Shiseido Glow Revival Serum Review

Shiseido Glow Revival Serum
5.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.4 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Shiseido Glow Revival Serum Ingredients

Hover to see details. On mobile? Tap for ingredient stories!

Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 40-B, PEG-20, Trehalose, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Behenyl Alcohol, Silica, Isostearic Acid, Mica, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Stearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate, Lauryl Betaine, Methylparaben, Carbomer, Xylitol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, Dipeptide-15, 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Metaphosphate, Butylene Glycol, Limonene, Sodium Metabisulfite, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Oryzanol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Alcohol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Benzoate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract, Citronellol, Geraniol, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Review

Does Shiseido Glow Revival Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Shiseido Glow Revival Serum has to offer:
 
Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Shiseido Glow Revival Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Shiseido Glow Revival Serum:
 

🔵 Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Shiseido Glow Revival Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.8 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 8.4 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to 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 model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Shiseido Glow Revival Serum

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Shiseido Glow Revival Serum to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

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

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their 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, 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.

Pros & Cons of Shiseido Glow Revival Serum

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

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Shiseido Glow Revival Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Shiseido Glow Revival Serum
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, making it ideal for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
That said, there are some things about Shiseido Glow Revival Serum worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Shiseido Glow Revival Serum 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.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
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
0.1
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:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 40-B
Function:
Origin:
PEG-20
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Isostearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:
Phytosteryl Macadamiate
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Methylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Xylitol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Dipeptide-15
Function:
Origin:
2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metaphosphate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metabisulfite
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Oryzanol
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Hexyl Cinnamal
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Function:
Origin:
Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.4
4
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
3.6
3.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.4 10
8.4
4
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 3.6 20
1.8
3.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.4 10
8.4
All humectants
8.4
4
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 3.6 20
1.8
All occlusives
3.6
3.0
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
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Camellia Sinensis 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
All antioxidants 2.7 3 No
All antioxidants
2.7
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Sodium Metabisulfite
0.3
Oryzanol
0.3
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
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.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %6
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.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 40-B
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 40-B
PEG-20
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
PEG-20
Trehalose
Est. %1
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.
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl TetraethylhexanoateAn occlusive moisturizer and emollient with a good lubricity that leaves behind a glossy sheen after application. It can also control viscosity by thickening skincare products and act as a binding agent to hold pressed powdered products together.
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.
Silica
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
Lauryl Betaine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lauryl Betaine
Methylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
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.
Xylitol
Est. %0.3
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.
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.

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.

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.
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.
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.
Dipeptide-15
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipeptide-15

Description is coming soon

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.
Sodium Metaphosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium MetaphosphateA sodium salt that captures heavy metal ions and raises the pH.
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.

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.

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.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Oryzanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
OryzanolIsolated from rice bran oil, it is an antioxidant mixture of various bioactive compounds, mainly esters of ferulic acid along with different sterols.
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.
Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate FiltrateA humectant moisturizing ingredient made from Saccharomyces yeast culture that contains various enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and beta-glucan.
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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alpha-Isomethyl IononeA fragrance ingredient that is supplied as a pale, yellow liquid. The scent it emits is very clean and features notes of violet and orris. Alpha-isomethyl is also used as a flavoring agent in lip care products and even in some foods and drinks.
Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Crataegus Monogyna Flower ExtractAn extract obtained from the flowers of the hawthorn bush. It has a high content of astringent and antioxidant tannins and flavonoids.
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.

Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geraniol

A fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

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.
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.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark ExtractA fragrant extract obtained from Chinese cinnamon bark with some added antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. The essential oil is responsible for its cinnamon scent.