Martha-Jane's Apothecary Time Machine Gel Cream Review

Martha-Jane's Apothecary Time Machine Gel Cream
6.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.9 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Martha-Jane's Apothecary Time Machine Gel Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Martha-Jane's Apothecary Time Machine Gel Cream has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.4 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Martha-Jane's Apothecary Time Machine Gel Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Martha-Jane's Apothecary Time Machine Gel Cream:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Perfect for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Martha-Jane's Apothecary Time Machine Gel Cream is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.9 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Propanediol (est. ≈5.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with combination and oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - 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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Martha-Jane's Apothecary Time Machine Gel Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil (est. ≈1.5%), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil (est. ≈1.3%), Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract (est. ≈1.0%), and others.

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.

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: Martha-Jane's Apothecary Time Machine Gel Cream

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Martha-Jane's Apothecary Time Machine Gel Cream to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Martha-Jane's Apothecary Time Machine Gel Cream is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Bakuchiol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. 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 exclude 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 accessible 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 Martha-Jane's Apothecary Time Machine Gel Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Martha-Jane's Apothecary Time Machine Gel Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing perfect for combination and oily skin
  • Also a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
7.5
5
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Propolis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pentapeptide-7
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Carnitine
Function:
Origin:
Glycine
Function:
Origin:
Leucine
Function:
Origin:
Lysine
Function:
Origin:
Proline
Function:
Origin:
Inositol
Function:
Origin:
Tribulus Terrestris Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glucomannan
Function:
Origin:
sh-Pentapeptide-5
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Bakuchiol
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Glucosamine
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tapioca Starch
Function:
Origin:
Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Maranta Arundinacea Root Powder
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
12.6
5
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
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
5.9
2.5
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 12.6 10
10.0
5
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
Occlusivity All occlusives 5.9 20
2.9
2.5
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
5
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
All humectants 12.6 10
10
All humectants
12.6
5
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
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2.5
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 5.9 20
2.9
All occlusives
5.9
2.5
1.5
1.3
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 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Bakuchiol
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Acetyl Glucosamine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
-
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
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5.3
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
1.5
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
1.3
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
1
Propolis Extract
0.3
Bakuchiol
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract
0.3
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.2 5 No
All soothing
1.2
0.3
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.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf
Propanediol
Est. %5
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.

Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil extracted from macadamia nuts. It is clear and pale yellow with a pleasant nutty aroma and contains oleic and palmitoleic fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols, squalene, and polyphenols.
Caprylic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Caprylic Acid
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.

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil derived from grape seeds that are leftover after juicing or wine production. It contains linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, squalene, as well as phytosterols and various antioxidant compounds.
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Lycium Barbarum Fruit ExtractAn extract obtained from Goji berries with moisturizing and antioxidant polysaccharides and glycoproteins. It is also rich in other antioxidants such as vitamins B and C, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phytosterols.
Propolis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propolis ExtractA famous bee product that has traditionally been used to treat inflammation and wounds. The extract is soothing and promotes skin healing.
Pentapeptide-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentapeptide-7
Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
Carnitine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Carnitine
Glycine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlycineA humectant moisturizing amino acid that is a part of skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. Some recent studies suggest that it may have barrier repair properties.
Leucine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LeucineA humectant moisturizing amino acid that is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. It helps to increase water content on the skin’s surface and is often used in conjunction with anti-pigmentation products.
Lysine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LysineA humectant moisturizing amino acid that is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. It is slightly alkaline and helps to balance the product's pH. It may have a slightly fishy smell.
Proline
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ProlineThe best humectant moisturizer of all the amino acids. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor and increases hydration in the top layers of the skin. It also has antioxidant activity and helps to heal damaged skin.
Inositol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
InositolA humectant moisturizing, sugar-like compound that is present in all the cells of the body, but especially the brain. It is manufactured from sugar beets or carob tree pods for skincare purposes.
Tribulus Terrestris Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tribulus Terrestris Extract
Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Extract
Glucomannan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlucomannanA polysaccharide of plant origin that is used as a gelling, water binding, and thickening agent. It is able to moisturize the skin’s surface and aid in the healing process. It is also an excellent prebiotic for skin microflora.
sh-Pentapeptide-5
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Pentapeptide-5
Betaine
Est. %0.3
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.
Sorbitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SorbitolA sweet-tasting alcohol derived from glucose. Aside from its sweet taste (for which it is used as a very common sweetener), Sorbitol is also very good at retaining water and is used in skincare as a humectant.
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adansonia Digitata Seed OilAn excellent occlusive (moisturizing) and emollient oil derived from baobab tree seeds. It is known to be a non-irritating ingredient on the skin.
Bakuchiol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BakuchiolA newly discovered bioactive obtained from the seeds of Babchi. It boosts collagen production like retinol, but with fewer side effects. Its effects include reduced wrinkles and faded pigmentation.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf ExtractAn antioxidant and fragrant extract from the leaves of the olive tree. It contains a promising anti-aging compound called Oleuropein, and a prospective anti-pigment compound called Cornoside.
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Althaea Officinalis Root ExtractA soothing extract obtained from the marsh-mallow plant. It contains anti-inflammatory polyphenols and antioxidant polysaccharides.
Sodium PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PCAOne of the most important parts of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Sodium PCA is used in skincare for its fantastic humectant properties.
Acetyl Glucosamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl GlucosamineA body-natural amino-saccharide used in skincare as an anti-pigment ingredient. Some other benefits of acetyl glucosamine include decreased skin flakiness, improved wound healing, and even a slight reduction in facial wrinkles.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

A small synthetic peptide that is thought to act similarly to Botox by calming contractions of the facial muscles and reducing expression wrinkles. The effect is only temporary and it does not improve the skin structure in any way.

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.
Stearic Acid
Est. %0.3
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.
Tapioca Starch
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tapioca StarchTapioca starch is used to absorb excess oil and provide slip for dry powder formulations.
Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) GumA plant-based gum extracted from the seeds of guar or cluster bean. It is comprised of various polysaccharides and is used as a thickening and gelling agent.
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.
Maranta Arundinacea Root Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Maranta Arundinacea Root Powder
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.