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Polaar Moisturizing Cream
Polaar

Polaar Moisturizing Cream

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Panthenol, Dimethicone + 11 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Utilising an exclusive IceSource system developed through extensive skincare research, the gel-textured formula contains filtered Glacier Water to deeply hydrate and nourish while forming a protective barrier against harmful environmental aggressors.”
Source: Mankind

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, saccharide isomerate.

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, caprylyl glycol.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~1.6–2.4%
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~5.5–8.2%
Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethiconeKey activeEffect: HighA silicone that mixes with water creating nice light-weight product texture~2–3%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~1.2–1.8%
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~0.35–0.8%
Saccharide isomerateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.35%
Plankton extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.35%
Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~1.4–2.1%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~0.35–0.85%
Sorbitol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.2–0.8%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.15–0.65%
Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.1–0.4%
LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.7%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
5 strong irritants: Imidazolidinyl urea, Parfum + 3 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 12 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~1.4–2.1%est.
Imidazolidinyl ureaA preservative. Is more irritating than many other preservatives availableHigh~0.3–0.6%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.4–1%est.
MethylchloroisothiazolinoneA preservative. Is a frequent allergen in cosmeticsHigh~0.00075–0.0015%est.
Ci 19140A yellow dyeHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
MethylisothiazolinoneA preservative. Is a frequent allergenHigh~0.00075–0.0015%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.01–0.1%est.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~2.8–4.2%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.15–0.65%est.
Plankton extractCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Ci 42090A colorant (dye)Medium~0.05–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 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
Plankton extractCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.1–0.35%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Cicaplast Gel B5 Skin Protectant
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Gel B5 Skin Protectant
Cheaper64% match
$17.29
SKIN UTILITY GEL MULTI-PURPOSE SKIN PROTECTANT
Prequel SKIN UTILITY GEL MULTI-PURPOSE SKIN PROTECTANT
Cheaper63% match
$17.99
View all alternatives

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Ingredients

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Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Dimethicone~5.5–8.2%
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
Sodium polyacrylate~3.8–5.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions

More about Sodium polyacrylate
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~2.8–4.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer
Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone~2–3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingCleansing

A silicone that mixes with water creating nice light-weight product texture

More about Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone
Panthenol~1.6–2.4%
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
Propylene glycol~1.4–2.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol
Sodium hyaluronate~1.2–1.8%
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
Propanediol~0.95–1.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Imidazolidinyl urea~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Is more irritating than many other preservatives available

More about Imidazolidinyl urea
Parfum~0.4–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Butylene glycol~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 glycol
Glycerin~0.35–0.8%
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
Sorbitol~0.2–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Sorbitol
Disodium edta~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Lecithin~0.3–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin
Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Caprylyl glycol~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Xanthan gum~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Disodium phosphate~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation

More about Disodium phosphate
Magnesium nitrate~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Magnesium nitrate
Sodium phosphate~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Sodium phosphate
Saccharide isomerate~0.1–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharide isomerate
Plankton extract~0.1–0.35%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Plankton extract
Glyceryl caprylate~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate
Methylchloroisothiazolinone~0.00075–0.0015%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Is a frequent allergen in cosmetics

More about Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Magnesium chloride~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps thicken the product formulation

More about Magnesium chloride
Ci 19140~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A yellow dye

More about Ci 19140
Methylisothiazolinone~0.00075–0.0015%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Is a frequent allergen

More about Methylisothiazolinone
Ci 42090~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A colorant (dye)

More about Ci 42090
Limonene~0.01–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Limonene
Ingredient list view

Water, Dimethicone, Sodium polyacrylate, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone, Panthenol, Propylene glycol, Sodium hyaluronate, Propanediol, Imidazolidinyl urea, Parfum, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Disodium edta, Lecithin, Sodium hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Xanthan gum, Disodium phosphate, Magnesium nitrate, Sodium phosphate, Saccharide isomerate, Plankton extract, Glyceryl caprylate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium chloride, Ci 19140, Methylisothiazolinone, Ci 42090, Limonene

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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
PolaarMoisturizing CreamYOUR PRODUCTLa Roche-PosayCicaplast Gel B5 Skin ProtectantTulaDew Your Thing Oil-Free Gel CreamPrequelSKIN UTILITY GEL MULTI-PURPOSE SKIN PROTECTANT
Match—64%63%63%
Price—$17.29—$17.99
Shared key ingredients—5 of 75 of 74 of 7
Key difference—MadecassosideGluconolactoneNiacinamide
Irritancy High Low Medium Low
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

Judging from the ingredient list, "Polaar - Moisturizing Cream" works well for improving skin hydration 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 (panthenol, glycerin, saccharide isomerate, sodium hyaluronate and butylene glycol) 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 (dimethicone, caprylyl glycol and glyceryl caprylate) 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 formulation also includes panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 1.60% - 2.40% concentration. In this concentration, panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.

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 from 38.70$ up to 49.70$ in the United States and from 36.00£ up to 55.10£ 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 12 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
  2. 2
    Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
  3. 3
    Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
  4. 4
    Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  5. 5
    Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Polaar Moisturizing Cream
PolaarMoisturizing Cream
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