Olay Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer
Works for
2 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Anti-agingNiacinamide, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4Strong evidence
“POWERFUL INGREDIENTS: Formulated with Vitamin B3 + Hyaluronic Acid, to helps skin turnover, remove dead skin cells & correct the look of wrinkles”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.
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.
MoisturizingPalmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Niacinamide + 14 moreStrong evidence
“Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer”
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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, panthenol
ExfoliationNo ingredient credited for this claimNo evidence
“Vitamin B3 not only helps is known to help with surface skin cell turnover, and regeneration, but also leads the and exfoliation that helps remove dead, dull skin for a fresher, younger look.”
This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · NiacinamideStrong evidence
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Ceratonia siliqua fruit extractStrong evidence
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: ceratonia siliqua fruit extract.
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: ParfumMedium risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~4.6–5.6%
- 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 GlycerinIsohexadecane~4.3–5.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent
More about IsohexadecaneNiacinamide~3.1–3.8%
- 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 NiacinamideIsopropyl isostearate~2.4–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Isopropyl isostearateAluminum starch octenylsuccinate~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product's consistency
More about Aluminum starch octenylsuccinateNylon-12~1.7–2%
Dimethicone~1.5–1.8%
- 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 DimethiconePanthenol~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolCaprylic/capric triglyceride~1–1.2%
- 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 triglycerideTocopheryl acetate~0.7–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acetatePalmitoyl pentapeptide-4~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4Ceratonia siliqua fruit extract~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out skin tone, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking
More about Ceratonia siliqua fruit extractSodium hyaluronate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateDimethiconol~0.45–0.7%
- 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 DimethiconolC13-14 isoparaffin~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency
More about C13-14 isoparaffinCetearyl glucoside~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture
More about Cetearyl glucosideCetearyl alcohol~0.45–0.65%
- 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 alcoholSodium peg-7 olive oil carboxylate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium peg-7 olive oil carboxylateStearic acid~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidPalmitic acid~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidC12-13 pareth-3~0.3–0.5%
Laureth-7~0.25–0.5%
Stearyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholCetyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholBehenyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholDisodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Polyethylene~0.35–0.65%
Sodium acrylates copolymer~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylates copolymerPolyacrylamide~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
More about PolyacrylamideCitric acid~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidSodium hydroxide~0.25–0.45%
Peg-100 stearate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateTitanium dioxide~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxideMica~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaBenzyl alcohol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholMethylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Ethylparaben~0.15–0.25%
Propylparaben~0.1–0.2%
Parfum~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Niacinamide, Isopropyl isostearate, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Nylon-12, Dimethicone, Panthenol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Tocopheryl acetate, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Ceratonia siliqua fruit extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Dimethiconol, C13-14 isoparaffin, Cetearyl glucoside, Cetearyl alcohol, Sodium peg-7 olive oil carboxylate, Stearic acid, Palmitic acid, C12-13 pareth-3, Laureth-7, Stearyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Behenyl alcohol, Disodium edta, Polyethylene, Sodium acrylates copolymer, Polyacrylamide, Citric acid, Sodium hydroxide, Peg-100 stearate, Titanium dioxide, Mica, Benzyl alcohol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, 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.
| OlayMicro-Sculpting Cream Face MoisturizerYOUR PRODUCT | SK-IISKINPOWER Cream | dermaGEEKNourishing Facial Night Cream | HeimishBlack Rose Hydra Plumping Sorbet Cream 50ml | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 96% | 92% | 91% |
| Price | $25.62 | $162.60+$136.98 | $19.94−$5.68 | $37.68+$12.06 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 9 | 6 of 9 | 7 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | Pitera | Trehalose | Copper Tripeptide-1 |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredient list, "Olay Regenerist - Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer" can work well for skin moisturization. As we expect from a proper moisturizer, the formula includes a combo of effective humectants and emollients. These are the two different types of ingredients that are essential for improving the skin hydration and supporting a healthy skin barrier. Humectants in this product (panthenol, 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 (caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone, dimethiconol, cetearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol) 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
- We love that this moisturizer contains a good concentration of niacinamide 3.10% - 3.80%. Niacinamide is a perfect active in a moistruizer because it helps calm down inflamation in skin and support the skin barrier. More than that, it is helpful for most common skin concerns: it helps regulat oil production, help reduce acne and clogged pores, improve skin tone and prevent pigmentation marks. It also helps fight photodamage.
- We like that this moisturizer contains peptides (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 0.55% - 0.80%). There are many different kind of peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of amino-acids. Some of them work as natural anti-biotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective peptides in skincare are, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. Peptides might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
- This formulation also uses an effective concentration of panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 1.20% - 1.40%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.
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 medium. 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 55.80CA$ in Canada, for 81.98A$ in Australia, from 12.49$ up to 31.99$ in the United States and for 30.02£ 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 15 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 6Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
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