DermaQuest Essential Moisturizer

DermaQuest Essential Moisturizer
6.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.1Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does DermaQuest Essential Moisturizer work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using DermaQuest Essential Moisturizer:

  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.2 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: DermaQuest Essential Moisturizer has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Highly moisturizing: DermaQuest Essential Moisturizer has a moisturizing rating of 6.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.5 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Sodium Hyaluronate (est. ≈2.5%), Butylene Glycol (est. ≈2.4%) and Glycerin (est. ≈2.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, DermaQuest Essential Moisturizer has a minimal anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
 or Vitamin C, a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, yet with average efficacy confirmed by only one study.
 
Among others, DermaQuest Essential Moisturizer also contains some ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Micrococcus Lysate, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Retinyl Palmitate, Ubiquinone, Ascorbyl Palmitate, and Centella Asiatica Extract. 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, 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.

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that DermaQuest Essential Moisturizer is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Sodium Hyaluronate (est. ≈2.5%).

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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
4
2.5
2.4
2.3
2.2
2
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
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Hexyl Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Soluble Elastin
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Nylon-12
Function:
Origin:
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
C12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Linoleate/Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Linoleic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols
Function:
Origin:
Phospholipids
Function:
Origin:
Plankton Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Micrococcus Lysate
Function:
Origin:
Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Ethoxydiglycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Ubiquinone
Function:
Origin:
Yeast Polysaccharides
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ergothioneine
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Darutoside
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
9.9
2.5
2.4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
5.0
2.3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 9.9 10
10.0
2.5
2.4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 5.0 20
2.5
2.3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2.5
2.4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 9.9 10
10
All humectants
9.9
2.5
2.4
2
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
2.3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 5.0 20
2.5
All occlusives
5.0
2.3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0.1
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Micrococcus Lysate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ubiquinone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5.8
Sodium Hyaluronate
2.5
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Linoleate/Oleate
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Ubiquinone
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
0.3
Ergothioneine
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.9 5 No
All soothing
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
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.
Hexyl Laurate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Hexyl LaurateAn emollient ester with very high spreadability.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %2.5
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.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %2.4
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.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %2.3
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.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %2.2
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.
Glycerin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Stearic Acid
Est. %1.5
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.
Stearyl Alcohol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl AlcoholA natural fatty alcohol that thickens, stabilizes, and keeps emulsions a bright white color. It has many uses, the main one being as an emulsifier. It also acts as an opacifying agent and emollient.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Cetyl EthylhexanoateA clear, pale yellow liquid, that functions as an emollient and a solvent, meaning that it is useful for dissolving oil-soluble ingredients.
Sorbitan Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan StearateA vegetable-derived ingredient most commonly used as an emulsifier to stabilize water and oil mixtures.
Soluble Elastin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Soluble Elastin
Isopropyl Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isopropyl IsostearateA synthetic ester that offers superior spreadability.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Nylon-12
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nylon-12A synthetic powdered ingredient that imparts unique sensorial characteristics due to its microsphere structure. It can also control viscosity by bulking up the oil phase of a skincare product.
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
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.
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.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
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.
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.
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.
Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit ExtractDerived from the golden kiwi fruit, this extract is rich in humectant polysaccharides and antioxidant organic acids, as well as phenolic compounds.
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.
C12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C12-20 Acid PEG-8 EsterA powerful synthetic emulsifier that is very gentle to the skin.
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.
Tocopheryl Linoleate/Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Linoleate/Oleate
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Imperata Cylindrica Root ExtractAn extract obtained from cogongrass roots. According to the patent holder, it contains significant amounts of potassium, a humectant and anti-wrinkle compound, as well as sulfur-containing proteins.
PEG-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-8A synthetic liquid that serves as a humectant. It also works as a solvent because of its ability to dissolve a wide range of ingredients.
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.
Linoleic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Linoleic AcidA fatty acid isolated from various plant oils (notably evening primrose, safflower, grape seed, and sunflower oil). It is an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that doesn't leave an oily, sticky residue and is especially suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) SterolsA mixture of phytosterols isolated from soybean oil. Phytosterols, when used in skincare products, have emollient properties and can make the skin feel softer and smoother.
Phospholipids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhospholipidsA large group of lipids that are an essential component of every single cell membrane in the body. They have excellent emollient properties. Phospholipids are also utilized in the manufacturing of ‘fancy’ formulations such as liposomes.
Plankton Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Plankton ExtractAn extract from a mixture of various tiny marine animals, algae, seaweeds, and microscopic organisms jointly called plankton. One patent refers to it as a moisturizing humectant ingredient.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Micrococcus Lysate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Micrococcus LysateA mixture created by breaking down Micrococcus bacteria. It has been claimed to have DNA repairing abilities when packed into liposomes.
Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arabidopsis Thaliana ExtractAn extract from a small, flowering plant called thale cress. It contains antioxidant flavonoids and organic acids and is claimed to be able to repair UV-induced DNA damage.
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.
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

A famous synthetically made peptide that works as a signal peptide, telling skin cells to create more collagen and other structural proteins. It has been clinically tested and found to be effective at reducing fine wrinkles.

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.

Ethoxydiglycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthoxydiglycolA type of alcohol with humectant moisturizing properties. It also acts as a solvent, since it mixes well with a variety of other compounds, including water and even some oils.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
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.
Ubiquinone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
UbiquinoneAlso known as Coenzyme Q10, this bright orange antioxidant supports the skin's energy metabolism. It also offers some anti-pigment action. Dietary supplementation of Ubiquinone improves the appearance of wrinkles.
Yeast Polysaccharides
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yeast Polysaccharides
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.

Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.
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.

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.
Ergothioneine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ErgothioneineA naturally-occurring amino acid that functions as a powerful and versatile antioxidant.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Darutoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Darutoside
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice PowderExtracted from dried aloe vera leaves, it has the same effects as fresh aloe vera juice – it is humectant moisturizing, refreshing, and soothing. This powder can also serve as a gelling agent when mixed with water.
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.