Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 + 17 moreStrong evidence
“SKINPOWER Advanced 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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone.
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-agingNiacinamide, Galactomyces ferment filtrate + 2 moreStrong evidence
“Clinical Results In a consumer study of 64 women aged 22-59 over 4 weeks -After 1 day, 3 out of 4 individuals agreed skin felt firm -94% agreed it effectively improved early visible signs of aging over 4 weeks”
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 · 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.
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).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 strong irritants: Parfum, Linalool + 3 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale3 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~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 GlycerinGalactomyces ferment filtrate~3.9–4.8%
- 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 filtrateIsohexadecane~3.1–3.8%
- 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 IsohexadecaneNiacinamide~2.3–2.8%
- 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 NiacinamideIsopropyl isostearate~1.9–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Isopropyl isostearateButylene glycol~1.6–2%
- 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 glycolPentylene glycol~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolHydrogenated shea butter~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1–1.2%
- 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 triglycerideDimethicone~0.75–1.1%
- 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 DimethiconeDistarch phosphate~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phytosteryl/behenyl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerStearyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholCetyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%
- 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 alcoholBehenyl alcohol~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholTocopheryl acetate~0.35–0.65%
- 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~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolBenzyl alcohol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholTropaeolum majus flower/leaf/stem extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polysorbate 80~0.3–0.55%
Dimethiconol~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 DimethiconolPeg-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 stearateCetearyl 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 alcoholMethylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Disodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Palmitic acid~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidPaeonia albiflora root extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Propylparaben~0.2–0.4%
Stearic acid~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidSorbitan oleate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan oleateEthylparaben~0.2–0.4%
Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolSodium hydroxide~0.25–0.45%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%
Houttuynia cordata extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4~0.25–0.45%
- 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~0.25–0.45%
Tocopherol~0.25–0.45%
- 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 TocopherolMethicone~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~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumLinalool~0.2–0.35%
Limonene~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneCitronellol~0.15–0.3%
Benzyl salicylate~0.15–0.25%
Ci 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, Glycerin, Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Isohexadecane, Niacinamide, Isopropyl isostearate, Butylene glycol, Pentylene glycol, Hydrogenated shea butter, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Dimethicone, Distarch phosphate, Phytosteryl/behenyl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Stearyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Behenyl alcohol, Tocopheryl acetate, Panthenol, Benzyl alcohol, Tropaeolum majus flower/leaf/stem extract, Polysorbate 80, Dimethiconol, Peg-100 stearate, Cetearyl glucoside, Cetearyl alcohol, Methylparaben, Disodium edta, Palmitic acid, Paeonia albiflora root extract, Propylparaben, Stearic acid, Sorbitan oleate, Ethylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Houttuynia cordata extract, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Ammonium polyacrylate, Tocopherol, Methicone, Parfum, Linalool, Limonene, Citronellol, Benzyl salicylate, Ci 77891, Titanium dioxide, Ci 77492, Iron oxides
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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 CreamYOUR PRODUCT | OlayRegenerist Micro Sculpting Cream | HeimishBlack Rose Hydra Plumping Sorbet Cream | PAPA RECIPEBlemish Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 93% | 87% | 86% |
| Price | $241.65 | $14.99−$226.66 | $20.04−$221.61 | $14.00−$227.65 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 8 of 11 | 6 of 11 | 7 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Tripeptide-3 | Copper Tripeptide-1 | Adenosine |
| Irritancy | High | High | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
"SK-II - SKINPOWER Advanced Cream" has a good moisturizing formula. 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 (caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone, dimethiconol, methicone and cetearyl 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 2.30% - 2.80%. 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 0.25% - 0.45%). 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
There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. 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 339.00$ 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 16 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.