Olay

Olay Total Effects UV Night Cream

Name: Olay - Total Effects UV Night Cream
Brand: Olay

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

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Works for

3 of 4 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Panthenol + 14 more

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“Total Effects UV Night Cream”

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, 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, panthenol

DimethiconolKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~0.45–0.7%

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~4.8–5.9%

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs 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~4.2–5.1%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.95–1.15%

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~0.25–0.45%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~2.4–2.9%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.6–0.9%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.35–0.65%

C13-14 alkaneEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%

Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.3–0.6%

Behenyl alcohol· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient~0.55–0.8%

Isopropyl isostearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin~1.9–2.4%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.45–0.7%

Isohexadecane· EmollientEffect: LowImproves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent~3.1–3.8%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan 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~0.7–1%

Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.45–0.65%

Evens skin tone

Niacinamide, Camellia sinensis leaf extract

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“It gives 7 skin benefits in one product , Reduces the appearance of wrinkles , Moisturises , Evens skin tone , Refines look of pores , Smoothes the texture of the skin , Brightens , Helps to restore skin's firmness.”

Source: Feelunique

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.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs 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~4.2–5.1%

Anti-aging

Niacinamide, Camellia sinensis leaf extract + 1 more

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“Olay Total Effects 7in 1 Night Cream is an anti-ageing firming moisturiser that fights the 7 signs of ageing for a radiant and fabulous skin.”

Source: Feelunique

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.

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.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphateEffect: Low, below effective doseA stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C~0.55–0.85%

Exfoliation

No ingredient credited for this claim

No evidence

What the product description says

“Olay Total Effects Night Cream exfoliates to enhance skin’s surface natural self-renewal process for healthier looking skin every morning.”

Source: Feelunique

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-blemish

Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Camellia sinensis leaf extract + 1 more

Strong 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.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphateUnder-dosedEffect: HighA stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C~0.55–0.85%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Tocopheryl acetate + 1 more

Moderate evidence

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.

Camellia sinensis leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan 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~0.7–1%

Tocopheryl acetateEffect: LowA 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.~1.1–1.4%

Sodium ascorbyl phosphateUnder-dosedEffect: MediumA stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C~0.55–0.85%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

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

High risk

We flagged 11 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

Benzyl salicylateA fragrance. Is a likely irritantHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

Alpha-isomethyl iononeA fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

PolyacrylamideUsed to improve product texture and help oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.4–1.8%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA 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.Medium~1.1–1.4%est.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphateA stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin CMedium~0.55–0.85%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Laureth-7Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.45–0.65%est.

Cetearyl glucosideHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product textureMedium~0.35–0.65%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Ammonium polyacrylateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%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

Isopropyl isostearateAn emollient that helps soften the skin3/5~1.9–2.4%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.35–0.65%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

Glycerin~4.8–5.9%

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

Niacinamide~4.2–5.1%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-blemishAnti-agingMoisturizingReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterial

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 Niacinamide

Isohexadecane~3.1–3.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

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 Isohexadecane

Dimethicone~2.4–2.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone

Isopropyl isostearate~1.9–2.4%

Comedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Isopropyl isostearate

Stearyl alcohol~1.6–2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Stearyl alcohol

Polyacrylamide~1.4–1.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together

More about Polyacrylamide

Tocopheryl acetate~1.1–1.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

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 acetate

Panthenol~0.95–1.15%

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

Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.7–1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

AntibacterialAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

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 extract

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate~0.55–0.85%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-blemishAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C

More about Sodium ascorbyl phosphate

Cetyl alcohol~0.6–0.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol

Behenyl alcohol~0.55–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient

More about Behenyl alcohol

Caprylyl glycol~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Dimethiconol~0.45–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 Dimethiconol

Laureth-7~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Laureth-7

Cetearyl glucoside~0.35–0.65%

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 alcohol~0.35–0.65%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Stearic acid~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid

Palmitic acid~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid

Disodium edta~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Peg-100 stearate~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture

More about Peg-100 stearate

Ammonium polyacrylate~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Ammonium polyacrylate

Polymethylsilsesquioxane~0.25–0.45%

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

C13-14 alkane~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about C13-14 alkane

2-hexanol~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about 2-hexanol

Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Sodium benzoate~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Methylparaben~0.1–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Methylparaben

Propylparaben~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Propylparaben

Parfum~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Benzyl salicylate~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Is a likely irritant

More about Benzyl salicylate

Alpha-isomethyl ionone~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Alpha-isomethyl ionone

Ci 77891~0.05–0.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ci 77891

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Isohexadecane, Dimethicone, Isopropyl isostearate, Stearyl alcohol, Polyacrylamide, Tocopheryl acetate, Panthenol, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Cetyl alcohol, Behenyl alcohol, Caprylyl glycol, Dimethiconol, Laureth-7, Cetearyl glucoside, Cetearyl alcohol, Stearic acid, Palmitic acid, Disodium edta, Peg-100 stearate, Ammonium polyacrylate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, C13-14 alkane, 2-hexanol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium benzoate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Parfum, Benzyl salicylate, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Ci 77891

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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
	OlayTotal Effects UV Night CreamYOUR PRODUCT	SK-IISKINPOWER Cream	dermaGEEKNourishing Facial Night Cream	DdfPro-Retinol Complex 3 Moisturizer
Match	—	94%	92%	92%
Price	—	$133.47	$42.99	—
Shared key ingredients	—	6 of 8	5 of 8	5 of 8
Key difference	—	Pitera	Sodium Hyaluronate	Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Irritancy	High	Medium	Low	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Olay - Total Effects UV Night Cream" is effective for: Moisturizing, Evens skin tone, Anti-blemish and Anti-aging

Ingredient callouts

We particularly like that there is a good concentration of Niacinamide (4.20% - 5.10%) 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.
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 0.95% - 1.15% concentration. In this concentration, Panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.