Shaklee Youth Activating Serum Review

Shaklee Youth Activating Serum
6.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.1 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Shaklee Youth Activating Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Shaklee Youth Activating Serum has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.0 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Shaklee Youth Activating Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Shaklee Youth Activating Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Shaklee Youth Activating Serum:
 

Perfect Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin with a balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy

According to CreamScan analysis, Shaklee Youth Activating Serum is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a very high humectancy of 8.1 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%) and Propanediol (est. ≈2.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 4.0 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Dimethicone (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with normal skin who want maximum hydration in a formula with a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy. It combines a high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients to deliver effective dual-action moisturizing for normal skin.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal to dry skin for daily hydration, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy.

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

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Shaklee Youth Activating Serum has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Retinol (est. ≈0.1%), 
 the most effective non-prescription anti-wrinkle ingredient. Numerous clinical studies have shown its positive effects at concentrations as low as 0.1%. A study with 36 participants (Kafi et al.) confirmed that a lotion containing 0.4% retinol reduced wrinkle severity by 21% after 24 weeks of use, compared to the same formulation without retinol (vehicle).
 
Among others, Shaklee Youth Activating Serum also contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, and Beta-Glucan. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to 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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Shaklee Youth Activating Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Lotus Japonicus Somatic Embryo Extract (est. ≈0.3%), Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract (est. ≈0.3%), Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

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.

Pros & Cons of Shaklee Youth Activating Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Shaklee Youth Activating Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Perfect for moisturizing normal skin
  • Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
  • Can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of a skincare routine for dry skin
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.1
0.3
0.2
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:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Function:
Origin:
HEMA
Function:
Origin:
Lotus Japonicus Somatic Embryo Extract
Function:
Origin:
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Function:
Origin:
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Rotundifolia Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Enteromorpha Compressa Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Function:
Origin:
Acacia Decurrens Extract
Function:
Origin:
Coriandrum Sativum (Coriander) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Glucan
Function:
Origin:
Superoxide Dismutase
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Lauroyl Lysine
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.1
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
8.1
6.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.1 10
8.1
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 8.1 20
4.0
6.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.1 10
8.1
All humectants
8.1
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
1.5
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 8.1 20
4.0
All occlusives
8.1
6.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.5
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Beta-Glucan
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3
Lotus Japonicus Somatic Embryo Extract
0.3
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
0.3
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
0.3
Beta-Glucan
0.3
Superoxide Dismutase
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.2 5 No
All soothing
1.2
0.3
0.3
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.
Dimethicone
Est. %6
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.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Polysorbate 20
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Propanediol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropyl CyclodextrinA white crystalline powder that can reduce odors coming from other ingredients in a product.
HEMA
Est. %1
Function
Origin
HEMA
Lotus Japonicus Somatic Embryo Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lotus Japonicus Somatic Embryo Extract
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture ExtractAn extract that comes from a certain apple cultivar. It is claimed to have superior properties over any other apple extracts and the patent holder claims that it has anti-wrinkle activity.
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant, soothing, and humectant moisturizing extract obtained from Chinese magnolia-vine berries. Its main compounds are soothing and immunomodulatory lignans.
Retinol
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Retinol

One of the most famous and well-researched anti-aging ingredients with a maximum anti-wrinkle power of 10 out of 10. It is proven to decrease wrinkles and help the skin regain its thickness, firmness, and texture. Retinol is also effective in treating pigmentation issues such as dark spots and acne.

Vitis Rotundifolia Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Rotundifolia Fruit Extract
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
Est. %0.2
Function
Origin
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil

A fragrant essential oil obtained from the flowers of the tropical ylang-ylang tree. It is a popular ingredient in skincare, as well as in aromatherapy, perfumes, and the food industry for its sweet, floral, slightly fruity, jasmine-like scent.

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.

Enteromorpha Compressa Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Enteromorpha Compressa ExtractDerived from marine seaweed Ulva compressa, the extract is rich in various soothing polysaccharides and polyphenolic compounds.
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.

Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Leaf OilA fragrant essential oil distilled from the flower buds of cloves (a culinary spice). It contains an essential oil which is mainly comprised of eugenol – a compound with a sweet, gingerbread-like scent.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caesalpinia Spinosa GumA plant-based formula helper also known as Tara gum that contains thickening galactomannans (polysaccharides).
Acacia Decurrens Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acacia Decurrens Extract
Coriandrum Sativum (Coriander) Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coriandrum Sativum (Coriander) Fruit OilAn essential oil derived from cilantro seeds. It has a warm, nutty, and spicy aroma and contains fragrant linalool, borneol, and pinene.
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.

Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl PalmitateAn esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but also much less effective in its anti-aging and acne-reducing effects.
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium Ascorbyl PhosphateOne of the best-researched derivatives of vitamin C. It is more resistant to light and air and retains all the properties of ascorbic acid – antioxidant, collagen-boosting, and anti-pigmentation, but with less irritation.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed ExtractA potent antioxidant and emollient extract derived from grape seeds. It contains antioxidant flavonoids, tannins, proanthocyanidins, phytosterols, carotenoids, and vitamin E. It is often used in skincare products aimed at soothing and healing irritated skin.
Beta-Glucan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta-GlucanA special polysaccharide obtained from cereals, mushrooms, yeast, bacteria, and some species of seaweed. It is a promising anti-wrinkle, wound healing, antioxidant, and moisturizing ingredient.
Superoxide Dismutase
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Superoxide Dismutase
Caprylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic Acid
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Lauroyl Lysine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lauroyl LysineA synthetic insoluble powder that improves the texture of a product, leaving the skin silky smooth and absorbing oils and sweat.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates CopolymerA highly functional synthetic ingredient that forms a protective layer on the skin and reduces static buildup. It gives an emollient feel to the product, including a silky after-feel.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
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.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
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.
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.