Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream

Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream
4.9
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.8 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity

Review

Does Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.9 out of 10.

Lightweight moisturizer well-suited for oily to normal skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.9 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.0 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 7.8 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of moisturizer is well-suited for people with oily skin who want significant hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a substantial amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive to enhance moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be an option for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances moderate moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

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

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

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

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

Ingredients

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
0.15
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Corylus Avellana (Hazelnut) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Canina Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax
Function:
Origin:
Saccharide Isomerate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Function:
Origin:
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Cellulose Gum
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Benzoic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
Function:
Origin:
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Citral
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.8
6
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
4.1
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.8 10
7.8
6
1.5
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 4.1 20
2.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
1.5
0.3
All humectants 7.8 10
7.8
All humectants
7.8
6
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 4.1 20
2.0
All occlusives
4.1
2.0
0.3
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
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.1 3 No
All antioxidants
2.1
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
0.3
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
0.3
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
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.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateA naturally-derived emollient ester. It is a blend of caprylates and caprates and, relative to other emollients, is lightweight and dry on the skin. As a result, coco-caprylate/caprate serves as a natural alternative to volatile silicones.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %4
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.
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate
Corylus Avellana (Hazelnut) Seed Oil
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Corylus Avellana (Hazelnut) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil expressed from hazelnuts. It mostly contains fatty acids but also has various beneficial wound-healing and antioxidant compounds.
Rosa Canina Seed Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Rosa Canina Seed Extract
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil extracted from the rind or peel of a lemon. It is mainly comprised of limonene (up to 70%) and has a fresh, citrusy scent. Lemon peel oil may cause a sun-induced skin rash in people with a sensitivity towards citrus fruits.

Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Stearate CitrateAn ingredient composed of citric acid, stearic acid, and glycerin. Glyceryl stearate citrate acts as an emollient in skincare products, making the skin appear smooth and pleasant to the touch.
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.
Saccharide Isomerate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharide IsomerateA naturally-derived humectant that provides moisturization at low levels and is less sticky than other humectants like glycerin.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed OilAn emollient fatty oil expressed from sesame seeds. It is made up majorly of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (up to 45%), and oleic acid (up to 38%). Sesame oil is an occlusive moisturizer that is rich in antioxidant compounds.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) WaterA fragrant, astringent essential water obtained by steeping and distilling the twigs and leaves of the witch hazel plant. It leaves the skin feeling tight and refreshed after application and helps with the healing of small cuts on the skin.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed WaxA solid wax obtained during the refining of crude sunflower oil. The majority of the wax comes from the shells, or hulls, of the sunflower seeds. It is used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer, helping to prevent water loss from the skin.
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.

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.

Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Microcrystalline CelluloseA plant-based ingredient derived from cellulose. The rough version of microcrystalline cellulose is used in scrubs instead of plastic microbeads and the finer version is used as a thickener and stabilizer and readily absorbs oil and sweat.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) OilAn occlusive moisturizing oil expressed from soybeans. It does not leave an oily feeling on the skin due to its low content of saturated fatty acids. Glycine soja oil contains emollient fatty acids and a significant amount of antioxidants.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Glyceryl Caprate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Caprate
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A 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.

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.
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ OilA fatty emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil obtained from wheat germ. It mainly consists of linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids followed by antioxidant vitamin E, phytosterols, and fatty alcohols.
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil expressed from the peels of mandarin. It contains up to 74% of limonene and other volatile compounds which create its sweet, mandarin aroma. It may induce sun allergies in people sensitive to citrus fruits.

Sodium Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium GluconateA chelating ingredient that ensures that the harmful metal ions in a formula are unreactive. It also protects other ingredients from degrading.
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.
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.
Cellulose Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cellulose GumA polymer that is derived from its namesake, cellulose, which is plant-based. It has many formula-helper benefits, including thickening and product stabilization.
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.
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.
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.
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)An orange-red plant pigment with powerful antioxidant activity.
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root ExtractAn antioxidant extract derived from carrots. It is a rich source of the orange-colored beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A). Carrot root extract is often added to skincare products that are aimed at providing a better suntan.
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.

Citral
Est. %0.15
Function
Origin
Citral

A fragrant compound found in many essential oils (especially lemon myrtle and lemongrass essential oil). It has a sweet, lemon-like scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citral, or at least do a patch test before using.

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.
Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geraniol

A 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.

Citronellol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citronellol

A fragrant compound found naturally in many essential oils (mainly lemongrass). It can have a lemon or a rose scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citronellol, or at least do a patch test before using it.