Laneige Essential Power Skin Refiner (Moisture)

Laneige Essential Power Skin Refiner (Moisture)
5.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle

Review

Does Laneige Essential Power Skin Refiner (Moisture) work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Laneige Essential Power Skin Refiner (Moisture):

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: Laneige Essential Power Skin Refiner (Moisture) has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

Lightweight moisturizer ideal for oily skin and a humectant boost for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, Laneige Essential Power Skin Refiner (Moisture) is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%), Propanediol (est. ≈4.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients. It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

Such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

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

Little anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Laneige Essential Power Skin Refiner (Moisture) has a minimal anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%), 
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
Among others, Laneige Essential Power Skin Refiner (Moisture) also contains Ascorbyl Glucoside, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Ascorbyl Glucoside 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
75
6
4
3
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
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Calcium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Function:
Origin:
Acorus Gramineus Extract
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Manganese Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
16.4
6
4
3
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 16.4 10
10.0
6
4
3
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
3
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 16.4 10
10
All humectants
16.4
6
4
3
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0.4
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ascorbyl Glucoside
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Niacinamide
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Ascorbyl Glucoside
0.3
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

Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
Rosa Damascena Flower WaterA fragrant water that is leftover after the steam distillation of Damask rose petals. During this process, the essential oil floats to the surface of the water and is collected. The leftover water has a fresh, rosy scent.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A 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.

Propanediol
Est. %4
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.
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %2
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.
Betaine
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl PolymethacrylateA synthetic polymer that is typically used as a viscosity modifier. Its benefits include a light after-feel on the skin and soft film, which is why it is frequently used in serums. It can form transparent gels and suspend some oils and particulates.
Panthenol
Est. %1
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.
PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
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.

Caprylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic Acid
Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates CopolymerA highly functional synthetic ingredient that forms a protective layer on the skin and reduces static buildup. It gives an emollient feel to the product, including a silky after-feel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
Magnesium Sulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium SulfateA naturally occurring mineral that is commonly used in skincare products as a bulking agent. It helps to control the viscosity of products by making them thicker.
Calcium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calcium ChlorideA salt that can stabilize emulsions through thickening. It also serves as an astringent.
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.

Acorus Gramineus Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acorus Gramineus Extract
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.

Manganese Sulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Manganese Sulfate
Citronellol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citronellol

A fragrant compound found naturally in many essential oils (mainly lemongrass). It can have a lemon or a rose scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citronellol, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chenopodium Quinoa Seed ExtractDerived from quinoa seeds, the extract contains various emollient phytochemicals such as phytosterols, saponins, proteins, and amino acids.
Zinc Sulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zinc Sulfate
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

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.