Works for
MoisturizingPhytosphingosine, Acetyl hexapeptide-8 + 23 moreWorks well
“Hydrating”
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:
glycerin, polyglycerin-3.
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, helianthus annuus seed oil.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl hexapeptide-8, acetyl octapeptide-3, phytosphingosine
Anti-agingAcetyl hexapeptide-8, Acetyl octapeptide-3 + 3 moreMay help
“This proprietary extract boasts a powerful anti-aging ingredient, Syringaresinol, at 200 times the concentration than untreated ginseng berries to help visibly transform signs of aging.”
This product contains acetyl hexapeptide-8, acetyl octapeptide-3. These ingredients might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 strong irritants: Parfum, Benzyl salicylate + 3 more — patch-test recommendedHigh 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%
Butylene glycol~5.7–7%
- 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 glycolTriethylhexanoin~4.4–5.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about TriethylhexanoinGlycerin~3.3–4%
- 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 GlycerinDimethicone~2.8–3.4%
- 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 DimethiconeSqualane~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualanePentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate~1.8–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product consistency while softening the upper layer of the skin
More about Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoateCetyl ethylhexanoate~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture
More about Cetyl ethylhexanoatePolyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~1.3–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearateTrisiloxane~1.1–1.3%
1,2-hexanediol~0.75–1.1%
Diisostearyl malate~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Diisostearyl malateHydrogenated polyisobutene~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrogenated polyisobuteneGlyceryl stearate~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearatePeg-100 stearate~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateCetearyl alcohol~0.65–1%
- 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 alcoholPentaerythrityl distearate~0.6–0.9%
Behenyl alcohol~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholPolyglycerin-3~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Polyglycerin-3Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
More about Butyrospermum parkii butterHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerParfum~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumAmmonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerHydroxypropyl starch phosphate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together and used to stabilize product formulations
More about Hydroxypropyl starch phosphateHydrolyzed ginseng saponins~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that might help calm down inflammation in skin and neutralize free radicals, but effectiveness of topical application is not confirmed. Can be an allergen
More about Hydrolyzed ginseng saponinsGlyceryl caprylate~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
More about Glyceryl caprylateHelianthus annuus seed oil~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function
More about Helianthus annuus seed oilEthylhexylglycerin~0.45–0.65%
Disodium edta~0.45–0.65%
Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to stabilize product formulations and help soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrinPropanediol~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolSorbitan isostearate~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan isostearatePolysorbate 60~0.5–0.75%
Methoxy peg-114/polyepsilon caprolactone~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Daucus carota sativa root extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Carrot extract. Might have anti-oxidant properties and be used to add orange color
More about Daucus carota sativa root extractBenzyl salicylate~0.45–0.7%
Bioflavonoids~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydrolyzed proanthocyanidin~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Honey~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen
More about HoneyLimonene~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneHydrogenated lecithin~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinRehmannia glutinosa root extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Paeonia lactiflora root extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking
More about Paeonia lactiflora root extractLilium candidum bulb extract~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polygonatum odoratum rhizome extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Linalool~0.3–0.55%
Panax ginseng berry extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Nelumbo nucifera flower extract~0.3–0.55%
Panax ginseng root extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating
More about Panax ginseng root extractBeta-carotene~0.3–0.55%
Tocopherol~0.25–0.5%
- 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 TocopherolPhytosphingosine~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect
More about PhytosphingosineSodium polyaspartate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help stabilize the product formulation
More about Sodium polyaspartateCaprylyl glycol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolSodium methyl stearoyl taurate~0.55–0.8%
Acetyl heptapeptide-4~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Citric acid~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidAcetyl hexapeptide-8~0.15–0.3%
- 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 Acetyl hexapeptide-8Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.25%
Acetyl octapeptide-3~0.1–0.2%
- 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 Acetyl octapeptide-3Ingredient list view
Water, Butylene glycol, Triethylhexanoin, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Squalane, Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, Cetyl ethylhexanoate, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Trisiloxane, 1,2-hexanediol, Diisostearyl malate, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Cetearyl alcohol, Pentaerythrityl distearate, Behenyl alcohol, Polyglycerin-3, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Parfum, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, Hydrolyzed ginseng saponins, Glyceryl caprylate, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium edta, Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, Propanediol, Sorbitan isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Methoxy peg-114/polyepsilon caprolactone, Daucus carota sativa root extract, Benzyl salicylate, Bioflavonoids, Hydrolyzed proanthocyanidin, Honey, Limonene, Hydrogenated lecithin, Rehmannia glutinosa root extract, Paeonia lactiflora root extract, Lilium candidum bulb extract, Polygonatum odoratum rhizome extract, Linalool, Panax ginseng berry extract, Nelumbo nucifera flower extract, Panax ginseng root extract, Beta-carotene, Tocopherol, Phytosphingosine, Sodium polyaspartate, Caprylyl glycol, Sodium methyl stearoyl taurate, Acetyl heptapeptide-4, Citric acid, Acetyl hexapeptide-8, Sodium hydroxide, Acetyl octapeptide-3
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.
| SulwhasooUltimate S CreamYOUR PRODUCT | NEEDLYAzelaic Acid 12 Ceramide Cream | TIRTIRCica Care Cream | OleHenriksenStrength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 59% | 55% | 54% |
| Price | $250.00 | $20.41−$229.59 | $24.90−$225.10 | $37.00−$213.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 11 | 7 of 11 | 6 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 | Copper Tripeptide-1 | Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | High |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: MAXCLINIC Collarich Intensive CreamMEDI-PEEL Peptide 9 Volume Tox Cream Pro
Product summary
"Sulwhasoo - Ultimate S Cream" has a good moisturizing formula. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Sulwhasoo - Ultimate S Cream ticks this box. Acetyl hexapeptide-8, acetyl octapeptide-3, glycerin, polyglycerin-3 and honey 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). Emollients in this formulation (phytosphingosine, dimethicone, helianthus annuus seed oil, squalane 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
- Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (phytosphingosine 0.30% - 0.55%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.
- We like that this moisturizer contains peptides (acetyl octapeptide-3 0.10% - 0.20% and acetyl hexapeptide-8 0.15% - 0.30%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. Peptides might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
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 from 240.23$ up to 450.00$ 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 21 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 5Safety Assessment of Pentaerythrityl Tetraesters as Used in Cosmeticsjournals.sagepub.com
- 6
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