Kose

Kose DECORTE Facial Refining Massage Cream

Name: Kose - DECORTE Facial Refining Massage Cream
Brand: Kose

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing

Paraffinum liquidum, Petrolatum + 9 more

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“The Sekkisei brightening skin care series uses a Japanese herbal extract that gently moisturizes and protects skin while brightening the complexion.”

Source: Yesstyle

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: dimethicone, behenyl alcohol.

Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).

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

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~0.4–0.6%

Paraffinum liquidumHero· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighMineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function~4.3–5.3%

PetrolatumHero· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighOne of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss~2–2.4%

TriethylhexanoinKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~8.3–10.1%

Hydrogenated polyisobutene· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowUsed to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~1.3–1.6%

Behenyl alcohol· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient~1–1.2%

Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product consistency while softening the upper layer of the skin~3.4–4.1%

Hydrogenated polydecene· EmollientEffect: LowHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~2.1–2.6%

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)~0.65–1%

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~0.6–0.9%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · Tocotrienols, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate + 1 more

Strong evidence

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

TocotrienolsKey activeEffect: HighA type of vitamin E that is more powerful in neutralizing free radicals compared to its other forms~0.6–0.9%

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateUnder-dosedEffect: HighA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)~0.65–1%

TocopherolUnder-dosedEffect: HighPure 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~0.6–0.9%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Tocotrienols, Tocopherol + 1 more

Moderate evidence

This product contains tocotrienols. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

TocotrienolsKey activeEffect: MediumA type of vitamin E that is more powerful in neutralizing free radicals compared to its other forms~0.6–0.9%

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateUnder-dosedEffect: MediumA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)~0.65–1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

2 strong irritants: Alcohol, Parfum — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 5 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~1.1–1.4%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

TriethylhexanoinHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~8.3–10.1%est.

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)Medium~0.65–1%est.

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.55–0.85%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

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Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Nivea Creme Body, Face and Hand Care

Cheaper52% match

$3.61

Australian Bodycare Active Face Cream

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$21.44

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Ingredients

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Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Triethylhexanoin~8.3–10.1%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Triethylhexanoin

Paraffinum liquidum~4.3–5.3%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Mineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function

More about Paraffinum liquidum

Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate~3.4–4.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product consistency while softening the upper layer of the skin

More about Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate

Dipropylene glycol~2.4–3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol

Hydrogenated polydecene~2.1–2.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Hydrogenated polydecene

Petrolatum~2–2.4%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss

More about Petrolatum

Isotridecyl isononanoate~1.7–2.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Isotridecyl isononanoate

Meadowfoam oil

Not recognized

Butylene glycol~1.3–1.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 glycol

Alcohol~1.1–1.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol

Behenyl alcohol~1–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient

More about Behenyl alcohol

Andrographis paniculata extract~0.7–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Andrographis paniculata extract

Tuna extract~0.65–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Tuna extract

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate~0.65–1%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-agingMoisturizing

A vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

More about Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate

Tocotrienols~0.6–0.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-aging

A type of vitamin E that is more powerful in neutralizing free radicals compared to its other forms

More about Tocotrienols

Tocopherol~0.6–0.9%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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

Dokudami extract frozen soil extract tea

Not recognized

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.55–0.85%

Irritant · medium

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 crosspolymer

Alcohol~0.5–0.8%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol

Phytosteryl oleate~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Phytosteryl oleate

Carbomer~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Comenuka oil

Not recognized

Dimethicone~0.4–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

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

More about Dimethicone

Steer acid, di lauroyl

Not recognized

Sodium glutamate~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Sodium glutamate

Hydrogenated polyisobutene~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated polyisobutene

Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Parfum~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Ingredient list view

Water, Triethylhexanoin, Paraffinum liquidum, Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, Dipropylene glycol, Hydrogenated polydecene, Petrolatum, Isotridecyl isononanoate, Unknown, Butylene glycol, Alcohol, Behenyl alcohol, Andrographis paniculata extract, Tuna extract, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, Tocotrienols, Tocopherol, Unknown, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Alcohol, Phytosteryl oleate, Carbomer, Unknown, Dimethicone, Unknown, Sodium glutamate, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum

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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
	KoseDECORTE Facial Refining Massage CreamYOUR PRODUCT	Australian BodycareActive Face Cream	NiveaCreme Body, Face and Hand Care	ShiseidoTotal Regenerating Cream
Match	—	52%	52%	51%
Price	$64.00	$21.44−$42.56	$3.61−$60.39	$285.09+$221.09
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 7	3 of 7	4 of 7
Key difference	—	Retinyl Palmitate	Glycerin	Glycerin
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	High
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	Contains drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, "Kose - DECORTE Facial Refining Massage Cream" works well for moisturizing the skin. This moisturizer uses a good combo of humectants and emollients. These both types of ingredients are essentials for improving the skin hydration and keeping the skin barrier healthy. Humectants in this product (butylene glycol) 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 (paraffinum liquidum, petrolatum, dimethicone, hydrogenated polydecene and pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: vitamin e and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate

Irritation risk

This moisturizer contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. 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.