e.l.f. Cosmetics Charcoal Hydrogel Under Eye Masks

e.l.f. Cosmetics Charcoal Hydrogel Under Eye Masks
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Results you may expect from using e.l.f. Cosmetics Charcoal Hydrogel Under Eye Masks:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using e.l.f. Cosmetics Charcoal Hydrogel Under Eye Masks:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: e.l.f. Cosmetics Charcoal Hydrogel Under Eye Masks has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.2 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: e.l.f. Cosmetics Charcoal Hydrogel Under Eye Masks has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%).

Tip: Studies suggest that humectants alone do not moisturize the skin. We recommend applying a product with some occlusive ingredients after the use of this one.

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, e.l.f. Cosmetics Charcoal Hydrogel Under Eye Masks has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.2 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈1.5%), 
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
 
Among others, e.l.f. Cosmetics Charcoal Hydrogel Under Eye Masks also contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract 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 e.l.f. Cosmetics Charcoal Hydrogel Under Eye Masks is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Hydroxyacetophenone (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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
Water
6
Butylene Glycol
4
Glycerin
3
1,2-Hexanediol
2
Hydroxyacetophenone
1.5
Niacinamide
1.3
Chondrus Crispus Powder
1
PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
0.3
Xanthan Gum
0.3
Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum
0.3
Polyacrylic Acid
0.3
Allantoin
0.3
Arginine
0.3
Disodium EDTA
0.3
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
0.3
Agar
0.3
Bisabolol
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Cellulose Gum
0.3
Charcoal Powder
0.3
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract
0.3
Hydroxyethylcellulose
0.3
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract
0.3
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
0.3
Pentylene Glycol
0.3
Propylene Glycol
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Sucrose
0.3
Trideceth-9
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Chondrus Crispus Powder
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Agar
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cellulose Gum
Function:
Origin:
Charcoal Powder
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Sucrose
Function:
Origin:
Trideceth-9
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
15.2
6
4
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 15.2 10
10.0
6
4
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 15.2 10
10
All humectants
15.2
6
4
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 1.5 2.2
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.2
Niacinamide
2.2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5.7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5.7
Hydroxyacetophenone
2
Niacinamide
1.5
Chondrus Crispus Powder
1.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 3.3 5 No
All soothing
3.3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %6
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.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
Niacinamide
Est. %1.5
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.

Chondrus Crispus Powder
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Chondrus Crispus PowderAn antioxidant powder made from a dried marine algae called Irish moss. It contains a humectant moisturizing algal polysaccharide called carrageenan, and can also act as a multifunctional formula helper.
PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG-17/6 CopolymerA synthetic polymer that has many uses. It can help add slip by itself and also supports silicone-based ingredients in various products.
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.
Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) GumAlso known as carob gum, this ingredient is a plant-based formula helper extracted from carob tree seeds. It consists of film- and gel-forming polysaccharides called galactomannans.
Polyacrylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyacrylic AcidDescription is coming soon
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.
Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
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.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Agar
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AgarA multifunctional jelly derived from red algae that can thicken water-based products.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BisabololAn anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractAn 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.
Cellulose Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cellulose GumA polymer that is derived from its namesake, cellulose, which is plant-based. It has many formula-helper benefits, including thickening and product stabilization.
Charcoal Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Charcoal PowderA naturally occurring ingredient that is used as a colorant due to its rich black color. It can also be used as an abrasive to exfoliate the top layer of dead cells off the surface of the skin, as well as as an absorbent.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed ExtractAn antioxidant, soothing, and wound healing extract derived from soybeans. Soybeans are a famous source of phytoestrogens - plant compounds that have a similar effect to steroid hormones.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyethylcelluloseA naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower ExtractObtained from lavender flowers, this extract contains a fragrant essential oil along with various antioxidant and astringent flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolic acids. It is used in skincare for its refreshing, calming scent, or as a cleansing ingredient.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilA castor oil-derived ingredient often used to incorporate small amounts of oil (such as a fragrance) into a water-based product. PEG-4 HCO is a gold-standard solubilizer and can be used in low amounts due to its ability to solubilize things so well.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
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.

Sucrose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SucroseThis ingredient is more commonly known as table sugar or saccharose and is derived from sugar beets or sugar cane. It is used as a humectant moisturizing ingredient in skincare products, as well as a sweetener.
Trideceth-9
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trideceth-9Description is coming soon