Olay Regenerist Essence Facial Moisturizer
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Anti-aging3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“It's an easy step that improves firmness and elasticity for younger-looking skin, and might be exactly what you've been missing.”
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.
Moisturizing11 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Regenerist Essence Facial Moisturizer”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer.
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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
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
Anti-oxidation2 ingredients credited for this claimModerate support
This product contains antioxidants (camellia sinensis leaf 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.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
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.
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: ParfumMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
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Water~40–60%
Butylene glycol~5.9–8.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolNiacinamide~3.9–5.9%
- 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 NiacinamidePentylene glycol~2.8–4.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolDipropylene glycol~2–3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolPanthenol~1.7–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolSodium hyaluronate~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronatePalmitoyl pentapeptide-4~1.2–1.8%
- 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-4Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 extractCamellia sinensis leaf extract~0.85–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
More about Camellia sinensis leaf extractTremella fuciformis sporocarp extract~0.5–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Mushroom extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extractSodium peg-7 olive oil carboxylate~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium peg-7 olive oil carboxylateHydrolyzed elastin~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glycerin~0.35–0.85%
- 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 GlycerinGlyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency
More about Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerGlycereth-25 pca isostearate~0.15–0.65%
Disodium edta~0.15–0.55%
Pvm/ma copolymer~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium citrate~0.1–0.35%
- 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 citrateBenzyl alcohol~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholMethylparaben~0.05–0.25%
Parfum~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Butylene glycol, Niacinamide, Pentylene glycol, Dipropylene glycol, Panthenol, Sodium hyaluronate, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract, Sodium peg-7 olive oil carboxylate, Hydrolyzed elastin, Glycerin, Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, Glycereth-25 pca isostearate, Disodium edta, Pvm/ma copolymer, Sodium citrate, Benzyl alcohol, Methylparaben, Unknown, 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.
| OlayRegenerist Essence Facial MoisturizerYOUR PRODUCT | MedicubeRose PDRN Pink Peptide Cream 50ml | HeimishBlack Rose Hydra Plumping Sorbet Cream 50ml | ArenciaDeep Water Surge Soothing Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 85% | 85% | 83% |
| Price | $15.52 | $39.60+$24.08 | $37.68+$22.16 | $27.70+$12.18 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 8 | 6 of 8 | 6 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | Copper Tripeptide-1 | Copper Tripeptide-1 | Copper Tripeptide-1 |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredient list, "Olay - Regenerist Essence Facial 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. Panthenol, glycerin, glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, sodium hyaluronate and tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract 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 (aloe barbadensis leaf extract 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.
Ingredient callouts
- We particularly like that there is a good concentration of Niacinamide (3.90% - 5.90%) in this moisturizer. Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is a great ingredient to have in a moisturizer. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and help improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- This moisturizer also contains Peptides (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 1.20% - 1.80%). 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.
- An effective concentration of Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 1.70% - 2.50%. 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.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
- 4
- 5Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6
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