Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex Review

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex
7.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Glycerin, Squalane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Isopropyl Myristate, Beeswax, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Allantoin, Panthenol, Laureth-7, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Polyacrylamide, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, Benzyl Benzoate, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool, Methylisothiazolinone, Methylparaben
Review

Does Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex has to offer:
 
✅ Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 7.4 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex:
 

🔵🔵 Perfect Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin with a Balanced Texture, Neither Too Light nor Too Heavy

According to CreamScan analysis, Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 7.4 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 a moderate occlusivity of 4.8 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Squalane (est. ≈6.0%) and Beeswax (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with normal skin who want maximum hydration in a formula with a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy. It combines a very high concentration of humectants with a moderate amount of occlusive ingredients to deliver effective dual-action moisturizing for normal skin.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal to dry skin for daily hydration.

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

📌 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: Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

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

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Retinyl Palmitate 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 Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ Perfect for moisturizing normal skin
Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex
 is an ideal moisturizer for normal skin, combining a very high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients in a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy.
 
That said, there are some things about Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex 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
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Myristate
Function:
Origin:
Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-7
Function:
Origin:
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylamide
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Hexyl Cinnamal
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxycitronellal
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Methylisothiazolinone
Function:
Origin:
Methylparaben
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
10.3
9
1
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
9.5
6.0
2.0
1.5
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
7.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10.3 10
10.0
9
1
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 9.5 20
4.8
6.0
2.0
1.5
Moisturizing rating
7.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
1
0.3
All humectants 10.3 10
10
All humectants
10.3
9
1
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
2
1.5
All occlusives 9.5 20
4.8
All occlusives
9.5
6.0
2.0
1.5
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1.3 -
Total
0
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
All antioxidants 1.5 3 No
All antioxidants
1.5
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
1.5
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1
0.3
All soothing 1.3 5 No
All soothing
1.3
1
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.

Squalane
Est. %6
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.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %4
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.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Isopropyl Myristate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Isopropyl MyristateA fast-spreading, cost-effective, non-greasy emollient that is typically used for lubrication, spreadability, or to remove “tackiness” from a product. Isopropyl Myristate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Beeswax
Est. %2
Function
Origin
BeeswaxA waxy substance made by bees while they are building their honeycombs. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient with wound healing and antimicrobial properties similar to those of honey. Its bleached, purified form is called Cera alba.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil

A famous olive oil widely used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer. It contains mainly unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant flavonoids, and oleuropeins. Olive oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.

Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl Palmitate

An esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but lacks clinical proves of its anti-aging and acne-reducing efficacy.

Allantoin
Est. %1
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.
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.
Laureth-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laureth-7A mild but effective functional ingredient. It can emulsify (efficiently mix water and oil) without needing too much in a formula.
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C13-14 IsoparaffinA lightweight petroleum derivative. It is a very thin liquid that functions as an emollient and a solvent for other liquids (such as thicker oils or silicones).
Polyacrylamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolyacrylamideA synthetic ingredient that can thicken products instantly while still keeping them light and often gel-like.
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.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Benzyl Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl BenzoateA fragrance ingredient with a fruity and woody scent. It is considered an allergen according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), which means that care must be taken when determining usage levels in skincare products.
Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geraniol

A fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Hexyl Cinnamal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexyl Cinnamal

A synthetic scent ingredient that produces a jasmine-like fragrance. According to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), hexyl cinnamal is a skin sensitizer and allergen and so its use in skincare should be limited.

Hydroxycitronellal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxycitronellal

A fragrant compound with a scent reminiscent of lilies and sweet tropical melon. It can be found in many different essential oils (such as palmarosa, ylang-ylang, and lemongrass essential oil) but is manufactured synthetically from citronellal.

Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Methylisothiazolinone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethylisothiazolinoneA synthetic preservative often paired with methylchloroisothiazolinone. It has been reported to cause some irritation, which is why it is mostly used in wash-off products.
Methylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.