Works for
Evens skin toneNiacinamide, Cysteine + 2 moreWorks well
“Helps to relieve uneven skin tone and smooth the skin texture.”
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: cysteine.
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.
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Panthenol + 16 moreWorks well
“This is a moisturizer that delivers moisture to deep skin layers to boost the effects of other skin care products.”
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, 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: ceramide np.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np, copper tripeptide-1, niacinamide, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, panthenol
Anti-blemishSide benefit · Niacinamide, GluconolactoneWorks well
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-agingSide benefit · Niacinamide, Adenosine + 7 moreWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine, niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: copper tripeptide-1, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, palmitoyl tripeptide-5.
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-oxidationSide benefit · Cysteine, Rosa canina fruit extract + 4 moreMay help
This product contains antioxidants (cysteine) 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?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Salvia officinalis oil, Ocimum basilicum oil + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Butylene glycol~5.6–8.5%
- 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 glycolPropanediol~3.5–5.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about Propanediol1,2-hexanediol~1.9–2.9%
Niacinamide~1.9–2.9%
- 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 NiacinamideGlycerin~1.6–2.5%
- 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 GlycerinMethylpropanediol~1.3–1.9%
Cedrus atlantica bark oil~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Vincetoxicum atratum extract~0.9–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Salvia officinalis oil~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
Artemisia vulgaris oil~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ocimum basilicum oil~0.35–0.75%
Cananga odorata flower oil~0.2–0.8%
Althaea rosea flower extract~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Jasminum officinale oil~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateHyaluronic acid~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation
More about Hyaluronic acidRosa canina fruit extract~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but evidence is lacking
More about Rosa canina fruit extractHydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.15–0.5%
- 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 acidBetaine~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineOctyldodeceth-16~0.1–0.5%
Panthenol~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolEthylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.4%
Adenosine~0.1–0.35%
- 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 AdenosineCysteine~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help neutralize free radicals in skin and might be helpful against hyperpigmentation
More about CysteineTocopherol~0.1–0.4%
- 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 TocopherolGluconolactone~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
More about GluconolactoneGlyceryl glucoside~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can help to restore skin barrier function and soften its upper layer
More about Glyceryl glucosideCaprylic/capric triglyceride~0.1–0.45%
- 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 lecithin~0.1–0.35%
- 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 lecithinCeramide np~0.1–0.3%
- 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 npPalmitoyl tripeptide-5~0.05–0.2%
- 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 Palmitoyl tripeptide-5Ascorbic acid~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
More about Ascorbic acidCopper tripeptide-1~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A naturally occurring peptide. One of the most studied peptides in dermatology. It is sometimes abbreviated GHK-Cu. Belongs to the class of carrier peptides. It stimulates both synthesis and breakdown of collagen in skin. It is released in skin wounds and inflammation to support healing. It accelerates wound-healing of the skin and can stimulate hair growth. There are preliminary studies that confirm that copper tripeptide can help support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles and decrease inflammation in skin.
More about Copper tripeptide-1Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4~0.05–0.15%
- 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-4Xanthan gum~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumIngredient list view
Water, Butylene glycol, Propanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Cedrus atlantica bark oil, Vincetoxicum atratum extract, Salvia officinalis oil, Artemisia vulgaris oil, Ocimum basilicum oil, Cananga odorata flower oil, Althaea rosea flower extract, Jasminum officinale oil, Sodium hyaluronate, Hyaluronic acid, Rosa canina fruit extract, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Betaine, Octyldodeceth-16, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Unknown, Unknown, Cysteine, Tocopherol, Gluconolactone, Glyceryl glucoside, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Hydrogenated lecithin, Ceramide np, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5, Ascorbic acid, Copper tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Xanthan gum
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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 RAPUEZR3 Essential StarterYOUR PRODUCT | SupereggPURE TRANSPARENCY TREATMENT ESSENCE | Jin Jung sungSoothing Moisture Skin Essence | Ginger 6Like White Blossom Essence Toner | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 92% | 91% | 90% |
| Price | — | $74.00 | $23.33 | $22.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 11 of 14 | 8 of 14 | 9 of 14 |
| Key difference | — | Pitera | Hexapeptide-11 | Tripeptide-1 |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: LABIOTTE Collagen Full Up Treatment EssenceBliv:U Collagen Bouncing Toner 200ml
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "THE RAPUEZ - R3 Essential Starter" works well for improving skin hydration 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 (betaine, glycerin, glyceryl glucoside, hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid) 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). Ceramide np 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
- We particularly like that there is a good concentration of Niacinamide (1.90% - 2.90%) in this moisturizer. Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is a great ingredient to have in a moisturizer. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and help improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- This product also contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). It can be an effective active for anti-aging and evening out the skin tone, but in this moisturizer it is used for stabilizing other ingredients in the formulation. In this concentration (0.05% - 0.20%) it cannot have a noticeable benefit for the skin.
- As a plus, this moisturizer also contains Ceramides (ceramide np 0.10% - 0.30%). 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 0.05% - 0.15%, copper tripeptide-1 0.05% - 0.20% and palmitoyl tripeptide-5 0.05% - 0.20%). 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 0.10% - 0.35%. It is a chemical present inside our skin cells. A clinical trial confirmed that topical application of Adenosine in a low concentration can reduce dynamic wrinkles (these are the wrinkles that appear with age in a places where our mimic is the most active, for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead).
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 45.36$ 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 33 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6
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