Kester Black Skin Drench Moisturiser
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Anti-aging3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“A lightweight, hydrating moisturiser with peptides to help reduce fine lines and support skin barrier function.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1.
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.
Moisturizing23 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Skin Drench Moisturiser”
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:
betaine, glycerin.
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: squalane, cholesterol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide ap, ceramide eop, ceramide np, niacinamide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, phytosphingosine
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: emblica officinalis fruit extract, glycyrrhiza glabra root extract.
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.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 4 ingredients credited for this claimModerate support
This product contains antioxidants (emblica officinalis fruit extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Parfum, LimoneneMedium risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~4.6–5.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinPropanediol~3.8–4.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolGlyceryl stearate se~2.7–3.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Used to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient
More about Glyceryl stearate seBetaine~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetainePentylene glycol~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolCetearyl alcohol~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholNiacinamide~1.4–1.7%
- 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 NiacinamideCocos nucifera fruit juice~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triglycerideHydrolyzed vegetable protein~0.6–0.9%
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolHydroxyacetophenone~0.45–0.7%
Squalane~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneEmblica officinalis fruit extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might be helping in neutralizing free radicals in skin. It could help reduce hyperpigmentation. There is some research to confirm its effectiveness in skin
More about Emblica officinalis fruit extractButylene glycol~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolGlycyrrhiza glabra root extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractTremella fuciformis extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A mushroom extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Tremella fuciformis extractTrehalose~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehaloseMaltodextrin~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil
More about MaltodextrinAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerAloe barbadensis leaf juice powder~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powderStearic acid~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidTocopheryl acetate~0.2–0.35%
- 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 acetateXanthan gum~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumParfum~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumLactobacillus ferment~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 fermentSodium lauroyl lactylate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Sodium lauroyl lactylatePotassium hydroxide~0.2–0.35%
Sodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateSodium polyglutamate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ceramide np~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide npPolysorbate 20~0.2–0.35%
Ceramide ap~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide apPhytosphingosine~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect
More about PhytosphingosineCholesterol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolSodium benzoate~0.15–0.3%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.3%
Aphanothece sacrum polysaccharide~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Palmitoyl tripeptide-1~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-1Ceramide eop~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide eopLimonene~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Glyceryl stearate se, Betaine, Pentylene glycol, Cetearyl alcohol, Niacinamide, Cocos nucifera fruit juice, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Hydrolyzed vegetable protein, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Squalane, Emblica officinalis fruit extract, Butylene glycol, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Tremella fuciformis extract, Trehalose, Maltodextrin, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder, Stearic acid, Tocopheryl acetate, Xanthan gum, Parfum, Lactobacillus ferment, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Potassium hydroxide, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium polyglutamate, Ceramide np, Polysorbate 20, Ceramide ap, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Sodium benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aphanothece sacrum polysaccharide, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Ceramide eop, Limonene
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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.
| Kester BlackSkin Drench MoisturiserYOUR PRODUCT | DermaticaNourishing Ceramide + Peptides | TIRTIRMatcha Calming Cream 50ml | e.l.f. CosmeticsPure Skin Moisturizer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 94% | 88% | 87% |
| Price | — | $21.09 | $43.56 | $11.81 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 11 of 16 | 11 of 16 | 10 of 16 |
| Key difference | — | Panthenol | Dipeptide-2 | Allantoin |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "Kester Black - Skin Drench Moisturiser" works well for improving skin hydration To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Kester Black - Skin Drench Moisturiser ticks this box. Humectants in this product (betaine, glycerin, lactobacillus ferment, sodium hyaluronate and trehalose) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Emollients in this formulation (ceramide eop, ceramide np, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and phytosphingosine) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.
Ingredient callouts
- Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (ceramide eop 0.15% - 0.25%, phytosphingosine 0.20% - 0.40%, ceramide ap 0.15% - 0.30% and ceramide np 0.20% - 0.40%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.
- We like that this moisturizer contains peptides (palmitoyl tripeptide-1 0.20% - 0.35% and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 0.20% - 0.35%). 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.
Irritation risk
There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits 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.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Kester Black" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 12 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Emblicamdedge.com
- 5
- 6
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