belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
5.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.1 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle

Review

Results you may expect from using belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb has a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a very high humectancy of 8.5 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.1 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Dimethicone (est. ≈2.5%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb 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.
 
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
55
Water
9
Dipropylene Glycol
6
Glycerin
4
Methyl Trimethicone
3
Alcohol Denat.
2.5
Dimethicone
2
Cyclopentasiloxane
1.5
1,2-Hexanediol
1.3
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
1
PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
0.3
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
0.3
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
0.3
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
0.3
Nepeta Cataria Extract
0.3
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract
0.3
Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract
0.3
Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract
0.3
Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract
0.3
Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract
0.3
Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Niacinamide
0.3
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
0.3
Panthenol
0.3
PEG-150
0.3
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
0.3
Phenyl Trimethicone
0.3
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
0.3
Carbomer
0.3
Tromethamine
0.3
Squalane
0.3
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
0.3
Dimethiconol
0.3
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
0.3
C14-22 Alcohols
0.3
Polysorbate 60
0.3
Butylene Glycol
0.3
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
0.3
Malachite Extract
0.3
Triethylhexanoin
0.3
Trisodium EDTA
0.3
Arachidyl Glucoside
0.3
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
0.3
Hydrogenated Lecithin
0.3
Sorbitan Isostearate
0.3
Glyceryl Stearate
0.3
Stearic Acid
0.3
Ceramide NP
0.3
Cholesterol
0.3
PEG-100 Stearate
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
0.3
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil
0.3
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
0.3
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
0.3
Citral
0.3
Citronellol
0.3
Limonene
0.3
Geraniol
0.3
Linalool
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Nepeta Cataria Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-150
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Function:
Origin:
Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Dimethiconol
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
C14-22 Alcohols
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Malachite Extract
Function:
Origin:
Triethylhexanoin
Function:
Origin:
Trisodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Arachidyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citral
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.5
6
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
6.2
2.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.5 10
8.5
6
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 6.2 20
3.1
2.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.5 10
8.5
All humectants
8.5
6
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 6.2 20
3.1
All occlusives
6.2
2.5
1.3
0.3
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
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
Total
0.4
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.7 3 No
All antioxidants
2.7
Niacinamide
0.3
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
0.3
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
0.3
Nepeta Cataria Extract
0.3
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract
0.3
Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Malachite Extract
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.1 5 No
All soothing
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %55
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.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %9
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.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Methyl Trimethicone
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Methyl TrimethiconeA lightweight and volatile silicone known for its excellent solvency. This silicone has a silky, cushiony feel with excellent lubricity and is commonly used as an emollient in silicone-based skincare products.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Dimethicone
Est. %2.5
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.
Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %2
Function
Origin
CyclopentasiloxaneA lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %1.5
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.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %1.3
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.
PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 GlycerinDescription is coming soon
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl TetraethylhexanoateAn occlusive moisturizer and emollient with a good lubricity that leaves behind a glossy sheen after application. It can also control viscosity by thickening skincare products and act as a binding agent to hold pressed powdered products together.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel ExtractA beneficial extract obtained from Oat groats popular in products aimed at eczema-prone skin. It contains skin healing beta-glucan, anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds, antioxidant flavonoids, various lipids, proteins, and moisturizing amino acids.
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calendula Officinalis Flower ExtractAn extract derived from the flowers of the pot marigold. Its yellow to bright orange flowers contain carotenoids, triterpenoids, and flavonoids. They all have fantastic anti-inflammatory activity and can help to soothe inflamed skin.
Nepeta Cataria Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nepeta Cataria ExtractA fragrant extract from catnip that contains nepetalactone, caryophyllene, and cineol. These compounds are responsible for its fresh scent and antioxidant properties.
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf ExtractAn extract from raspberry leaves that is packed with flavonoids and vitamin C.
Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Baptisia Tinctoria Root ExtractAn extract from a herbaceous plant yellow false indigo. It is claimed to be able to deal with multiple skin problems, although there is no substantial research to support that.
Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stellaria Media (Chickweed) ExtractAn extract from chickweed that contains various saponins and flavonoids and that has been used traditionally as a soothing ingredient.
Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf ExtractDescription is coming soon
Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Equisetum Arvense Leaf ExtractDescription is coming soon
Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf ExtractDescription is coming soon
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.

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.

Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolymethylsilsesquioxaneA type of spherical powder that functions on a ball-bearing effect in which the tiny microspheres roll around on the skin and create lubricity. Polymethylsilsesquioxane offers extra slip to skincare products and makes the skin feel soft and smooth.
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.
PEG-150
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-150Description is coming soon
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl TetraisostearateAn emollient ester with high gloss and thickening properties.
Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phenyl TrimethiconeA silicone fluid that is used as an occlusive moisturizer. It applies smoothly to the skin and reduces the tack associated with organic oils.
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.
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.
Tromethamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.
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.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilA castor oil-derived ingredient often used to incorporate small amounts of oil (such as a fragrance) into a water-based product. PEG-4 HCO is a gold-standard solubilizer and can be used in low amounts due to its ability to solubilize things so well.
Dimethiconol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconolA synthetic dimethicone with rich, non-tacky emolliency. It features the typical sensorial profile of silicones, with high spreadability and a luxurious, oil-free after-feel. Dimethiconol can also serve as an antifoaming agent.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
C14-22 Alcohols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C14-22 AlcoholsA naturally-derived emulsion stabilizer that has a light feel. It is not a drying alcohol, in fact the emulsions it helps create can make the skin feel soft and cushioned.
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil extracted from macadamia nuts. It is clear and pale yellow with a pleasant nutty aroma and contains oleic and palmitoleic fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols, squalene, and polyphenols.
Malachite Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malachite ExtractDescription is coming soon
Triethylhexanoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethylhexanoinAn occlusive and emollient ester of glycerin and a fatty acid. It is easily spreadable and does not leave a sticky after-feel.
Trisodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trisodium EDTAA chelating agent designed to encapsulate potentially harmful heavy metal ions that enter the formula through the water source. Once encapsulated, these heavy metal ions become inert.
Arachidyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arachidyl GlucosideA mild cleanser and emulsifier that helps oil and water to mix and form emulsions.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %0.3
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.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
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.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
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.
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.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) OilA fragrant essential oil extracted from lime peels that is mostly comprised of limonene, pinene, terpinene, and terpineol - which give off a sweet citrusy scent.
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower OilA fragrant essential oil with a distinct, rose-like scent derived from rose geranium. It is widely used in aromatherapy and massage therapy to ease tension. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel OilAn essential oil derived from the peels of the sweet orange. It is commonly used as a fragrance because of its pleasant, citrusy scent. The main constituent of the essential oil is limonene (up to 96%).
Citral
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CitralA fragrant compound found in many essential oils (especially lemon myrtle and lemongrass essential oil). It has a sweet, lemon-like scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citral, or at least do a patch test before using.
Citronellol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CitronellolA fragrant compound found naturally in many essential oils (mainly lemongrass). It can have a lemon or a rose scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citronellol, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LimoneneOne 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
GeraniolA 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.
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.