NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream Review

NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream
9.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
8.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Propylene Glycol, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Gluconolactone, Stearyl Alcohol, Beeswax, PEG-40 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Arginine, Ammonium Hydroxide, Maltobionic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Bisulfite, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 33 (CI 17200)
Review

Does NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream has to offer:
 
✅ Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 9.3 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Rich Moisturizer Perfect for Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream is intensely moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 9.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Propylene Glycol (est. ≈9.0%) and Lactic Acid (est. ≈2.5%), and a very high occlusivity of 8.6 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Petrolatum (est. ≈6.0%) and Mineral Oil (est. ≈4.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with dry skin who want intense hydration. It combines a high concentration of humectants and occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing specifically for dry skin.

The occlusive profile of NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin 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.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Glycolic Acid

This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. Its action works by removing dead skin cells, revealing new, more delicate skin that is particularly vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with glycolic acid, regardless of concentration, may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To counteract this increased sun sensitivity, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect your skin during glycolic acid treatment.

📌 Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the product, either on their website or product label.

⚠️ 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.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Gluconolactone, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Gluconolactone provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Gluconolactone may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

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, 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 NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ Rich moisturizer perfect for dry skin: highly occlusive and humectant-rich
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to glycolic acid
⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream
 is an ideal moisturizer for dry skin, combining a very high concentration of humectants and occlusive ingredients in a rich, thick texture.
 
That said, there are some things about NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. However, glycolic acid - regardless of concentration - can increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays. Therefore, it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during glycolic acid treatment.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Petrolatum
Function:
Origin:
Mineral Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Mandelic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Gluconolactone
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Maltobionic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Bisulfite
Function:
Origin:
Methylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Propylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Function:
Origin:
Red 33 (CI 17200)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
13.3
9
2.5
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
17.3
6.0 x 2
4.0
1.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
9.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 13.3 10
10.0
9
2.5
1.5
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 17.3 20
8.6
6.0 x 2
4.0
1.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
9.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
2.5
1.5
0.3
All humectants 13.3 10
10
All humectants
13.3
9
2.5
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6 x 2
4
1
0.3
All occlusives 17.3 20
8.6
All occlusives
17.3
6.0 x 2
4.0
1.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1.5 -
Total
0
Gluconolactone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Sodium Bisulfite
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
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.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %9
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.
Petrolatum
Est. %6
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.
Mineral Oil
Est. %4
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.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Lactic Acid
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Mandelic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Mandelic AcidDerived from almonds, this ingredient is one of the gentlest AHAs and is used for its exfoliating and antimicrobial properties. It is particularly beneficial for acne but also helps to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Gluconolactone
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
GluconolactoneA PHA derived from glucose. It has exfoliating and humectant properties and acts as a penetration enhancer for other ingredients. It has also been shown to assist in the treatment of acne and the prevention of photoaging.
Stearyl Alcohol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl AlcoholA natural fatty alcohol that thickens, stabilizes, and keeps emulsions a bright white color. It has many uses, the main one being as an emulsifier. It also acts as an opacifying agent and emollient.
Beeswax
Est. %1
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.
PEG-40 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-40 StearateThis PEG, or polyethylene glycol, is excellent at emulsifying water and oil together to form oil-in-water emulsions. Due to its water-loving nature, PEG-40 stearate can also act as a cleansing agent.
Sorbitan Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan StearateA vegetable-derived ingredient most commonly used as an emulsifier to stabilize water and oil mixtures.
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.
Ammonium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium HydroxideA weakly basic ingredient that can adjust pH to a higher level.
Maltobionic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Maltobionic Acid
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
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.
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.

Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium Aluminum SilicateA naturally occurring clay that is hygroscopic, which means that it easily absorbs water. This ingredient is thus commonly used as an absorbent and emulsion stabilizer. It also modifies slip by improving the spreadability of the products it is used in.
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.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Sodium Bisulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BisulfiteAn inorganic salt that kills bacteria and protects against oxidation.
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.
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.
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)A bright yellow colorant that is often also listed as FD&C Yellow 5.
Red 33 (CI 17200)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 33 (CI 17200)Also known as D&C Red 33 or Acid Red 33, this ingredient is a synthetic azo used to color skincare products. It produces a cool red hue, with undertones of blue that lead to a hint of purple.