Aesop Primrose Facial Hydrating Cream

Aesop Primrose Facial Hydrating Cream
8.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity

Review

Does Aesop Primrose Facial Hydrating Cream work?

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

  • Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 8.6 out of 10.

Well-suited moisturizer for dry to very dry skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Aesop Primrose Facial Hydrating Cream is intensely moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 8.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a high humectancy of 7.3 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 Corylus Avellana (Hazelnut) Seed Oil (est. ≈9.0%) and Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil (est. ≈4.0%).

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

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

However, people with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing 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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Corylus Avellana (Hazelnut) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Canina Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
PEG-75 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Function:
Origin:
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Function:
Origin:
Ceteth-20
Function:
Origin:
Steareth-20
Function:
Origin:
Jojoba Esters
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Cellulose Gum
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax
Function:
Origin:
Polyglycerin-3
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.3
6
1
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
21.9
9.0
4.0
3.0
2.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
8.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.3 10
7.3
6
1
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 21.9 20
10.0
9.0
4.0
3.0
2.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
8.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
1
0.3
All humectants 7.3 10
7.3
All humectants
7.3
6
1
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
4
3
2.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 21.9 20
10.0
All occlusives
21.9
9.0
4.0
3.0
2.5
1.3
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
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.5 3 No
All antioxidants
1.5
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.3
0.3
All soothing 1.6 5 No
All soothing
1.6
1.3
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.
Corylus Avellana (Hazelnut) Seed Oil
Est. %9
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.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) OilAn emollient and occlusive oil derived from sweet almonds. It has a favorable fatty acid composition (mainly oleic and linoleic acids), and a high content of vitamin E. Almond oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Squalane
Est. %3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed OilExtracted from macadamia nuts, this emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil is composed mostly of oleic and palmitoleic fatty acids. It is suitable for dry and eczema-prone skin.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %1.5
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.
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient fatty oil expressed from the seeds of a yellow-flowered plant which often opens its flowers in the evening (hence the name). It is light and suitable for problematic, eczematous, and inflammation-prone skin.
Rosa Canina Seed Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Rosa Canina Seed Extract
PEG-75 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-75 Stearate
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ceteth-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceteth-20A very mild but effective polyethylene-based cleanser and emulsifier.
Steareth-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Steareth-20A white to light brown reaction product of a clear gas and stearyl alcohol. Like the other steareth ingredients, steareth-20 is a waxy emulsifier that can help to form a stable emulsion, even in extreme conditions.
Jojoba Esters
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Jojoba EstersA mixture of various wax esters from jojoba oil. It is used in skincare products as a fantastic emollient, soothing, and occlusive moisturizing agent that won't leave a sticky, oily feeling on the skin.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
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.
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.
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) OilA fragrant essential oil derived from sage with a cooling, robust, and pine-like herbal scent.
Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acacia Decurrens Flower WaxAlso known as mimosa wax, this fragrant, emollient, and occlusive (moisturizing) ingredient is rich in antioxidant phytosterols.
Polyglycerin-3
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglycerin-3
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.

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.