Mary Kay Intense Moisturizing Cream (Dry)

Mary Kay Intense Moisturizing Cream (Dry)
9.7
/ 10
Moisturizing
9.4 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity

Review

Results you may expect from using Mary Kay Intense Moisturizing Cream (Dry):

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Mary Kay Intense Moisturizing Cream (Dry):

  • Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 9.7 out of 10.

How moisturizing is it?

Intensely moisturizing: Mary Kay Intense Moisturizing Cream (Dry) has a moisturizing rating of 9.7 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a very high humectancy of 9.4 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈2.5%), and a maximum occlusivity of 10 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Mineral Oil (est. ≈9.0%) and Petrolatum (est. ≈4.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Mary Kay Intense Moisturizing Cream (Dry) has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Copper Gluconate, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Copper Gluconate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 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, could 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
65
Water
9
Mineral Oil
6
Glycerin
4
Petrolatum
3
Isohexadecane
2.5
Butylene Glycol
2
Beeswax
1.5
Microcrystalline Wax
1.3
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
1
Sorbitan Isostearate
0.3
Cetyl Dimethicone
0.3
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
0.3
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
0.3
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
0.3
Algae Extract
0.3
Copper Gluconate
0.3
Magnesium Sulfate
0.3
Magnesium Aspartate
0.3
Zinc Gluconate
0.3
Propylene Glycol
0.3
Paraffin
0.3
Diazolidinyl Urea
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Methylparaben
0.3
PEG-4 Laurate
0.3
Propylparaben
0.3
Sorbitol
0.3
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
0.3
Mica
0.3
Carmine (CI 75470)
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Mineral Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Petrolatum
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
Microcrystalline Wax
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Algae Extract
Function:
Origin:
Copper Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Aspartate
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Paraffin
Function:
Origin:
Diazolidinyl Urea
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Methylparaben
Function:
Origin:
PEG-4 Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Propylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:
Carmine (CI 75470)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
9.4
6
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
22.0
9.0
4.0 x 2
2.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
9.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 9.4 10
9.4
6
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 22.0 20
10.0
9.0
4.0 x 2
2.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
9.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 9.4 10
9.4
All humectants
9.4
6
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
4 x 2
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 22.0 20
10.0
All occlusives
22.0
9.0
4.0 x 2
2.0
1.5
0.3
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 -
Total
0
Copper Gluconate
-
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
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
0.3
Algae Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
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. %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.
Mineral Oil
Est. %9
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.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Petrolatum
Est. %4
Function
Origin
PetrolatumAlso known as Vaseline, this is the most powerful occlusive moisturizer and at least twice as effective as other occlusives. This is why we multiply the petrolatum score by 2 when calculating the Occlusivity of the product. Petrolatum is not comedogenic.
Isohexadecane
Est. %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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Butylene GlycolA 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.
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.
Microcrystalline Wax
Est. %1.5
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.
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-2 TriisostearateAn emollient mixture of glycerin molecules and isostearic fatty acid.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
Cetyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl DimethiconeA silicone-based emollient and occlusive ingredient that provides slip and adds shine to formulas.
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from the seeds of meadowfoam. It is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that leaves the skin feeling soft and silky after application.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) OilA fatty oil expressed from the fleshy part of an avocado, used in skincare for its excellent emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Avocado oil contains fatty acids, notably oleic acid (up to 80%), squalene, vitamin E, and carotenoids.
Algae Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Algae ExtractThe name describes any extract made from any kind of algae. Algae extracts are moisturizing humectants – the gelatin-like polysaccharides bind and retain water, thereby hydrating the skin. Algae is a rich source of emollient and antioxidant compounds.
Copper Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copper GluconateAn organic salt of copper that can aid in the wound healing process. The manufacturer claims it also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, although this has yet to be confirmed. Copper gluconate is also a perspective anti-wrinkle ingredient.
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.
Magnesium Aspartate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium AspartateA humectant salt of aspartic acid, a common amino acid found in the body. According to the manufacturer, magnesium aspartate in skincare products supports the supply of magnesium to skin cells.
Zinc Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zinc GluconateOne of the most commonly used ingredients in anti-acne products. It is an organic salt of zinc that helps to combat microbial infections, soothes and heals inflamed pimples, and regulates hormones in the skin.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
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.
Diazolidinyl Urea
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diazolidinyl UreaA synthetic preservative that is effective against most common bacteria. It is not considered broad-spectrum because it does not act against any type of yeast or mold. It is therefore commonly paired with antifungal preservatives.
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.

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.
PEG-4 Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-4 LaurateDescription is coming soon
Propylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropylparabenA 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.
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.
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iodopropynyl ButylcarbamateA highly effective preservative against fungi, specifically mold and yeast. It is cost-effective, functions at very low levels, and also provides some protection against bacteria.
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.
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.
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.
Carmine (CI 75470)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Carmine (CI 75470)Description is coming soon