silicone that mixes with water creating nice light-weight product texture~0.35–0.65%

Isostearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.65%

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~0.3–0.55%

Cyclohexasiloxane· EmollientEffect: LowA silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels~2.4–3%

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~1.5–1.8%

Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~0.6–0.9%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.25–0.4%

Laminaria saccharina extractUnder-dosedA seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations~0.3–0.6%

Pyrus malus fruit extractUnder-dosedCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content~0.3–0.55%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Parfum

Medium risk

We flagged 17 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~0.6–0.9%est.

Fomes officinalis extractA fungus extract that can help to create a temporary tightening feeling on the skinHigh~0.3–0.6%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

Ginkgo biloba leaf extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

Sodium bisulfiteA preservativeHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.16–0.32%est.

Lauryl peg/ppg-18/18 methiconeHelps oil and water mix together. It might be irritating for some peopleMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA 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.Medium~0.45–0.7%est.

BhtA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.35–0.6%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Pyrus malus fruit extractCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar contentMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinateA 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 formulationMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Sodium sulfiteHelps stabilize and preserve a product formulationMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.25–0.4%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA 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

Laminaria saccharina extractA seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations3/5~0.3–0.6%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 yet3/5~0.4–0.65%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

Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer~4.7–5.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Helps thicken the product consistency

More about Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer

Dipropylene glycol~4.2–5.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol

Cyclopentasiloxane~3.2–3.9%

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

Cyclohexasiloxane~2.4–3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Cyclohexasiloxane

Dimethicone~2–2.5%

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

Glycerin~1.8–2.1%

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~1.5–1.8%

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

Sodium polyacrylate~1.3–1.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions

More about Sodium polyacrylate

Paraffinum liquidum~1–1.3%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Mineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function

More about Paraffinum liquidum

Silica~1.1–1.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Propylene glycol~0.6–0.9%

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

Chlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin

C30-45 alkyl cetearyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.6–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to create a nice silky product texture

More about C30-45 alkyl cetearyl dimethicone crosspolymer

Lauryl peg/ppg-18/18 methicone~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps oil and water mix together. It might be irritating for some people

More about Lauryl peg/ppg-18/18 methicone

Phenoxyethanol~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Disodium edta~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Tocopheryl acetate~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

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 acetate

Candida bombicola/glucose/methyl rapeseedate ferment~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together and preserve the product formulation

More about Candida bombicola/glucose/methyl rapeseedate ferment

Trideceth-6~0.4–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Trideceth-6

Creatine~0.35–0.6%

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

Bht~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Bht

Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone~0.35–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingCleansing

A silicone that mixes with water creating nice light-weight product texture

More about Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone

Isostearyl alcohol~0.35–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Isostearyl alcohol

Fomes officinalis extract~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fungus extract that can help to create a temporary tightening feeling on the skin

More about Fomes officinalis extract

Parfum~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.35–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract~0.3–0.55%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-blemishAntibacterialAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritating

More about Ginkgo biloba leaf extract

Laminaria saccharina extract~0.3–0.6%

Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations

More about Laminaria saccharina extract

Carnosine~0.3–0.55%

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

Algae extract~0.4–0.65%

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~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Disodium adenosine triphosphate

Potassium sorbate~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Morus alba leaf extract~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Morus alba leaf extract

Pyrus malus fruit extract~0.3–0.55%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Can have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content

More about Pyrus malus fruit extract

Dodecyl gallate~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Dodecyl gallate

Methylparaben~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Methylparaben

Ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

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 pectinate

Propylparaben~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Propylparaben

Sodium methylparaben~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium methylparaben

Sodium bisulfite~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative

More about Sodium bisulfite

Sodium sulfite~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps stabilize and preserve a product formulation

More about Sodium sulfite

Pentylene glycol~0.25–0.4%

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

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Superoxide dismutase~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

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~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Ingredient list view

Water, Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, Dipropylene glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Sodium polyacrylate, Paraffinum liquidum, Silica, Propylene glycol, Chlorphenesin, C30-45 alkyl cetearyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Lauryl peg/ppg-18/18 methicone, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium edta, Tocopheryl acetate, Candida bombicola/glucose/methyl rapeseedate ferment, Trideceth-6, Creatine, Bht, Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone, Isostearyl alcohol, Fomes officinalis extract, Parfum, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, Laminaria saccharina extract, Carnosine, Algae extract, Disodium adenosine triphosphate, Potassium sorbate, Morus alba leaf extract, Pyrus malus fruit extract, Dodecyl gallate, Methylparaben, Ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate, Propylparaben, Sodium methylparaben, Sodium bisulfite, Sodium sulfite, Pentylene glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Superoxide dismutase, Tromethamine, Sodium hydroxide

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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 EsthedermPure System Pore Refiner Concentrate newYOUR PRODUCT	BiodermaSébium Pore Refiner: Corrective Care For Enlarged Pores	QVFace Nurturing Night Cream	Meishoku Brilliant ColorsCeracolla Moisture Cream
Match	—	57%	57%	55%
Price	—	$21.00	$32.71	$11.16
Shared key ingredients	—	8 of 13	5 of 13	3 of 13
Key difference	—	Salicylic Acid	Niacinamide	Ceramide 6 Ii
Irritancy	Medium	Medium	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Institut Esthederm - Pure System Pore Refiner Concentrate new" is effective for: Moisturizing

This product could be helpful for: Anti-aging, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

Humectants (carnosine 0.15% - 0.30%, glycerin 1.80% - 2.10%, carnosine 0.30% - 0.55% and algae extract 0.40% - 0.65%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.