Shiseido Giga-Hydrating Rich Cream Review

Shiseido Giga-Hydrating Rich Cream
6.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
9.1 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does Shiseido Giga-Hydrating Rich Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Shiseido Giga-Hydrating Rich Cream has to offer:
 
✅ Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.0 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Shiseido Giga-Hydrating Rich Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Shiseido Giga-Hydrating Rich Cream:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Perfect for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Shiseido Giga-Hydrating Rich Cream 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 9.1 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%) and Xylitol (est. ≈2.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.0 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Dimethicone (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with combination and oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

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

📌 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 Giga-Hydrating Rich Cream

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Shiseido Giga-Hydrating Rich Cream to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Shiseido Giga-Hydrating Rich Cream is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Caffeine, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Caffeine provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Caffeine may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

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.

Pros & Cons of Shiseido Giga-Hydrating Rich Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Shiseido Giga-Hydrating Rich Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing perfect for combination and oily skin
✅ Also a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Shiseido Giga-Hydrating Rich Cream

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Shiseido Giga-Hydrating Rich Cream
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, perfect for combination and oily skin. It's also a great option for those with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
That said, there are some things about Shiseido Giga-Hydrating Rich Cream worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Shiseido Giga-Hydrating Rich Cream is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
55
9
6
4
3
2
1.9
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
0.1
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Xylitol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
PEG-60 Glyceryl Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Dipeptide-15
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Erythritol
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Isostearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Palm Oil
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Diisostearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Caffeine
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Phytosteryl Macadamiate
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Tin Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Hexyl Cinnamal
Function:
Origin:
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Lamium Album Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Protoplasts
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Junos Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Benzoic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Natto Gum
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
9.1
4
2
1.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
6.1
3.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 9.1 10
9.1
4
2
1.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 6.1 20
3.0
3.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
2
1.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 9.1 10
9.1
All humectants
9.1
4
2
1.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
3
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 6.1 20
3.0
All occlusives
6.1
3.0
1.3
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
Caffeine
-
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
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Caffeine
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Citrus Junos Seed Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
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.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Est. %9
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.
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Est. %6
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %4
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.

Dimethicone
Est. %3
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.
Xylitol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
XylitolAn organic compound that is most well-known for its use as a sweetener that also protects your teeth from cavities. Xylitol is used in skincare as a moisturizing humectant and has been shown to improve the protective barrier function of the skin.
Glycerin
Est. %1.9
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Silica
Est. %1.5
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.
Squalane
Est. %1.3
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.
PEG-60 Glyceryl Isostearate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PEG-60 Glyceryl Isostearate
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.
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.
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.
Dipeptide-15
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipeptide-15

Description is coming soon

Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
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.
Erythritol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ErythritolA naturally occurring sweetener that hydrates skin by drawing in water.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hydrogenated Palm Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Palm OilA processed palm oil with occlusive moisturizing and emollient fatty acids. It is especially suited for very dry skin.
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.
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) OilA fatty oil expressed from the pulp of the oil palm fruits. It is mostly composed of occlusive and emollient saturated fatty acids. The unrefined oil has a large amount of antioxidant carotenoids.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
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.
Glyceryl Diisostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Diisostearate
PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
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).
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.
Phytosteryl Macadamiate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phytosteryl MacadamiateA richly emollient and occlusive moisturizing product of binding fatty acids from macadamia oil (mostly oleic and palmitoleic acid) with soybean oil phytosterols. It is also used as a formula helper.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
Tin Oxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tin OxideA multi-functional mineral that increases the physical space a product takes up, increases the viscosity of liquid products, and, when used as an opacifying agent, makes a transparent or translucent product become opaque or solid in color.
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.

Betaine
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
Hexyl Cinnamal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexyl Cinnamal

A synthetic scent ingredient that produces a jasmine-like fragrance. According to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), hexyl cinnamal is a skin sensitizer and allergen and so its use in skincare should be limited.

Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Butylphenyl Methylpropional

A synthetic fragrance ingredient used to recreate the scent of lilies, this ingredient also features fresh, green, and powdery notes. Butylphenyl Methylpropional was recently labeled as Toxic to Reproduction in the EU and will be banned in 2022.

Benzyl Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl BenzoateA fragrance ingredient with a fruity and woody scent. It is considered an allergen according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), which means that care must be taken when determining usage levels in skincare products.
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.

Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Paeonia Albiflora Root ExtractAn extract from the roots of the garden peony. It mainly contains humectant moisturizing oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, and has been claimed to improve skin tone.
Citronellol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citronellol

A fragrant compound found naturally in many essential oils (mainly lemongrass). It can have a lemon or a rose scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citronellol, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Lamium Album Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lamium Album Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Protoplasts
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Protoplasts
Citrus Junos Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Junos Seed Extract
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.
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Benzoic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzoic AcidA preservative effective against fungi, yeast, and some bacteria. It is commonly paired with phenoxyethanol to create a broad spectrum preservation system. Benzoic acid can also serve as a pH adjuster, fragrance, and bulking agent.
Natto Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Natto Gum
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.