African Botanics Phyto-Collagen Restorative Cream Review

African Botanics Phyto-Collagen Restorative Cream
8.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
6.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does African Botanics Phyto-Collagen Restorative Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what African Botanics Phyto-Collagen Restorative Cream has to offer:
 
  • Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 8.4 out of 10.
  • Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10, African Botanics Phyto-Collagen Restorative Cream is effective in minimizing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: African Botanics Phyto-Collagen Restorative Cream contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of African Botanics Phyto-Collagen Restorative Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using African Botanics Phyto-Collagen Restorative Cream:
 

Perfect Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, African Botanics Phyto-Collagen Restorative Cream is intensely moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 8.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%), and a high occlusivity of 6.8 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil (est. ≈9.0%) and Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with normal skin who want intense hydration in a rich yet not overly thick formula. It combines a high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing.

The product’s occlusive profile suggests a texture that is rich and creamy but not overly thick, offering the potential to absorb into the skin without leaving a greasy afterfeel in most cases.

This product may also be a good choice for people with dry (but not very dry) skin for daily hydration, as it strikes a balance between significant moisturizing potential and a texture that is not too thick.

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

Significant Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, African Botanics Phyto-Collagen Restorative Cream has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%), 
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
Among others, African Botanics Phyto-Collagen Restorative Cream also contains Bakuchiol, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Bakuchiol provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 

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

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that African Botanics Phyto-Collagen Restorative Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil (est. ≈9.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

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 and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, African Botanics Phyto-Collagen Restorative Cream is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

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.

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

Pros & Cons of African Botanics Phyto-Collagen Restorative Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of African Botanics Phyto-Collagen Restorative Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Perfect for moisturizing normal to dry skin
  • Rich and creamy texture without being overly thick
  • Delivers signficant anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help reduce irritation and soothe the skin

Cons: 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
5
4
3
2.5
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
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:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Myristate
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide EOP
Function:
Origin:
Phytosphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Algin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Calcium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Collagen
Function:
Origin:
Mannose
Function:
Origin:
Glucose
Function:
Origin:
Polyglutamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Equisetum Arvense Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pinus Sylvestris Cone Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Bakuchiol
Function:
Origin:
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Bulbine Frutescens Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Kigelia Africana Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopia Genistoides Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Styrax Benzoin Gum
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.4
5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
13.5
9.0
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
8.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.4 10
10.0
5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 13.5 20
6.8
9.0
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
8.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.4 10
10
All humectants
11.4
5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 13.5 20
6.8
All occlusives
13.5
9.0
3.0
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
6 /10 4 5 6
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
6
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
5
Bakuchiol
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
9
5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 16.7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
16.7
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
9
Niacinamide
5
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
0.3
Equisetum Arvense Extract
0.3
Bakuchiol
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Cyclopia Genistoides Leaf Extract
0.3
Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract
0.3
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 6.5 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
6.5
5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
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.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil derived from grape seeds that are leftover after juicing or wine production. It contains linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, squalene, as well as phytosterols and various antioxidant compounds.
Niacinamide
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.
Isopropyl Myristate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Isopropyl MyristateA fast-spreading, cost-effective, non-greasy emollient that is typically used for lubrication, spreadability, or to remove “tackiness” from a product. Isopropyl Myristate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
Ceramide AP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide APPreviously called Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide AP is one of the most common ceramides in the skin. Research has shown that dry, flaky skin has significantly less Ceramide AP. Its application helps to treat dry skin by restoring balance in the skin lipids.
Ceramide EOP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide EOP

Formerly called Ceramide 1, this ingredient is a skin-identical wax-like lipid with an ultra-long fatty acid chain. It restores and stabilizes the skin’s lipid matrix and helps to treat dry and flaky skin, especially when combined with other ceramides.

Phytosphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosphingosineA key component of ceramides NP, AP, and EOP. It has barrier repair properties and stimulates the production of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor. Phytosphingosine has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, which can be used to treat acne.
Cholesterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CholesterolAn emollient and important barrier repairing lipid, effective when combined with fatty acids and ceramides. Around 25% of the skin’s lipid layer is made up of cholesterol and it is found in the membrane of every single cell in our body.
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Lauroyl LactylateA multifunctional ingredient that produces foamy cleansers and allows oil and water to mix.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
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.
Algin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlginA plant-based ingredient that can form gels when added to water, so it can thicken water-based products. Algin serves as a binding agent, where it helps hold the other ingredients in the product together and prevents them from separating.
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.
Calcium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calcium Citrate
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Collagen
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CollagenA protein that builds all human tissues, especially skin and joints. It is used as a moisturizing humectant ingredient in skincare.
Mannose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mannose
Glucose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlucoseA simple sugar that is also one of two components of sucrose, or table sugar. It is used as a humectant in skincare products. Glucose is also used to flavor lip care cosmetics because of its mildly sweet taste.
Polyglutamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglutamic AcidA natural polymer with incredible water-binding properties that is prepared from glutamic acid through fermentation.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

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.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
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.
Cetearyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl GlucosideAn emulsifier that creates stable mixtures of oil in water that feel soft and spread easily. Cetearyl glucoside is sold with cetearyl alcohol as an emulsifier blend and also provides some body to the formula.
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) ExtractAn extract from hops flowers. Hops have been used traditionally to treat skin inflammation. The extract is rich in antioxidants and has antifungal and antimicrobial activity.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf ExtractA soothing and astringent extract derived from the fragrant, spicy leaves of rosemary. It has strong antioxidant properties. Rosemary extract can reduce signs of inflammation and also acts as an emollient and antimicrobial agent.
Equisetum Arvense Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Equisetum Arvense ExtractA soothing extract from the green part of the horsetail, a non-flowering plant that contains a lot of minerals beneficial for skin growth, antioxidant flavonoids, and astringent tannins.
Pinus Sylvestris Cone Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pinus Sylvestris Cone Extract
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract

A fragrant extract from lemon peels that contains various antioxidant flavonoids, organic acids, and limonoids – which are currently under investigation as potential anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment compounds.

Squalane
Est. %0.3
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.
Bakuchiol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BakuchiolA newly discovered bioactive obtained from the seeds of Babchi. It boosts collagen production like retinol, but with fewer side effects. Its effects include reduced wrinkles and faded pigmentation.
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
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.

Bulbine Frutescens Leaf Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bulbine Frutescens Leaf Juice
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Kigelia Africana Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Kigelia Africana Leaf Extract
Cyclopia Genistoides Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cyclopia Genistoides Leaf Extract
Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aspalathus Linearis Leaf ExtractA derivative from Rooibos bush leaves, which are rich in antioxidant flavonoids and astringent tannins. It has been claimed that this ingredient has an anti-wrinkle effect when mixed with green tea extract.
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adansonia Digitata Seed OilAn excellent occlusive (moisturizing) and emollient oil derived from baobab tree seeds. It is known to be a non-irritating ingredient on the skin.
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed OilA fatty oil derived from watermelon seeds that contains a good amount of occlusive moisturizing and emollient linoleic acid, followed by oleic and palmitic acids.
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed OilA famous but not well enough researched emollient fatty oil from the seeds of Marula fruits. It contains fatty acids and a lot of antioxidant and emollient phytosterols.
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Damascena Flower OilAlso known as Damask rose oil, it is one of the most precious and expensive essential oils in the world obtained from the petals of the Damask rose. It is used in skincare as a luxurious fragrance.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
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.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Styrax Benzoin Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Styrax Benzoin Gum
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Cetyl PhosphateA powerful emulsifier that can even mix particularly problematic water and oil blends. It is also a surfactant perfect for cleansing products that effectively rinse off oil and dirt particles from the surface of the skin.
Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the 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.
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.