Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick

Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity

Review

Does Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick:

  • Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10, impaired by the absence of humectants.

Moisturizer with the right occlusivity for very dry skin, ideally to be paired with a humectant-rich product

According to CreamScan analysis, Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely occlusive. It has zero Humectancy (we didn't find any humectant ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Phenyl Trimethicone (est. ≈11.0%), Petrolatum (est. ≈6.0%) and Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate (est. ≈4.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

However, it contains no humectants, and people with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding water-binding humectants to their moisturizing routine for effective dual-action moisturizing. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

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

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Palmitoyl Oligopeptide 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, 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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
40
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
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
Est. %
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Function:
Origin:
Polybutene
Function:
Origin:
Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Petrolatum
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lanolin
Function:
Origin:
Ozokerite
Function:
Origin:
Synthetic Wax
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Polyethylene
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax
Function:
Origin:
Myristyl Myristate
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Function:
Origin:
Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract
Function:
Origin:
Silica Silylate
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Tribehenin
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Function:
Origin:
Flavor (Aroma)
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides
Function:
Origin:
Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090)
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985)
Function:
Origin:
Red 33 Lake (CI 17200)
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)
Function:
Origin:
Red 7 Lake (CI 15850)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
33.9
11.0
6.0 x 2
4.0
3.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
None
Occlusivity All occlusives 33.9 20
10.0
11.0
6.0 x 2
4.0
3.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
None
All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
11
6 x 2
4
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 33.9 20
10.0
All occlusives
33.9
11.0
6.0 x 2
4.0
3.0
1.5
0.3
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
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
-
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
All antioxidants 0.3 3 No
All antioxidants
0.3
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Est. %40
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneA viscous liquid that makes a great oil base due to its smooth sensorial profile. It has emollient features, including good spreadability and little tack upon application. It also has the added benefit of being able to thicken products.
Polybutene
Est. %22
Function
Origin
PolybuteneA petro-based ingredient that thickens and hold products together.
Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Phenyl TrimethiconeA silicone fluid that is used as an occlusive moisturizer. It applies smoothly to the skin and reduces the tack associated with organic oils.
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.
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl TetraethylhexanoateAn occlusive moisturizer and emollient with a good lubricity that leaves behind a glossy sheen after application. It can also control viscosity by thickening skincare products and act as a binding agent to hold pressed powdered products together.
Hydrogenated Lanolin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Lanolin
Ozokerite
Est. %2
Function
Origin
OzokeriteA petroleum based wax that comes in a variety of forms, all with different melting points and therefore different performance and feel. Overall ozokerite is often used for solid products like lipsticks.
Synthetic Wax
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Synthetic Wax
Cetyl Lactate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Cetyl Lactate
Polyethylene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolyethyleneCommonly used in dense plastic packaging, its primary function in skincare is as a film-forming agent, which protects the product from being easily rinsed away by water or sweat. It also controls viscosity by increasing the thickness of oily products.
Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
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.
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) WaxA thick wax obtained from the stems of the Candelilla, or wax plant that is native to Mexico and the southern USA. Its stems are covered in wax to protect the plant from water loss. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient.
Myristyl Myristate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Myristyl MyristateAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient ester that is derived from vegetables. This soft, wax-like ester produces a soft and creamy sensorial profile. Myristyl myristate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) WaxObtained from the leaves of Carnauba wax palm, this occlusive, emollient, and film-forming wax is commonly used in lip products. It is comprised mainly of various wax esters and is one of the hardest and most resistant plant waxes.
Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer
Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed ButterA fat obtained from the kernel of the mango seed. It is a semi-solid, plant-based butter that is used for consumption, and as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer in skincare.
Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract
Silica Silylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Silica SilylateA synthetic powder that thickens oils and features a velvety texture.
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateAn antioxidant that protects vulnerable ingredients from the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, which can also lead to the generation of damaging free radical species.
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl PalmitateA rich emollient without the oily after-feel, making it a popular replacement for mineral oil. It is derived from natural sources such as palm oil and palm kernel oil. Ethylhexyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Tribehenin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TribeheninA soft, pliable wax that serves as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It improves the spreadability of skincare products, including the increased payoff of stick products, and imparts a pleasant, smooth feel upon application.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
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.
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide

This is an old INCI name that can refer to several other peptides. They are all short fragments of collagen or elastin and function as signal molecules, telling the skin to repair and restructure the dermis, resulting in anti-wrinkle activity.

Flavor (Aroma)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Flavor (Aroma)Under trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the flavor and use the unspecific word 'flavor' instead. Flavor is added to products that have the potential to be consumed, such as lipsticks.
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.
Iron Oxides
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron OxidesMineral pigments used to provide color in skincare products. These naturally occurring pigments are available in yellow, red, brown, and black powders.
Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090)
Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985)
Red 33 Lake (CI 17200)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 33 Lake (CI 17200)
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.
Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)
Red 7 Lake (CI 15850)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 7 Lake (CI 15850)