Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Face Cream

Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Face Cream
6.9
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Results you may expect from using Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Face Cream:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Face Cream:

  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.9 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Face Cream has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.5 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Highly moisturizing: Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Face Cream has a moisturizing rating of 6.9 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈3.8%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈2.5%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.8 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil (est. ≈3.9%) and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈3.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Face Cream has a minimal anti-wrinkle rating of 0.5 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:
    • Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
       one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
    • Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
       or Vitamin C, a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, yet with average efficacy confirmed by only one study.
Among others, Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Face Cream also contains Ascorbyl Palmitate, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Ascorbyl Palmitate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does 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 Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Face Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract (est. ≈1.0%), Tocopheryl Acetate (est. ≈0.3%), Sodium Hyaluronate (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
65
Water
4
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
3.9
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
3.8
Glycerin
3
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
2.5
Butylene Glycol
2
Cetearyl Alcohol
1.5
Cocoglycerides
1.3
Decyl Oleate
1
Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract
0.3
Coco-Caprylate
0.3
Squalane
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Sea Water
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Panthenol
0.3
Carbomer
0.3
Maltodextrin
0.3
Xanthan Gum
0.3
Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
0.3
Lecithin
0.3
Sodium Lactate
0.3
Sodium PCA
0.3
Allantoin
0.3
Ethylhexylglycerin
0.3
Teprenone
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Sodium Hydroxide
0.3
Disodium EDTA
0.3
Alcohol
0.3
Hydrolyzed Algae Extract
0.3
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
0.3
Pantolactone
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
0.3
Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract
0.3
Sodium Benzoate
0.3
Citric Acid
0.3
Fructose
0.3
Glycine
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Inositol
0.3
Lactic Acid
0.3
Niacinamide
0.3
Urea
0.3
Oleanolic Acid
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Cocoglycerides
Function:
Origin:
Decyl Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Sea Water
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Teprenone
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Algae Extract
Function:
Origin:
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Pantolactone
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Fructose
Function:
Origin:
Glycine
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Inositol
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Urea
Function:
Origin:
Oleanolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
10.8
3.8
2.5
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
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
7.5
3.9
3.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10.8 10
10.0
3.8
2.5
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
Occlusivity All occlusives 7.5 20
3.8
3.9
3.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3.8
2.5
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
All humectants 10.8 10
10
All humectants
10.8
3.8
2.5
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
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
3.9
3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 7.5 20
3.8
All occlusives
7.5
3.9
3.0
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
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0.5
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.7
Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract
1
Niacinamide
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
0.3
Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Oleanolic Acid
0.3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.5 5 No
All soothing
1.5
0.3
0.3
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.
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Stearate CitrateAn ingredient composed of citric acid, stearic acid, and glycerin. Glyceryl stearate citrate acts as an emollient in skincare products, making the skin appear smooth and pleasant to the touch.
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Est. %3.9
Function
Origin
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed OilExtracted from macadamia nuts, this emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil is composed mostly of oleic and palmitoleic fatty acids. It is suitable for dry and eczema-prone skin.
Glycerin
Est. %3.8
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %2.5
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.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %2
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.
Cocoglycerides
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
CocoglyceridesA naturally-derived emollient with medium spreadability. It is oil-like and makes skin feel soft and not sticky.
Decyl Oleate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Decyl OleateA vegetable-derived or synthetically produced ester that feels velvety and makes the skin feel soft. It is non-greasy and helps reduce stickiness in formulas and improve spreadability.
Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment ExtractProduct of fermentation by Lactobacillus bacteria of purslane extract, which is rich in antioxidant flavonoids, terpenes, and carotenoids.
Coco-Caprylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coco-CaprylateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced oil with a very light feel. An alternative to silicones, this ingredient spreads quickly and doesn't leave a residue on skin.
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.
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.

Sea Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sea WaterA water obtained from oceans, seas, and large saltwater lakes. The water has been purified, and what remains is a complex mixture of various mineral salts that have beneficial effects on the skin. Sea water is used as a humectant and a solvent.
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.
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.
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.
Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Enantia Chlorantha Bark ExtractAn extract derived from a tropical tree native to Africa. Although it is rich in antimicrobial alkaloids, its functions in skincare have yet to be researched.
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.
Sodium Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium LactateA sodium salt of lactic acid. Its main function is as a humectant but it can also serve as a pH adjuster. Additionally, sodium lactate can also be used as a chemical exfoliant due to its close chemical relation to lactic acid.
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.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
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.
Teprenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TeprenoneDescription 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.

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.

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.
Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
Hydrolyzed Algae Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Algae ExtractDescription is coming soon
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateA biotechnological fermentation ingredient that is created by feeding radish root to Leuconostoc kimchii. It allegedly contains organic acids and a mixture of peptides known as bacteriocins – which have antimicrobial activity.
Pantolactone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PantolactoneA vitamin B5 derivative. Similar to panthenol, it has several benefits as an antioxidant and humectant. However, it is less reactive and therefore products can stay stable longer.
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.
Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnolia Officinalis Bark ExtractAn antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory extract from Magnolia tree bark, which is popular in Chinese traditional medicine. It is also a prospective anti-pigment ingredient.
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.
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.
Fructose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FructoseA natural sugar that moisturizes the skin by drawing water to the surface.
Glycine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlycineA humectant moisturizing amino acid that is a part of skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. Some recent studies suggest that it may have barrier repair properties.
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.

Inositol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
InositolA humectant moisturizing, sugar-like compound that is present in all the cells of the body, but especially the brain. It is manufactured from sugar beets or carob tree pods for skincare purposes.
Lactic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
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.

Urea
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
UreaUrea can be found in urine, skin, and other tissues as a degradation product of proteins. In concentrations below 5%, urea is humectant moisturizing. At concentrations above 10% it is keratolytic, that helps to break away old, flaking, and cracked skin.
Oleanolic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oleanolic Acid

A plant-based terpenoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

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.

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed ExtractA potent antioxidant and emollient extract derived from grape seeds. It contains antioxidant flavonoids, tannins, proanthocyanidins, phytosterols, carotenoids, and vitamin E. It is often used in skincare products aimed at soothing and healing irritated skin.