Mederma

Mederma PM Intensive Overnight Scar Cream

Name: Mederma - PM Intensive Overnight Scar Cream
Brand: Mederma

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Cetearyl alcohol + 22 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Mederma PM Intensive Overnight Scar Cream is formulated to complement this nighttime activity with Tripeptol , a skin-nourishing complex with peptides, collagen, and antioxidants to promote healthy-looking skin and help your skin fight free-radical damage.”

Source: Walgreens

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: alanine, aspartic 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: cyclomethicone, hydrolyzed collagen.

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

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.3–0.55%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~5.4–6.5%

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~4.2–5.1%

C12-15 alkyl benzoateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumEnhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth~3.2–3.9%

CyclomethiconeKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: HighA type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer~1.7–2%

Hydrolyzed soy proteinKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and skin lightening properties, but solid evidence is missing~0.35–0.6%

GlycineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function~0.3–0.55%

Hydrolyzed collagenKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: HighA typically plant-derived compound that is supposed mimic human collagen. Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.6%

Arginine hclKey activeEffect: HighAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~0.25–0.5%

Aspartic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles~0.25–0.45%

AlanineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking~0.25–0.45%

Histidine hclKey activeEffect: HighA salt of an amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.25–0.4%

Lysine hclKey activeEffect: High~0.25–0.5%

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

Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.25–0.5%

Glutamic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%

GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.25–0.5%

IsoleucineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function~0.2–0.4%

TyrosineKey activeEffect: High~0.2–0.35%

Dicaprylyl carbonate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin~2.4–2.9%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~2–2.5%

Arachidyl alcohol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency~1.5–1.8%

Behenyl alcohol· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient~1.1–1.3%

Sorbitol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.25–0.45%

Anti-aging

Side benefit the brand mentions · Aspartic acid

May help

What the product description says

“Mederma PM Intensive Overnight Scar Cream is formulated to complement this nighttime activity with Tripeptol , a skin-nourishing complex with peptides, collagen, and antioxidants to promote healthy-looking skin and help your skin fight free-radical damage.”

Source: Walgreens

This product contains aspartic acid. 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.

Aspartic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles~0.25–0.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Alcohol, Allium cepa bulb 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

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~1.2–1.5%est.

Allium cepa bulb extract—High~0.55–0.85%est.

Isopropyl alcoholA drying alcohol. Can increase skin's sensitivity and cause dryness and irritationHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

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

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~2–2.5%est.

Cetearyl glucosideHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product textureMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.45–0.7%est.

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~0.45–0.65%est.

Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

Comedogenic

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

1 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

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~5.4–6.5%est.

Alternatives

The closest match we found

VENN Skincare VENN Probiotic-Tensive Hydro Firming Body Cream

Closest match60% match

$100.00

View all alternatives

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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

Cetearyl alcohol~5.4–6.5%

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

Glycerin~4.2–5.1%

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

C12-15 alkyl benzoate~3.2–3.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth

More about C12-15 alkyl benzoate

Dicaprylyl carbonate~2.4–2.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin

More about Dicaprylyl carbonate

Pentylene glycol~2–2.5%

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

Cyclomethicone~1.7–2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer

More about Cyclomethicone

Arachidyl alcohol~1.5–1.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency

More about Arachidyl alcohol

Alcohol~1.2–1.5%

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~1.1–1.3%

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

Arachidyl glucoside~0.7–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Arachidyl glucoside

Allium cepa bulb extract~0.55–0.85%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Allium cepa bulb extract

Bis(tripeptide-1) copper acetate~0.5–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Bis(tripeptide-1) copper acetate

Aloe barbadensis leaf~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf

Cetearyl glucoside~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture

More about Cetearyl glucoside

Tocopheryl acetate~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.45–0.65%

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

Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.4–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose

Hydrolyzed soy protein~0.35–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and skin lightening properties, but solid evidence is missing

