Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Moisturizing
- Anti-oxidation
- Anti-blemish
Doesn't work for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-aging
- Evens skin tone
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: medium
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 1
Key actives
Product Summary
Based on the ingredients included, "Koh Gen Do - Moisture Color Base" works well for moisturizing the skin. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Koh Gen Do - Moisture Color Base ticks this box. Biosaccharide gum-1, cyclomethicone, glycerin, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate 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). Cyclomethicone, dimethicone, methicone and cyclopentasiloxane 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
- As a plus, this moisturizer also contains Ceramides (glucosyl ceramide 0.65% - 0.95%). Ceramides are a type of lipids that our skin produces itself. They are a building block of the skin's barrier. Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or extracted from plants. They work well for softening the skin surface and "patch holes" in the skin's barrier.
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.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Koh Gen Do" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails for 81.00$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Moisture Color Base
Source: From product name
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:
biosaccharide gum-1, cyclomethicone.
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: dimethicone, methicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: glucosyl ceramide
A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
A type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduces the water loss from the skin surface
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
A plant stem cell extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
Inhibits acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Can help to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. Helps neutralize free radicals in skin. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin
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
A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
Used to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
Anti-blemish
This product might be able to help reduce blemishes and clogged pores because it contains chitosan.
Inhibits acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Can help to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. Helps neutralize free radicals in skin. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Anti-oxidation
This product contains antioxidants (chitosan) 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.
Inhibits acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Can help to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. Helps neutralize free radicals in skin. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin
A plant stem cell extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin
A fruit extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is missing
A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Soft-focus powders and light-diffusing pigments help to minimize the appearance of fine lines, visible pores and imperfections for an even, refined makeup base.
Source: Lookfantastic US
This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.
This ingredient chitosan might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin and help it fight off some of the sun damage.
A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Choose from the following shades Yellow Brightens skin and minimizes dark spots and discoloration. For fair to medium skin tones.
Source: Skinstore
Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low
A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Moisturizing | |
| Anti-aging | |
| Evens skin tone |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 50/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
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| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Koh Gen Do Moisture Color Base | Current | $81.00 | |
 Hada labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel | 52% | - |
Key Actives
Inhibits acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Can help to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. Helps neutralize free radicals in skin. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant
A type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin
A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
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
A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduces the water loss from the skin surface
Potential irritants
Used for its fragrance. Has some anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating
A type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together
A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high
A fruit extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is missing
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
Helps evenly disperse other ingredients in a formulation and create an even layer on the surface of the skin
Inhibits acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Can help to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. Helps neutralize free radicals in skin. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture
Comedogenic ingredients
Used to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
All ingredients
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant
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
A type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin
A type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
A type of silicone that create a smooth product finish and can create an optical soft-focus effect on the skin. Helps to thicken the product consistency
Used to create a silky product texture and add volume to products
A type of clay that is used to thicken the product consistency
A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
Used for its fragrance. Has some anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating
A plant stem cell extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
A fruit extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is missing
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
Helps the function of sunscreen and pigment ingredients in the formulation
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin
The same compound that is used safely in dental implants and bone cements. In cosmetics, it is used to improve the consistency of products
Helps evenly disperse other ingredients in a formulation and create an even layer on the surface of the skin
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
Used to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Inhibits acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Can help to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. Helps neutralize free radicals in skin. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture
A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
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
A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation
A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduces the water loss from the skin surface
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear
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)
Ingredient list view
Cyclopentasiloxane, Water, Zinc oxide, Butylene glycol, Cyclomethicone, Dipropylene glycol, Caprylyl methicone, Peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-2 triisostearate, Dimethicone, Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer, Disteardimonium hectorite, Polyglyceryl-2 diisostearate, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Glucosyl ceramide, Coix lacryma-jobi ma-yuen seed extract, Rehmannia glutinosa root extract, Morus alba root extract, Mitracarpus scaber extract, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract, Hydrolyzed silk, Alpha-glucan, Leontopodium alpinum callus culture extract, Cysteine/oligomeric proanthocyanidin, Glycerylamidoethyl methacrylate/stearyl methacrylate copolymer, Sodium hyaluronate, Rosa roxburghii fruit extract, Nylon-12, Peg-9 dimethicone, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Stearic acid, Magnesium sulfate, Isostearic acid, Hydrogen dimethicone, Sodium citrate, Pentasodium pentetate, Citric acid, Glycerin, Biosaccharide gum-1, Alumina, Hydroxyapatite, Pvp, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Algin, Xanthan gum, Chitosan, Cetearyl glucoside, Sodium polygamma-glutamate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium dioxide, Talc, Tin oxide, Methicone, Chromium oxide greens, Ultramarines, Mica, Silica, Iron oxides, Aluminum hydroxide
- A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
- Risk assessment of zinc oxide, a cosmetic ingredient used as a UV filter of sunscreens
- Characterization of the UVA protection provided by avobenzone, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide in broad-spectrum sunscreen products
- Ultraviolet Protection Properties of Commercial Sunscreens and Sunscreens Containing Zno Nanorods
- ZnO nanoparticles and organic chemical UV-filters are equally well tolerated by human immune cells
- Safety Assessment of Polyglyceryl Fatty Acid Esters as Used in Cosmetics
- Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medications
- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyol
- Public Report: 2-Butenedioic acid (2E)-, di-C12-15-alkyl esters (INCI Name: Di-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate)
- Stability, transdermal penetration, and cutaneous effects of ascorbic acid and its derivatives
- Topical L-ascorbic acid: percutaneous absorption studies
- Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humans
- Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic review
- Moisturizing efficiency of silk protein hydrolysate: Silk fibroin
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Concentrated Ethanol Extracts of Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum Cass.) Callus Cultures towards Human Keratinocytes and Endothelial Cells
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- Nutritional constituents, health benefits and processing of Rosa Roxburghii: A review
- Safety Assessment of Magnesium Sulfate as Used in Cosmetics
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Safety Assessment of Alumina and Aluminum Hydroxide as Used in Cosmetics
- Chitosan against cutaneous pathogens
- Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity of chitosan-alginate nanoparticles: a targeted therapy for cutaneous pathogens
- Chitosan preparations for wounds and burns: antimicrobial and wound-healing effects
- Cosmetics and Cosmeceutical Applications of Chitin, Chitosan and Their Derivatives
- Safety Assessment of Tin(IV) Oxide as Used in Cosmetics