Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream

Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
7.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
5.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream:

  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 7.5 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Perfect moisturizer for normal to dry skin with a relatively lightweight texture

According to CreamScan analysis, Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 7.5 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%) and Betaine (est. ≈3.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 5.0 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈9.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with normal skin. 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 relatively lightweight texture.

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

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Caffeine, and Alpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract. 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 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.

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%), Caffeine (est. ≈0.3%), Tocopherol (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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
55
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
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:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Function:
Origin:
PPG-3 Dipivalate
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Myristyl Myristate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Tristearate
Function:
Origin:
Erythritol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Aminopropyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Trisodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Caffeine
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Isostearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metaphosphate
Function:
Origin:
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metabisulfite
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:
Alpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pyrola Incarnata Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
13.0
6
3
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
9.9
9.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
7.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 13.0 10
10.0
6
3
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 9.9 20
5.0
9.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
7.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
3
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 13.0 10
10
All humectants
13.0
6
3
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 9.9 20
5.0
All occlusives
9.9
9.0
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 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Caffeine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Alpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract
-
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
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
2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Caffeine
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Sodium Metabisulfite
0.3
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
0.3
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
0.3
Alpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
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. %55
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. %9
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %6
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.

Alcohol Denat.
Est. %4
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.

Betaine
Est. %3
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
Glycerin
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Isohexadecane
Est. %2
Function
Origin
IsohexadecaneA clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as an emollient. It is made up of pure hydrocarbons and leaves a dry feeling on the skin upon application. It also increases the spreadability of a product.
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated PolydeceneA clear, colorless, highly viscous liquid that commonly serves as an emollient. This rich emollient is on the heavier side but provides a smooth sensorial profile upon application.
PPG-3 Dipivalate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
PPG-3 Dipivalate
Silica
Est. %1
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.
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Stearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Stearate SEAn emulsifier, where the SE stands for self-emulsifying. Emulsions containing glyceryl stearate SE often impart a smooth, velvety feel upon the skin.
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.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
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.
Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
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.
Sorbitan Tristearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan Tristearate
Erythritol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ErythritolA naturally occurring sweetener that hydrates skin by drawing in water.
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.
Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
Aminopropyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aminopropyl Dimethicone
2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidA derivative of vitamin C. There are no clinical studies on this ingredient as of yet, and so we don't know if it is as effective as the other ascorbic acid derivatives.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
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.
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.
Caffeine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CaffeineAn antioxidant compound that is obtained from coffee and tea leaves. It increases the microcirculation of blood in the skin and is claimed to be able to reduce the appearance of orange peel skin (although the research is lacking).
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.
Isostearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isostearic AcidA saturated fatty acid used to mix oil and water and to remove dirt from the skin's surface. Isostearic acid is listed among common comedogenic ingredients by acne.org.
Sodium Metaphosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium MetaphosphateA sodium salt that captures heavy metal ions and raises the pH.
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl GlutamateAn emollient ingredient that is similar to ceramides in its structure. It provides a smooth and soft feeling to the skin.
Aluminum Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aluminum HydroxideA white mineral powder, also known as alumina, that is derived from aluminum metal. It is frequently used as an abrasive in exfoliating products and as a thickener. Aluminum oxide is also a great opacifier.
Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
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 Metabisulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium MetabisulfiteA preservative that is especially effective at preventing fungus and mold growth. It is normally combined with a strong bactericidal preservative in order to achieve broad-spectrum protection. Sodium metabisulfite is also used as an antioxidant.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Unshiu Peel ExtractThis extract derived from satsuma mandarins mainly contains a fragrant essential oil. It is rich in antioxidant flavonoids, organic acids, and limonoids – promising anti-pigment and anti-wrinkle compounds.
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.

Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit ExtractA soothing extract derived from the fruit known as Jujube, or Chinese date. It contains mainly anti-inflammatory terpenoids, flavonoids, and tannins.
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Panax Ginseng Root ExtractDerived from the roots of the Korean Ginseng, this extract contains a mixture of antioxidant and soothing ginsenosides which are proven to reduce inflammation and treat eczema. The root is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine.
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateA chemically modified version of hyaluronic acid. It is more stable and less sticky than regular HA, while still providing the same humectant moisturizing properties (according to the manufacturer). There have been no clinical studies to confirm this.
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractA powerful antioxidant, soothing, and astringent extract derived from the roots of Baikal/Chinese skullcap. It contains various unique flavonoids that are believed to soothe irritated and inflamed skin and protect from UV-induced oxidative damage.
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.
Alpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alpinia Speciosa Leaf ExtractA promising anti-aging extract derived from Shell ginger. It contains bioactive compounds with the ability to slow down the destruction of collagen and elastin and to promote their synthesis instead.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf ExtractA soothing and astringent extract derived from the fragrant, spicy leaves of rosemary. It has strong antioxidant properties. Rosemary extract can reduce signs of inflammation and also acts as an emollient and antimicrobial agent.
Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sanguisorba Officinalis Root ExtractAn extract from the root of the great burnet plant that is rich in astringent tannins and cleansing saponins. Its anti-wrinkle activity has yet to be confirmed.
Pyrola Incarnata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pyrola Incarnata Extract