Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Anti-agingRetinol, Niacinamide + 1 moreStrong evidence
“Intensive Bio Complete Cream combines encapsulated pure retinol to promote cell turnover and Skin-Firming Duo Dermatan Sulfate Analog (DSA) and Chondroitin Sulfate Analog (CSA) technology to support the skin’s natural ability to promote collagen and elastin production for firmer, younger-looking skin.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains retinol, 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.
Evens skin toneRetinol, NiacinamideStrong evidence
“A pure encapsulated retinol cream to transform skin tone and texture in as little as 4 weeks.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: retinol.
In addition, this product contains niacinamide. This ingredient (ingredients) might help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the effect, if any, is likely to be small.
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-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Retinol, Dimethylmethoxy chromanol + 4 moreStrong evidence
This product contains antioxidants (dimethylmethoxy chromanol, retinol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Ceramide np + 19 moreStrong evidence
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:
erythritol, 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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np, linoleic acid, niacinamide
ExfoliationNot advertised by the brand · Retinol, Maris sal + 1 moreStrong evidence
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: retinol.
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Retinol + 1 moreStrong evidence
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: retinol. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
In addition, this product contains niacinamide. It can help in reducing blemishes, even though it is less effective.
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: linoleic acid
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: RetinolMedium risk
Comedogenic3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale3 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
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Water~45–55%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~5.8–7.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideEthylhexyl olivate~4.5–5.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Ethylhexyl olivateDimethicone~3.3–4%
- 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 DimethiconeGlycerin~2.5–3%
- 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~2–2.4%
- 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 NiacinamideAcetamidoethoxyethanol~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A new synthetic humectant that, according to the first tests, works better than glycerin in attracting moisture to the skin surface. It might be able to keep attracting water to the upper layer of the skin for longer compared with glycerin. Its texture is also nicer. Because of this, products with it are likely to be less sticky and more pleasant on application. It is unlikely to cause irritation and products with it work for sensitive skin. For best hydration results, it should be used at about 5-10% in a formulation. This ingredient is developed by a supplier Nouryon and is sold to skincare brands under the name Elfamoist AC.
More about AcetamidoethoxyethanolSodium acrylates copolymer~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylates copolymerSodium dermatan sulfate~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium chondroitin sulfate~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is naturally present in skin. Helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about Sodium chondroitin sulfateRhodosorus marinus extract~0.7–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Palmaria palmata extract~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Palmaria palmata extractRetinol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
More about RetinolSodium pca~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about Sodium pcaErythritol~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about ErythritolCarrageenan~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulation
More about CarrageenanLecithin~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinLinoleic acid~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores
More about Linoleic acidPalmitic acid~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidOleic acid~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness
More about Oleic acidStearic acid~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidTocopherol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolPhytosteryl canola glycerides~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Phytosteryl canola glyceridesDimethylmethoxy chromanol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can help neutralize free radicals in skin
More about Dimethylmethoxy chromanolHydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An anti-oxidant. Is also called 6-paradol. It might be able to neutralize free radicals in skin. The manufacturer claims that it is able to stimulate synthesis of hyaluronic acid in skin, but there is no evidence of effectiveness of this ingredient so far. The only evidence of efficacy for this ingredient so far come from small lab tests. This ingredient comes together with Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride as part of the complex called SymDecanox HA produced by a cosmetic ingredient supplier Symrise.
More about Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanoneTriolein~0.25–0.45%
Hydroxyacetophenone~0.25–0.45%
Tocopheryl acetate~0.25–0.5%
- 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 acetateCeramide np~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide npSodium carrageenan~0.25–0.5%
Maris sal~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration
More about Maris salSea salt~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration
More about Sea saltXanthan gum~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumLaureth-23~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Laureth-23Propanediol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about Propanediol1,2-hexanediol~0.25–0.45%
Polyglyceryl-4 olivate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polysorbate 20~0.3–0.5%
Cetyl palmitate~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability
More about Cetyl palmitateTrideceth-6 phosphate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Trideceth-6 phosphateSodium hydroxide~0.25–0.4%
Citric acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidBenzoic acid~0.2–0.35%
Sorbic acid~0.15–0.3%
Bha~0.15–0.25%
Bht~0.15–0.3%
Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolDisodium edta~0.1–0.15%
Caprylyl glycol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolIngredient list view
Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Ethylhexyl olivate, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Acetamidoethoxyethanol, Sodium acrylates copolymer, Sodium dermatan sulfate, Sodium chondroitin sulfate, Rhodosorus marinus extract, Palmaria palmata extract, Retinol, Sodium pca, Erythritol, Carrageenan, Lecithin, Linoleic acid, Palmitic acid, Oleic acid, Stearic acid, Tocopherol, Phytosteryl canola glycerides, Dimethylmethoxy chromanol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone, Triolein, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tocopheryl acetate, Ceramide np, Sodium carrageenan, Maris sal, Sea salt, Xanthan gum, Laureth-23, Propanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-4 olivate, Polysorbate 20, Cetyl palmitate, Trideceth-6 phosphate, Sodium hydroxide, Citric acid, Benzoic acid, Sorbic acid, Bha, Bht, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium edta, Caprylyl glycol
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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.
| SENTÉIntensive Bio Complete CreamYOUR PRODUCT | SkinMedicaEven & Correct Dark Spot Cream | BiopelleEmepelle Night Cream | skintificRetinol Skin Renewal Moisturizer Acne & Anti-Aging Night Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 79% | 77% | 76% |
| Price | — | $88.00 | — | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 16 | 4 of 16 | 6 of 16 |
| Key difference | — | Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 | Ceramide As |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "SENTÉ - Intensive Bio Complete Cream" works well for improving skin hydration 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. Humectants in this product (erythritol, glycerin, sodium chondroitin sulfate, sodium pca and caprylyl 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). Ceramide np, linoleic acid, caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone and cetyl palmitate in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.
Ingredient callouts
- We particularly like that there is a good concentration of niacinamide (niacinamide 2.00% - 2.40%) 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 contains an effective form of retinoids (vitamin A): retinol 0.50% - 0.75%. Retinoids are potent multitasking actives. They work to improve and prevent early signs of aging, reduce hyperpigmentation (age spots and post-acne marks), and prevent inflamed blemishes and clogged pores. The downside of retinoids is that they can be irritating. If you are not already using a retinoid in your routine, it is best to start slowly and apply the retinoid product only a few times per week. If your skin tolerates it well, you can gradually increase the frequency to daily. Because of the irritation risk of retinoids, we recommend to have another, retinoid-free moisturizer in your routine to use on the alternative days or when your skin feels dry.
- As a plus, this moisturizer also contains ceramides (ceramide np 0.30% - 0.55%). Ceramides are a type of lipids that our skin produces itself. They are a building block of the skin's barrier. Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or extracted from plants. They work well for softening the skin surface and "patch holes" in the skin's barrier.
Irritation risk
This moisturizer contains actives that can be irritating. 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.
Price
The product retails for 125.00$ in the United States and for 156.30CA$ in Canada.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
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