Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Panthenol + 13 moreStrong evidence
“The lightweight and oil-free formula steeps skin in rich hydrators that are further enhanced with Hydro-Poline Complex and Pitera to prevent collagen loss and support the formation of new collagen. Recommended for all skin types.”
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:
galactomyces ferment filtrate, 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, dimethiconol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide, panthenol
Anti-agingNiacinamide, Galactomyces ferment filtrate + 1 moreStrong evidence
“The lightweight and oil-free formula steeps skin in rich hydrators that are further enhanced with Hydro-Poline Complex and Pitera to prevent collagen loss and support the formation of new collagen. Recommended for all skin types.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: galactomyces ferment filtrate.
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.
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Galactomyces ferment filtrateStrong 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.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Tocopheryl acetate + 1 moreStrong evidence
This product contains antioxidants (galactomyces ferment filtrate) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Galactomyces ferment filtrateStrong evidence
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: galactomyces ferment filtrate.
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy6 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Galactomyces ferment filtrate~6.7–8.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A yeast ferment filtrate (also known as Pitera - a trademarked name for the filtrate reserved by the SK-II brand). It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, can help neutralize antioxidants and can be helpful in evening out the skin tone. It might be somewhat helpful in preventing premature skin aging but solid evidence is lacking. A small manufacturer study also shows that, when used in high concentrations, it can help reduce sebum production and help against blocked pores
More about Galactomyces ferment filtrateGlycerin~4.6–5.7%
- 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~3.4–4.1%
- 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 NiacinamideSucrose polycottonseedate~2.5–3%
Isopropyl isostearate~2.1–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Isopropyl isostearateIsohexadecane~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 IsohexadecaneC13-14 isoparaffin~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency
More about C13-14 isoparaffinButylene glycol~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolDimethicone~1–1.3%
- 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 DimethiconeCetyl alcohol~0.8–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholPolyacrylamide~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
More about PolyacrylamideTocopheryl acetate~0.5–0.8%
- 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 acetatePanthenol~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolPolymethylsilsesquioxane~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 PolymethylsilsesquioxaneStearyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholBenzyl alcohol~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholMethylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Dimethiconol~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 DimethiconolDisodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Peg-100 stearate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateStearic acid~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidLaureth-7~0.2–0.4%
Propylparaben~0.1–0.25%
Ethylparaben~0.1–0.2%
Cetearyl alcohol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholCetearyl glucoside~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture
More about Cetearyl glucosideDipalmitoyl hydroxyproline~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is claimed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, as well as work as an anti-oxidant. There is however not enough evidence for its effectiveness
More about Dipalmitoyl hydroxyprolineSodium hydroxide~0.05–0.1%
Ingredient list view
Water, Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Sucrose polycottonseedate, Isopropyl isostearate, Isohexadecane, C13-14 isoparaffin, Butylene glycol, Dimethicone, Cetyl alcohol, Polyacrylamide, Tocopheryl acetate, Panthenol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Stearyl alcohol, Benzyl alcohol, Methylparaben, Dimethiconol, Disodium edta, Peg-100 stearate, Stearic acid, Laureth-7, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl glucoside, Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline, Sodium hydroxide
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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.
| SK-IIFacial Lift EmulsionYOUR PRODUCT | OlayMoisturizing Face Lotion for Sensitive Skin | dermaGEEKNourishing Facial Night Cream | e.l.f. CosmeticsFragrance Free Holy Hydration! Face Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 85% | 81% | 78% |
| Price | $93.12 | $8.16−$84.96 | $42.99−$50.13 | $12.10−$81.02 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 7 | 5 of 7 | 5 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Sodium Hyaluronate | Sodium Hyaluronate | Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredient list, "SK-II - Facial Lift Emulsion" can work well for skin moisturization. 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. Panthenol, galactomyces ferment filtrate, glycerin and butylene glycol in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Dimethicone, dimethiconol, cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol and c13-14 isoparaffin 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 (3.40% - 4.10%) 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.
Irritation risk
This moisturizer contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be low. 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 120.91A$ in Australia and for 100.10$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.
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