Shiseido Wrinkle Smoothing Contour Serum Review

Shiseido Wrinkle Smoothing Contour Serum
6.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does Shiseido Wrinkle Smoothing Contour Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Shiseido Wrinkle Smoothing Contour Serum has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.8 out of 10.

Key Benefits of Shiseido Wrinkle Smoothing Contour Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Shiseido Wrinkle Smoothing Contour Serum:
 

Perfect Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin with a balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy

According to CreamScan analysis, Shiseido Wrinkle Smoothing Contour Serum is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a very high humectancy of 8.9 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈2.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 4.6 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate (est. ≈4.0%) and Dimethicone (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with normal skin who want maximum hydration in a formula with a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy. 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 balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy.

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 Wrinkle Smoothing Contour Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Shiseido Wrinkle Smoothing Contour Serum to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Shiseido Wrinkle Smoothing Contour 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 Retinyl Acetate, Caffeine, 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 exclude 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 accessible 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 Wrinkle Smoothing Contour Serum

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

Pros:

  • Perfect for moisturizing normal skin
  • Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
  • Can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of a skincare routine for dry skin

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
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
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
SD Alcohol 40-B
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
PEG-400
Function:
Origin:
Batyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Methylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Trisodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Polyquaternium-51
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Caffeine
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
PPG-3 Dipivalate
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Sapindus Mukorossi Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metabisulfite
Function:
Origin:
Triisostearin
Function:
Origin:
Uncaria Gambir Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Trimethylolpropane Triethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Cellulose
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyproline
Function:
Origin:
Ziziphus Jujuba Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Function:
Origin:
Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Tetradecene
Function:
Origin:
Eucheuma Serra/Saccharina Angustata/Ulva Linza Extract
Function:
Origin:
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Rhizome Extract
Function:
Origin:
Saccharina Angustata/Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
Function:
Origin:
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Dipalmitate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.9
6
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
9.1
4.0
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.9 10
8.9
6
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 9.1 20
4.6
4.0
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.9 10
8.9
All humectants
8.9
6
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 9.1 20
4.6
All occlusives
9.1
4.0
3.0
0.3
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 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Retinyl Acetate
-
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
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
All antioxidants 2.4 3 No
All antioxidants
2.4
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Caffeine
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Sodium Metabisulfite
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
0.3
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
0.3
Ascorbyl Dipalmitate
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. %65
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.

Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Est. %4
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.
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.
Glycerin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %1.5
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.
SD Alcohol 40-B
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
SD Alcohol 40-BA natural ingredient containing a denaturant to discourage drinking.
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %1
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.
PEG-400
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-400
Batyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Batyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol that can co-emulsify and provide moisturization to the skin.
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.
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.
Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
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.
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.

Retinyl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl AcetateAn esterified vitamin A that has improved stability. It is not yet known if it gets converted into retinoic acid in the skin or if has the same anti-aging properties as retinol.
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.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Polyquaternium-51
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyquaternium-51A biocompatible phospholipid copolymer that is designed to mimic the lipid-based cell membrane found in human skin. Its main function is as a humectant moisturizer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PPG-3 Dipivalate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-3 Dipivalate
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Canina Fruit OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil extracted from the little hard seeds inside of the red, fleshy rosehip. It contains mainly emollient fatty acids and a very high amount of antioxidant carotenoids, which give the oil its light orange color.
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)Also known as iron (III) oxide, this ingredient is a yellow-colored pigment that can either be derived from minerals or produced synthetically. It adds yellow tones to cosmetic products.
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.

Sapindus Mukorossi Peel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sapindus Mukorossi Peel Extract
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.
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.
Triisostearin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triisostearin
Uncaria Gambir Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Uncaria Gambir Extract
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.

Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Trimethylolpropane Triethylhexanoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trimethylolpropane Triethylhexanoate
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.

Cellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CelluloseA 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.
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.

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.
Hydroxyproline
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyprolineAn amino acid that may promote collagen synthesis.
Ziziphus Jujuba Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ziziphus Jujuba Seed Extract
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chlorella Vulgaris ExtractA dried mass of tiny, single-cell green algae. It is widely used as a food source or dietary supplement since it is rich in proteins, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. This dark green extract is used as an antioxidant agent in skincare.
Methicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethiconeA silicone oil that can function as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Occasionally, methicone is used as a surface modifier for various pigments to improve the longevity and vibrancy of colorants.
Tetradecene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetradecene
Eucheuma Serra/Saccharina Angustata/Ulva Linza Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Eucheuma Serra/Saccharina Angustata/Ulva Linza Extract
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Rhizome Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Rhizome Extract
Saccharina Angustata/Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharina Angustata/Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
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.
Ascorbyl Dipalmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl Dipalmitate