NARS

NARS Skin Light Reflecting Moisturiser

Name: NARS - Skin Light Reflecting Moisturiser
Brand: NARS

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Glycerin + 11 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Skin Light Reflecting Moisturiser”

From product name

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, saccharide isomerate.

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: squalane, coco-caprylate/caprate.

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~0.3–0.5%

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~3.2–3.9%

Coco-caprylate/caprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture~1.8–2.1%

Moringa oleifera seed extractKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effect~0.95–1.15%

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.~0.6–0.85%

Saccharide isomerateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.55%

PolymethylsilsesquioxaneKey activeEffect: HighA silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss~0.25–0.5%

Ethylhexyl palmitateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture~0.25–0.5%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%

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~4.3–5.2%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~2.1–2.5%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.3–0.5%

LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.55%

Anti-aging

ALGAE EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL

Not delivered

What the product description says

“The cream is infused with moisture-locking hyaluronic filling spheres as well as the brand’s ‘Radiance Retention Complex’ (a brightening mixture of cacao peptides and moringa seed) and their ‘Advanced Light Reflecting Complex’ a cocktail of gold-fortified peptides and red snow extract that helps to firm and diminish the look of fine lines, all the while clarifying your skin and feeding it with moisture and minerals.”

Source: Cultbeauty

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.

This ingredient camellia japonica flower extract might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin and help it fight off some of the sun damage.

ALGAE EXTRACTEffect: Low—

TOCOPHEROLEffect: Low, below effective dose—

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Camellia japonica flower extract, Moringa oleifera seed extract

May help

This product contains antioxidants (camellia japonica flower 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 japonica flower extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin~1.2–1.5%

Moringa oleifera seed extractEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effect~0.95–1.15%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Parfum, Benzyl salicylate + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

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

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Camellia japonica flower extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skinHigh~1.2–1.5%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

Benzyl salicylateA fragrance. Is a likely irritantHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~2.1–2.5%est.

Moringa oleifera seed extractHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effectMedium~0.95–1.15%est.

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~0.6–0.9%est.

Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.3–0.5%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.5%est.

Hexylene glycolHelps create a more spreadable product textureMedium~0.15–0.3%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

Theobroma cacao seed extract—3/5~0.7–1.05%est.

Ethylhexyl palmitateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture3/5~0.25–0.5%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Alurx Hydrating Wrinkle Smoothing Cream

Higher efficacy · 87/10065% match

SKIN&LAB Barrierderm Intensive Cream

CheaperHigher efficacy · 100/10065% match

$11.36

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

Dipropylene glycol~7.1–8.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Dipropylene glycol

Butylene glycol~4.3–5.2%

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

Glycerin~3.2–3.9%

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

Dipentaerythrityl hexa c5-9 acid esters~2.4–3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Dipentaerythrityl hexa c5-9 acid esters

Pentylene glycol~2.1–2.5%

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

Coco-caprylate/caprate~1.8–2.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture

More about Coco-caprylate/caprate

Propanediol~1.5–1.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

Camellia japonica flower extract~1.2–1.5%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Camellia japonica flower extract

Moringa oleifera seed extract~0.95–1.15%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effect

More about Moringa oleifera seed extract

Theobroma cacao seed extract~0.7–1.05%

Comedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

More about Theobroma cacao seed extract

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.6–0.9%

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

Squalane~0.6–0.85%

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

Polysorbate 60~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60

Sorbitan isostearate~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan isostearate

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~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan olivate

Disodium phosphate~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation

More about Disodium phosphate

Citric acid~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Saccharide isomerate~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharide isomerate

Sodium citrate~0.3–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate

Panthenol~0.3–0.5%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

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

More about Panthenol

Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer

Caprylyl glycol~0.3–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Lecithin~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin

Lepidium sativum sprout extract~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Lepidium sativum sprout extract

Polymethylsilsesquioxane~0.25–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss

More about Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Ethylhexyl palmitate~0.25–0.5%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Ethylhexyl palmitate

Silica dimethyl silylate~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Silica dimethyl silylate

Sodium hyaluronate~0.2–0.35%

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

Hexylene glycol~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a more spreadable product texture

More about Hexylene glycol

Parfum~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Benzyl salicylate~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Is a likely irritant

More about Benzyl salicylate

Limonene~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

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

More about Limonene

Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Ingredient list view

Water, Dipropylene glycol, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Dipentaerythrityl hexa c5-9 acid esters, Pentylene glycol, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Propanediol, Camellia japonica flower extract, Moringa oleifera seed extract, Theobroma cacao seed extract, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Squalane, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan isostearate, Cetearyl olivate, Sorbitan olivate, Disodium phosphate, Citric acid, Saccharide isomerate, Sodium citrate, Panthenol, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Caprylyl glycol, Lecithin, Lepidium sativum sprout extract, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl palmitate, Silica dimethyl silylate, Sodium hyaluronate, Hexylene glycol, Parfum, Benzyl salicylate, Limonene, 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
	NARSSkin Light Reflecting MoisturiserYOUR PRODUCT	SKIN&LABBarrierderm Intensive Cream	e.l.f. CosmeticsFragrance Free Holy Hydration! Face Cream	AlurxHydrating Wrinkle Smoothing Cream
Match	—	65%	65%	65%
Price	—	$11.36	$12.04	—
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 7	5 of 7	5 of 7
Key difference	—	Ceramide Np	Niacinamide	Niacinamide
Irritancy	High	Medium	Low	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"NARS - Skin Light Reflecting Moisturiser" is a well-rounded moisturizing product. The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Panthenol, glycerin, saccharide isomerate, sodium hyaluronate 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 (squalane, coco-caprylate/caprate, ethylhexyl palmitate, caprylyl glycol and pentylene glycol) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: lecithin

Irritation risk

This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the 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.