Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion Review

Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion
1.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
1.7 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Glycolic Acid, Ammonium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Propylene Glycol, PEG-40 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Myristyl Myristate, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cellulose Gum, Sorbic Acid, BHT, Imidazolidinyl Urea
Review

Does Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.2 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 1.7 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 0.8 out of 10.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

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

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

Things to Be Aware Of: Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Glycolic Acid

This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. Its action works by removing dead skin cells, revealing new, more delicate skin that is particularly vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with glycolic acid, regardless of concentration, may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To counteract this increased sun sensitivity, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect your skin during glycolic acid treatment.

📌 Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the product, either on their website or product label.

⚠️ As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Pros & Cons of Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to glycolic acid
⚠️ Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine
   

Summary: Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
That said, there are some things about Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion worth noting.
 
If you use Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion as your primary moisturizer, please keep in mind that it provides only light hydration, which isn’t actually ideal for any skin type. While its low occlusivity may work for oily and combination skin, it lacks sufficient humectants, which are vital for effective hydration of any skin type. Therefore, for optimal moisturizing results, it should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer.
 
This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. However, glycolic acid - regardless of concentration - can increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays. Therefore, it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during glycolic acid treatment.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
10
2
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.6
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Petrolatum
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Myristyl Myristate
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Function:
Origin:
Cellulose Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Imidazolidinyl Urea
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
1.7
1.7
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.5
0.3 x 2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 1.7 10
1.7
1.7
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.5 20
0.8
0.3 x 2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
1.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.7
All humectants 1.7 10
1.7
All humectants
1.7
1.7
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3 x 2
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 1.5 20
0.8
All occlusives
1.5
0.3 x 2
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
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
BHT
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
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.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %10
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Ammonium Hydroxide
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Ammonium HydroxideA weakly basic ingredient that can adjust pH to a higher level.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %1.9
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.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %1.8
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %1.7
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
PEG-40 Stearate
Est. %1.6
Function
Origin
PEG-40 StearateThis PEG, or polyethylene glycol, is excellent at emulsifying water and oil together to form oil-in-water emulsions. Due to its water-loving nature, PEG-40 stearate can also act as a cleansing agent.
Sorbitan Stearate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Sorbitan StearateA vegetable-derived ingredient most commonly used as an emulsifier to stabilize water and oil mixtures.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %1.3
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.
Isopropyl Palmitate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Isopropyl PalmitateAn emollient ester of palmitic acid and isopropanol that gives the skin a smooth, soft, dry, non-oily after-feel. Isopropyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
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.

Petrolatum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PetrolatumAlso known as Vaseline, this is the most powerful occlusive moisturizer and at least twice as effective as other occlusives. This is why we multiply the petrolatum score by 2 when calculating the Occlusivity of the product. Petrolatum is not comedogenic.
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
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.
Myristyl Myristate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Myristyl MyristateAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient ester that is derived from vegetables. This soft, wax-like ester produces a soft and creamy sensorial profile. Myristyl myristate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Stearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium Aluminum SilicateA naturally occurring clay that is hygroscopic, which means that it easily absorbs water. This ingredient is thus commonly used as an absorbent and emulsion stabilizer. It also modifies slip by improving the spreadability of the products it is used in.
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.
Sorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbic AcidAn organic acid that can be naturally found in the berries of the Mountain ash, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It is used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent, protecting a skincare product from spoiling.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Imidazolidinyl Urea
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Imidazolidinyl UreaAn antimicrobial agent that provides broad spectrum protection.