MAC Cosmetics MAC Strobe Cream Review

MAC Cosmetics MAC Strobe Cream
8.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.7 Humectancy icon Humectancy
7.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does MAC Cosmetics MAC Strobe Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what MAC Cosmetics MAC Strobe Cream has to offer:
 
✅ Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 8.0 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of MAC Cosmetics MAC Strobe Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using MAC Cosmetics MAC Strobe Cream:
 

🔵🔵 Perfect Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, MAC Cosmetics MAC Strobe Cream is intensely moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 8.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a very high humectancy of 8.7 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%), and a high occlusivity of 7.3 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Dimethicone (est. ≈9.0%) and Cetyl Ricinoleate (est. ≈4.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with normal skin who want intense hydration in a rich yet not overly thick formula. It combines a high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing.

The product’s occlusive profile 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.

This product may also be a good choice for people with dry (but not very dry) skin for daily hydration, as it strikes a balance between significant moisturizing potential and a texture that is not too thick.

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 AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: MAC Cosmetics MAC Strobe Cream

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding MAC Cosmetics MAC Strobe Cream to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing MAC Cosmetics MAC Strobe Cream is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, 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 MAC Cosmetics MAC Strobe Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of MAC Cosmetics MAC Strobe Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ Perfect for moisturizing normal to dry skin
Rich and creamy texture without being overly thick
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: MAC Cosmetics MAC Strobe Cream

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that MAC Cosmetics MAC Strobe Cream
, as a moisturizer, is ideal for normal to dry skin, combining a very high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients in a rich yet not overly thick formula.
 
That said, there are some things about MAC Cosmetics MAC Strobe Cream worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering MAC Cosmetics MAC Strobe 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.

 

Ingredients

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
0.3
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:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Ricinoleate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Distearate
Function:
Origin:
Trisiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Steareth-10
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Esters
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Morus Bombycis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NG
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sucrose
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Cyanocobalamin
Function:
Origin:
Tin Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 80
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Sulfite
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metabisulfite
Function:
Origin:
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Linoleic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Red 4 (CI 14700)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.7
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
14.6
9.0
4.0
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
8.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.7 10
8.7
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 14.6 20
7.3
9.0
4.0
1.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
8.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.7 10
8.7
All humectants
8.7
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
4
1.3
0.3
All occlusives 14.6 20
7.3
All occlusives
14.6
9.0
4.0
1.3
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
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.7 3 No
All antioxidants
2.7
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
0.3
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
Sodium Sulfite
0.3
Sodium Metabisulfite
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.8 5 No
All soothing
1.8
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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.
Dimethicone
Est. %9
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.
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.

Cetyl Ricinoleate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Cetyl Ricinoleate
Glyceryl Distearate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl DistearateGlyceryl distearate is an ester of glycerol and two molecules of stearic acid. This ingredient is used in skincare formulations as an emollient and thickener.
Trisiloxane
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Trisiloxane
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Stearate SEAn emulsifier, where the SE stands for self-emulsifying. Emulsions containing glyceryl stearate SE often impart a smooth, velvety feel upon the skin.
Cholesterol
Est. %1.5
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.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Steareth-10
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Steareth-10
Cetyl Esters
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl EstersA naturally-derived (coconut-based) or synthetically produced wax that provides body and soft smooth feel in a product.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
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.
Silica
Est. %0.3
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.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit ExtractAn extract obtained from the skin and pulp of grapes. Grape skin and pulp contain antioxidant and astringent flavonoids and tannins, famous resveratrol, and many different organic and phenolic acids.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An 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.

Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from apple fruit that has humectant moisturizing and antioxidant properties, as well as gentle anti-pigment effects. It contains humectant sugars, anti-pigment organic acids, and flavonoids.
Morus Bombycis Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Morus Bombycis Root Extract
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractA powerful antioxidant, soothing, and astringent extract derived from the roots of Baikal/Chinese skullcap. It contains various unique flavonoids that are believed to soothe irritated and inflamed skin and protect from UV-induced oxidative damage.
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharomyces Lysate ExtractA mixture of yeast cell fragments with humectant moisturizing properties. It contains many beneficial compounds, including a wound healing polysaccharide called beta-glucan, peptides, and various minerals and vitamins.
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.

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.

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.
Ceramide NG
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NGA lipid that is mainly found on scalp skin and that helps with the barrier repair. It is one of the less popular ceramides and is usually used in combination with other ceramides for better barrier repair properties.
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.
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.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Cyanocobalamin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CyanocobalaminA product of bacterial fermentation that may have soothing and rejuvenating skin effects.
Tin Oxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tin OxideA multi-functional mineral that increases the physical space a product takes up, increases the viscosity of liquid products, and, when used as an opacifying agent, makes a transparent or translucent product become opaque or solid in color.
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.
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium Ascorbyl PhosphateOne of the best-researched derivatives of vitamin C. It is more resistant to light and air and retains all the properties of ascorbic acid – antioxidant, collagen-boosting, and anti-pigmentation, but with less irritation.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
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.
Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
Sodium Sulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium SulfiteAn inorganic salt that defends against oxidation.
Sodium Metabisulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium MetabisulfiteA preservative that is especially effective at preventing fungus and mold growth. It is normally combined with a strong bactericidal preservative in order to achieve broad-spectrum protection. Sodium metabisulfite is also used as an antioxidant.
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate CopolymerA synthetic ingredient that forms a gel when mixed with water. It can thus thicken and stabilize a product.
Linoleic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Linoleic AcidA fatty acid isolated from various plant oils (notably evening primrose, safflower, grape seed, and sunflower oil). It is an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that doesn't leave an oily, sticky residue and is especially suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
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.
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.
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.
EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EDTAA synthetically produced ingredient that binds certain metal ions. It can help prevent product discoloration or poor performance in rinse-off products used in 'hard' water.
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.
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.
Mica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MicaA mineral powder made up of silicates with several functions (the main one being as a colorant). It has a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products. Mica also helps the product to apply more smoothly.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
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.