DermaQuest Essential Moisturizer

DermaQuest Essential Moisturizer
4.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.7 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.1Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using DermaQuest Essential Moisturizer:

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

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.5 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?

Quite moisturizing: DermaQuest Essential Moisturizer has a moisturizing rating of 4.5 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.7 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 7.3 out of 10, primarily due to Sodium Hyaluronate (est. ≈1.5%), Butylene Glycol (est. ≈1.4%) and Glycerin (est. ≈1.1%).

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.
 
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. ≈1.5%), Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract (est. ≈0.3%), Tocopheryl Linoleate/Oleate (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

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
70
4
1.5
1.4
1.3
1.2
1.1
1
1
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
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Ratings

All humectants
7.0
1.5
1.4
1.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
3.5
1.3
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.0 10
7.3
1.5
1.4
1.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 3.5 20
1.7
1.3
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.5
1.4
1.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.0 10
7.3
All humectants
7.0
1.5
1.4
1.1
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
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 3.5 20
1.7
All occlusives
3.5
1.3
1.0
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
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 4.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.8
Sodium Hyaluronate
1.5
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. %70
Function
Origin
The 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
An emollient ester with very high spreadability.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
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. %1.4
Function
Origin
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. %1.3
Function
Origin
A 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. %1.2
Function
Origin
An 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. %1.1
Function
Origin

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

Stearic Acid
Est. %1
Function
Origin
A 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
Function
Origin
A 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
A 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
A vegetable-derived ingredient most commonly used as an emulsifier to stabilize water and oil mixtures.
Soluble Elastin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Isopropyl Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic ester that offers superior spreadability.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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
A 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
Description is coming soon
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
The 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
An 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
A 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
A 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
An 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
An 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
This 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
Derived 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
The 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
A powerful synthetic emulsifier that is very gentle to the skin.
Sodium PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
One 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
Description is coming soon
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
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
An 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
A 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
A 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
A 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
A 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
A 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
An 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
A 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
A 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
An 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
A 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
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
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
A 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
This 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
An 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
Also 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
Description is coming soon
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
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
A 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

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
A 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
A naturally-occurring amino acid that functions as a powerful and versatile antioxidant.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An 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
Description is coming soon
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Extracted 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
A synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.