The Potions Cica Complex Cream Mixer
Works for
1 of 1 advertised claim delivered
Moisturizing29 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Cica Complex Cream Mixer”
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:
betaine, fructooligosaccharides.
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: ceramide np, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · 6 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: centella asiatica extract, folic acid, 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.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 4 ingredients credited for this claimModerate support
This product contains antioxidants (centella asiatica 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: Eclipta prostrata leaf extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil + 2 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale3 flagged
User reviews
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~4.7–5.7%
- 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 GlycerinDipropylene glycol~4–4.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolCetearyl alcohol~2.5–3.1%
- 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 alcoholCyclopentasiloxane~2.4–2.9%
- 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 CyclopentasiloxaneCaprylic/capric triglyceride~2–2.4%
- 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 triglycerideHydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)Hydrogenated polydecene~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Hydrogenated polydecene1,2-hexanediol~0.75–1.1%
Niacinamide~0.95–1.2%
- 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 NiacinamideDimethicone~0.75–1.15%
- 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 DimethiconeVegetable oil~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Vegetable oilGlyceryl stearate se~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Used to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient
More about Glyceryl stearate seLaminaria japonica extract~0.5–0.7%
- 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 extractEclipta prostrata leaf extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that is mostly used as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Eclipta prostrata leaf extractCentella asiatica extract~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.
More about Centella asiatica extractAcmella oleracea extract~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Piper methysticum leaf/root/stem extract~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Panax ginseng berry extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.3–0.6%
- 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 lecithinCitrus aurantium dulcis oil~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivity
More about Citrus aurantium dulcis oilCitrus nobilis peel oil~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin
More about Citrus nobilis peel oilSodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateLitsea cubeba fruit oil~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil with a lemon-like smell that is extracted from a fruit grown in Asia. Used as a fragrance
More about Litsea cubeba fruit oilBehenyl alcohol~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholCetearyl olivate~0.25–0.5%
Sorbitan olivate~0.25–0.5%
Cyclohexasiloxane~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels
More about CyclohexasiloxaneMicrocrystalline cellulose~0.3–0.55%
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 glucosideDimethiconol~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 DimethiconolHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.25–0.5%
- 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 copolymerSqualane~0.3–0.55%
- 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 SqualaneMethylpropanediol~0.25–0.5%
Betaine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineCholesterol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolCellulose gum~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions
More about Cellulose gumAdenosine~0.25–0.45%
- 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 AdenosineFructooligosaccharides~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about FructooligosaccharidesBeta-glucan~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Beta-glucanCeramide np~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide npDisodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Polyquaternium-51~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin
More about Polyquaternium-51Sorbitan isostearate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan isostearateButylene glycol~0.2–0.4%
- 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 glycolPanthenol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolHydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidGlucose~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function
More about GlucoseRaffinose~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Folic acid~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can help stimulate collagen production in skin. While available studies are promising, more research is needed to confirm the efficacy in skin
More about Folic acidTromethamine~0.15–0.3%
Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4~0.15–0.25%
- 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-4Polysorbate 60~0.1–0.2%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene glycol, Cetearyl alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin), Hydrogenated polydecene, 1,2-hexanediol, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Vegetable oil, Glyceryl stearate se, Laminaria japonica extract, Eclipta prostrata leaf extract, Centella asiatica extract, Acmella oleracea extract, Piper methysticum leaf/root/stem extract, Panax ginseng berry extract, Hydrogenated lecithin, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil, Citrus nobilis peel oil, Sodium hyaluronate, Litsea cubeba fruit oil, Behenyl alcohol, Cetearyl olivate, Sorbitan olivate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Microcrystalline cellulose, Cetearyl glucoside, Dimethiconol, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Squalane, Methylpropanediol, Betaine, Cholesterol, Cellulose gum, Adenosine, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta-glucan, Ceramide np, Disodium edta, Polyquaternium-51, Sorbitan isostearate, Butylene glycol, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Glucose, Raffinose, Folic acid, Tromethamine, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin
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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 PotionsCica Complex Cream MixerYOUR PRODUCT | looks&meiiRich Routine Barrier Cream | BYROESALMON CREAM DUO | HSGNRetinally Liposomal Retinal Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 99% | 92% | 91% |
| Price | $15.99 | $39.00+$23.01 | $126.40+$110.41 | $13.20−$2.79 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 16 of 20 | 15 of 20 | 15 of 20 |
| Key difference | — | Copper Tripeptide-1 | Glycosyl Trehalose | Hexapeptide-9 |
| Irritancy | High | High | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | Contains drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredient list, "The Potions - Cica Complex Cream Mixer" can work well for skin moisturization. As we expect from a proper moisturizer, the formula includes a combo of effective humectants and emollients. These are the two different types of ingredients that are essential for improving the skin hydration and supporting a healthy skin barrier. Betaine, fructooligosaccharides, glycerin, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate 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). Ceramide np, cholesterol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone and dimethiconol in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.
Ingredient callouts
- As a plus, this moisturizer also contains Ceramides (ceramide np 0.30% - 0.50%). Ceramides are a type of lipids that our skin produces itself. They are a building block of the skin's barrier. Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or extracted from plants. They work well for softening the skin surface and "patch holes" in the skin's barrier.
- This moisturizer also contains Peptides (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 0.15% - 0.25%). 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.
- Adenosine 0.25% - 0.45%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).
Irritation risk
There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits for the 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 30.99$ 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 38 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Safety Assessment of Polyene Group as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
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