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

Does Shiseido Illuminating Micro-Spot Serum work?

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

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.

Lightweight moisturizer ideal for oily skin and a humectant boost for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, Shiseido Illuminating Micro-Spot Serum is quite moisturizing, with 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%).

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.

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.

Questionable 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 often 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, 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.

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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Methoxysalicylate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Triethylhexanoin
Function:
Origin:
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Talc
Function:
Origin:
Batyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Diisostearyl Malate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-6
Function:
Origin:
PEG-32
Function:
Origin:
Behenic Acid
Function:
Origin:
PEG-60 Glyceryl Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metaphosphate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Alumina
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Succinoglycan
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Caffeine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metabisulfite
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Cellulose
Function:
Origin:
Pancratium Maritimum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pyrola Incarnata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Potentilla Erecta Root Extract
Function:
Origin:

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
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.
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.

Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %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.
Potassium Methoxysalicylate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Potassium Methoxysalicylate
Dimethicone
Est. %1.5
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.
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %1.3
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.
Triethylhexanoin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
TriethylhexanoinAn 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
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Talc
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TalcA 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
Batyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol that can co-emulsify and provide moisturization to the skin.
Diisostearyl Malate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diisostearyl MalateAn 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