KTW

KTW Intensive Refine Facial Cream

Name: KTW - Intensive Refine Facial Cream
Brand: KTW

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Madecassoside + 19 more

Works well

What the product description says

“A moisturizing cream that contains 71% of Hydrangea Extract to moisturize and soothe skin.”

Source: Yesstyle

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: fructooligosaccharides, fructose.

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, cholesterol.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np, madecassoside, panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~2.3–2.8%

MadecassosideHeroEffect: HighAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.2–0.4%

Ceramide npHero· EmollientEffect: HighA 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~0.15–0.3%

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~4.9–6%

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~3.2–3.9%

Diisostearyl malateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin~1.5–1.8%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.7–1%

Chlorella vulgaris extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties~0.4–0.6%

GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.35–0.65%

Glyceryl stearate seKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient~0.35–0.6%

FructooligosaccharidesKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelp attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%

FructoseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%

Lauroyl lysineKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product texture~0.25–0.45%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%

CholesterolKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.2–0.4%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~2–2.4%

Hydrogenated polydecene· EmollientEffect: LowHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~1.2–1.5%

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~0.3–0.55%

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~0.1–0.15%

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateUnder-dosedA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.25–0.5%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.2–0.4%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Madecassoside, Chlorella vulgaris extract + 1 more

Works well

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

MadecassosideKey activeEffect: HighAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.2–0.4%

Chlorella vulgaris extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties~0.4–0.6%

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~0.1–0.15%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Madecassoside, Tocopherol

May help

This product contains madecassoside. There is some human evidence that this ingredient helps reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin elasticity and firmness, though it is smaller or less consistent than the evidence for the best anti-aging ingredients.

MadecassosideKey activeEffect: MediumAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.2–0.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

2 strong irritants: Pinus sylvestris leaf oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil

Medium risk

We flagged 12 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Pinus sylvestris leaf oilAn essential oil from pine tree. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilA plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.1–0.2%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~3.2–3.9%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~2–2.4%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.75–1.1%est.

Diisostearyl malateHelps to soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~1.5–1.8%est.

Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~1–1.2%est.

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.55–0.8%est.

Chlorella vulgaris extractA plant extract that can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory propertiesMedium~0.4–0.6%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

MadecassosideAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulationsMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~0.2–0.35%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

Chlorella vulgaris extractA plant extract that can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties3/5~0.4–0.6%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.7–1%est.

Glyceryl stearate seUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient2/5~0.35–0.6%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Abib Sedum Hyaluron Crème Hydrating Pot

Cheaper65% match

$19.34

TOSOWOONG Dexpanthenol Cream

Cheaper61% match

$19.10

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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

Glycerin~4.9–6%

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

Dipropylene glycol~4.1–5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Dipropylene glycol

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~3.2–3.9%

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

Panthenol~2.3–2.8%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Pentylene glycol~2–2.4%

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

1,2-hexanediol~0.75–1.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Diisostearyl malate~1.5–1.8%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Diisostearyl malate

Hydrogenated polydecene~1.2–1.5%

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

Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~1–1.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate

Silica~1.1–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Cetearyl alcohol~0.7–1%

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

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.55–0.8%

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

Tromethamine~0.5–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Cetearyl olivate~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Cetearyl olivate

Sorbitan olivate~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan olivate

Chlorella vulgaris extract~0.4–0.6%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

More about Chlorella vulgaris extract

Glucose~0.35–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose

Glyceryl stearate se~0.35–0.6%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Used to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient

More about Glyceryl stearate se

Butylene glycol~0.3–0.55%

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

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.25–0.5%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate

Fructooligosaccharides~0.25–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Fructooligosaccharides

Fructose~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Fructose

Torreya nucifera seed oil~0.3–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Torreya nucifera seed oil

Xanthan gum~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Hydrangea macrophylla leaf extract~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hydrangea macrophylla leaf extract

Allantoin~0.2–0.4%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Lauroyl lysine~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Lauroyl lysine

Sodium phytate~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate

Hydrogenated lecithin~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin

Sodium hyaluronate~0.2–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Madecassoside~0.2–0.4%

Hero · MoisturizingIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin tone

An antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations

More about Madecassoside

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish

More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer

Cholesterol~0.2–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

More about Cholesterol

Pinus sylvestris leaf oil~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An essential oil from pine tree. Can be irritating

More about Pinus sylvestris leaf oil

Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil

Ceramide np~0.15–0.3%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

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 np

Tocopherol~0.1–0.15%

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

Houttuynia cordata extract~0.05–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Houttuynia cordata extract

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene glycol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Panthenol, Pentylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Diisostearyl malate, Hydrogenated polydecene, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Silica, Cetearyl alcohol, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Cetearyl olivate, Sorbitan olivate, Chlorella vulgaris extract, Glucose, Glyceryl stearate se, Butylene glycol, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Torreya nucifera seed oil, Xanthan gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrangea macrophylla leaf extract, Allantoin, Lauroyl lysine, Sodium phytate, Hydrogenated lecithin, Sodium hyaluronate, Madecassoside, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Cholesterol, Pinus sylvestris leaf oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Ceramide np, Tocopherol, Houttuynia cordata extract

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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
	KTWIntensive Refine Facial CreamYOUR PRODUCT	AbibSedum Hyaluron Crème Hydrating Pot	TOSOWOONGDexpanthenol Cream	BarrCera Intensive Barrier Cream
Match	—	65%	61%	61%
Price	—	$19.34	$19.10	$19.14
Shared key ingredients	—	11 of 11	8 of 11	6 of 11
Key difference	—	Beta-Glucan	Niacinamide	Adenosine
Irritancy	Medium	Medium	Medium	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	Contains drying alcohol	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, "KTW - Intensive Refine Facial Cream" works well for moisturizing the skin. The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Humectants in this product (panthenol, fructooligosaccharides, fructose, glycerin and sodium hyaluronate) 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 np, cholesterol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, cetearyl alcohol and diisostearyl malate) 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 np 0.15% - 0.30%). 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.
Actives derived from an extract of the Centella Asiatica plant (also known as Gotu Kola) - madecassoside 0.20% - 0.40% The Centella Asiatica Actives help strengthen and restore the skin barrier, decrease inflammation in skin and neutralize free radicals. They also can help to reduce scarring. The good news is that these actives work even in low concentrations.
An effective concentration of Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 2.30% - 2.80%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.

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

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.