Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Moisturizing18 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“SKINPOWER Advanced Airy Cream”
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, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, panthenol
Anti-aging3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Skin Type Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily Skincare Concerns Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Loss of Firmness and Elasticity, Pores, and Dryness Highlighted Ingredients , PITERA™ Increases moisture barrier hydration.”
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, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.
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 toneNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
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.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
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).
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Parfum, Linalool + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale3 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Galactomyces ferment filtrate~5–6.1%
- 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~4.2–5.1%
- 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~3.1–3.8%
- 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 NiacinamideIsohexadecane~2.4–2.9%
- 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 IsohexadecaneXylitol~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function
More about XylitolPentylene glycol~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolDimethicone~1.5–1.8%
- 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 DimethiconeIsopropyl isostearate~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Isopropyl isostearateButylene glycol~0.9–1.15%
- 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 glycolPolyacrylamide~0.7–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
More about PolyacrylamideDistarch phosphate~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Stearyl alcohol~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholC13-14 isoparaffin~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency
More about C13-14 isoparaffinCetyl alcohol~0.5–0.7%
- 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 alcoholTocopheryl acetate~0.45–0.65%
- 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~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolSodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerBehenyl alcohol~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholBenzyl alcohol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholDimethiconol~0.3–0.55%
- 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 DimethiconolTropaeolum majus flower/leaf/stem extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Laureth-7~0.25–0.5%
Methylparaben~0.15–0.3%
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 stearateSorbitan stearate~0.25–0.5%
Disodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Polysorbate 80~0.25–0.5%
Paeonia albiflora root extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Propylparaben~0.2–0.4%
Palmitic acid~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidEthylparaben~0.2–0.4%
Cetearyl glucoside~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture
More about Cetearyl glucosideCetearyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
- 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 alcoholStearic acid~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidSorbitan oleate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan oleateSodium hydroxide~0.25–0.45%
Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolEthylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%
Houttuynia cordata extract~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4Ammonium polyacrylate~0.2–0.4%
Methicone~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduces the water loss from the skin surface
More about MethiconeParfum~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumLinalool~0.15–0.3%
Limonene~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneCi 77891~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Titanium dioxide~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxideCi 77492~0.15–0.25%
Iron oxides~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear
More about Iron oxidesIngredient list view
Water, Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Isohexadecane, Xylitol, Pentylene glycol, Dimethicone, Isopropyl isostearate, Butylene glycol, Polyacrylamide, Distarch phosphate, Stearyl alcohol, C13-14 isoparaffin, Cetyl alcohol, Tocopheryl acetate, Panthenol, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Behenyl alcohol, Benzyl alcohol, Dimethiconol, Tropaeolum majus flower/leaf/stem extract, Laureth-7, Methylparaben, Peg-100 stearate, Sorbitan stearate, Disodium edta, Polysorbate 80, Paeonia albiflora root extract, Propylparaben, Palmitic acid, Ethylparaben, Cetearyl glucoside, Cetearyl alcohol, Stearic acid, Sorbitan oleate, Sodium hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Houttuynia cordata extract, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Ammonium polyacrylate, Methicone, Parfum, Linalool, Limonene, Ci 77891, Titanium dioxide, Ci 77492, Iron oxides
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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-IISKINPOWER Advanced Airy CreamYOUR PRODUCT | OlayRegenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Fragrance-Free | DdfAdvanced Firming Cream with Age Reverse Complex | dermaGEEKNourishing Facial Night Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 94% | 88% | 86% |
| Price | $170.00 | $24.99−$145.01 | $59.00−$111.00 | $19.94−$150.06 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 9 | 7 of 9 | 5 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | Sodium Hyaluronate | Copper Gluconate | Sodium Hyaluronate |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | High | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "SK-II - SKINPOWER Advanced Airy Cream" works well for improving skin hydration This moisturizer uses a good combo of humectants and emollients. These both types of ingredients are essentials for improving the skin hydration and keeping the skin barrier healthy. Humectants in this product (panthenol, galactomyces ferment filtrate, glycerin 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, dimethiconol, methicone, cetearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol) 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
- We love that this moisturizer contains a good concentration of niacinamide 3.10% - 3.80%. Niacinamide is a perfect active in a moistruizer because it helps calm down inflamation in skin and support the skin barrier. More than that, it is helpful for most common skin concerns: it helps regulat oil production, help reduce acne and clogged pores, improve skin tone and prevent pigmentation marks. It also helps fight photodamage.
- This moisturizer also contains Peptides (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 0.20% - 0.40%). Peptides are a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of aminoacids. Our skin produces Peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of Peptides is, but it is very likely that they are helpful. Peptides might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.
Irritation risk
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 for 226.00CA$ in Canada and for 170.00$ 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 15 studies and safety reviews.
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