Shiseido D Program Vital Act Emulsion

Shiseido D Program Vital Act Emulsion

Efficacy58/100IrritancyLow

Works for

Evens skin tone
Tranexamic acid, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate
Works well
What the product description says
“Improves skin turnover function with tranexamic acid by preventing skin roughness, making skin even-textured and inhibiting melanin production and prevent dark spots and freckles.”
Source: Yesstyle

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: tranexamic 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.

Tranexamic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn amino acid that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone. It can also help in skin barrier recovery. It is used to treat melasma, especially with injections and when taken orally~0.7–1%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizateEffect: Low, below effective doseA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.25–0.45%
Moisturizing
Glycerin, Hydrogenated palm oil + 18 more
Works
What the product description says
“Beauty Microbiome will help increase skin moisture content and retain skin's moisture.”
Source: Yesstyle

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: dimethicone, phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate.

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~5–6.1%
Hydrogenated palm oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.9–2.4%
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~1.5–1.9%
Tranexamic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn amino acid that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone. It can also help in skin barrier recovery. It is used to treat melasma, especially with injections and when taken orally~0.7–1%
ErythritolKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.55–0.85%
TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.75%
Elaeis guineensis kernel oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.7%
Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA mix of amino acids and plant-based lipids. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss over time~0.3–0.55%
MaltitolKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.55%
Elaeis guineensis oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.6%
Peg/ppg-14/7 dimethyl etherKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin. It also forms a protective on its surface to reduce water loss~0.25–0.5%
Saccharomyces ferment lysate filtrateKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%
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~3–3.7%
Hydrogenated polydecene· EmollientEffect: LowHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~2.3–2.8%
Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product consistency while softening the upper layer of the skin~1–1.3%
Behenyl alcohol· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient~0.4–0.6%
Batyl alcohol· EmollientEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol. Used to stabilize other ingredients and is an emollient~0.3–0.55%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.15–0.3%
PetrolatumUnder-dosedOne of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss~0.5–0.7%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizateUnder-dosedA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.25–0.45%
Anti-aging
Tocopherol
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Refine and firm skin to protect against signs of aging & visibly reduce appearance of lines & wrinkles.”
Source: Yesstyle

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.15–0.3%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
6 flagged ingredients
Low risk
We flag 6 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Peg-5 glyceryl stearateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.4–0.65%est.
Potassium hydroxideUsed to adjust the pH level of productsMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Sodium metaphosphateA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Sodium metabisulfiteA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.25%est.
Rosa roxburghii fruit extractA fruit extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is missingMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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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~5–6.1%
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
Dipropylene glycol~4.1–5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol
Butylene glycol~3–3.7%
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
Hydrogenated polydecene~2.3–2.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Hydrogenated polydecene
Hydrogenated palm oil~1.9–2.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated palm oil
Peg-60 glyceryl isostearate~1.6–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Peg-60 glyceryl isostearate
Dimethicone~1.5–1.9%
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
Peg-150~1.2–1.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Peg-150
Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate~1–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product consistency while softening the upper layer of the skin

More about Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate
Tranexamic acid~0.7–1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingEvens skin tone

An amino acid that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone. It can also help in skin barrier recovery. It is used to treat melasma, especially with injections and when taken orally

More about Tranexamic acid
Erythritol~0.55–0.85%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Erythritol
Trehalose~0.5–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Trehalose
Xylitol~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function

More about Xylitol
Peg/ppg-17/4 dimethyl ether~0.45–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps to create a nice product texture

More about Peg/ppg-17/4 dimethyl ether
Petrolatum~0.5–0.7%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss

More about Petrolatum
Elaeis guineensis kernel oil~0.45–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Elaeis guineensis kernel oil
Peg-5 glyceryl stearate~0.4–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-5 glyceryl stearate
Maltitol~0.3–0.55%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Maltitol
Behenyl alcohol~0.4–0.6%
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
Elaeis guineensis oil~0.3–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Elaeis guineensis oil
Phenoxyethanol~0.3–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate~0.3–0.55%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A mix of amino acids and plant-based lipids. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss over time

More about Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate
Batyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAntibacterial

Non-drying alcohol. Used to stabilize other ingredients and is an emollient

More about Batyl alcohol
Carbomer~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.25–0.45%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate
Potassium hydroxide~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to adjust the pH level of products

More about Potassium hydroxide
Sodium metaphosphate~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium metaphosphate
Dimethylacrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Sodium metabisulfite~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium metabisulfite
Saccharomyces ferment lysate filtrate~0.2–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharomyces ferment lysate filtrate
Peg/ppg-14/7 dimethyl ether~0.25–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin. It also forms a protective on its surface to reduce water loss

More about Peg/ppg-14/7 dimethyl ether
Ononis spinosa root extract~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Averrhoa carambola leaf extract~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Tocopherol~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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 Tocopherol
Citric acid~0.1–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Rosa roxburghii fruit extract~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A fruit extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is missing

More about Rosa roxburghii fruit extract
Crataegus monogyna flower extract~0.1–0.15%
Formula
Prunus yedoensis leaf extract~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene glycol, Butylene glycol, Hydrogenated polydecene, Hydrogenated palm oil, Peg-60 glyceryl isostearate, Dimethicone, Peg-150, Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, Tranexamic acid, Erythritol, Trehalose, Xylitol, Peg/ppg-17/4 dimethyl ether, Petrolatum, Elaeis guineensis kernel oil, Peg-5 glyceryl stearate, Maltitol, Behenyl alcohol, Elaeis guineensis oil, Phenoxyethanol, Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, Batyl alcohol, Carbomer, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Potassium hydroxide, Sodium metaphosphate, Dimethylacrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate crosspolymer, Sodium metabisulfite, Saccharomyces ferment lysate filtrate, Peg/ppg-14/7 dimethyl ether, Ononis spinosa root extract, Averrhoa carambola leaf extract, Tocopherol, Citric acid, Rosa roxburghii fruit extract, Crataegus monogyna flower extract, Prunus yedoensis leaf extract

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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
ShiseidoD Program Vital Act EmulsionYOUR PRODUCTNo7Essential Moisture Day FluidOlayBeauty Fluid Moisturiser Sensitive SkinBootsSkin Clear Lotion with niacinamide
Match—53%51%51%
Price—$15.99$8.69—
Shared key ingredients—3 of 93 of 93 of 9
Key difference—Isopropyl MyristateMineral OilMineral Oil
Irritancy Low Low Low Low
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising LotionClinique Moisturisers Limited Edition Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ for Very Dry to Dry Combination Skin

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 18 studies and safety reviews.

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Shiseido D Program Vital Act Emulsion
ShiseidoD Program Vital Act Emulsion

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.