IOPE Stem III Cream Only

Based on the ingredient list, "IOPE - Stem III Cream Only" can work well for skin moisturization. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. IOPE - Stem III Cream Only ticks this box. Acetyl hexapeptide-8, acetyl octapeptide-3, betaine, glycerin and mannitol 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). Cholesterol, phenyl trimethicone, cetearyl alcohol, caprylyl glycol and dicaprylyl carbonate 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 2.30% - 2.80%. 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.
• We like that this moisturizer contains peptides (acetyl octapeptide-3 0.10% - 0.15%, acetyl hexapeptide-8 0.15% - 0.30% and acetyl tetrapeptide-11 0.25% - 0.40%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. Peptides might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
• Adenosine 0.25% - 0.45%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).
• Actives derived from an extract of the Centella Asiatica plant (also known as Gotu Kola) - madecassic acid 0.10% - 0.15%, asiatic acid 0.15% - 0.25% and asiaticoside 0.15% - 0.25% 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 43.30$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.