Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream Review

Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream
9.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-20 Stearate, Ceteareth-20, Glyceryl Stearate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Coco-Caprylate, Phenoxyethanol, Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil, Disodium EDTA, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Bisabolol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Zinc PCA, Benzoic Acid, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Oil, Decyl Glucoside, Dehydroacetic Acid, Copper PCA, Sodium Citrate, Ormenis Multicaulis Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Farnesol, Eugenol, Linalool, Limonene
Review

Does Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream has to offer:
 
✅ Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 9.2 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer Perfect for Dry to Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream is intensely moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 9.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a very high humectancy of 8.5 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), and a maximum occlusivity of 10 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil (est. ≈9.0%) and Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate (est. ≈4.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with dry to very dry skin who want intense hydration. It combines a high concentration of humectants with an exceptional level of occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing specifically for very dry skin.

The occlusive profile of Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for very dry skin.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Copper PCA, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Copper PCA provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Copper PCA may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ Very rich moisturizer perfect for dry and very dry skin: exceptionally occlusive and humectant-rich
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream
 is an ideal moisturizer for dry to very dry skin, combining a very high concentration of humectants and occlusive ingredients in a rich, thick texture.
 
That said, there are some things about Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
PEG-20 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Ceteareth-20
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Zinc PCA
Function:
Origin:
Benzoic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Decyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Dehydroacetic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Copper PCA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Ormenis Multicaulis Oil
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Farnesol
Function:
Origin:
Eugenol
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.5
6
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
21.3
9.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
9.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.5 10
8.5
6
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 21.3 20
10.0
9.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
9.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.5 10
8.5
All humectants
8.5
6
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
4
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 21.3 20
10.0
All occlusives
21.3
9.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Copper PCA
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Tocopherol
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
0.3
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed OilA fatty oil extracted from the seeds of the castor bean plant with very unique fatty acid composition. It is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that leaves the skin feeling soft and silky after application.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl TetraisostearateAn emollient ester with high gloss and thickening properties.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Stearic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Castor OilA processed, butter-like castor oil. It is solely comprised of occlusive moisturizing and emollient saturated fatty acids and is best suited for dry skin. It can also act as a thickener and emulsifier.
PEG-20 Stearate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
PEG-20 Stearate
Ceteareth-20
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Ceteareth-20A fatty alcohol emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water together, best for oil-in-water emulsions. It is also a cleansing agent. When combined with cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth-20 forms a mix that, according to acne.org, can be comedogenic.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Canina Fruit OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil extracted from the little hard seeds inside of the red, fleshy rosehip. It contains mainly emollient fatty acids and a very high amount of antioxidant carotenoids, which give the oil its light orange color.
Coco-Caprylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coco-CaprylateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced oil with a very light feel. An alternative to silicones, this ingredient spreads quickly and doesn't leave a residue on skin.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil

A fragrant essential oil derived from Australian sandalwood. It is primarily used in skincare as a fragrance ingredient that imparts a unique, sweet-woody aroma. It also potentially offers soothing effects and antioxidant protection.

Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) WaxA thick wax obtained from the stems of the Candelilla, or wax plant that is native to Mexico and the southern USA. Its stems are covered in wax to protect the plant from water loss. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) WaxObtained from the leaves of Carnauba wax palm, this occlusive, emollient, and film-forming wax is commonly used in lip products. It is comprised mainly of various wax esters and is one of the hardest and most resistant plant waxes.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bisabolol

An anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.

Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf OilAn essential oil distilled from the leaves of rosemary. It is used as a fragrance in skincare and has a spicy, earthy, camphoraceous scent. It also has antioxidant properties according to some research.
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) OilAn essential oil derived from common, or true, lavender. It is used in skincare for its lovely, calming scent. Like all essential oils, however, it may cause a contact skin allergy in more sensitive individuals.
Zinc PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zinc PCAA two-part ingredient: Zinc helps to control sebum and bacteria in acne-prone skin, while skin-identical PCA is a moisturizing humectant. Zinc PCA may even boost collagen production and so is researched as a potential anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Benzoic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzoic AcidA preservative effective against fungi, yeast, and some bacteria. It is commonly paired with phenoxyethanol to create a broad spectrum preservation system. Benzoic acid can also serve as a pH adjuster, fragrance, and bulking agent.
Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Oil
Decyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Decyl GlucosideA surfactant that can function as both a cleansing agent and emulsifier. As a cleansing agent, it is very mild on the skin. As an emulsifier, decyl glucoside will produce oil-in-water emulsions. It is naturally derived from vegetable oils and starch.
Dehydroacetic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dehydroacetic AcidA globally approved preservative ingredient. It is a powerful fungicide and a moderate bactericide, which makes it a broad-spectrum preservative. Because it is mildly effective against bacteria, it is often paired with stronger bactericides.
Copper PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copper PCA

A blue-green synthetic salt of copper and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. It has antimicrobial properties and may be able to help with wound healing and sebum control, although the studies are lacking.

Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
Ormenis Multicaulis Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ormenis Multicaulis OilA fragrant essential oil isolated from the flowers of the Moroccan chamomile. The scent may vary from camphoraceous to fruity or balsamic, depending on the harvest location.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil

A fragrant oil extracted from tangerine peels that, like other citrus peels, contains a citrusy-scented phytochemical known as limonene.

Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root ExtractA fragrant and anti-inflammatory extract derived from ginger roots. It is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine. In can increase blood circulation, which helps with skin healing and skin metabolism.
Farnesol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Farnesol

A fragrant, liquid alcohol that is naturally found in many essential oils. It has a soft, sweet, floral scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Eugenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Eugenol

A fragrant liquid that can be found naturally in the essential oils derived from cloves, cinnamon, basil, and bay leaf. It has a spicy and warm scent. People with sensitive skin should consider doing a patch test first, as it is a potential irritant.

Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.