Shiseido Illuminating Micro-Spot Serum

Shiseido Illuminating Micro-Spot Serum
5.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.7 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using Shiseido Illuminating Micro-Spot Serum:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Shiseido Illuminating Micro-Spot Serum:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Shiseido Illuminating Micro-Spot Serum has a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.7 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Shiseido Illuminating Micro-Spot Serum has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Caffeine, two ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. 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, could deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Ingredients

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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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Ratings

All humectants
10.9
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
3.4
1.5
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10.9 10
10.0
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 3.4 20
1.7
1.5
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 10.9 10
10
All humectants
10.9
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 3.4 20
1.7
All occlusives
3.4
1.5
1.0
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 -
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
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.8 3 No
All antioxidants
1.8
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Caffeine
0.3
Sodium Metabisulfite
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.9 5 No
All soothing
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
The 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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
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.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin

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

Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Potassium Methoxysalicylate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Dimethicone
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
The 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.
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Triethylhexanoin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
An occlusive and emollient ester of glycerin and a fatty acid. It is easily spreadable and does not leave a sticky after-feel.
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Talc
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A mineral powder used as a base material for powders, make-up, and pastes that absorbs sweat and oils very well. It is also often used in baby powders. Talc should never be applied to skin with a damaged lipid barrier (e.g. wounds and burns).
Batyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A fatty alcohol that can co-emulsify and provide moisturization to the skin.
Diisostearyl Malate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An emollient ester that softens the skin and keeps it feeling smooth. It is characterized by a cushiony feel and glossy sheen, which is why it is frequently used in lip products.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
The 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.
PEG-6
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic alcohol that moisturizes skin and dissolves many other ingredients.
PEG-32
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic water-loving moisturizer that produces water gels.
Behenic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A naturally-occuring ingredient from certain plant oils, behenic acid acts as an emulsifier and surfactant and provides a soft cushiony feeling.
PEG-60 Glyceryl Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A polyethylene-based emulsifying ingredient. It has a water-loving portion and an oil-loving portion that help to keep the water and oil phases connected to form an emulsion.
Sodium Metaphosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A sodium salt that captures heavy metal ions and raises the pH.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

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.

PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An emollient ingredient that is similar to ceramides in its structure. It provides a smooth and soft feeling to the skin.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
Alumina
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A mineral derived from the metal ore known as aluminum. It is commonly used as an abrasive and also acts as a thickening viscosity controlling agent (and thus as a bulking agent). Alumina is also a great opacifier.
Potassium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Succinoglycan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
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.
Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An 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.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Under 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.
Caffeine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An 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).
Sodium Metabisulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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

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.

Citronellol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
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
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.
Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An extract obtained from the flowers of the hawthorn bush. It has a high content of astringent and antioxidant tannins and flavonoids.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
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.
Cellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A natural ingredient that can create water-based gels, absorb oils, and exfoliate the skin. One of the main functions of cellulose is as a bulking and viscosity controlling agent. Cellulose can also modify the slip aesthetics and act as an opacifying agent.
Pancratium Maritimum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Prunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A soothing extract derived from the fruit known as Jujube, or Chinese date. It contains mainly anti-inflammatory terpenoids, flavonoids, and tannins.
Pyrola Incarnata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Potentilla Erecta Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon