Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Cream

Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Cream

Efficacy58/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Moisturizing
Caprooyl tetrapeptide-3, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5 + 14 more
Works well
What the product description says
“A best-selling age-defying cream that is clinically proven to tone, plump and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles whilst improving overall skin tone.”
Source: Naturisimo

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: dextran, 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: helianthus annuus seed oil, ricinus communis seed oil.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: caprooyl tetrapeptide-3, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2

Caprooyl tetrapeptide-3Hero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.5–0.7%
Palmitoyl tripeptide-5HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.6%
Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.65%
Macadamia ternifolia seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumPlant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredients~4.7–5.7%
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%
Glycine soja oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.~1.9–2.3%
Theobroma cacao seed butterKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~1.7–2%
Argania spinosa kernel oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~0.75–1.1%
Vitis vinifera seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~0.65–1%
Adansonia digitata seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.6–0.9%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.7%
Ricinus communis seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency~0.5–0.75%
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%
DextranKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the most upper layer of the skin. Derived from sugar~0.25–0.5%
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~0.5–0.75%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.3–0.55%
Anti-aging
Caprooyl tetrapeptide-3, Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 + 3 more
May help
What the product description says
“A best-selling age-defying cream that is clinically proven to tone, plump and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles whilst improving overall skin tone.”
Source: Naturisimo

This product contains caprooyl tetrapeptide-3, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2. These ingredients 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.

Caprooyl tetrapeptide-3Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.5–0.7%
Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.65%
Palmitoyl tripeptide-5Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.6%
Gardenia jasminoides meristem cell cultureEffect: LowA stem cell extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin~0.35–0.6%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.3–0.55%
Evens skin tone
No ingredient credited for this claim
Not delivered
What the product description says
“A best-selling age-defying cream that is clinically proven to tone, plump and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles whilst improving overall skin tone.”
Source: Naturisimo

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Gardenia jasminoides meristem cell culture, Theobroma cacao seed butter + 3 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (gardenia jasminoides meristem cell culture) 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.

Gardenia jasminoides meristem cell cultureKey activeEffect: MediumA stem cell extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin~0.35–0.6%
Theobroma cacao seed butterEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~1.7–2%
Argania spinosa kernel oilEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~0.75–1.1%
Vitis vinifera seed oilEffect: LowA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~0.65–1%
TocopherolUnder-dosedPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.3–0.55%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
12 strong irritants: Boswellia carterii oil, Boswellia neglecta resin oil + 10 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 26 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Curcuma longa root extractA plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritantHigh~0.45–0.65%est.
Boswellia carterii oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.
Boswellia neglecta resin oilUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.3–0.6%est.
Citrus nobilis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.3–0.5%est.
Citrus aurantium amara flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.
Commiphora myrrha oilUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.25–0.5%est.
CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.15–0.3%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.
FarnesolAdded to create a nice product smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.15–0.25%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.15%est.
Macadamia ternifolia seed oilPlant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredientsMedium~4.7–5.7%est.
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.Medium~1.9–2.3%est.
Cetearyl glucosideHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product textureMedium~1.4–1.8%est.
Argania spinosa kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~0.75–1.1%est.
Vitis vinifera seed oilA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~0.65–1%est.
Adansonia digitata seed oilHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.6–0.9%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~0.5–0.75%est.
Ricinus communis seed oilA plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistencyMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Gardenia jasminoides meristem cell cultureA stem cell extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skinMedium~0.35–0.6%est.
Levulinic acidHelps stabilize a product formulationMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Sodium levulinateA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Dehydroacetic acidA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.35%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 butterHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect3/5~1.7–2%est.
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.2/5~1.9–2.3%est.

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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
Macadamia ternifolia seed oil~4.7–5.7%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Plant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredients

More about Macadamia ternifolia seed oil
Behenyl olivate~4.3–5.2%
Formula
Octyldodecyl olivate~3.1–3.8%
Formula
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
Glycine soja oil~1.9–2.3%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

More about Glycine soja oil
Theobroma cacao seed butter~1.7–2%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-dandruff

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Theobroma cacao seed butter
Cetearyl glucoside~1.4–1.8%
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
Cetearyl olivate~1.2–1.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Cetearyl olivate
Sorbitan olivate~0.95–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan olivate
Argania spinosa kernel oil~0.75–1.1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties

More about Argania spinosa kernel oil
Vitis vinifera seed oil~0.65–1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties

More about Vitis vinifera seed oil
Adansonia digitata seed oil~0.6–0.9%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Adansonia digitata seed oil
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder~0.5–0.75%
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
Ricinus communis seed oil~0.5–0.75%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency

More about Ricinus communis seed oil
Sodium hyaluronate~0.5–0.7%
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
Curcuma longa root extract~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant

More about Curcuma longa root extract
Caprooyl tetrapeptide-3~0.5–0.7%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Caprooyl tetrapeptide-3
Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2~0.35–0.65%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2
Palmitoyl tripeptide-5~0.35–0.6%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-5
Gardenia jasminoides meristem cell culture~0.35–0.6%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-aging

A stem cell extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Gardenia jasminoides meristem cell culture
Boswellia carterii oil~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Boswellia carterii oil
Boswellia neglecta resin oil~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Boswellia neglecta resin oil
Commiphora confusa resin oil~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Citrus nobilis peel oil~0.3–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin

More about Citrus nobilis peel oil
Citrus bergamia peel oil expressed~0.3–0.5%
Irritant · high
Citrus aurantium amara flower oil~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium amara flower oil
Commiphora myrrha oil~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Commiphora myrrha oil
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
Tocopherol~0.3–0.55%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Xanthan gum~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Dextran~0.25–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the most upper layer of the skin. Derived from sugar

More about Dextran
Levulinic acid~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps stabilize a product formulation

More about Levulinic acid
Sodium levulinate~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium levulinate
Potassium sorbate~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Dehydroacetic acid~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Dehydroacetic acid
Citral~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral
Citronellol~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Farnesol~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Added to create a nice product smell. Can be irritating

More about Farnesol
Geraniol~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Limonene~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Limonene
Linalool~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Ingredient list view

Water, Macadamia ternifolia seed oil, Behenyl olivate, Octyldodecyl olivate, Glycerin, Glycine soja oil, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Cetearyl glucoside, Cetearyl olivate, Sorbitan olivate, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Adansonia digitata seed oil, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder, Ricinus communis seed oil, Sodium hyaluronate, Curcuma longa root extract, Caprooyl tetrapeptide-3, Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5, Gardenia jasminoides meristem cell culture, Boswellia carterii oil, Boswellia neglecta resin oil, Commiphora confusa resin oil, Citrus nobilis peel oil, Citrus bergamia peel oil expressed, Citrus aurantium amara flower oil, Commiphora myrrha oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Tocopherol, Xanthan gum, Dextran, Levulinic acid, Sodium levulinate, Potassium sorbate, Dehydroacetic acid, Citral, Citronellol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool

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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
Neal's Yard RemediesFrankincense Intense CreamYOUR PRODUCTPeter Thomas RothPeptide 21 Lift & Firm MoisturizerDRMTLGYPeptide Night CreamPacifica BeautyFuture Youth Super Cream
Match—50%48%46%
Price—$56.00$46.00$24.00
Shared key ingredients—6 of 145 of 145 of 14
Key difference—Tripeptide-1Ceramide ApPanthenol
Irritancy High Medium Medium High
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

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Product summary

"Neal's Yard Remedies - Frankincense Intense Cream" 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. Humectants in this product (dextran, glycerin and sodium hyaluronate) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Emollients in this formulation (caprooyl tetrapeptide-3, glycine soja oil, theobroma cacao seed butter, vitis vinifera seed oil 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

  • This moisturizer also contains Peptides (palmitoyl tripeptide-5 0.30% - 0.55%, trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 0.30% - 0.55% and caprooyl tetrapeptide-3 0.40% - 0.60%). Peptides are a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of aminoacids. Our skin produces Peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of Peptides is, but it is very likely that they are helpful. Peptides might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.
This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: vitamin e

Irritation risk

This moisturizer contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. 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 for 89.00$ in the United States, for 96.00A$ in Australia and for 58.00£ 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 22 studies and safety reviews.

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Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Cream
Neal's Yard RemediesFrankincense Intense Cream

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.