Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream

Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream
4.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.1 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.1Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle

Review

Does Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream work?

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

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.3 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

Lightweight moisturizer suitable for oily skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a moderate humectancy of 5.5 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.1 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (est. ≈3.0%) and Zea Mays (Corn) Germ Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of moisturizer is well-suited for people with oily skin who want essential hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a substantial amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to enhance moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

Due to its moderate humectant content and some occlusivity, it can also positively contribute the moisturizing efficacy of a skincare routine for normal skin when used alongside another moisturizer.

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

Little anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream 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 ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
 
Among others, Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream also contains Ascorbyl Palmitate, an ingredient often 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, 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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6
4
3
2.5
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecanol
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Decyl Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Zea Mays (Corn) Germ Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Cocoglycerides
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Baicalin
Function:
Origin:
Pantolactone
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
6.2
3.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.5 10
5.5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 6.2 20
3.1
3.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 5.5 10
5.5
All humectants
5.5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 6.2 20
3.1
All occlusives
6.2
3.0
2.0
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 -
Total
0.1
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
0.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.2 3 No
All antioxidants
2.2
Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract
1
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Baicalin
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
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

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.
Octyldodecanol
Est. %9
Function
Origin
OctyldodecanolAn emollient fatty alcohol that spreads easily without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. It is also used as a solvent and dispersing agent for other ingredients.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA synthetic emollient ester. It works to improve the appearance of the skin by filling in the microcracks on the surface, thereby making the skin appear softer and smoother. It imparts a lightweight, velvety feel.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %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.
Decyl Oleate
Est. %2.5
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.
Zea Mays (Corn) Germ Oil
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Zea Mays (Corn) Germ OilA fatty, emollient, and occlusive moisturizing oil derived from corn kernel germs. It mainly consists of fatty acids but is also rich in antioxidant vitamin E and carotenoids.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %1.5
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.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %1.3
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.
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.
Sorbitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SorbitolA sweet-tasting alcohol derived from glucose. Aside from its sweet taste (for which it is used as a very common sweetener), Sorbitol is also very good at retaining water and is used in skincare as a humectant.
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
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.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Cetyl PhosphateA powerful emulsifier that can even mix particularly problematic water and oil blends. It is also a surfactant perfect for cleansing products that effectively rinse off oil and dirt particles from the surface of the skin.
Cocoglycerides
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CocoglyceridesA naturally-derived emollient with medium spreadability. It is oil-like and makes skin feel soft and not sticky.
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.
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.

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.
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Palm GlyceridesAn occlusive ingredient that can be used as a replacement for petrolatum/petroleum jelly. This locks in moisture and prevents TEWL.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
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.
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.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
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.
Baicalin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Baicalin
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.
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.
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.