SkinCeuticals

SkinCeuticals Emollience Face moisturizer for dry skin

Name: SkinCeuticals - Emollience Face moisturizer for dry skin
Brand: SkinCeuticals

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

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Works for

1 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Laminaria ochroleuca extract + 17 more

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“Emollience Face moisturizer for dry skin”

From product name

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: algae extract, 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: algae extract, sesamum indicum seed oil.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol

Laminaria ochroleuca extractKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%

Mangifera indica seed butterKey activeEffect: HighHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect~1.1–1.4%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.45–0.65%

Sesamum indicum seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function~4.1–5%

Vitis vinifera seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~1.9–2.3%

Algae extractKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: HighPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet~0.3–0.6%

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~4.4–5.3%

Caprylic/capric glyceridesKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelp soften the upper layer of the skin~0.55–0.8%

Chlorella vulgaris extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties~0.25–0.45%

Macadamia ternifolia seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumPlant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredients~1.4–1.8%

Aloe barbadensis extract· HumectantEffect: LowTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.3–0.55%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.4–0.6%

Stearic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~1–1.3%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~2.3–2.8%

Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.7–1.05%

Rosa canina fruit oilUnder-dosedEffect: HighA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating~1.6–2%

AllantoinUnder-dosedEffect: HighHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.25–0.5%

Prunus armeniaca kernel oilUnder-dosedEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin~0.2–0.35%

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.3–0.55%

Anti-aging

Algae extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice

Limited evidence

What the product description says

“Dehydrated, Aging FEATURES.”

Source: Skinceuticals

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.

This ingredient ginkgo biloba leaf extract might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin and help it fight off some of the sun damage.

Algae extractEffect: LowPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet~0.3–0.6%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, Chlorella vulgaris extract + 6 more

Moderate evidence

This product contains antioxidants (ginkgo biloba leaf extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Ginkgo biloba leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritating~0.25–0.5%

Chlorella vulgaris extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties~0.25–0.45%

Mangifera indica seed butterEffect: LowHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect~1.1–1.4%

Vitis vinifera seed oilEffect: LowA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~1.9–2.3%

Prunus cerasus fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking~0.25–0.45%

Rosa canina fruit oilEffect: Low, below effective doseA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating~1.6–2%

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin~0.15–0.3%

Prunus armeniaca kernel oilEffect: Low, below effective doseAn emollient that helps soften the skin~0.2–0.35%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

6 strong irritants: Rosa damascena extract, Lavandula angustifolia oil + 4 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 21 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~3–3.6%est.

Ginkgo biloba leaf extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.5%est.

Rosa damascena extractOil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics. Extensive research has shown it has mixed benefits. In the pro column, inhaling this flower’s scent seems to have relaxing properties and the plant’s petals contain skin-soothing and antioxidant compounds that can benefit skin. On the flipside, the numerous chemicals that create this rose’s distinctive fragrance pose a risk of causing skin aggravation.High~0.2–0.4%est.

Lavandula angustifolia oilAn essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skinHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

Mentha piperita oilUsed as a fragrance and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

Mentha piperita extractUsed as a fragrance and can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

Chamomilla recutita extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

Vitis vinifera seed oilA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~1.9–2.3%est.

Rosa canina fruit oilA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritatingMedium~1.6–2%est.

Macadamia ternifolia seed oilPlant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredientsMedium~1.4–1.8%est.

TriethanolamineUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smellMedium~0.55–0.85%est.

ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.16–0.32%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.4–0.6%est.

Aloe barbadensis extractTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.3–0.5%est.

Chlorella vulgaris extractA plant extract that can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory propertiesMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Prunus cerasus fruit extractA fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lackingMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Prunus armeniaca kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the skinMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Comedogenic

3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

3 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Laminaria ochroleuca extractHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.25–0.5%est.

Chlorella vulgaris extractA plant extract that can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties3/5~0.25–0.45%est.

Algae extractPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet3/5~0.3–0.6%est.

