MUJI Anti-Aging Moisturising Essence

MUJI Anti-Aging Moisturising Essence
4.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.7 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Results you may expect from using MUJI Anti-Aging Moisturising Essence:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using MUJI Anti-Aging Moisturising Essence:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.4 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: MUJI Anti-Aging Moisturising Essence has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: MUJI Anti-Aging Moisturising Essence has a moisturizing rating of 4.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.0 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 6.7 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, MUJI Anti-Aging Moisturising Essence has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈22.0%), 
 or Vitamin C, a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, yet with average efficacy confirmed by only one study.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that MUJI Anti-Aging Moisturising Essence is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈22.0%).

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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
35
Tranexamic Acid
22
Ascorbic Acid
11
Coco-Glucoside
6
Water
4
Glycerin
3
Dipropylene Glycol
2
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
1.5
Methacryloyloxyethyl Phosphorylcholine
1
Behenyl Methacrylate/t-Butyl Methacrylate Copolymer
0.3
Dimethicone
0.3
Hexylene Glycol
0.3
Isopropyl Myristate
0.3
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
0.3
Octyldodecyl Myristate
0.3
Behenyl Alcohol
0.3
Glyceryl Stearate
0.3
Glycosyl Trehalose
0.3
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
0.3
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
0.3
Glyceryl Caprate
0.3
Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer
0.3
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
0.3
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Algin
0.3
Soluble Collagen
0.3
Hydrolyzed Collagen
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Extract
0.3
Arnica Montana Extract
0.3
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
0.3
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
0.3
Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract
0.3
Rose Extract
0.3
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Extract
0.3
Ceramide AP
0.3
Secale Cereale (Rye) Seed Extract
0.3
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
0.3
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
0.3
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
0.3
Squalane
0.3
Beeswax
0.3
Ethyl Glucoside
0.3
Glycerin Methyl Ether
0.3
Butylene Glycol
0.3
Acrylic Acid
0.3
Xanthan Gum
0.3
Sorbitan Stearate
0.3
Zinc Stearate
0.3
Methyl Hexyl Ether
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
EDTA
0.3
Potassium Hydroxide
0.3
Citric Acid
0.3
Sodium Citrate
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Fragrance
Est. %
Tranexamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Methacryloyloxyethyl Phosphorylcholine
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Methacrylate/t-Butyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Myristate
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecyl Myristate
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Glycosyl Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Algin
Function:
Origin:
Soluble Collagen
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Arnica Montana Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rose Extract
Function:
Origin:
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AP
Function:
Origin:
Secale Cereale (Rye) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin Methyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Acrylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Hexyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.7
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
4.1
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.7 10
6.7
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 4.1 20
2.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.7 10
6.7
All humectants
6.7
4
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 4.1 20
2.0
All occlusives
4.1
2.0
0.3
0.3
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
2.5 /10 5 22 2.5
Total
2.5
Ascorbic Acid
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
22
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
22
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 24.4 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
24.4
Ascorbic Acid
22
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
0.3
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Extract
0.3
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
0.3
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
0.3
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Extract
0.3
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.5 5 No
All soothing
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Tranexamic Acid
Est. %35
Function
Origin
Tranexamic AcidA synthetic amino acid that is used as an astringent to stop the bleeding from small cuts. It also has proven anti-pigment and redness-reducing effects.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Coco-Glucoside
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Coco-GlucosideA mild cleansing and foaming agent. It can be used on its own as a gentle cleanser in a skin cleansing product or can be combined with more powerful cleansing agents, called anionic surfactants, to make them milder on the skin.
Water
Est. %6
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.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %2
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.
Methacryloyloxyethyl Phosphorylcholine
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Methacryloyloxyethyl Phosphorylcholine
Behenyl Methacrylate/t-Butyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Behenyl Methacrylate/t-Butyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
Isopropyl Myristate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isopropyl MyristateA fast-spreading, cost-effective, non-greasy emollient that is typically used for lubrication, spreadability, or to remove “tackiness” from a product. Isopropyl Myristate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
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.

