Too Cool For School

Too Cool For School Blue-Green Algae Intensive Gel Cream

Name: Too Cool For School - Blue-Green Algae Intensive Gel Cream
Brand: Too Cool For School

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Palmitoyl tripeptide-5, Glycerin + 12 more

Works well

What the product description says

“A cooling moisture gel cream that helps build a long-lasting moisture barrier on the skin.”

Source: Yesstyle

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: aphanizomenon flos-aquae 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: vinyl dimethicone, c12-16 alcohols.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: palmitoyl tripeptide-5

Palmitoyl tripeptide-5HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.2–0.4%

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~5.4–6.5%

Vinyl dimethiconeKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA type of silicone that helps to create a nice product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin~2.5–3.1%

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae extractKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn extract from ablue-green algae. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to neutralize free radicals~0.95–1.15%

Corallina officinalis extractKey activeEffect: HighRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants~0.3–0.55%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: MediumMight 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)~0.2–0.4%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~4.4–5.3%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~3.4–4.1%

Dicaprylyl ether· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients~2.1–2.5%

Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.3–0.5%

Diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethiconeEffect: LowHelp improve the product's texture~0.25–0.45%

Tremella fuciformis extractEffect: LowA mushroom extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%

C12-16 alcohols· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product's texture~0.2–0.4%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.2–0.4%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Adenosine, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5 + 1 more

Works well

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: 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.

AdenosineKey activeEffect: HighMight 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)~0.2–0.4%

Palmitoyl tripeptide-5Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.2–0.4%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · Aphanizomenon flos-aquae extract, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil + 8 more

May help

This product contains antioxidants (aphanizomenon flos-aquae 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.

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae extractKey activeEffect: MediumAn extract from ablue-green algae. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to neutralize free radicals~0.95–1.15%

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilEffect: LowA 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~1.2–1.5%

Melia azadirachta flower extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skin~0.55–0.8%

Coccinia indica fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect helping neutralize free radicals in skin~0.45–0.65%

Aloe barbadensis flower extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.45–0.65%

Ocimum sanctum leaf extractEffect: LowA plant extract that is rich in a fragrance compound eugenol that is a frequent allergen and can be irritating. It might also contain anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicals~0.35–0.6%

Solanum melongena fruit extractEffect: LowEggplant fruit extract. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.35–0.65%

Corallina officinalis extractEffect: LowRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants~0.3–0.55%

AdenosineEffect: LowMight 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)~0.2–0.4%

TocopherolUnder-dosedPure 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~0.2–0.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

6 strong irritants: Lavandula angustifolia oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil + 4 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 19 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Lavandula angustifolia oilAn essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~1.5–1.8%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~1.2–1.5%est.

Melia azadirachta leaf extractA plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritatingHigh~0.65–0.95%est.

Salvia sclarea oil—High~0.5–0.7%est.

Aloe barbadensis flower extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effectHigh~0.45–0.65%est.

Ocimum sanctum leaf extractA plant extract that is rich in a fragrance compound eugenol that is a frequent allergen and can be irritating. It might also contain anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicalsHigh~0.35–0.6%est.

Curcuma longa root extractA plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritantHigh~0.25–0.5%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~3.4–4.1%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.8–1.2%est.

Melia azadirachta flower extractA plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skinMedium~0.55–0.8%est.

Coccinia indica fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect helping neutralize free radicals in skinMedium~0.45–0.65%est.

Solanum melongena fruit extractEggplant fruit extract. Might have some anti-oxidant effectMedium~0.35–0.65%est.

Tremella fuciformis extractA mushroom extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

C12-16 alcoholsHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product's textureMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 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

Corallina officinalis extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants3/5~0.3–0.55%est.

Alternatives

The closest match we found

Then I Met You Calming Tide Gel Cream

Closest match60% match

$54.88

View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?

