Algenist AA Barrier Serum

Algenist AA Barrier Serum
5.9
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle

Review

Results you may expect from using Algenist AA Barrier Serum:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Algenist AA Barrier Serum:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.9 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: Algenist AA Barrier Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.5 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Algenist AA Barrier Serum has a moisturizing rating of 5.9 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.8 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%) and Propanediol (est. ≈3.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Algenist AA Barrier Serum has a minimal anti-wrinkle rating of 0.5 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:
    • Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
       one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
    • Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
       or Vitamin C, a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, yet with average efficacy confirmed by only one study.
Among others, Algenist AA Barrier Serum also contains Retinyl Palmitate, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Retinyl Palmitate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to 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 additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

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

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
Water
6
Butylene Glycol
4
PEG-8 Dimethicone
3
Propanediol
2
Caprylyl Methicone
1.5
Dimethicone
1.3
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
1
Phloretin
0.3
Ergothioneine
0.3
Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14
0.3
Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate
0.3
Epigallocatechin Gallate
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Aspartic Acid
0.3
PCA
0.3
Disodium EDTA
0.3
Alanine
0.3
Serine
0.3
Valine
0.3
Isoleucine
0.3
Proline
0.3
Threonine
0.3
Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer
0.3
Polyvinyl Alcohol
0.3
Histidine
0.3
Phenylalanine
0.3
Arginine
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Octyldodecanol
0.3
Pyridoxine HCl
0.3
Retinyl Palmitate
0.3
Silica
0.3
Sodium Propoxyhydroxypropyl Thiosulfate Silica
0.3
Glycerin
0.3
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
0.3
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
0.3
Pentylene Glycol
0.3
Isohexadecane
0.3
Adenosine Triphosphate
0.3
Hydrolyzed Oat Protein
0.3
Niacinamide
0.3
Citric Acid
0.3
Polysorbate 60
0.3
Sorbitan Isostearate
0.3
Sodium PCA
0.3
Sodium Phytate
0.3
Sodium Lactate
0.3
Sodium Benzoate
0.3
Potassium Sorbate
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Function:
Origin:
Phloretin
Function:
Origin:
Ergothioneine
Function:
Origin:
Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14
Function:
Origin:
Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Epigallocatechin Gallate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Aspartic Acid
Function:
Origin:
PCA
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Alanine
Function:
Origin:
Serine
Function:
Origin:
Valine
Function:
Origin:
Isoleucine
Function:
Origin:
Proline
Function:
Origin:
Threonine
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Polyvinyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Histidine
Function:
Origin:
Phenylalanine
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecanol
Function:
Origin:
Pyridoxine HCl
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Propoxyhydroxypropyl Thiosulfate Silica
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine Triphosphate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Oat Protein
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
14.2
6
3
1.3
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
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
3.5
2.0
1.5
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 14.2 10
10.0
6
3
1.3
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
Occlusivity All occlusives 3.5 20
1.8
2.0
1.5
Moisturizing rating
5.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
3
1.3
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
All humectants 14.2 10
10
All humectants
14.2
6
3
1.3
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
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2
1.5
All occlusives 3.5 20
1.8
All occlusives
3.5
2.0
1.5
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0.5
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.5 3 No
All antioxidants
2.5
Phloretin
1
Niacinamide
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Ergothioneine
0.3
Epigallocatechin Gallate
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
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. %70
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Butylene GlycolA 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.
PEG-8 Dimethicone
Est. %4
Function
Origin
PEG-8 DimethiconeDescription is coming soon
Propanediol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Caprylyl Methicone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Caprylyl MethiconeA liquid silicone with occlusive moisturizing properties. Being compatible with natural oils is a challenge for most silicones, but caprylyl methicone plays well with all types of oils.
Dimethicone
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Parachlorella Beijerinckii ExopolysaccharidesDescription is coming soon
Phloretin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PhloretinDescription is coming soon
Ergothioneine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ErgothioneineA naturally-occurring amino acid that functions as a powerful and versatile antioxidant.
Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14Description is coming soon
Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Heptapeptide-15 PalmitateDescription is coming soon
Epigallocatechin Gallate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Epigallocatechin GallateA bioactive compound isolated from green tea with numerous beneficial effects. It is an astringent and antioxidant and can help the skin to heal, reduce redness, and treat UV-induced damage.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Aspartic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aspartic AcidA humectant moisturizing amino acid that is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. It helps to retain water on the skin’s surface and is slightly acidic, thereby helping to balance the pH of a skincare product.
PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PCAAlso known as pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, this ingredient is one of the main components of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (which prevents the skin’s surface from drying out).
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.
Alanine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlanineA simple amino acid used in skincare as a humectant moisturizing ingredient. It is a part of the so-called Natural Moisturizing Factor, a complex mixture of free amino acids and other water-soluble compounds found in skin cells.
Serine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SerineA non-essential amino acid, meaning that our body can produce it. It is the largest constituent of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor and is used in skincare as a humectant moisturizing ingredient.
Valine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ValineAn essential amino acid (meaning our body cannot make it on its own and we get it from food instead). Like some other amino acids, Valine is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor.
Isoleucine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsoleucineA humectant moisturizing, essential amino acid that is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. It helps to increase water content on the skin’s surface and can increase the barrier repair effects of ceramides.
Proline
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ProlineThe best humectant moisturizer of all the amino acids. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor and increases hydration in the top layers of the skin. It also has antioxidant activity and helps to heal damaged skin.
Threonine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ThreonineAn essential amino acid that may play a role in collagen production. However, more research is needed in order to confirm or deny these claims.
Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid CopolymerDescription is coming soon
Polyvinyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyvinyl AlcoholA synthetic polymer that thickens water to form a gel and prevents other ingredients from separating.
Histidine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HistidineA humectant moisturizing amino acid with weak antioxidant effects that is a part of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor. It can attract water to the skin’s surface and is slightly alkaline, thereby helping to balance a product's pH.
Phenylalanine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenylalanineAn essential amino acid used in the treatment of vitiligo and other pigmentation issues. It is considered less effective than other anti-pigment ingredients and is often used in combination with them.
Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Octyldodecanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
OctyldodecanolAn emollient fatty alcohol that spreads easily without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. It is also used as a solvent and dispersing agent for other ingredients.
Pyridoxine HCl
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pyridoxine HClA B-vitamin that helps regulate sebum production.
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl PalmitateAn esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but also much less effective in its anti-aging and acne-reducing effects.
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.
Sodium Propoxyhydroxypropyl Thiosulfate Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Propoxyhydroxypropyl Thiosulfate SilicaDescription is coming soon
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP CopolymerA polymeric ingredient that creates lightweight and refreshing gel textures. It also works as a viscosity controlling agent.
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.

Isohexadecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsohexadecaneA clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as an emollient. It is made up of pure hydrocarbons and leaves a dry feeling on the skin upon application. It also increases the spreadability of a product.
Adenosine Triphosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine TriphosphateA cellular energy source that is thought to revitalize skin cells.
Hydrolyzed Oat Protein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Oat ProteinDescription is coming soon
Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
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.

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 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
Sodium PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PCAOne of the most important parts of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Sodium PCA is used in skincare for its fantastic humectant properties.
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
Sodium Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium LactateA sodium salt of lactic acid. Its main function is as a humectant but it can also serve as a pH adjuster. Additionally, sodium lactate can also be used as a chemical exfoliant due to its close chemical relation to lactic acid.
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.
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.
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.