Octyldodecyl Myristate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Octyldodecyl MyristateA luxurious feeling ester that remains light and silky despite its richness.
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
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.
Glycosyl Trehalose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycosyl Trehalose
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Starch HydrolysateA starch-based syrup that binds to water and helps to form a film on the skin’s surface.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone CrosspolymerA group of ingredients that are typically added to skincare products to adjust the formula. Dimethicone Crosspolymers stabilize a formula, regulate its thickness and consistency and give the product a velvety feel.
Glyceryl Caprate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Caprate
Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateA chemically modified version of hyaluronic acid. It is more stable and less sticky than regular HA, while still providing the same humectant moisturizing properties (according to the manufacturer). There have been no clinical studies to confirm this.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidA smaller-molecule version of the regular hyaluronic acid. It is a powerful humectant that absorbs into the skin and offers moisturizing, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects. It is also slightly anti-inflammatory and displays subtle antioxidant properties.
Algin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlginA plant-based ingredient that can form gels when added to water, so it can thicken water-based products. Algin serves as a binding agent, where it helps hold the other ingredients in the product together and prevents them from separating.
Soluble Collagen
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Soluble CollagenA protein obtained from farm or marine animals. Collagen molecules are too big to penetrate the skin so when they are applied via a skincare product they sit on top of the skin and act as humectant moisturizers.
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Collagen

A humectant, film-forming, and emollient mixture of various proteins and peptides that were created by cutting the huge molecules of normal collagen into smaller pieces for better absorption. It also has some antioxidant properties.

Camellia Sinensis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis ExtractAn antioxidant, astringent, and soothing extract derived from green tea. It performs as an anti-aging ingredient in the deeper layers of the skin.
Arnica Montana Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arnica Montana ExtractA healing and soothing extract derived from the flowers of wolf’s bane. It contains a wide range of anti-inflammatory compounds such as sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, amines, and an essential oil with a thyme-like scent.
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ulmus Davidiana Root ExtractDerived from the root of an elm tree known as David, this soothing and antioxidant extract has been shown to have humectant moisturizing benefits that are similar to hyaluronic acid’s.
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from the berries of the bilberry plant, sometimes called European blueberry. It is rich in antioxidant anthocyanins and astringent tannins.
Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pisum Sativum (Pea) ExtractAn extract derived from peas that contains many proteins with humectant moisturizing properties. Patents have claimed that it is able to stimulate cell renewal and increase melanin production.
Rose Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rose ExtractRose extract is an unspecified extract from the flowers of various kinds of fragrant roses, such as Rosa damascena, Rosa centifolia, or Rosa moschata. It is very fragrant and has a fresh, rose scent. Read more about rose oil here: Rosa Damascena Flower Oil.
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Extract
Ceramide AP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide APPreviously called Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide AP is one of the most common ceramides in the skin. Research has shown that dry, flaky skin has significantly less Ceramide AP. Its application helps to treat dry skin by restoring balance in the skin lipids.
Secale Cereale (Rye) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Secale Cereale (Rye) Seed ExtractAn extract of rye seeds. Several patents claim that it has anti-wrinkle properties and the ability to enhance the anti-wrinkle activity of other ingredients.
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Artemisia Vulgaris ExtractAn extract derived from common mugwort. The plant contains an essential oil that gives the extract its strong, pine-like, cooling aroma. It also boasts antioxidant and astringent flavonoids and terpenes.
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit ExtractA fragrant extract from lemon peels that contains various antioxidant flavonoids, organic acids, and limonoids – which are currently under investigation as potential anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment compounds.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
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.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Beeswax
Est. %0.3
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.
Ethyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Glucoside
Glycerin Methyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin Methyl Ether
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.
Acrylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylic Acid
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.
Sorbitan Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan StearateA vegetable-derived ingredient most commonly used as an emulsifier to stabilize water and oil mixtures.
Zinc Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zinc Stearate
Methyl Hexyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methyl Hexyl Ether
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.

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.
Potassium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium HydroxideA very alkaline ingredient, meaning that it has a high pH. Potassium hydroxide is therefore useful in bringing a low pH in a cosmetic product up to a more neutral, skin-safe level.
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.
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.
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.
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.