Josie Maran

Josie Maran Argan Milk Smoothing Hand Treatment

Name: Josie Maran - Argan Milk Smoothing Hand Treatment
Brand: Josie Maran

Efficacy50/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Argania spinosa kernel oil + 17 more

Works well

What the product description says

“• Instantly absorbent formula hydrates with shea butter which cocoons the skin to protect from environmental aggressors”

Source: Josie Maran

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: glycerin, lactobacillus ferment.

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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, argania spinosa kernel oil.

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

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs 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~3–3.7%

Argania spinosa kernel oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~5.5–6.7%

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~4–4.9%

Polyglyceryl-10 oleateKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~2.2–2.7%

Coconut alkanesKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin~1.8–2.2%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~1.6–1.9%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1.1–1.3%

Cetyl palmitateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability~0.3–0.55%

Saccharide isomerateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%

PhosphatidylglycerolKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. It might help reduce inflammation and support the barrier function. This compound is naturally present in animal and plant tissue~0.2–0.4%

Lactobacillus fermentKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative~0.2–0.35%

Coco-caprylate/caprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture~0.2–0.4%

Ananas sativus fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skin~0.7–1%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.4–0.6%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.3–0.55%

Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.25–0.45%

Glyceryl undecylenate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and helps preserve the product formulation~0.25–0.45%

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~0.15–0.3%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn 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)~0.45–0.7%

Exfoliation

Lactic acid ~0.45–0.7%

Under-dosed

What the product description says

“• Revitalizes skin by gently exfoliating for softer, smoother, younger-looking hands • Purified water pressurized with skin-rejuvenating micro-droplets of 100% Pure Argan Oil deeply conditions and nourishes.”

Source: Josie Maran

This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Kojic acid + 1 more

Works well

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: kojic acid, niacinamide

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs 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~3–3.7%

Kojic acidKey activeEffect: HighHelps to reduce hyperpigmentation and neutralize free radicals. Can be irritating~0.3–0.55%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Kojic acid, Argania spinosa kernel oil + 2 more

Works well

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

Kojic acidKey activeEffect: HighHelps to reduce hyperpigmentation and neutralize free radicals. Can be irritating~0.3–0.55%

Argania spinosa kernel oilEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~5.5–6.7%

Lactobacillus fermentEffect: LowA fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative~0.2–0.35%

TocopherolUnder-dosedPure 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~0.15–0.3%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Tocopherol + 1 more

Works well

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Limonene, Linalool + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 18 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Kojic acidHelps to reduce hyperpigmentation and neutralize free radicals. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

Phenethyl alcoholA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

Argania spinosa kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~5.5–6.7%est.

Coconut alkanesAn emollient that helps soften the skinMedium~1.8–2.2%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~1.6–1.9%est.

Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 estersHelp oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.2–1.5%est.

Ananas sativus fruit extractA fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skinMedium~0.7–1%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~0.45–0.7%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.4–0.65%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.4–0.6%est.

Sorbitan palmitateHelps water and oil mix together and stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Sodium stearoyl lactylateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Glyceryl undecylenateHelps oil and water mix together and helps preserve the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.45%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~0.15–0.3%est.

Comedogenic

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

3 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

Coconut alkanesAn emollient that helps soften the skin2/5~1.8–2.2%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~1.1–1.3%est.

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix together2/5~0.2–0.4%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Twelve Natural Skincare Twelve Great Barrier Relief Hand Cream

Higher efficacy · 100/10074% match

$32.21

Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Smoothing Body Treatment

Higher efficacy · 100/10073% match

$58.00

View all alternatives

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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

Argania spinosa kernel oil~5.5–6.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties

More about Argania spinosa kernel oil

Glycerin~4–4.9%

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

Niacinamide~3–3.7%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneAnti-agingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialReduces redness

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 Niacinamide

Polyglyceryl-10 oleate~2.2–2.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Polyglyceryl-10 oleate

