Q + A Snow Algae Intensive Face Cream

Q + A Snow Algae Intensive Face Cream
6.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
9.9 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity

Review

Does Q + A Snow Algae Intensive Face Cream work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Q + A Snow Algae Intensive Face Cream:

  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.4 out of 10.

Moisturizer with the right occlusivity for dry skin, ideally to be used with extra humectants

According to CreamScan analysis, Q + A Snow Algae Intensive Face Cream is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 2.9 out of 10 and a very high Occlusivity of 9.9 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (est. ≈9.0%), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈6.0%) and Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil (est. ≈2.5%).

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 Q + A Snow Algae Intensive Face Cream suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

However, it contains a relatively low level of humectants, and 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.

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

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Ingredients

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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Coenochloris Signiensis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Dehydroacetic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Coconut Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.9
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
19.8
9.0
6.0
2.5
2.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.9 10
2.9
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 19.8 20
9.9
9.0
6.0
2.5
2.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
All humectants 2.9 10
2.9
All humectants
2.9
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
6
2.5
2
0.3
All occlusives 19.8 20
9.9
All occlusives
19.8
9.0
6.0
2.5
2.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.9 3 No
All antioxidants
1.9
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
1
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1
0.3
All soothing 1.3 5 No
All soothing
1.3
1
0.3
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.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %9
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.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %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.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %2.5
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.
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.
Maltodextrin
Est. %1.5
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.
Glycerin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing 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.

Coenochloris Signiensis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coenochloris Signiensis Extract
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
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.
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.
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Stearoyl GlutamateA useful ingredient for both cleansing and emulsifying purposes. It is a powerful agent for washing away dirt and oils from the skin.
Coco-Glucoside
Est. %0.3
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.
Coconut Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coconut Alcohol
Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower ExtractA fragrant extract derived from the flowers of the Italian honeysuckle. It has a pleasant, sweet, floral scent. Not much is known about its compounds and their functions.
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower ExtractAn extract from the white flowers of the Japanese honeysuckle. Apart from an essential oil responsible for its jasmine-like scent, the extract also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory iridoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.

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.

Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
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.