PRODUCT REVIEW
Karam MD Illuminate
Appears in
1 routine
Added by Kara_
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Clinique - Smart Night™ Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Repair Treatment Retinol
Price: $69
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Product summary
What can the product work for?
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
The all-in-one solution helps with natural collagen production, boosts hydration, helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, firms, and brightens an uneven skin tone, all in one powerful formula.
retinol
0.15% -
0.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
acetyl tetrapeptide-2
0.35% -
0.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
aloe barbadensis leaf juice
23% -
34%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
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Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
It delivers precision doses of actives including Retinol, Niacinamide, botanical brighteners, and a patented Lipid Complex for smoother, firmer, more even-looking skin.
retinol
0.15% -
0.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
hexylresorcinol
0.1% -
0.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals in skin
niacinamide
0.9% -
1.35%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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
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Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
The all-in-one solution helps with natural collagen production, boosts hydration, helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, firms, and brightens an uneven skin tone, all in one powerful formula.
glyceryl glucoside
1% -
1.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Can help to restore skin barrier function and soften its upper layer
phytosterols
0.15% -
0.65%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Lipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function
phytosteryl macadamiate
0.15% -
0.65%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
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Anti-blemish
retinol
0.15% -
0.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
aloe barbadensis leaf juice
23% -
34%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
niacinamide
0.9% -
1.35%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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
Show more
Exfoliation
retinol
0.15% -
0.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
Anti-oxidation
retinol
0.15% -
0.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
hexylresorcinol
0.1% -
0.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals in skin
leontopodium alpinum callus culture extract
0.15% -
0.65%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
A plant stem cell extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin
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Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Evens skin tone |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
100/100.
Buy now
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 3
Potential irritants
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid
0.1% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-aging
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
calendula officinalis flower extract
0.1% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation
A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating
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Comodogenic ingredients
butyrospermum parkii butter
0.85% -
1.3%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-aging,
Anti-oxidation
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
ceteareth-20
0.35% -
0.85%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Works for:
Cleansing
Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties
Show more
Similar products & dupes
| Karam MD - Illuminate |  SKIN&LAB - Vitamin C Brightening Serum Sponsored | SKIN&LAB - Vitamin C Brightening Serum | Clinique - Smart Night™ Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Repair Treatment Retinol |  PCA SKIN - Retinol Treatment for Sensitive Skin |  Gold Bond - AGE RENEW RETINOL OVERNIGHT BODY & FACE LOTION |  SkinMedica - Retinol Complex 1.0 |  Replenix - All-Trans-Retinol Enriched Eye Repair |  SENTÉ - Intensive Bio Complete Cream |  Biopelle - Emepelle Night Cream |  No7 - Pure Retinol 1% Night Concentrate |  Kiehl's - Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum | |
| Price | ||||||||||||
| WIMJ similarity score |
74%
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74%
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74%
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73%
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71%
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71%
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71%
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71%
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71%
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71%
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71%
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| Key ingredients |
| Common:
Other:
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Other:
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Other:
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Other:
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Other:
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Other:
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Other:
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Other: | Common:
Other: |
| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
niacinamide
0.9% -
1.35%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish,
Moisturizing,
Anti-aging,
Reduces irritation,
Anti-inflammatory,
Antibacterial,
Reduces 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
retinol
0.15% -
0.5%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Mattifying,
Exfoliation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-aging,
Anti-blemish
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
Show more
Potential irritants
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid
0.1% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-aging
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
calendula officinalis flower extract
0.1% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation
A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
butyrospermum parkii butter
0.85% -
1.3%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-aging,
Anti-oxidation
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
ceteareth-20
0.35% -
0.85%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Works for:
Cleansing
Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties
Show more
All ingredients
aloe barbadensis leaf juice
23% -
34%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-inflammatory,
Antibacterial,
Reduces redness,
Reduces irritation,
Anti-blemish,
Anti-aging
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
caprylic/capric triglyceride
4.8% -
7.1%
Irritation risk:
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
glycerin
4.2% -
6.3%
Irritation risk:
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
Show more
Ingredient list view
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glycerin, Jojoba oil/macadamia seed oil esters, Pentylene glycol, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Dimethicone, Glyceryl glucoside, Niacinamide, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Sodium hyaluronate, Acetyl tetrapeptide-2, Squalane, Ceteareth-20, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100, Unknown, Glyceryl linoleate, Peg-20, Butylene glycol, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Phytosteryl macadamiate, Phytosterols, Potassium azeloyl diglycinate, Hexylresorcinol, Polysorbate 60, Sucrose tristearate, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Hibiscus abelmoschus extract, Bellis perennis flower extract, Arnica montana flower extract, Leontopodium alpinum callus culture extract, Brassica oleracea italica seed oil, Tocopheryl acetate, Tocopherol, Sucrose palmitate, Retinol, Biosaccharide gum-1, Xanthan gum, Caprylyl glycol, Hexylene glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium hydroxide, Parfum
Sources
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics
- Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medications
- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyol
- Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
- Treatment of Xerosis with a Topical Formulation Containing Glyceryl Glucoside, Natural Moisturizing Factors, and Ceramide
- Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology
- Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- Safety Assessment of Phytosterols as Used in Cosmetics
- Clinical and instrumental assessment of the effects of a new product based on hydroxypropyl chitosan and potassium azeloyl diglycinate in the management of rosacea
- A Preliminary Clinical Evaluation of a Topical Product for Reducing Slight Rosacea Imperfections
- Azeloyl-Glycine: A new active in skin disequilibrium
- Formulation and evaluation of the cream made from potassium azeloyl diglycinate as an anti-aging
- Antioxidant Ability and Stability Studies of 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a Cosmetic Tyrosinase Inhibitor
- Topical application of Calendula officinalis (L.): Formulation and evaluation of hydrophilic cream with antioxidant activity
- The seamy side of natural medicines: contact sensitization to arnica (Arnica montana L.) and marigold (Calendula officinalis L.)
- Final report on the safety assessment of Calendula officinalis extract and Calendula officinalis
- Contact dermatitis as an adverse reaction to some topically used European herbal medicinal products – part 1: Achillea millefolium–Curcuma longa
- Effects of Topical Arnica Gel on Post-Laser Treatment Bruises
- Effects of microcurrent application alone or in combination with topical Hypericum perforatum L. and Arnica montana L. on surgically induced wound healing in Wistar rats
- The seamy side of natural medicines: contact sensitization to arnica (Arnica montana L.) and marigold (Calendula officinalis L.)
- Accelerated resolution of laser‐induced bruising with topical 20% arnica: a rater‐blinded randomized controlled trial
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Concentrated Ethanol Extracts of Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum Cass.) Callus Cultures towards Human Keratinocytes and Endothelial Cells
- The Enigma of Bioactivity and Toxicity of Botanical Oils for Skin Care
- Vitamin E in dermatology
- Vitamin E and Skin Health
- Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety
- Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)