Ultraceuticals Ultra Calming Moisturiser Cream
Works for
1 of 1 advertised claim delivered
Moisturizing19 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Ultra Calming Moisturiser Cream”
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:
avena sativa kernel flour, 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: butyrospermum parkii butter, dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, ceramide np, niacinamide
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · 3 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 niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester.
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.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
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-blemishNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
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?
Irritancy10 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Butyrospermum parkii butter~5.6–6.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
More about Butyrospermum parkii butterC12-15 alkyl benzoate~4.2–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth
More about C12-15 alkyl benzoateGlycerin~3.2–3.9%
- 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 GlycerinButylene glycol~2.4–2.9%
- 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 glycolDimethicone~2.1–2.6%
- 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 DimethiconeNiacinamide~1.7–2.1%
- 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 NiacinamideSqualane~1.5–1.9%
- 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 SqualanePropanediol~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolCetyl alcohol~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholStearyl alcohol~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholGlyceryl stearate~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateInulin~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking
More about Inulin1,2-hexanediol~0.3–0.6%
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.3–0.6%
- 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 copolymerPeg-75 stearate~0.3–0.6%
Glycine soja sterols~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Glycine soja sterolsSodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateAlpha-glucan oligosaccharide~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Alpha-glucan oligosaccharideXanthan gum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCeteth-20~0.3–0.55%
Steareth-20~0.25–0.5%
Caprylhydroxamic acid~0.15–0.3%
Laureth-3~0.2–0.35%
Avena sativa kernel flour~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of colloidal oatmeal. Can contain potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Is effective in supporting skin barrier
More about Avena sativa kernel flourCeramide np~0.2–0.4%
- 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~0.15–0.3%
Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
More about HydroxyethylcellulosePolysorbate 60~0.2–0.4%
Sorbitan isostearate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan isostearateAcetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester~0.15–0.3%
- 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 Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl esterMyristyl alcohol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps to stabilize the product formulation while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be irritating
More about Myristyl alcoholArachidyl alcohol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Arachidyl alcoholPotassium sorbate~0.15–0.25%
Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.15%
Biotin~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might have some moisturising properties. Is not effective when applied topically beyond some moisturizing effect
More about BiotinIngredient list view
Water, Butyrospermum parkii butter, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Squalane, Propanediol, Cetyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Inulin, 1,2-hexanediol, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Peg-75 stearate, Glycine soja sterols, Sodium hyaluronate, Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, Xanthan gum, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Caprylhydroxamic acid, Laureth-3, Avena sativa kernel flour, Ceramide np, Disodium edta, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan isostearate, Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, Myristyl alcohol, Arachidyl alcohol, Potassium sorbate, Sodium hydroxide, Biotin
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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.
| UltraceuticalsUltra Calming Moisturiser CreamYOUR PRODUCT | DermaticaNourishing Ceramide + Peptides | La Roche-PosayToleriane Ultra Night Moisturizer | It CosmeticsConfidence in a Cream Barrier Boost Skin Barrier Repair Moisturizer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 83% | 80% | 80% |
| Price | $109.00 | $21.09−$87.91 | $23.98−$85.02 | $49.00−$60.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 12 | 6 of 12 | 7 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 | Carnosine | Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredients included, "Ultraceuticals - Ultra Calming Moisturiser Cream" works well for moisturizing the skin. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Ultraceuticals - Ultra Calming Moisturiser Cream ticks this box. Humectants in this product (avena sativa kernel flour, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate 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). Emollients in this formulation (ceramide np, avena sativa kernel flour, glycine soja sterols, butyrospermum parkii butter and dimethicone) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.
Ingredient callouts
- We particularly like that there is a good concentration of Niacinamide (1.70% - 2.10%) 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.
- As a plus, this moisturizer also contains Ceramides (ceramide np 0.20% - 0.40%). 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.
- We like that this moisturizer contains peptides (acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester 0.15% - 0.30%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. Peptides might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
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 low. 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 109.00$ 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 14 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 4
- 5
- 6
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