Lab Series Skincare for Men

Lab Series Skincare for Men Max Recharging Water Lotion

Name: Lab Series Skincare for Men - Max Recharging Water Lotion
Brand: Lab Series Skincare for Men

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

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Works for

3 of 3 advertised claims delivered

Anti-aging

4 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“protect against the appearance of premature ageing”

Source: Mankind

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains acetyl glucosamine.

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.

Acetyl glucosamineKey activeEffect: HighAn effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin~0.2–0.7%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~2–3%

Algae extractEffect: LowPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet~0.35–0.75%

Aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphateUnder-dosedEffect: MediumA more stable but less potent derivative of vitamin C. It can help neautralize free radicals and even out the skin tone if used in high enough concentration (required levels are likely to be much higher than for pure vitamin C, and solid studies are lacking at the moment)~0.1–0.4%

Moisturizing

17 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“weightless hydrating system”

Source: Mankind

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: algae extract, 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: algae extract, pantethine.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl glucosamine

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.4%

Algae extractKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: HighPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet~0.35–0.75%

Gelidiella acerosa extractKey activeEffect: HighAn algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties~1.2–1.8%

Glucose oxidaseKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.05–0.25%

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~2.7–4.1%

LactoperoxidaseKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In theory, could support healthy skin's microbiome, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking~0.1–0.3%

PantethineKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps to hydrate the skin by improving its barrier funciton~0.35–0.75%

Acetyl glucosamineHero· HumectantEffect: HighAn effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin~0.2–0.7%

Hypnea musciformis extractKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumMight help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~1.4–2.1%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~3.6–5.4%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.15–0.65%

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~5.4–8.1%

Hydrolyzed rice extractEffect: LowA plant extract that is claimed to be helpful in moisturizing and lightening the skin, but evidence is missing~0.95–1.45%

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateUnder-dosedEffect: HighA 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~0.1–0.45%

Aloe barbadensis leaf waterEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but data on its effectiveness is lacking. While the majority of the content is plain water, it can contain some goodies like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.4–0.9%

Aloe barbadensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally 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~0.9–1.3%

Evens skin tone

5 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“renewed tone”

Source: Mankind

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: acetyl glucosamine

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.

Hydrolyzed rice extractEffect: LowA plant extract that is claimed to be helpful in moisturizing and lightening the skin, but evidence is missing~0.95–1.45%

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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~0.1–0.45%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · 5 ingredients credited for this claim

Moderate support

This product contains antioxidants (camellia sinensis leaf 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.

Camellia sinensis leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~2–3%

CaffeineEffect: LowMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes~0.35–0.75%

Gelidiella acerosa extractEffect: LowAn algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties~1.2–1.8%

Myrtus communis leaf extractEffect: LowA plant extract that contains an essential oil and often used for its fragrance. Can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties~0.45–1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Gelidiella acerosa extract, Myrtus communis leaf extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 11 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Gelidiella acerosa extractAn algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~1.2–1.8%est.

Myrtus communis leaf extractA plant extract that contains an essential oil and often used for its fragrance. Can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.45–1%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.15%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~3.6–5.4%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf extractTraditionally 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 skinMedium~0.9–1.3%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf waterTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but data on its effectiveness is lacking. While the majority of the content is plain water, it can contain some goodies like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.4–0.9%est.

CaffeineMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyesMedium~0.35–0.75%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.15–0.65%est.

Aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphateA more stable but less potent derivative of vitamin C. It can help neautralize free radicals and even out the skin tone if used in high enough concentration (required levels are likely to be much higher than for pure vitamin C, and solid studies are lacking at the moment)Medium~0.1–0.4%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.05–0.25%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.01–0.05%est.

Comedogenic

2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

2 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

Hypnea musciformis extractMight help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~1.4–2.1%est.

