e.l.f. Cosmetics Pure Skin Moisturizer

e.l.f. Cosmetics Pure Skin Moisturizer
6.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
4.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does e.l.f. Cosmetics Pure Skin Moisturizer work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using e.l.f. Cosmetics Pure Skin Moisturizer:

  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.6 out of 10.
  • Considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy: e.l.f. Cosmetics Pure Skin Moisturizer has an anti-wrinkle rating of 4.5 out of 10, indicating a moderate ability to reduce wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Highly moisturizing: e.l.f. Cosmetics Pure Skin Moisturizer has a moisturizing rating of 6.6 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. ≈9.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.2 out of 10, entirely due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈4.0%) and Stearic Acid (est. ≈2.5%).

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 Pure Skin Moisturizer has a moderate anti-wrinkle rating of 4.5 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%),
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
 
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 Pure Skin Moisturizer is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%).

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
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ceteth-20
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide EOP
Function:
Origin:
Phytosphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Steareth-2
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
14.7
9
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
6.5
4.0
2.5
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 14.7 10
10.0
9
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 6.5 20
3.2
4.0
2.5
Moisturizing rating
6.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 14.7 10
10
All humectants
14.7
9
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
2.5
All occlusives 6.5 20
3.2
All occlusives
6.5
4.0
2.5
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 3 4.5
Total
4.5
Niacinamide
4.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
3
Anti-wrinkle rating
4.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
1
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 4.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.6
Niacinamide
3
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
1
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 4.9 5 No
All soothing
4.9
3
1
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.
Glycerin
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %6
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.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %4
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.
Niacinamide
Est. %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.

Stearic Acid
Est. %2.5
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.
Ceteth-20
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Ceteth-20A very mild but effective polyethylene-based cleanser and emulsifier.
Trehalose
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
TrehaloseA sweet-tasting saccharide that can be found in various yeasts and fungi and that is manufactured from starch for cosmetic purposes. It is one of the most popular sugars in skincare and is mainly used for its humectant properties.
Silica
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel FlourA mild abrasive, finely milled oat kernel flour that is also used as a formula helper.
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.

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.
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.

Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower WaterAn essential water obtained from German chamomile. It contains fragrant chamazulene and anti-inflammatory bisabolol, and offers some astringent benefits.
Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
Ceramide AP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide APPreviously called Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide AP is one of the most common ceramides in the skin. Research has shown that dry, flaky skin has significantly less Ceramide AP. Its application helps to treat dry skin by restoring balance in the skin lipids.
Ceramide EOP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide EOP

Formerly called Ceramide 1, this ingredient is a skin-identical wax-like lipid with an ultra-long fatty acid chain. It restores and stabilizes the skin’s lipid matrix and helps to treat dry and flaky skin, especially when combined with other ceramides.

Phytosphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosphingosineA key component of ceramides NP, AP, and EOP. It has barrier repair properties and stimulates the production of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor. Phytosphingosine has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, which can be used to treat acne.
Cholesterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CholesterolAn emollient and important barrier repairing lipid, effective when combined with fatty acids and ceramides. Around 25% of the skin’s lipid layer is made up of cholesterol and it is found in the membrane of every single cell in our body.
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Lauroyl LactylateA multifunctional ingredient that produces foamy cleansers and allows oil and water to mix.
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.
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.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn 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.
Tromethamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.
Steareth-2
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Steareth-2A waxy, naturally derived or synthetic emulsifier that can handle extreme formula conditions such as a low pH. It offers emulsifying properties to a formula by helping oils and water to mix.
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.
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.