L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream Review

L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream
5.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
4.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
6.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Mineral Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Microcrystalline Wax, Paraffin, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Sorbitan Tristearate, Isohexadecane, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, Citric Acid, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Panthenol, Polysorbate 80, Acrylamide, Retinyl Palmitate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Red 4 (CI 14700), Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Fragrance
Review

Does L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream has to offer:
 
Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.3 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream:
 

🔵🔵 Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal to Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a moderate humectancy of 4.3 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%), and a high occlusivity of 6.3 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Dimethicone (est. ≈6.0%) and Mineral Oil (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide a significant level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for normal to dry skin.

The occlusive profile of L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream suggests a texture that is rich and creamy but not overly thick, offering the potential to absorb into the skin without leaving a greasy afterfeel in most cases.

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: L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream contains a moderate level of humectants.

People with normal to dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Ascorbyl Glucoside and Retinyl Palmitate, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their 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, these ingredients do 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 L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal to dry skin
Rich and creamy texture without being overly thick
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream
, as a moisturizer, provides an adequate level of occlusivity for normal to dry skin, delivered in a rich yet not overly thick formula.
 
That said, there are some things about L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream worth noting.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains a limited amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering L'Oreal Hydra Active 3 Night Cream 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
60
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
0.2
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Mineral Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
Function:
Origin:
Zea Mays (Corn) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Microcrystalline Wax
Function:
Origin:
Paraffin
Function:
Origin:
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Tristearate
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 80
Function:
Origin:
Acrylamide
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Function:
Origin:
Red 4 (CI 14700)
Function:
Origin:
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde
Function:
Origin:
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
4.3
4
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
12.5
6.0
3.0
1.3
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 4.3 10
4.3
4
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 12.5 20
6.3
6.0
3.0
1.3
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
0.3
All humectants 4.3 10
4.3
All humectants
4.3
4
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
3
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 12.5 20
6.3
All occlusives
12.5
6.0
3.0
1.3
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Ascorbyl Glucoside
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.2 3 No
All antioxidants
2.2
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
1.3
Ascorbyl Glucoside
0.3
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
0.3
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneA viscous liquid that makes a great oil base due to its smooth sensorial profile. It has emollient features, including good spreadability and little tack upon application. It also has the added benefit of being able to thicken products.
Dimethicone
Est. %6
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.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Mineral Oil
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Mineral OilAlso known as liquid paraffin, it is an amazing moisturizer (the second most occlusive one after Petrolatum). It is also an excellent emollient that fills the micro-cracks on the surface of the skin, making it appear smoother. Mineral oil is considered safe.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %1.5
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.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran OilExtracted from the outer layer of rice grains, this oil is rich in occlusive moisturizing and emollient omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and a potent antioxidant γ-oryzanol. It may have beneficial effects on dry or sun-damaged skin, as well as eczema.
Zea Mays (Corn) Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Zea Mays (Corn) OilAn occlusive moisturizing fatty oil extracted from the germ of corn grains. It is made up of linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids, and is suitable for all skin types.
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic AcidA pH buffer that secures the pH around 7.5.
Microcrystalline Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Microcrystalline WaxA white, highly purified, solid substance consisting of petroleum hydrocarbons. It is used in skincare as a strong occlusive and emollient similar to Petrolatum, and also as a formula helper that thickens and stabilizes the product.
Paraffin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ParaffinParaffin is a petroleum-based, very oily, emollient and extremely occlusive mixture of purified hydrocarbons, also known as mineral oil. Depending on the molecule's size, it can either be a liquid, a solid, or anything in between. To learn more about liquid paraffin and its effects on our skin, read here.
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed OilAn emollient fatty oil expressed from sesame seeds. It is made up majorly of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (up to 45%), and oleic acid (up to 38%). Sesame oil is an occlusive moisturizer that is rich in antioxidant compounds.
Sorbitan Tristearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan Tristearate
Isohexadecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsohexadecaneA clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as an emollient. It is made up of pure hydrocarbons and leaves a dry feeling on the skin upon application. It also increases the spreadability of a product.
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bifida Ferment Lysate

A mixture of probiotic bacteria. According to the patent holder, it contains enzymes that are able to repair damaged DNA in skin cells. A single clinical study only confirms that it is able to slightly reduce skin sensitivity.

Ascorbyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl GlucosideA derivative of vitamin C. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. There are unfortunately no clinical studies on ascorbyl glucoside’s anti-pigment or anti-acne efficacy alone.
Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine
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.
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ OilA fatty emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil obtained from wheat germ. It mainly consists of linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids followed by antioxidant vitamin E, phytosterols, and fatty alcohols.
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.
Polysorbate 80
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 80A non-ionic surfactant, which means that it contains no chemical charges. It can be used as a mild cleansing agent in skin cleansing products but is more commonly used for its emulsifying abilities.
Acrylamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylamide
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
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.

Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateAn antioxidant that protects vulnerable ingredients from the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, which can also lead to the generation of damaging free radical species.
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.
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.
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chlorhexidine DigluconateA synthetic antimicrobial ingredient used to deal with bacterial and fungal skin infections. In the same way that it wipes out bacteria from the skin, it can also fight them inside cosmetic products, acting as a preservative.
Red 4 (CI 14700)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 4 (CI 14700)A synthetic dye that is also known as FD&C Red No. 4. This colorant produces a warm red hue that has an orange or yellow undertone.
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alpha-Isomethyl IononeA fragrance ingredient that is supplied as a pale, yellow liquid. The scent it emits is very clean and features notes of violet and orris. Alpha-isomethyl is also used as a flavoring agent in lip care products and even in some foods and drinks.
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.

Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde
Est. %0.2
Function
Origin
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde

A synthetic fragrance with a scent similar to that of Lily of the Valley. It is on the list of allergens according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), which means that its use should be restricted to minimize potential reactions.

Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Butylphenyl Methylpropional

A synthetic fragrance ingredient used to recreate the scent of lilies, this ingredient also features fresh, green, and powdery notes. Butylphenyl Methylpropional was recently labeled as Toxic to Reproduction in the EU and will be banned in 2022.

Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.

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.
Benzyl Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Salicylate

A fragrance ingredient with a sweet, floral, and slightly balsamic scent. It is one of the twenty-six fragrances that are considered allergens according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), and so its use is restricted.

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.