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Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Dahl Balancing Day Cream

Higher efficacy · 100/10059% match

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Riche Cream

Cheaper58% match

$33.58

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Ingredients

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Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~4.4–5.3%

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

Sesamum indicum seed oil~4.1–5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function

More about Sesamum indicum seed oil

Propylene glycol~3–3.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol

Glyceryl stearate~2.3–2.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Vitis vinifera seed oil~1.9–2.3%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties

More about Vitis vinifera seed oil

Rosa canina fruit oil~1.6–2%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating

More about Rosa canina fruit oil

Macadamia ternifolia seed oil~1.4–1.8%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Plant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredients

More about Macadamia ternifolia seed oil

Mangifera indica seed butter~1.1–1.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Mangifera indica seed butter

Stearic acid~1–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid

Palmitic acid~0.7–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid

Triethanolamine~0.55–0.85%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell

More about Triethanolamine

Caprylic/capric glycerides~0.55–0.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Help soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Caprylic/capric glycerides

Phenoxyethanol~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Panthenol~0.45–0.65%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Carbomer~0.45–0.65%

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

Chlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin

Caprylyl glycol~0.4–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Aloe barbadensis extract~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis extract

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces rednessAnti-blemishAnti-aging

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice

Disodium edta~0.3–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Allantoin~0.25–0.5%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Laminaria ochroleuca extract~0.25–0.5%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Laminaria ochroleuca extract

Ginkgo biloba nut extract~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ginkgo biloba nut extract

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract~0.25–0.5%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAntibacterial

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritating

More about Ginkgo biloba leaf extract

Chlorella vulgaris extract~0.25–0.45%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

More about Chlorella vulgaris extract

Algae extract~0.3–0.6%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet

More about Algae extract

Prunus cerasus fruit extract~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Prunus cerasus fruit extract

Bittern~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Bittern

Rosa damascena extract~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Oil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics. Extensive research has shown it has mixed benefits. In the pro column, inhaling this flower’s scent seems to have relaxing properties and the plant’s petals contain skin-soothing and antioxidant compounds that can benefit skin. On the flipside, the numerous chemicals that create this rose’s distinctive fragrance pose a risk of causing skin aggravation.

More about Rosa damascena extract

Fagus sylvatica bud extract~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Fagus sylvatica bud extract

Lavandula angustifolia oil~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Lavandula angustifolia oil

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationAntibacterial

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil

Prunus armeniaca kernel oil~0.2–0.35%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Prunus armeniaca kernel oil

Mentha piperita oil~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance and can be irritating

More about Mentha piperita oil

Linalool~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Mentha piperita extract~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance and can be irritating

More about Mentha piperita extract

Chamomilla recutita extract~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita extract

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Sesamum indicum seed oil, Propylene glycol, Glyceryl stearate, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Rosa canina fruit oil, Macadamia ternifolia seed oil, Mangifera indica seed butter, Stearic acid, Palmitic acid, Triethanolamine, Caprylic/capric glycerides, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Carbomer, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl glycol, Aloe barbadensis extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Disodium edta, Allantoin, Laminaria ochroleuca extract, Ginkgo biloba nut extract, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, Chlorella vulgaris extract, Algae extract, Prunus cerasus fruit extract, Bittern, Rosa damascena extract, Fagus sylvatica bud extract, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil, Prunus armeniaca kernel oil, Mentha piperita oil, Linalool, Mentha piperita extract, Chamomilla recutita extract

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Skinceuticals

$66.00

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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
	SkinCeuticalsEmollience Face moisturizer for dry skinYOUR PRODUCT	DahlBalancing Day Cream	La Roche-PosayHyalu B5 Riche Cream	Dr. Barbara SturmClarifying Face Cream
Match	—	59%	58%	57%
Price	$66.00	—	$33.58−$32.42	$200.52+$134.52
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 11	3 of 11	4 of 11
Key difference	—	Lactic Acid	Butyrospermum Parkii Butter	Niacinamide
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	Contains drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"SkinCeuticals - Emollience Face moisturizer for dry skin" 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, algae extract, glycerin, aloe barbadensis extract 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). Emollients in this formulation (algae extract, sesamum indicum seed oil, vitis vinifera seed oil, caprylic/capric glycerides and macadamia ternifolia seed oil) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

Irritation risk

This moisturizer contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. 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.