No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~5.4–6.5%

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

Butylene glycol~4.4–5.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 glycol

Pentylene glycol~3.4–4.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Vinyl dimethicone~2.5–3.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of silicone that helps to create a nice product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Vinyl dimethicone

Dicaprylyl ether~2.1–2.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients

More about Dicaprylyl ether

1,2-hexanediol~0.8–1.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Lavandula angustifolia oil~1.5–1.8%

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~1.2–1.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

AntibacterialAnti-oxidation

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

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae extract~0.95–1.15%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An extract from ablue-green algae. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to neutralize free radicals

More about Aphanizomenon flos-aquae extract

Melia azadirachta leaf extract~0.65–0.95%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

AntibacterialAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating

More about Melia azadirachta leaf extract

Melia azadirachta flower extract~0.55–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Melia azadirachta flower extract

Salvia sclarea oil~0.5–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Salvia sclarea oil

Coccinia indica fruit extract~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect helping neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Coccinia indica fruit extract

Aloe barbadensis flower extract~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Aloe barbadensis flower extract

Solanum melongena fruit extract~0.35–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Eggplant fruit extract. Might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Solanum melongena fruit extract

Ocimum sanctum leaf extract~0.35–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that is rich in a fragrance compound eugenol that is a frequent allergen and can be irritating. It might also contain anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicals

More about Ocimum sanctum leaf extract

Corallina officinalis extract~0.3–0.55%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants

More about Corallina officinalis extract

Curcuma longa root extract~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant

More about Curcuma longa root extract

Sea water~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Dissolves other ingredients. It does not have additional skin benefits compared to plain water

More about Sea water

Tremella fuciformis extract~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A mushroom extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Tremella fuciformis extract

Diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethicone~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Help improve the product's texture

More about Diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethicone

Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer

Silica~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Tromethamine~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

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 crosspolymer

Dimethicone/phenyl vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Dimethicone/phenyl vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer

Palmitic acid~0.3–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

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

More about Palmitic acid

Hydrogenated lecithin~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

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 lecithin

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Adenosine~0.2–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

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 Adenosine

Sodium phytate~0.25–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate

Tocopherol~0.2–0.4%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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 Tocopherol

Palmitoyl tripeptide-5~0.2–0.4%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-5

Carbomer~0.2–0.35%

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

C12-16 alcohols~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product's texture

More about C12-16 alcohols

Xanthan gum~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Potassium sorbate~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Linalool~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Limonene~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Pentylene glycol, Vinyl dimethicone, Dicaprylyl ether, 1,2-hexanediol, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae extract, Melia azadirachta leaf extract, Melia azadirachta flower extract, Salvia sclarea oil, Coccinia indica fruit extract, Aloe barbadensis flower extract, Solanum melongena fruit extract, Ocimum sanctum leaf extract, Corallina officinalis extract, Curcuma longa root extract, Sea water, Tremella fuciformis extract, Diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethicone, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Silica, Tromethamine, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Dimethicone/phenyl vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Palmitic acid, Hydrogenated lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Sodium phytate, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5, Carbomer, C12-16 alcohols, Xanthan gum, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Linalool, Limonene

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Find on Amazon

Yesstyle

$9.63

Buy

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

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
	Too Cool For SchoolBlue-Green Algae Intensive Gel CreamYOUR PRODUCT	Then I Met YouCalming Tide Gel Cream	KLAVUURejuve Pearlsation Multi Pearl Peptide Cream	The SaemSnail Essential EX Wrinkle Solution Multi Cream
Match	—	60%	59%	59%
Price	$9.63	$54.88+$45.25	$29.10+$19.47	$23.00+$13.37
Shared key ingredients	—	3 of 8	5 of 8	6 of 8
Key difference	—	Madecassoside	Niacinamide	Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: Napoleon Perdis Multi-Hydration Gel Cream VT Cosmetics Vitamin C Astaxanthin Capsule Cream

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.

We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.

Open dupe finder

Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, "Too Cool For School - Blue-Green Algae Intensive Gel Cream" works well for moisturizing the skin. 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. Humectants in this product (aphanizomenon flos-aquae extract, glycerin and butylene 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). Vinyl dimethicone, c12-16 alcohols, dicaprylyl ether, palmitic acid and pentylene glycol 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

This moistruizer also contains peptides (palmitoyl tripeptide-5 0.20% - 0.40%). Peptides is a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of amino-acids. Our skin produces peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural anti-biotics, 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 peptides in skincare are helpful. They 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 0.20% - 0.40% in this moisturizer adds an anti-aging benefit. Adenosine 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 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

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.