Olay Regenerist Micro
Works for
3 of 4 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 6 UV filtersBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.
Anti-agingNiacinamide, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4Strong evidence
“The Red Jar" - known to many as their go-to, nonnegotiable face moisturizer with over 1 billion jars sold, Olay Micro-Sculpting Face Cream is designed to start visibly reducing wrinkles & fine lines starting day 1.”
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.
This product can also help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.
MoisturizingPalmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Niacinamide + 12 moreStrong evidence
“The Red Jar" - known to many as their go-to, nonnegotiable face moisturizer with over 1 billion jars sold, Olay Micro-Sculpting Face Cream is designed to start visibly reducing wrinkles & fine lines starting day 1.”
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, caprylyl glycol.
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: dimethicone, dimethiconol.
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 · NiacinamideStrong evidence
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Peucedanum graveolens extract, Parfum — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic4 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale4 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~4.7–5.8%
- 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 GlycerinNiacinamide~4.3–5.2%
- 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 NiacinamideTapioca starch~3.2–3.9%
Dimethicone~2.5–3.1%
- 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 DimethiconeEthylhexyl methoxycrylene~2–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps improve stability of sunscreen filters and boost their effectiveness
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycrylenePanthenol~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolTocopheryl acetate~1.4–1.7%
- 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-4~1.2–1.4%
- 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-4Sodium peg-7 olive oil carboxylate~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium peg-7 olive oil carboxylatePeucedanum graveolens extract~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract. Might have an antioxidant effect. Can be used as a fragrance
More about Peucedanum graveolens extractPolyacrylamide~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
More about PolyacrylamidePeg-100 stearate~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateDimethiconol~0.5–0.75%
- 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 DimethiconolLaureth-7~0.45–0.7%
Cetearyl glucoside~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture
More about Cetearyl glucosideCetearyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%
- 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 alcoholStearyl alcohol~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholBehenyl alcohol~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholCetyl alcohol~0.35–0.65%
- 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 alcoholC13-14 isoparaffin~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency
More about C13-14 isoparaffinPolymethylsilsesquioxane~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 PolymethylsilsesquioxaneCaprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycol1,2-hexanediol~0.25–0.5%
Phenoxyethanol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolSodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Stearic acid~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidDisodium edta~0.25–0.5%
Parfum~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumTitanium dioxide~0.4–0.6%
- 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 dioxideEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate7.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateWater~0.25–0.5%
Glycerin~0.3–0.55%
- 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 GlycerinNiacinamide~0.25–0.5%
- 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 NiacinamideTapioca starch~0.25–0.5%
Dimethicone~0.3–0.6%
- 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 DimethiconeEthylhexyl methoxycrylene~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps improve stability of sunscreen filters and boost their effectiveness
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycryleneStearyl alcohol~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholPolyacrylamide~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
More about PolyacrylamideBehenyl alcohol~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholCetyl alcohol~0.3–0.6%
- 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 alcoholPanthenol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolTocopheryl acetate~0.3–0.55%
- 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 acetateC13-14 isoparaffin~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency
More about C13-14 isoparaffinCaprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycol1,2-hexanediol~0.25–0.5%
Phenoxyethanol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolPeg-100 stearate~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateTitanium dioxide~0.4–0.6%
- 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 dioxideParfum~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumDimethiconol~0.3–0.55%
- 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 DimethiconolLaureth-7~0.3–0.55%
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Cetearyl glucoside~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture
More about Cetearyl glucosideCetearyl alcohol~0.3–0.6%
- 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~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium peg-7 olive oil carboxylatePolymethylsilsesquioxane~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 PolymethylsilsesquioxaneDisodium edta~0.25–0.5%
Peucedanum graveolens extract~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract. Might have an antioxidant effect. Can be used as a fragrance
More about Peucedanum graveolens extractStearic acid~0.45–0.65%
- 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 acidPalmitoyl pentapeptide-4~0.25–0.5%
- 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-4Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.
More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneHomosalate9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation
More about HomosalateEthylhexyl salicylate4.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about Ethylhexyl salicylateOctocrylene6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about OctocryleneWater~0.25–0.5%
Glycerin~0.3–0.55%
- 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 GlycerinZea mays starch~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Used to thicken the product's consistency
More about Zea mays starchNiacinamide~0.25–0.5%
- 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 NiacinamidePanthenol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolPalmitoyl pentapeptide-4~0.25–0.5%
- 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-4Dimethicone~0.3–0.6%
- 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 DimethiconeCaprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolDimethiconol~0.3–0.55%
- 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 DimethiconolCetearyl glucoside~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture
More about Cetearyl glucosideCetearyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
- 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 alcoholStearic acid~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidPalmitic acid~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidStearyl 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~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholDisodium edta~0.2–0.4%
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.2–0.35%
- 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 copolymerPeg-100 stearate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearate1,2-hexanediol~0.15–0.3%
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolParfum~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Tapioca starch, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl methoxycrylene, Panthenol, Tocopheryl acetate, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Sodium peg-7 olive oil carboxylate, Peucedanum graveolens extract, Polyacrylamide, Peg-100 stearate, Dimethiconol, Laureth-7, Cetearyl glucoside, Cetearyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol, Behenyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, C13-14 isoparaffin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Caprylyl glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium benzoate, Stearic acid, Disodium edta, Parfum, Titanium dioxide, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Tapioca starch, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl methoxycrylene, Stearyl alcohol, Polyacrylamide, Behenyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Panthenol, Tocopheryl acetate, C13-14 isoparaffin, Caprylyl glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Peg-100 stearate, Titanium dioxide, Parfum, Dimethiconol, Laureth-7, Sodium benzoate, Cetearyl glucoside, Cetearyl alcohol, Sodium peg-7 olive oil carboxylate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Disodium edta, Peucedanum graveolens extract, Stearic acid, Palmitic acid, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Octocrylene, Water, Glycerin, Zea mays starch, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Dimethicone, Caprylyl glycol, Dimethiconol, Cetearyl glucoside, Cetearyl alcohol, Stearic acid, Palmitic acid, Stearyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Behenyl alcohol, Disodium edta, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Peg-100 stearate, 1,2-hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, 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 MicroYOUR PRODUCT | CetaphilHealthy Renew Day Cream SPF 30 | BaleaNiacinamide Tagescreme LSF30 | ISDINFoto Ultra Active Unify COLOR Fusion Fluid SPF 50+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 82% | 82% | 81% |
| Price | $21.07 | — | — | $21.17 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 12 | 4 of 12 | 8 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Adenosine | Uvinul T | Tetrapeptide-30 |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 30 | SPF 30 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
We believe that "Olay - Regenerist Micro" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses so-called "chemical", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. These are the sun protection ingredients in this sunscreen: avobenzone 3.00% (declared), octinoxate 0.00% - 0.00%, octisalate 4.50% (declared), homosalate 9.00% (declared) and octocrylene 6.00% (declared).
Irritation risk
There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails from 24.99$ up to 27.44$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 10 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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