MOA - Magic Organic Apothecary

MOA - Magic Organic Apothecary Queen of the Night Treatment

Name: MOA - Magic Organic Apothecary - Queen of the Night Treatment
Brand: MOA - Magic Organic Apothecary

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Cocos nucifera oil, Persea gratissima oil + 13 more

Works

What the product description says

“Hyaluronic acid and squalane lock in moisture, supported by antioxidant-rich night flowering cactus; prickly pear seed oil is full of fatty acids that offer nourishment aplenty to irritated skin; and finally evening primrose and avocado oil will leave skin looking and feeling enviably soft and supple.”

Source: Cultbeauty

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, sodium hyaluronate.

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: cocos nucifera oil, helianthus annuus seed oil.

Cocos nucifera oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic~5.2–6.4%

Persea gratissima oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function~3.2–3.9%

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~2.4–3%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~2–2.4%

Glyceryl stearate seKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient~1.6–2%

SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn 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.~1.5–1.9%

Oenothera biennis oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~1–1.2%

Opuntia ficus-indica seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin's barrier function due to its high content of linoleic acid. It also has anti-microbial properties~0.75–1.1%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.6–0.85%

SucroseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion~0.35–0.6%

Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~0.3–0.6%

Tartaric acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels~0.2–0.35%

Gluconic acidKey activeEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in imporved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.15–0.25%

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powderEffect: LowTraditionally 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~0.45–0.7%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.35–0.65%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Cereus grandiflorus flower extract, Tartaric acid + 3 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (gluconic acid) 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 - cereus grandiflorus flower extract, tartaric acid also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Cereus grandiflorus flower extractKey activeEffect: MediumA cactus extract that can help neutralize free radicals because it contains a chemical compound called betacyanins and flavonolglycosides. Can help make the surface of the skin dryer helping make pores look smaller for a very short period of time. The concentrations usually used in cosmetics are too small to have any effect~0.25–0.45%

Oenothera biennis oilEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~1–1.2%

Daucus carota sativa root extractEffect: LowCarrot extract. Might have anti-oxidant properties and be used to add orange color~0.2–0.4%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · Gluconic acid, Salicylic acid + 1 more

Works well

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

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.

Salicylic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.45–0.65%

Exfoliation

Side benefit · Tartaric acid, Gluconic acid + 2 more

Works well

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: gluconic acid.

Salicylic acidUnder-dosedUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.45–0.65%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Gluconic acid, Lactic acid

Works well

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

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.

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Gluconic acid, Oenothera biennis oil + 1 more

May help

This product might be able to help reduce blemishes and clogged pores because it contains gluconic acid.

Oenothera biennis oilEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~1–1.2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

5 strong irritants: Linalool, Citrus aurantium flower oil + 3 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 19 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High~0.45–0.65%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

Citrus aurantium flower oil—High~0.25–0.45%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

FarnesolAdded to create a nice product smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

Persea gratissima oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier functionMedium~3.2–3.9%est.

Sorbitan laurateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~1.2–1.4%est.

Oenothera biennis oilHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier functionMedium~1–1.2%est.

Opuntia ficus-indica seed oilA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin's barrier function due to its high content of linoleic acid. It also has anti-microbial propertiesMedium~0.75–1.1%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powderTraditionally 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~0.45–0.7%est.

Sodium stearoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.5–0.8%est.

Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.35–0.65%est.

Cereus grandiflorus flower extractA cactus extract that can help neutralize free radicals because it contains a chemical compound called betacyanins and flavonolglycosides. Can help make the surface of the skin dryer helping make pores look smaller for a very short period of time. The concentrations usually used in cosmetics are too small to have any effectMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Tartaric acidAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levelsMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Gluconic acidA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in imporved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicalsMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

Sorbic acidA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%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

Cocos nucifera oilAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~5.2–6.4%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~2–2.4%est.

Glyceryl stearate seUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient2/5~1.6–2%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

colibri skincare Exfoliate Booster

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$16.67

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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

Cocos nucifera oil~5.2–6.4%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera oil

Propanediol~4.2–5.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Persea gratissima oil~3.2–3.9%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function

More about Persea gratissima oil

Glycerin~2.4–3%

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

Cetearyl alcohol~2–2.4%

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

Glyceryl stearate se~1.6–2%

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

Squalane~1.5–1.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 Squalane

Sorbitan laurate~1.2–1.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Sorbitan laurate

Oenothera biennis oil~1–1.2%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function

More about Oenothera biennis oil

Opuntia ficus-indica seed oil~0.75–1.1%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin's barrier function due to its high content of linoleic acid. It also has anti-microbial properties

More about Opuntia ficus-indica seed oil

Sodium hyaluronate~0.6–0.85%

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

Sucrose~0.35–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion

More about Sucrose

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder~0.45–0.7%

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 juice powder

Salicylic acid~0.45–0.65%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

ExfoliationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid

Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.5–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl glutamate

Xanthan gum~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Lactic acid~0.35–0.65%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid

Polyglyceryl-4 laurate~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Polyglyceryl-4 laurate

Linalool~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.3–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 oil

Citrus aurantium flower oil~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Citrus aurantium flower oil

Cereus grandiflorus flower extract~0.25–0.45%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A cactus extract that can help neutralize free radicals because it contains a chemical compound called betacyanins and flavonolglycosides. Can help make the surface of the skin dryer helping make pores look smaller for a very short period of time. The concentrations usually used in cosmetics are too small to have any effect

More about Cereus grandiflorus flower extract

Citric acid~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Dilauryl citrate~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Dilauryl citrate

Limonene~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Daucus carota sativa root extract~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Carrot extract. Might have anti-oxidant properties and be used to add orange color

More about Daucus carota sativa root extract

Tartaric acid~0.2–0.35%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels

More about Tartaric acid

Gluconic acid~0.15–0.25%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-blemishMoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationExfoliation

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in imporved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals

More about Gluconic acid

Farnesol~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Added to create a nice product smell. Can be irritating

More about Farnesol

Potassium sorbate~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Geraniol~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol

Sorbic acid~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Sorbic acid

Ingredient list view

Water, Cocos nucifera oil, Propanediol, Persea gratissima oil, Glycerin, Cetearyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate se, Squalane, Sorbitan laurate, Oenothera biennis oil, Opuntia ficus-indica seed oil, Sodium hyaluronate, Sucrose, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder, Salicylic acid, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Xanthan gum, Lactic acid, Polyglyceryl-4 laurate, Linalool, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Citrus aurantium flower oil, Cereus grandiflorus flower extract, Citric acid, Dilauryl citrate, Limonene, Daucus carota sativa root extract, Tartaric acid, Gluconic acid, Farnesol, Potassium sorbate, Geraniol, Sorbic acid

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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
	MOA - Magic Organic ApothecaryQueen of the Night TreatmentYOUR PRODUCT	colibri skincareExfoliate Booster	ScientiaCeramide Skin Rescue Moisture Barrier Balm	Dr Dennis GrossAdvanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum Packette
Match	—	76%	76%	75%
Price	—	$16.67	$22.42	$67.15
Shared key ingredients	—	6 of 14	5 of 14	5 of 14
Key difference	—	Vitamin C	Ceramide Np	Retinol
Irritancy	High	Low	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"MOA - Magic Organic Apothecary - Queen of the Night Treatment" is effective for: Evens skin tone, Exfoliation and Anti-aging

This product could be helpful for: Anti-blemish and Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

Humectants (sucrose 0.35% - 0.60%, sodium hyaluronate 0.60% - 0.85% and glycerin 2.40% - 3.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.