Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer Review

Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer
8.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
6.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Ingredients

Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Palmitate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Geranium Maculatum Oil
Review

Does Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer has to offer:
 
✅ Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 8.1 out of 10.
✅ Soothing: Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer:
 

🔵🔵 Perfect Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer is intensely moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 8.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈9.0%), and a high occlusivity of 6.2 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Stearic Acid (est. ≈4.0%) and Cetyl Palmitate (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with normal skin who want intense hydration in a rich yet not overly thick formula. It combines a high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing.

The product’s occlusive profile suggests a texture that is rich and creamy but not overly thick, offering the potential to absorb into the skin without leaving a greasy afterfeel in most cases.

This product may also be a good choice for people with dry (but not very dry) skin for daily hydration, as it strikes a balance between significant moisturizing potential and a texture that is not too thick.

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

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈9.0%) and Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

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.

🔴 Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈9.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

📌 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: Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

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

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Gluconolactone 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 Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ Perfect for moisturizing normal to dry skin
Rich and creamy texture without being overly thick
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
✅ Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer
, as a moisturizer, is ideal for normal to dry skin, combining a very high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients in a rich yet not overly thick formula.
 
Rich in antioxidants, Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer 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. This product is also formulated with a high concentration of soothing ingredients, offering the potential to calm and comfort irritated skin. Whether you’re experiencing redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, its soothing properties may help restore balance and provide relief.
 
That said, there are some things about Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer 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
70
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Gluconolactone
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Geranium Maculatum Oil
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
10.9
9
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
12.5
4.0
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
8.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10.9 10
10.0
9
1.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 12.5 20
6.2
4.0
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.0
Moisturizing rating
8.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
1.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 10.9 10
10
All humectants
10.9
9
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
3
2.5
2
1
All occlusives 12.5 20
6.2
All occlusives
12.5
4.0
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Gluconolactone
-
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
9
2
All antioxidants 11 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
11
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
9
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
2
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
9
All soothing 9 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
9
9
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
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.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %6
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. %4
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.
Cetyl Palmitate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Cetyl PalmitateA moisturizing occlusive and emollient wax ester that consists of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid. In nature, cetyl palmitate is found, and was first identified, in spermaceti, a waxy substance from inside the skull of the sperm whale.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Est. %2
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.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %1.5
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.
Propanediol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed OilAn emollient fatty oil expressed from sesame seeds. It is made up majorly of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (up to 45%), and oleic acid (up to 38%). Sesame oil is an occlusive moisturizer that is rich in antioxidant compounds.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Gluconolactone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GluconolactoneA PHA derived from glucose. It has exfoliating and humectant properties and acts as a penetration enhancer for other ingredients. It has also been shown to assist in the treatment of acne and the prevention of photoaging.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Geranium Maculatum Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geranium Maculatum OilAn essential oil obtained from the above-ground parts of wild geranium. It mainly consists of volatile fragrant compounds that give it its characteristic rose-like scent.