Shiseido Aqualabel Special Gel Cream Brightening Review

Shiseido Aqualabel Special Gel Cream Brightening
1.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.4 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Shiseido Aqualabel Special Gel Cream Brightening Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Shiseido Aqualabel Special Gel Cream Brightening has to offer:
 
  • A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.3 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Shiseido Aqualabel Special Gel Cream Brightening

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Shiseido Aqualabel Special Gel Cream Brightening:
 

Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Shiseido Aqualabel Special Gel Cream Brightening is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 2.4 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

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

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Shiseido Aqualabel Special Gel Cream Brightening is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Tocopheryl Acetate (est. ≈42.9%).

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.

Things to Be Aware Of: Shiseido Aqualabel Special Gel Cream Brightening

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Shiseido Aqualabel Special Gel Cream Brightening to your skincare routine:
 

As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Shiseido Aqualabel Special Gel Cream Brightening for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Pros & Cons of Shiseido Aqualabel Special Gel Cream Brightening

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Shiseido Aqualabel Special Gel Cream Brightening to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage

Cons: 

  • Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
50
42.9
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
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Potassium Methoxysalicylate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Glutamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Alanine
Function:
Origin:
Methionine
Function:
Origin:
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Yeast Extract
Function:
Origin:
Soluble Collagen
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Polydiethylsiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Isobutane
Function:
Origin:
Methyl/Phenyl Polysilsesquioxane
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
C4-8 Alkyl Acrylate
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Trisodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Bisulfite
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metaphosphate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.4 10
2.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
1.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 2.4 10
2.4
All humectants
2.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
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
42.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 43.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
43.8
Tocopheryl Acetate
42.9
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Sodium Bisulfite
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Potassium Methoxysalicylate
Est. %50
Function
Origin
Potassium Methoxysalicylate
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %42.9
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.

Glutamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glutamic AcidA non-essential amino acid that serves as a building block for all proteins in the body. It is a moisturizing humectant and a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of amino acids in skin cells that keeps them hydrated.
Alanine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlanineA simple amino acid used in skincare as a humectant moisturizing ingredient. It is a part of the so-called Natural Moisturizing Factor, a complex mixture of free amino acids and other water-soluble compounds found in skin cells.
Methionine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethionineMethionine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is a part of all the proteins in the body. It supports hair growth, but other than that there isn't much information about its functions in personal care products.
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-15 Stearyl EtherA synthetic ingredient that has a slippery feel and can be combined with many other ingredients acting as a solvent.
Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Fruit Extract
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) ExtractExtracted from soybeans, this ingredient contains antioxidant and soothing phytochemicals and is especially suitable for aging skin.
Yeast Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yeast ExtractAlso labeled as faex extract, this is a natural ingredient derived from fresh yeast. It is used in skincare as a humectant. Yeast extract also helps to shield injured or exposed skin and can aid in the skin’s wound healing process.
Soluble Collagen
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Soluble CollagenA protein obtained from farm or marine animals. Collagen molecules are too big to penetrate the skin so when they are applied via a skincare product they sit on top of the skin and act as humectant moisturizers.
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.

Water
Est. %0.3
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. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Polydiethylsiloxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polydiethylsiloxane
Isobutane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsobutaneA compressed gas used in aerosol cans to help expel and foam skin care products.
Methyl/Phenyl Polysilsesquioxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methyl/Phenyl Polysilsesquioxane
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl EthylhexanoateA clear, pale yellow liquid, that functions as an emollient and a solvent, meaning that it is useful for dissolving oil-soluble ingredients.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TrimethylsiloxysilicateAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient silicone resin that smoothes and softens the appearance of the skin. It also protects a product from rinsing away too easily with water, sweat, or friction.
Trehalose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TrehaloseA sweet-tasting saccharide that can be found in various yeasts and fungi and that is manufactured from starch for cosmetic purposes. It is one of the most popular sugars in skincare and is mainly used for its humectant properties.
Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer
Potassium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium HydroxideA very alkaline ingredient, meaning that it has a high pH. Potassium hydroxide is therefore useful in bringing a low pH in a cosmetic product up to a more neutral, skin-safe level.
Sodium Caprylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Caprylate
C4-8 Alkyl Acrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C4-8 Alkyl Acrylate
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Trisodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trisodium EDTAA chelating agent designed to encapsulate potentially harmful heavy metal ions that enter the formula through the water source. Once encapsulated, these heavy metal ions become inert.
Sodium Bisulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BisulfiteAn inorganic salt that kills bacteria and protects against oxidation.
Sodium Metaphosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium MetaphosphateA sodium salt that captures heavy metal ions and raises the pH.
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.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)A red colorant also known as red iron oxide. This is an EU-approved colorant used in a wide variety of products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)Also known as iron (III) oxide, this ingredient is a yellow-colored pigment that can either be derived from minerals or produced synthetically. It adds yellow tones to cosmetic products.