Aesop Lightweight Facial Hydrating Serum

Aesop Lightweight Facial Hydrating Serum
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers

Review

Results you may expect from using Aesop Lightweight Facial Hydrating Serum:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Aesop Lightweight Facial Hydrating Serum:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Soothing: Aesop Lightweight Facial Hydrating Serum contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Aesop Lightweight Facial Hydrating Serum has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈80.0%) and Sorbitol (est. ≈2.0%).

Tip: Studies suggest that humectants alone do not moisturize the skin. We recommend applying a product with some occlusive ingredients after the use of this one.

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Aesop Lightweight Facial Hydrating Serum has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, two ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do 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, could deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

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

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that Aesop Lightweight Facial Hydrating Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈80.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin soothing

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Aesop Lightweight Facial Hydrating Serum is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈80.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
80
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
6
Water
4
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
3
PEG-150 Distearate
2
Sorbitol
1
Phenoxyethanol
1
Ethylhexylglycerin
1
Polysorbate 80
0.3
Panthenol
0.3
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
0.3
Citric Acid
0.3
Polysorbate 20
0.3
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
Sodium Dehydroacetate
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Linalool
0.3
Benzyl Benzoate
0.3
Benzyl Salicylate
0.3
Farnesol
0.3
Geraniol
0.3
Eugenol
0.3
Benzyl Alcohol
0.3
Isoeugenol
Est. %
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
PEG-150 Distearate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 80
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Farnesol
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Eugenol
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Isoeugenol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
83.6
80
2
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 83.6 10
10.0
80
2
1
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
80
2
1
0.3
0.3
All humectants 83.6 10
10
All humectants
83.6
80
2
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
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
80
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 80.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
80.6
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
80
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
80
0.3
0.3
All soothing 10 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
10
80
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %80
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Water
Est. %6
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.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %4
Function
Origin
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilA castor oil-derived ingredient often used to incorporate small amounts of oil (such as a fragrance) into a water-based product. PEG-4 HCO is a gold-standard solubilizer and can be used in low amounts due to its ability to solubilize things so well.
PEG-150 Distearate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
PEG-150 DistearateA synthetic surfactant that thickens clear cleansers.
Sorbitol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
SorbitolA sweet-tasting alcohol derived from glucose. Aside from its sweet taste (for which it is used as a very common sweetener), Sorbitol is also very good at retaining water and is used in skincare as a humectant.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %1
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.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %1
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.
Polysorbate 80
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 80A non-ionic surfactant, which means that it contains no chemical charges. It can be used as a mild cleansing agent in skin cleansing products but is more commonly used for its emulsifying abilities.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cananga Odorata Flower OilA fragrant essential oil obtained from the flowers of the tropical ylang-ylang tree. It is a popular ingredient in skincare, as well as in aromatherapy, perfumes, and the food industry for its sweet, floral, slightly fruity, jasmine-like scent.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateThe most researched derivative of vitamin C. It boosts collagen synthesis, thereby improving skin structure and elasticity. SAP is effective in the treatment of inflamed acne lesions and has a weak but positive effect on pigmentation issues.
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium DehydroacetateA sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid that is most commonly used as a preservative. It is a strong fungicide and a moderate bactericide, which makes it an effective broad-spectrum preservative.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractAn antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.
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.
Benzyl Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl BenzoateA fragrance ingredient with a fruity and woody scent. It is considered an allergen according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), which means that care must be taken when determining usage levels in skincare products.
Benzyl Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl SalicylateA fragrance ingredient with a sweet, floral, and slightly balsamic scent. It is one of the twenty-six fragrances that are considered allergens according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), and so its use is restricted.
Farnesol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FarnesolA 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.
Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GeraniolA fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Eugenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EugenolA 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.
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl AlcoholA multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.
Isoeugenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsoeugenolA fragrant compound found in ylang-ylang essential oil that has a vanilla-like, creamy, and sweet aroma.