Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Evens skin tone2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Proven by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the formula helps diminish the appearance of wrinkle and fine lines while brightening dull skin tone.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glutathione
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-aging3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Proven by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the formula helps diminish the appearance of wrinkle and fine lines while brightening dull skin tone.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine.
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.
Moisturizing21 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Contains lavender extract, chamomile extract and evening primrose flower extract to moisturize and soothe fatigued skin.”
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:
glycerin, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid.
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, dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product contains antioxidants (glutathione) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
The following ingredients - melatonin also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Lavandula angustifolia extract, Chamomilla recutita flower oil + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Prunus avium fruit extract~25–37%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glycerin~4.1–6.2%
- 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 GlycerinButylene glycol~4.5–6.7%
- 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 glycolPropanediol~3.3–4.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolOctyldodecanol~2.7–4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation
More about OctyldodecanolCaprylic/capric triglyceride~2.3–3.4%
- 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 triglycerideCetyl ethylhexanoate~1.7–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture
More about Cetyl ethylhexanoateHydrogenated polydecene~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Hydrogenated polydeceneMethyl hydrogenated rosinate~1.5–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Boron nitride~1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to absord oil and evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in product formulation
More about Boron nitrideCetearyl alcohol~0.95–1.4%
- 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 alcoholCyclopentasiloxane~0.55–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about Cyclopentasiloxane2-hexanol~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Niacinamide~0.45–1%
- 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 NiacinamidePolysorbate 60~0.45–1%
Glyceryl stearate~0.45–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateOlea europaea fruit oil~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation
More about Olea europaea fruit oilMelatonin~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A compound that can regulate sleep cycles in humans and animals. When used in cosmetics, comes from plant sources. It can work as anti-oxidant in skin when applied topically in skincare
More about MelatoninHydrogenated lecithin~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 lecithinPolyquaternium-51~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin
More about Polyquaternium-51Ceramide np~0.4–0.9%
- 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 npLavandula angustifolia extract~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used for fragrance and contains volatile compounds that can irritate the skin
More about Lavandula angustifolia extractOenothera biennis extract~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Passiflora incarnata extract~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin
More about Passiflora incarnata extractLycium chinense fruit extract~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glutathione~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin
More about GlutathioneHydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.2–0.8%
- 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 copolymerDimethicone~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 DimethiconePeg-100 stearate~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateSorbitan stearate~0.3–0.7%
Cyclohexasiloxane~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels
More about CyclohexasiloxaneDimethiconol~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time
More about DimethiconolSqualane~0.35–0.85%
- 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 SqualaneCarbomer~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerAdenosine~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
More about AdenosineTromethamine~0.15–0.6%
Ci 19140~0.15–0.55%
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function
More about Helianthus annuus seed oilChamomilla recutita flower oil~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant oil that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains volatile compouunds that are potential allergens and can be irritating
More about Chamomilla recutita flower oilDisodium edta~0.1–0.35%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.25%
Parfum~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Unknown, Prunus avium fruit extract, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Propanediol, Octyldodecanol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Cetyl ethylhexanoate, Hydrogenated polydecene, Methyl hydrogenated rosinate, Boron nitride, Cetearyl alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, 2-hexanol, Niacinamide, Polysorbate 60, Glyceryl stearate, Unknown, Olea europaea fruit oil, Melatonin, Hydrogenated lecithin, Polyquaternium-51, Ceramide np, Lavandula angustifolia extract, Oenothera biennis extract, Unknown, Passiflora incarnata extract, Lycium chinense fruit extract, Glutathione, Unknown, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Dimethicone, Peg-100 stearate, Sorbitan stearate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Squalane, Carbomer, Adenosine, Tromethamine, Ci 19140, Unknown, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Chamomilla recutita flower oil, Disodium edta, Ethylhexylglycerin, 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.
| MAXCLINICTime Return Melatonin CreamYOUR PRODUCT | NEOGEN X SUR.MEDICSurmedic 24K Gold Caviar Repair Vital Cream | LumeneNordic Ageless [AJATON] Radiant Youth Night Cream | P.CALMCato Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 93% | 92% | 92% |
| Price | $10.60 | $39.59+$28.99 | $56.72+$46.12 | $17.99+$7.39 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 9 of 13 | 8 of 13 | 8 of 13 |
| Key difference | — | Copper Tripeptide-1 | Copper Heptapeptide-14 Pantothenate | Madecassic Acid |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
"MAXCLINIC - Time Return Melatonin Cream" has a good moisturizing formula. 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. Glycerin, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid and butylene glycol 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). Emollients in this formulation (ceramide np, caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone, dimethiconol and helianthus annuus seed oil) 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
- As a plus, this moisturizer also contains Ceramides (ceramide np 0.40% - 0.90%). 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.
- Adenosine 0.20% - 0.75%. It is a chemical present inside our skin cells. A clinical trial confirmed that topical application of Adenosine in a low concentration can reduce dynamic wrinkles (these are the wrinkles that appear with age in a places where our mimic is the most active, for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead).
Irritation risk
There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive 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.
Price
The product retails from 10.60$ up to 40.10$ in the United States and for 11.99£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Safety Assessment of Polyene Group as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 3Safety Assessment of Boron Nitride as Used in Cosmetics cir-safety.org
- 4
- 5
- 6Use of “natural” oils for moisturization: Review of olive, coconut, and sunflower seed oilonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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