More about Hydrolyzed soy protein

Glycine~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Glycine

Panthenol~0.3–0.55%

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

Hydrolyzed collagen~0.3–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A typically plant-derived compound that is supposed mimic human collagen. Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed collagen

Peg-400~0.3–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Peg-400

Arginine hcl~0.25–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritation

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine hcl

Leucine~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Leucine

Lysine hcl~0.25–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Lysine hcl

Alanine~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin tone

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking

More about Alanine

Sodium lactate~0.25–0.5%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate

Aspartic acid~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles

More about Aspartic acid

Glucose~0.25–0.5%

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

Glutamic acid~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glutamic acid

Isopropyl alcohol~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A drying alcohol. Can increase skin's sensitivity and cause dryness and irritation

More about Isopropyl alcohol

Mannitol~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Mannitol

Sorbitol~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Sorbitol

Tromethamine~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Valine~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Valine

Histidine hcl~0.25–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A salt of an amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Histidine hcl

Isoleucine~0.2–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function

More about Isoleucine

Phenylalanine~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Phenylalanine

Tyrosine~0.2–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Tyrosine

Potassium sorbate~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Sodium benzoate~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Citric acid~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

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, Cetearyl alcohol, Glycerin, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Pentylene glycol, Cyclomethicone, Arachidyl alcohol, Alcohol, Behenyl alcohol, Arachidyl glucoside, Allium cepa bulb extract, Bis(tripeptide-1) copper acetate, Aloe barbadensis leaf, Cetearyl glucoside, Tocopheryl acetate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydrolyzed soy protein, Glycine, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed collagen, Peg-400, Arginine hcl, Leucine, Lysine hcl, Alanine, Sodium lactate, Aspartic acid, Glucose, Glutamic acid, Isopropyl alcohol, Mannitol, Sorbitol, Tromethamine, Valine, Histidine hcl, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Citric acid, Sodium hydroxide, 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
	MedermaPM Intensive Overnight Scar CreamYOUR PRODUCT	VENN SkincareVENN Probiotic-Tensive Hydro Firming Body Cream	COSRXSkin Barrier Moisturizing Cream	Drunk ElephantSili Body Lotion
Match	—	60%	60%	56%
Price	—	$100.00	$16.57	$18.20
Shared key ingredients	—	8 of 15	7 of 15	7 of 15
Key difference	—	Pitera	Ceramide Ap	Ceramide Eop
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	Contains 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
Extracts from Glycine max (soybean) induce elastin synthesis and inhibit elastase activityonlinelibrary.wiley.com
3
Dermatological and cosmeceutical benefits of Glycine max (soybean) and its active componentsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
Safety Assessment of Soy Peptides as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
5
Effect of Topical Application of Glycine and Proline on Recalcitrant Leg Ulcers of Prolidase Deficiencyjamanetwork.com
6
Functional glycine receptor in cultured human keratinocytesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
7
Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
8
Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
9
Combination of amino acids reduces pigmentation in B16F0 melanoma cellsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
10
Acetyl aspartic acid, a novel active ingredient, demonstrates potential to improve signs of skin ageing: from consumer need to clinical proofncbi.nlm.nih.gov
11
In vivo topical application of acetyl aspartic acid increases fibrillin-1 and collagen IV deposition leading to a significant improvement of skin firmnessncbi.nlm.nih.gov
12
Topical Glucose Induces Claudin-1 and Filaggrin Expression in a Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis and in Keratinocyte Culture, Exerting Anti-inflammatory Effects by Repairing Skin Barrier Functionncbi.nlm.nih.gov
13
Safety Assessment of Tromethamine as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
14
Safety Assessment of α-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmeticsciteseerx.ist.psu.edu
15
Histidine and/or Histidine Derivative for the Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Diseasespatents.google.com
16
Local rhamnosoft, ceramides and L‐isoleucine in atopic eczema: a randomized, placebo controlled trialonlinelibrary.wiley.com

MedermaPM Intensive Overnight Scar Cream

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