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

Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Serum
4.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.7 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

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

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Serum has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.1 out of 10.

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

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

Lightweight Moisturizer Well-Suited for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.7 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 6.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is well-suited for oily skin, providing moderate hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It can also be a good option for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant enhancement 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.

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 Serum

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

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Serum 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 Serum

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

Pros:

  • Humectant moisturizing well-suited for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing enhancement for any skincare routine

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Heptyl Undecylenate
Function:
Origin:
Acacia Senegal Gum
Function:
Origin:
Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Rice Branate
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Rhizobian Gum
Function:
Origin:
Levulinic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Levulinate
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Boswellia Sacra Resin Oil
Function:
Origin:
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Commiphora Confusa Resin Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Commiphora Myrrha Oil
Function:
Origin:
Gardenia Jasminoides Meristem Cell Culture
Function:
Origin:
Boswellia Neglecta Resin Oil
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Function:
Origin:
Dextran
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
6.6
6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
3.5
1.3
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.6 10
6.6
6
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 3.5 20
1.7
1.3
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.6 10
6.6
All humectants
6.6
6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 3.5 20
1.7
All occlusives
3.5
1.3
1.0
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
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.8 3 No
All antioxidants
2.8
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
1.3
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
0.3
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
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. %70
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. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Heptyl Undecylenate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Heptyl Undecylenate
Acacia Senegal Gum
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Acacia Senegal GumA formula helper, also known as gum arabic, derived from the African Acacia tree. It is used in skincare formulas due to its good adhesive and film-forming properties.
Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder
Polyglyceryl-3 Rice Branate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 Rice Branate
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.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Est. %1
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.
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.
Hydrolyzed Rhizobian Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Rhizobian Gum
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Boswellia Sacra Resin Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Boswellia Sacra Resin Oil
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.
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.

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.

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium DehydroacetateA sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid that is most commonly used as a preservative. It is a strong fungicide and a moderate bactericide, which makes it an effective broad-spectrum preservative.
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.
Commiphora Confusa Resin Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Commiphora Confusa Resin Oil
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
Gardenia Jasminoides Meristem Cell Culture
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Gardenia Jasminoides Meristem Cell Culture
Boswellia Neglecta Resin Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Boswellia Neglecta Resin Oil
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.
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.