Institut Esthederm Royal Jelly Vital Cream
Works for
1 of 1 advertised claim delivered
Moisturizing18 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Strengthen tired, dull skin Boosts skin’s vital function Hydrates skin Suitable for all skin types Directions.”
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, betaine.
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, cera alba.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: paraffinum liquidum
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 6 ingredients credited for this claimStrong 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 also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · 4 ingredients credited for this claimModerate support
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy6 strong irritants: Sorbitan sesquioleate, Parfum + 4 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale3 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
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Water~45–55%
Paraffinum liquidum~5.6–6.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 liquidumPropylene glycol~3.9–4.8%
- 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 glycolBetaine~3–3.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineCetearyl ethylhexanoate~2.4–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Cetearyl ethylhexanoateCetyl alcohol~2–2.4%
- 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 alcoholStearic acid~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidGlyceryl stearate~1.5–1.8%
- 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 stearatePalmitic acid~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidBeeswax~1.1–1.3%
- 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 BeeswaxCera alba~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 Cera albaSorbitan sesquioleate~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used to help oil and water mix together. Can be irritating
More about Sorbitan sesquioleateTriethanolamine~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
More about TriethanolamineStearyl heptanoate~0.6–0.85%
Stearyl caprylate~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Parfum~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumChlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Acrylates/vinyl isodecanoate crosspolymer~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen), evenly disperse pigements and create a nice product consistency
More about Acrylates/vinyl isodecanoate crosspolymerDisodium edta~0.45–0.65%
Tocopheryl acetate~0.4–0.6%
- 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 acetateIsopropyl myristate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic
More about Isopropyl myristatePhenoxyethanol~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolRoyal jelly extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A compound secreted by bees. Might be able to attract water to the top layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to honey and bee products
More about Royal jelly extractAscorbyl methylsilanol pectinate~0.3–0.55%
- 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 pectinateCreatine~0.3–0.55%
- 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 CreatineAlgae extract~0.4–0.6%
- 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 extractPotassium sorbate~0.3–0.6%
Butylphenyl methylpropional~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritating
More about Butylphenyl methylpropionalLinalool~0.3–0.5%
Niacinamide~0.3–0.55%
- 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 NiacinamideSuperoxide dismutase~0.3–0.55%
- 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 dismutaseTitanium dioxide~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxideCarnosine~0.3–0.55%
- 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 CarnosineGeraniol~0.25–0.5%
Disodium adenosine triphosphate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Morus alba leaf extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Alcohol~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 AlcoholPyrus 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 extractPolysorbate 80~0.25–0.45%
Aluminum hydroxide~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to add opaque (non-transparent) appearance to formulations. Can be used to coat other ingredients for even dispersion. This is a different ingredient compared to the ones used in antipersperants (aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate)
More about Aluminum hydroxideLecithin~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinSoy isoflavones~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Water~0.15–0.3%
Disodium adenosine triphosphate~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Carnosine~0.1–0.15%
- 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~0.1–0.15%
- 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, Paraffinum liquidum, Propylene glycol, Betaine, Cetearyl ethylhexanoate, Cetyl alcohol, Stearic acid, Glyceryl stearate, Palmitic acid, Beeswax, Cera alba, Sorbitan sesquioleate, Triethanolamine, Stearyl heptanoate, Stearyl caprylate, Parfum, Chlorphenesin, Acrylates/vinyl isodecanoate crosspolymer, Disodium edta, Tocopheryl acetate, Isopropyl myristate, Phenoxyethanol, Royal jelly extract, Ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate, Creatine, Algae extract, Potassium sorbate, Butylphenyl methylpropional, Linalool, Niacinamide, Superoxide dismutase, Titanium dioxide, Carnosine, Geraniol, Disodium adenosine triphosphate, Morus alba leaf extract, Alcohol, Pyrus malus fruit extract, Polysorbate 80, Aluminum hydroxide, Lecithin, Soy isoflavones, 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 EsthedermRoyal Jelly Vital CreamYOUR PRODUCT | POND'SCorrecting Cream Clarant B3 Dark Spot Normal to Dry Skin | OriginsGinZing Ultra-Hydrating Energy-Boosting Cream | E45Rich 24hr Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 85% | 83% | 83% |
| Price | $74.03 | $9.49−$64.54 | $36.00−$38.03 | $7.92−$66.11 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 11 | 3 of 11 | 2 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Octinoxate | Salicylic Acid | Dimethicone |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | High | Low |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredients included, "Institut Esthederm - Royal Jelly Vital Cream" works well for moisturizing the skin. As we expect from a proper moisturizer, the formula includes a combo of effective humectants and emollients. These are the two different types of ingredients that are essential for improving the skin hydration and supporting a healthy skin barrier. Algae extract, betaine, carnosine and royal jelly extract in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Paraffinum liquidum, algae extract, isopropyl myristate, beeswax and cera alba in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.
This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: lecithin, titanium dioxide and niacinamideIrritation risk
There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 85.00CA$ in Canada, for 68.90$ in the United States and for 54.53£ 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 22 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review on the extensive skin benefits of mineral oilncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 5
- 6
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