The Crème Shop But First, Water - Invigorating Water Cream
Works for
1 of 1 advertised claim delivered
MoisturizingGlycerin, Laminaria japonica extract + 11 moreGood evidence
“Invigorating Water Cream”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.
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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · Adenosine, Camellia sinensis leaf extract + 2 moreStrong evidence
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine.
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-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Adenosine + 4 moreModerate evidence
This product contains antioxidants (camellia sinensis 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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy4 strong irritants: Alcohol, Citrus limon fruit oil + 2 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.
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~25–31%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
More about Camellia sinensis leaf extractMethylpropanediol~5.6–6.8%
Cyclopentasiloxane~5–6.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~4–4.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerCyclohexasiloxane~3.1–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels
More about CyclohexasiloxanePpg-14 butyl ether~2.2–2.7%
Alcohol~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
More about AlcoholHydrogenated ethylhexyl olivate~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrogenated ethylhexyl olivateHydrogenated olive oil unsaponifiables~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Help soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrogenated olive oil unsaponifiablesSea water~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Dissolves other ingredients. It does not have additional skin benefits compared to plain water
More about Sea waterPolyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate1,2-hexanediol~0.55–0.85%
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.55–0.85%
- 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 copolymerCaprylyl glycol~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolAmmonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerEthylhexylglycerin~0.45–0.7%
Tromethamine~0.45–0.65%
Citrus limon fruit oil~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
Aniba rosaeodora wood oil~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
Disodium edta~0.3–0.6%
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
More about 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidGlycerin~0.4–0.6%
- 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 GlycerinSodium hyaluronate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateTocopheryl 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 acetateUndaria pinnatifida extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A seaweed extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have an anti-oxidant effect
More about Undaria pinnatifida extractLaminaria japonica extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Seaweed extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties
More about Laminaria japonica extractHizikia fusiforme extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Water~0.3–0.6%
Butylene glycol~0.3–0.6%
- 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 glycolCalendula officinalis flower extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating
More about Calendula officinalis flower extractForsythia suspensa fruit extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Dictyopteris polypodioides extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
More about Camellia sinensis leaf extractMethylpropanediol~0.35–0.6%
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateZinc oxide~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant
More about Zinc oxideTitanium dioxide~0.4–0.65%
- 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 dioxideCyclopentasiloxane~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerCyclopentasiloxane~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneCyclohexasiloxane~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels
More about CyclohexasiloxanePpg-14 butyl ether~0.35–0.6%
Alcohol~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
More about AlcoholNiacinamide~0.35–0.6%
- 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 NiacinamideHydrogenated ethylhexyl olivate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrogenated ethylhexyl olivateHydrogenated olive oil unsaponifiables~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Help soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrogenated olive oil unsaponifiables4-methylbenzylidene camphor~0.5–0.7%
Sea water~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Dissolves other ingredients. It does not have additional skin benefits compared to plain water
More about Sea waterPolyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate1,2-hexanediol~0.3–0.6%
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.35–0.6%
- 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 copolymerCaprylyl glycol~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolAmmonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerEthylhexylglycerin~0.3–0.6%
Tromethamine~0.3–0.6%
Adenosine~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
More about AdenosineCitrus limon fruit oil~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Aniba rosaeodora wood oil~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
Disodium edta~0.3–0.6%
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
More about 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidGlycerin~0.35–0.65%
- 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 GlycerinSodium hyaluronate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateTocopheryl acetate~0.3–0.55%
- 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 acetateUndaria pinnatifida extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A seaweed extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have an anti-oxidant effect
More about Undaria pinnatifida extractLaminaria japonica extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Seaweed extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties
More about Laminaria japonica extractHizikia fusiforme extract~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Water~0.2–0.35%
Butylene glycol~0.2–0.35%
- 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 glycolCalendula officinalis flower extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating
More about Calendula officinalis flower extractForsythia suspensa fruit extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Dictyopteris polypodioides extract~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ingredient list view
Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Methylpropanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ppg-14 butyl ether, Alcohol, Hydrogenated ethylhexyl olivate, Hydrogenated olive oil unsaponifiables, Sea water, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, 1,2-hexanediol, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Caprylyl glycol, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tromethamine, Citrus limon fruit oil, Aniba rosaeodora wood oil, Disodium edta, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Glycerin, Sodium hyaluronate, Tocopheryl acetate, Undaria pinnatifida extract, Laminaria japonica extract, Hizikia fusiforme extract, Water, Butylene glycol, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Forsythia suspensa fruit extract, Dictyopteris polypodioides extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Methylpropanediol, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ppg-14 butyl ether, Alcohol, Niacinamide, Hydrogenated ethylhexyl olivate, Hydrogenated olive oil unsaponifiables, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, Sea water, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, 1,2-hexanediol, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Caprylyl glycol, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tromethamine, Adenosine, Citrus limon fruit oil, Aniba rosaeodora wood oil, Disodium edta, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Glycerin, Sodium hyaluronate, Tocopheryl acetate, Undaria pinnatifida extract, Laminaria japonica extract, Hizikia fusiforme extract, Water, Butylene glycol, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Forsythia suspensa fruit extract, Dictyopteris polypodioides extract
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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.
| The Crème ShopBut First, Water - Invigorating Water CreamYOUR PRODUCT | BYROESALMON CREAM DUO | APLBReal Vegan Moisture Cream | Secret KeyHyaluron Aqua Soft Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 83% | 82% | 82% |
| Price | $8.50 | $168.00+$159.50 | $24.00+$15.50 | $11.40+$2.90 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 12 | 5 of 12 | 5 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Panthenol | Panthenol | Glycolic Acid |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 18 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Safety Assessment of Tromethamine as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 3
- 4
- 5Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6
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