Algae extractPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet3/5~0.35–0.75%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Butylene glycol~5.4–8.1%

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

Pentylene glycol~3.6–5.4%

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

Glycerin~2.7–4.1%

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

Camellia sinensis leaf extract~2–3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract

Dipropylene glycol~1.6–2.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Dipropylene glycol

Hypnea musciformis extract~1.4–2.1%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Hypnea musciformis extract

Gelidiella acerosa extract~1.2–1.8%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Gelidiella acerosa extract

Hydrolyzed rice extract~0.95–1.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin tone

A plant extract that is claimed to be helpful in moisturizing and lightening the skin, but evidence is missing

More about Hydrolyzed rice extract

Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.9–1.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

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 extract

Myrtus communis leaf extract~0.45–1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

AntibacterialAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that contains an essential oil and often used for its fragrance. Can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties

More about Myrtus communis leaf extract

Aloe barbadensis leaf water~0.4–0.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but data on its effectiveness is lacking. While the majority of the content is plain water, it can contain some goodies like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf water

Caffeine~0.35–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

De-puffingAnti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes

More about Caffeine

Pantethine~0.35–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

Helps to hydrate the skin by improving its barrier funciton

More about Pantethine

Acetyl glucosamine~0.2–0.7%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin toneAnti-agingExfoliation

An effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin

More about Acetyl glucosamine

Algae extract~0.35–0.75%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet

More about Algae extract

Polysorbate 20~0.2–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20

Sodium bicarbonate~0.3–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps regulate the product pH

More about Sodium bicarbonate

Caprylyl glycol~0.15–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.1–0.45%

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

Aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate~0.1–0.4%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

A more stable but less potent derivative of vitamin C. It can help neautralize free radicals and even out the skin tone if used in high enough concentration (required levels are likely to be much higher than for pure vitamin C, and solid studies are lacking at the moment)

More about Aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate

Sodium hyaluronate~0.1–0.4%

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

Yeast polysaccharides~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Yeast polysaccharides

Lactoperoxidase~0.1–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In theory, could support healthy skin's microbiome, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Lactoperoxidase

Citric acid~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Glucose oxidase~0.05–0.25%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glucose oxidase

Parfum~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Disodium edta~0.01–0.05%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Ingredient list view

Water, Butylene glycol, Pentylene glycol, Glycerin, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Dipropylene glycol, Hypnea musciformis extract, Gelidiella acerosa extract, Hydrolyzed rice extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Myrtus communis leaf extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf water, Caffeine, Pantethine, Acetyl glucosamine, Algae extract, Polysorbate 20, Sodium bicarbonate, Caprylyl glycol, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate, Sodium hyaluronate, Yeast polysaccharides, Lactoperoxidase, Citric acid, Glucose oxidase, Parfum, Disodium edta, Phenoxyethanol

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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
	Lab Series Skincare for MenMax Recharging Water LotionYOUR PRODUCT	Estée LauderTreatment Lotion Re-Nutriv Softening Lotion	Lab Series For MenAge Rescue Water-Charged Gel Cream	CliniqueMoisture Surge™ Hydrating Lotion
Match	—	61%	60%	59%
Price	$44.95	$67.09+$22.14	$55.00+$10.05	$19.90−$25.05
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 10	6 of 10	5 of 10
Key difference	—	Linoleic Acid	Palmitoyl Oligopeptide	Urea
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 16 studies and safety reviews.

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Marine Bioactive Compounds and Their Health Benefits: A Reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
3
Antioxidant Capacity and Lipophilic Content of Seaweeds Collected from the Qingdao Coastlinepubs.acs.org
4
Antioxidant Activity of Myrtus communis L. and Myrtus nivellei Batt. & Trab. Extracts: A Brief Reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5
Antimicrobial and antioxidative activity of extracts and essential oils of Myrtus communis L.sciencedirect.com
6
Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disordersncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
The effect of N-acetyl-glucosamine on stratum corneum desquamation and water content in human skinncbi.nlm.nih.gov
8
Glucosamine: an ingredient with skin and other benefitsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
9
Genomic expression changes induced by topical N-acetyl glucosamine in skin equivalent cultures in vitroonlinelibrary.wiley.com
10
Incorporation of D-(^H)glucosamine into normal and psoriatic epidermal glycoconjugatesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
11
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamineonlinelibrary.wiley.com
12
Ameliorating effect of dipotassium glycyrrhizinate on an IL-4- and IL-13-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin-equivalent modelresearchgate.net
13
Final report on the safety assessment of Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Potassium Glycyrrhetinate, Disodium Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate, Glyceryl Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhetinyl Stearate, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium Glycyrrhizate, Trisodium Glycyrrhizate, Methyl Glycyrrhizate, and Potassium Glycyrrhizinate.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
14
An exemplary claim substantiation for the firming / filling activity of a synthetic tripeptideresearchgate.net
15
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
16
Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net

Lab Series Skincare for MenMax Recharging Water Lotion

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