Transparent Lab Niacinamide Glow Cream
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
MoisturizingPalmitoyl tripeptide-1, Ceramide ng + 26 moreStrong evidence
“Its formula is completed by a complex of Amino Acids and Ceramides, 2 powerful active ingredients capable of improving the barrier function and preventing dehydration and dryness of the skin.”
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:
alanine, arginine.
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: arginine, dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide ng, isosorbide dicaprylate, niacinamide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1
Evens skin toneNiacinamide, Alanine + 1 moreStrong evidence
“The light formula of our brightening gel cream includes niacinamide (vitamin B3) to restore skin luminosity, visibly reduce blemishes and even skin tone, thus improving the overall appearance of the complexion.”
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: alanine.
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.
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Lysine + 7 moreStrong evidence
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: lysine, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, serine, threonine.
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-blemishNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, GluconolactoneStrong evidence
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy6 flagged ingredientsMedium 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~45–55%
Glycerin~5.7–6.9%
- 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 GlycerinNiacinamide~4.7–5.8%
- 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 NiacinamidePropanediol~3.2–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolTriheptanoin~2.5–3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A synthetic triglyceride. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about TriheptanoinBetaine~2–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineEthyl macadamiate~1.7–2.1%
Dimethicone~1.6–1.9%
- 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 DimethiconeDimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~1.3–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerIsosorbide dicaprylate~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Early studies suggest that it can help strengthen the skin barrier
More about Isosorbide dicaprylateLactococcus ferment lysate~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Consists of remains of dead bacteria cells. Is likely helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals in skin
More about Lactococcus ferment lysateSerine~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
More about SerineAlanine~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking
More about AlanineArginine~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
More about ArginineProline~0.45–0.65%
Threonine~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
More about ThreonineGlycine~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function
More about GlycinePca~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about PcaLysine hcl~0.3–0.55%
Sodium pca~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about Sodium pcaPalmitoyl tripeptide-1~0.3–0.55%
- 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-1Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~0.3–0.55%
- 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 tetrapeptide-7Calcium gluconate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product
More about Calcium gluconateCeramide ng~0.25–0.5%
- 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 ngLysine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
More about LysineMagnesium chloride~0.25–0.45%
Potassium chloride~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Aluminum chloride~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Zinc chloride~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Manganese chloride~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium chloride~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideCopper sulfate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tocopherol~0.25–0.45%
- 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 TocopherolEthylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%
Glutamic acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Glutamic acidMalic acid~0.25–0.45%
Gluconolactone~0.25–0.45%
- 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 GluconolactoneCarbomer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerSodium polyacrylate~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions
More about Sodium polyacrylateTrideceth-6~0.25–0.45%
Sodium lactate~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
More about Sodium lactateSodium phytate~0.25–0.45%
Phenethyl alcohol~0.25–0.4%
Hydrogenated polydecene~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Hydrogenated polydeceneCaprylyl glycol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolButylene glycol~0.15–0.3%
- 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 glycolPolysorbate 20~0.2–0.35%
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolSodium benzoate~0.15–0.25%
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Triheptanoin, Betaine, Ethyl macadamiate, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Isosorbide dicaprylate, Lactococcus ferment lysate, Serine, Alanine, Arginine, Proline, Threonine, Glycine, Pca, Lysine hcl, Sodium pca, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Calcium gluconate, Ceramide ng, Lysine, Magnesium chloride, Potassium chloride, Aluminum chloride, Zinc chloride, Manganese chloride, Sodium chloride, Copper sulfate, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glutamic acid, Malic acid, Gluconolactone, Carbomer, Sodium polyacrylate, Trideceth-6, Sodium lactate, Sodium phytate, Phenethyl alcohol, Hydrogenated polydecene, Caprylyl glycol, Butylene glycol, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium benzoate
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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.
| Transparent LabNiacinamide Glow CreamYOUR PRODUCT | NEOGEN X SUR.MEDICProbiotics Youth Relief Cream | ISDINIsdinceutics A.G.E. Reverse Night | TIRTIRMatcha Calming Cream 50ml | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 77% | 76% | 75% |
| Price | $18.72 | $118.09+$99.37 | $99.13+$80.41 | $23.14+$4.42 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 15 of 24 | 7 of 24 | 8 of 24 |
| Key difference | — | Hexapeptide-11 | Panthenol | Dipeptide-2 |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
"Transparent Lab - Niacinamide Glow Cream" has a good moisturizing formula. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Transparent Lab - Niacinamide Glow Cream ticks this box. Alanine, arginine, betaine, glutamic acid and glycerin 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 ng, isosorbide dicaprylate, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and arginine 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 (4.70% - 5.80%) 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.
- Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (ceramide ng 0.25% - 0.50%). 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.
- This moisturizer also contains Peptides (palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 0.30% - 0.55% and palmitoyl tripeptide-1 0.30% - 0.55%). 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.
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 medium. 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.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 27 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 6
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