SK-II R.N.A. POWER Anti-Aging Essence Serum

SK-II R.N.A. POWER Anti-Aging Essence Serum
5.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.1 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
3Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle

Review

Does SK-II R.N.A. POWER Anti-Aging Essence Serum work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using SK-II R.N.A. POWER Anti-Aging Essence Serum:

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.6 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: SK-II R.N.A. POWER Anti-Aging Essence Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 3.0 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

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

According to CreamScan analysis, SK-II R.N.A. POWER Anti-Aging Essence Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.1 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%), Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%) and Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (est. ≈3.0%).

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.

Some anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, SK-II R.N.A. POWER Anti-Aging Essence Serum has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 3.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈2.0%), 
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
Among others, SK-II R.N.A. POWER Anti-Aging Essence Serum also contains Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to 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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Xylitol
Function:
Origin:
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Boron Nitride
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-20 Sorbitan Cocoate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Aminomethyl Propanol
Function:
Origin:
Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-7
Function:
Origin:
Methylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PEG-7 Olive Oil Carboxylate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Function:
Origin:
Acanthopanax Senticosus (Eleuthero) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Function:
Origin:
Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polyquaternium-7
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Function:
Origin:
Methylsilanol Tri-PEG-8 Glyceryl Cocoate
Function:
Origin:
Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
17.7
6
4
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 17.7 10
10.0
6
4
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.2 20
1.1
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 17.7 10
10
All humectants
17.7
6
4
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 2.2 20
1.1
All occlusives
2.2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 2 3
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
3
Niacinamide
3
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
2
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.6 3 No
All antioxidants
2.6
Niacinamide
2
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.6 5 No
All soothing
2.6
2
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.

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Niacinamide
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Pentylene Glycol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Est. %1.3
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.
Isopropyl Isostearate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Isopropyl IsostearateA synthetic ester that offers superior spreadability.
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
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.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Boron Nitride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Boron NitrideA synthetically made compound that has several functions. As an opacifier, it can provide a range of appearances, ranging from translucent to completely opaque. It is also an excellent absorber and is capable of high oil absorption.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
PEG-20 Sorbitan Cocoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-20 Sorbitan Cocoate
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.

Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerThis ingredient can refer to several kinds of dimethicone crosspolymers. Like other silicones, it makes products feel slippery and non-greasy but can also increase the thickness or improve the water-resistance of a formula.
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.
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.

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.
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone
Aminomethyl Propanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aminomethyl PropanolA synthetic ingredient that helps to adjust the pH of a product to make it less acidic.
Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Fruit Extract
Laureth-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laureth-7A mild but effective functional ingredient. It can emulsify (efficiently mix water and oil) without needing too much in a formula.
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.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolymethylsilsesquioxaneA type of spherical powder that functions on a ball-bearing effect in which the tiny microspheres roll around on the skin and create lubricity. Polymethylsilsesquioxane offers extra slip to skincare products and makes the skin feel soft and smooth.
Sodium PEG-7 Olive Oil Carboxylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PEG-7 Olive Oil Carboxylate
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.
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.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate

A clear, pale yellow, oil-like emollient manufactured synthetically from coconut oil and polyethylene glycol. It is also used as an emulsifying agent.

Acanthopanax Senticosus (Eleuthero) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acanthopanax Senticosus (Eleuthero) Root Extract
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.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Soy ProteinA mixture of proteins obtained from soybeans. It can have many different functions depending on the manufacturer, although it is most commonly used in skincare products as a humectant moisturizing ingredient.
Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf ExtractDerived from globe artichokes, this ingredient contains plenty of antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, organic acids, and other polyphenols.
Polyquaternium-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyquaternium-7A positively-charged ingredient that forms films to protect the rest of the product.
Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

A famous synthetically made peptide that works as a signal peptide, telling skin cells to create more collagen and other structural proteins. It has been clinically tested and found to be effective at reducing fine wrinkles.

Methylsilanol Tri-PEG-8 Glyceryl Cocoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methylsilanol Tri-PEG-8 Glyceryl Cocoate
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.
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.
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.