Coconut alkanes~1.8–2.2%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Coconut alkanes

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1.6–1.9%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters~1.2–1.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Help oil and water mix together

More about Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters

Cetearyl alcohol~1.1–1.3%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Ananas sativus fruit extract~0.7–1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skin

More about Ananas sativus fruit extract

Pterocarpus marsupium bark extract~0.55–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Pterocarpus marsupium bark extract

Lactic acid~0.45–0.7%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-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

Citric acid~0.4–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Octadecenedioic acid~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingAnti-blemish

Helps oil and water mix together. Might help suppress growth of acne-triggering bacteria in skin

More about Octadecenedioic acid

Propanediol~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Sorbitan stearate~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Sorbitan stearate

Pentylene glycol~0.4–0.6%

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

Kojic acid~0.3–0.55%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-oxidation

Helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and neutralize free radicals. Can be irritating

More about Kojic acid

Cetyl palmitate~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability

More about Cetyl palmitate

Glyceryl stearate~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Sorbitan palmitate~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together and stabilize the product formulation

More about Sorbitan palmitate

Xanthan gum~0.25–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Coco-caprylate/caprate~0.2–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture

More about Coco-caprylate/caprate

Phenethyl alcohol~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Phenethyl alcohol

Sorbitan oleate~0.2–0.4%

Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan oleate

Sodium stearoyl lactylate~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl lactylate

Cellulose gum~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions

More about Cellulose gum

Lactobacillus ferment~0.2–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationReduces irritation

A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative

More about Lactobacillus ferment

Saccharide isomerate~0.2–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharide isomerate

Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate

Glyceryl caprylate~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate

Phosphatidylglycerol~0.2–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. It might help reduce inflammation and support the barrier function. This compound is naturally present in animal and plant tissue

More about Phosphatidylglycerol

Sodium benzoate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Glyceryl undecylenate~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and helps preserve the product formulation

More about Glyceryl undecylenate

Sodium citrate~0.15–0.3%

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

Tocopherol~0.15–0.3%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingMoisturizing

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

Sodium carbonate~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps regulate product's pH

More about Sodium carbonate

Sodium chloride~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Sodium chloride

Limonene~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Linalool~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Parfum~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Ingredient list view

Water, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-10 oleate, Coconut alkanes, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters, Cetearyl alcohol, Ananas sativus fruit extract, Pterocarpus marsupium bark extract, Lactic acid, Citric acid, Octadecenedioic acid, Propanediol, Sorbitan stearate, Pentylene glycol, Kojic acid, Cetyl palmitate, Glyceryl stearate, Sorbitan palmitate, Xanthan gum, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Phenethyl alcohol, Sorbitan oleate, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, Cellulose gum, Lactobacillus ferment, Saccharide isomerate, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Glyceryl caprylate, Phosphatidylglycerol, Sodium benzoate, Sodium hydroxide, Glyceryl undecylenate, Sodium citrate, Tocopherol, Sodium carbonate, Sodium chloride, Limonene, Linalool, Parfum

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Josie Maran

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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
	Josie MaranArgan Milk Smoothing Hand TreatmentYOUR PRODUCT	Twelve Natural SkincareTwelve Great Barrier Relief Hand Cream	Urban Skin RxEven Tone Smoothing Body Treatment	SkinCodeEssentials Alpine White Brightening Hand Cream
Match	—	74%	73%	73%
Price	$16.00	$32.21+$16.21	$58.00+$42.00	—
Shared key ingredients	—	3 of 9	4 of 9	3 of 9
Key difference	—	Panthenol	Glycolic Acid	Dimethicone
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Josie Maran Cosmetics - Argan Milk Smoothing Hand Treatment" is effective for: Evens skin tone, Anti-aging and Moisturizing

Ingredient callouts

We love that this moisturizer contains a good concentration of niacinamide 3.00% - 3.70%. 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.