Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Cream Review

Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Cream
6.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
9.7 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Cream has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.6 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Cream:
 

Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Cream is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a moderate humectancy of 3.6 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%), and a very high occlusivity of 9.7 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil (est. ≈9.0%) and Octyldodecyl Olivate (est. ≈4.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver a substantial level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry skin. The occlusive profile of Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Cream suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

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

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

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.

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: Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Cream

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Cream to your skincare routine:
 

Best for Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With high occlusivity, this product is optimal for dry skin but may be too thick for combination and especially oily skin. Even on normal skin, it can feel too rich depending on the quantity applied, the environment, and individual preferences.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It’s Better When Paired with Some Humectants

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Cream contains a relatively low level of humectants.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying 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 Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2, and Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3. 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 Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry skin
  • Rich texture well-suited for dry skin
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecyl Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Levulinic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Function:
Origin:
Boswellia Sacra Resin Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Levulinate
Function:
Origin:
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Dehydroacetic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Commiphora Confusa Resin Oil
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Commiphora Myrrha Oil
Function:
Origin:
Boswellia Neglecta Resin Oil
Function:
Origin:
Gardenia Jasminoides Meristem Cell Culture
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Function:
Origin:
Dextran
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2
Function:
Origin:
Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Farnesol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
3.6
3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
19.3
9.0
4.0
2.5
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.6 10
3.6
3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 19.3 20
9.7
9.0
4.0
2.5
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 3.6 10
3.6
All humectants
3.6
3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
4
2.5
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 19.3 20
9.7
All occlusives
19.3
9.0
4.0
2.5
2.0
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
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3
-
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
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.8
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
2
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
0.3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Gardenia Jasminoides Meristem Cell Culture
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. %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.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Est. %9
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.
Behenyl Olivate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Behenyl Olivate
Octyldodecyl Olivate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Octyldodecyl Olivate
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed ButterAlso known as cocoa seed butter, it is a popular emollient and occlusive moisturizer. Skincare products with cocoa butter as their main ingredient have a sweet, chocolatey scent. Cocoa butter is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) OilAn occlusive moisturizing oil expressed from soybeans. It does not leave an oily feeling on the skin due to its low content of saturated fatty acids. Glycine soja oil contains emollient fatty acids and a significant amount of antioxidants.
Cetearyl Olivate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Cetearyl Olivate

A multifunctional ingredient derived from plants that primarily serves as an emulsifier. Supplied as a waxy ivory-colored flake, it can also be used as an emollient and slip modifier that gives a product an overall light, silky finish.

Cetearyl Glucoside
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl GlucosideAn emulsifier that creates stable mixtures of oil in water that feel soft and spread easily. Cetearyl glucoside is sold with cetearyl alcohol as an emulsifier blend and also provides some body to the formula.
Sorbitan Olivate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OlivateAn ester of sorbitol (a type of sugar alcohol) and olive oil fatty acids. It is used as an emulsifying agent to stabilize oil droplets in water (or vice versa).
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Argania Spinosa Kernel OilA fatty oil from Moroccan argan tree kernels commonly used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Its uniqueness comes from its compounds: vitamin E, phospholipids, phenolic compounds, and rare phytosterols with antioxidant and emollient effects.
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.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
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.
Levulinic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Levulinic AcidLevulinic acid can be found in both natural and processed foods, such as Chinese quince, papaya, rice, sake, and wheaten bread. It is manufactured from starch by chemical processes and is used as a masking ingredient. It is also claimed by the manufacturer to have a good bactericidal efficacy.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice PowderExtracted from dried aloe vera leaves, it has the same effects as fresh aloe vera juice – it is humectant moisturizing, refreshing, and soothing. This powder can also serve as a gelling agent when mixed with water.
Boswellia Sacra Resin Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Boswellia Sacra Resin Oil
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.

Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed OilA fatty oil extracted from the seeds of the castor bean plant with very unique fatty acid composition. It is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that leaves the skin feeling soft and silky after application.
Sodium Levulinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium LevulinateA sodium salt of levulinic acid that is used as an antimicrobial and preservative agent, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in a product.
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root ExtractAn extract derived from the thick roots of curcuma (turmeric), a famous yellow spice and a major ingredient in curry powder. It is used in skincare for its proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory 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.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
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.

Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil expressed from the peels of mandarin. It contains up to 74% of limonene and other volatile compounds which create its sweet, mandarin aroma. It may induce sun allergies in people sensitive to citrus fruits.

Dehydroacetic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dehydroacetic AcidA globally approved preservative ingredient. It is a powerful fungicide and a moderate bactericide, which makes it a broad-spectrum preservative. Because it is mildly effective against bacteria, it is often paired with stronger bactericides.
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil
Commiphora Confusa Resin Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Commiphora Confusa Resin Oil
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil

A fragrant essential neroli oil distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange tree. It has a rich, orange-floral scent with fresh and spicy notes.

Commiphora Myrrha Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Commiphora Myrrha Oil
Boswellia Neglecta Resin Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Boswellia Neglecta Resin Oil
Gardenia Jasminoides Meristem Cell Culture
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Gardenia Jasminoides Meristem Cell Culture
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

A small synthetic peptide that signals the skin to produce more collagen. It has been clinically tested and proven to reduce skin roughness and the appearance of wrinkles.

Dextran
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DextranA naturally derived sucrose metabolite that thickens water and bulks emulsions.
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.
Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2

A synthetically made peptide that was shown to slow down the degradation of elastin in the skin. It is said to be able to reduce sagging and wrinkles in different parts of the face, although this has not been well researched yet.

Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3

A synthetically made peptide that was designed to emulate the skin growth factor. It is said to boost the production of the skin's structural elements and the dermo-epidermal junction, although this has not been independently tested.

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.

Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geraniol

A fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Farnesol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Farnesol

A fragrant, liquid alcohol that is naturally found in many essential oils. It has a soft, sweet, floral scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.