Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex Review

Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex
5.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Ingredients

Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Synthetic Beeswax, Tocopheryl Acetate, Di-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Lauryl Lactate, Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Safflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters, Squalane, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Butylene Glycol, Tribehenin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Stevioside, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Benzyl Alcohol, Flavor (Aroma)
Review

Does Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex has to offer:
 
✅ Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.3 out of 10, impaired by the lack of humectants.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 0.6 out of 10 and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil (est. ≈22.0%), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax (est. ≈3.0%) and Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

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

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Tocopheryl Acetate (est. ≈6.0%).

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.

📌 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: Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex contains a low level of humectants.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Palmitoyl Oligopeptide provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Palmitoyl Oligopeptide may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate 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.

Pros & Cons of Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Exceptionally rich moisturizer with the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex
, as a moisturizer, provides an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin, delivered in a rich, thick texture.
 
With its high antioxidant content, Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
That said, there are some things about Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains only a small amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 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
45
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
Est. %
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Function:
Origin:
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Synthetic Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Di-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate
Function:
Origin:
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax
Function:
Origin:
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Function:
Origin:
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
Function:
Origin:
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Safflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Tribehenin
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Stevioside
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
VP/Eicosene Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Flavor (Aroma)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
29.1
22.0
3.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.6 10
0.6
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 29.1 20
10.0
22.0
3.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.6 10
0.6
All humectants
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
22
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 29.1 20
10.0
All occlusives
29.1
22.0
3.0
2.0
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
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 7.5 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
7.5
Tocopheryl Acetate
6
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
0.3
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
0.3
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
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

Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Est. %45
Function
Origin
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2An emollient ester that is used as a non-animal substitute for lanolin. Similar to lanolin, it melts at body temperature, making it ideal for use in body butters, lip balms, and ointments.
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed OilA fatty oil extracted from the seeds of the castor bean plant with very unique fatty acid composition. It is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that leaves the skin feeling soft and silky after application.
Synthetic Beeswax
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Synthetic BeeswaxA synthetic blend of fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and other ingredients that are combined to mimic natural beeswax.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %6
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.

Di-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Di-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) WaxA thick wax obtained from the stems of the Candelilla, or wax plant that is native to Mexico and the southern USA. Its stems are covered in wax to protect the plant from water loss. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient.
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed ButterAlso known as cocoa seed butter, it is a popular emollient and occlusive moisturizer. Skincare products with cocoa butter as their main ingredient have a sweet, chocolatey scent. Cocoa butter is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Lauryl Lactate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Lauryl LactateAn emollient derived from lactic acid and lauryl alcohol. It leaves the skin soft and may also be able to enhance the penetration of other ingredients.
Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide

This is an old INCI name that can refer to several other peptides. They are all short fragments of collagen or elastin and function as signal molecules, telling the skin to repair and restructure the dermis, resulting in anti-wrinkle activity.

Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) OilA fatty oil expressed from the fleshy part of an avocado, used in skincare for its excellent emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Avocado oil contains fatty acids, notably oleic acid (up to 80%), squalene, vitamin E, and carotenoids.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran OilExtracted from the outer layer of rice grains, this oil is rich in occlusive moisturizing and emollient omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and a potent antioxidant γ-oryzanol. It may have beneficial effects on dry or sun-damaged skin, as well as eczema.
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ OilA fatty emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil obtained from wheat germ. It mainly consists of linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids followed by antioxidant vitamin E, phytosterols, and fatty alcohols.
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.
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.

Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed OilA fatty oil pressed from safflower seeds that is used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It contains unusually high amounts of linoleic acid (up to 70%), as well as antioxidant compounds such as vitamin E, phytosterols, and phenolics.
Safflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Safflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters
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.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl PalmitateA rich emollient without the oily after-feel, making it a popular replacement for mineral oil. It is derived from natural sources such as palm oil and palm kernel oil. Ethylhexyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Silica Dimethyl SilylateA synthetic 'filler' powder primarily used as a formula helper. It is added in skincare products to adjust their consistency and thickness.
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.

Tribehenin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TribeheninA soft, pliable wax that serves as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It improves the spreadability of skincare products, including the increased payoff of stick products, and imparts a pleasant, smooth feel upon application.
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.
Stevioside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stevioside
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.
VP/Eicosene Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
VP/Eicosene Copolymer
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.

Flavor (Aroma)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Flavor (Aroma)Under trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the flavor and use the unspecific word 'flavor' instead. Flavor is added to products that have the potential to be consumed, such as lipsticks.