Reform Skincare Phyto Botanical Gel
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Evens skin toneKojic acid, Alpha-arbutin + 1 moreStrong evidence
“This botanical gel uses powerful skin brighteners to assist in the treatment of uneven skin tone and skin irritation.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: alpha-arbutin, kojic acid
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-agingHyaluronic acid, Algae extract + 1 moreModerate evidence
“Anti-inflammatories soothe irritations, while Hyaluronic Acid hydrates and firms the skin.”
This product contains kojic acid. This ingredient help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they might be able to prevent early signs of aging (like fine lines and wrinkles), at least to some extent. These ingredients will not be able to "reverse" signs of aging.
MoisturizingAlgae extract, Glycerin + 1 moreGood evidence
“Improves the appearance of pigmentation Hydrates and soothes Suitable for all skin types How to use.”
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:
algae extract, glycerin.
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: algae extract.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Kojic acid, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateStrong evidence
This product contains antioxidants (kojic acid) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Rosa damascena extract, Thymus vulgaris extract + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Kojic acid~5.2–7.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and neutralize free radicals. Can be irritating
More about Kojic acidAlpha-arbutin~3.8–5.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin
More about Alpha-arbutinGlycerin~2.7–4%
- 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 GlycerinRosa damascena extract~1.9–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
Oil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics. Extensive research has shown it has mixed benefits. In the pro column, inhaling this flower’s scent seems to have relaxing properties and the plant’s petals contain skin-soothing and antioxidant compounds that can benefit skin. On the flipside, the numerous chemicals that create this rose’s distinctive fragrance pose a risk of causing skin aggravation.
More about Rosa damascena extractMagnesium ascorbyl phosphate~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high
More about Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateThymus vulgaris extract~0.8–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
Cucumis sativus extract~0.85–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Algae extract~0.6–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet
More about Algae extractPullulan~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect
More about PullulanHyaluronic acid~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation
More about Hyaluronic acidPhenoxyethanol~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolTetrasodium edta~0.05–0.15%
Parfum~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Kojic acid, Alpha-arbutin, Glycerin, Rosa damascena extract, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Thymus vulgaris extract, Cucumis sativus extract, Algae extract, Pullulan, Hyaluronic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium edta, 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.
| Reform SkincarePhyto Botanical GelYOUR PRODUCT | Complete Skin SolutionsAdvanced Phyto Gel | SosuMigaki Gel Plus Rich Facial Moisturizing Gel - 2 Types | MedicubeKojic Acid Turmeric Vita Capsule Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 73% | 63% | 60% |
| Price | $59.49 | $27.99−$31.50 | $24.82−$34.67 | $48.35−$11.14 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 6 | 3 of 6 | 4 of 6 |
| Key difference | — | — | Oligopeptide-1 | Retinol |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 7 studies and safety reviews.
- 1TOPICAL TREATMENT OF MELASMAncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Topical L-ascorbic acid: percutaneous absorption studiesncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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