Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen

Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen
5.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle

Review

Does Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen:

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.3 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

Lightweight moisturizer ideal for oily skin and a humectant boost for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.6 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Collagen (est. ≈40.0%), Propanediol (est. ≈11.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients. It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

Such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

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

Little anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen has a minimal anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%), 
 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, Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen also contains some ingredients marketed often as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, and Adenosine. 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 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, 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
40
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
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
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Collagen
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Isononyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Dextrin Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Collagen Amino Acids
Function:
Origin:
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Function:
Origin:
Chlorella Protothecoides Oil
Function:
Origin:
Helichrysum Stoechas Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cylindrotheca Fusiformis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Palmitic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Amodimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
63.0
40
11
4
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 63.0 10
10.0
40
11
4
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.2 20
0.6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
40
11
4
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 63.0 10
10
All humectants
63.0
40
11
4
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 1.2 20
0.6
All occlusives
1.2
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 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0.4
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.2 3 No
All antioxidants
1.2
Niacinamide
0.3
Cylindrotheca Fusiformis Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
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

Collagen
Est. %40
Function
Origin
CollagenA protein that builds all human tissues, especially skin and joints. It is used as a moisturizing humectant ingredient in skincare.
Water
Est. %22
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.
Propanediol
Est. %11
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.
Isononyl Isononanoate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Isononyl IsononanoateAn ester of a branched fatty acid with a branched fatty alcohol. It is an easily spreadable emollient that has a silky, dry, non-greasy feel on the skin.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %4
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.

Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Betaine
Est. %2
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %1.5
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.

Dextrin Palmitate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Dextrin Palmitate
Collagen Amino Acids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Collagen Amino AcidsA mixture of amino acids obtained by chopping up collagen molecules. It consists mainly of glycine, proline, alanine, and hydroxyproline. They all have humectant properties.
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Chlorella Protothecoides Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chlorella Protothecoides Oil
Helichrysum Stoechas Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helichrysum Stoechas Flower Extract
Cylindrotheca Fusiformis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cylindrotheca Fusiformis Extract
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.

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.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

A small peptide consisting of three amino acids with anti-wrinkle effects. Together with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, it is a part of the popular anti-wrinkle complex called Matrixyl™ 3000.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

A synthetic peptide that mimics the activity of immunoglobulin G and signals to the skin to stop the inflammation. It has been shown in studies to reduce wrinkles and enhance collagen content.

Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

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.
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateA biotechnological fermentation ingredient that is created by feeding radish root to Leuconostoc kimchii. It allegedly contains organic acids and a mixture of peptides known as bacteriocins – which have antimicrobial activity.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Palmitic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitic AcidA saturated fatty acid used in skincare as a strongly occlusive moisturizer and barrier repairing, emollient ingredient. It is a waxy-looking, white solid. Palmitic acid can be commonly found in animal and vegetable fats, notably palm oil.
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.
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.
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.
Amodimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AmodimethiconeA synthetic, water-loving ingredient that reduces static buildup on skin.
Homosalate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
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.
Avobenzone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AvobenzoneA popular sunscreen that protects against UVA rays, which cause premature aging and skin cancer. Avobenzone degrades after about 30 minutes of sun exposure and becomes ineffective. It is therefore often paired with UV-filter stabilizers such as octocrylene.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Octocrylene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
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.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
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.

Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)An orange-red plant pigment with powerful antioxidant activity.