SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex

SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex
3.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex:

  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.8 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Lightly moisturizing: SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex has a moisturizing rating of 3.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.5 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 7.0 out of 10, due to the high content of Phytantriol (est. ≈4.0%) and Ethoxydiglycol (est. ≈3.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈22.0%), 
 or Vitamin C, a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, yet with average efficacy confirmed by only one study.
 
Among others, SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex also contains Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate 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, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

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

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈22.0%) and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (est. ≈11.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
50
22
11
6
4
3
1
1
1
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Ratings

All humectants
7.0
4
3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.0
1.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7 10
7.0
4
3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.0 20
0.5
1.0
Moisturizing rating
3.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
3
All humectants 7 10
7
All humectants
7.0
4
3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1
All occlusives 1.0 20
0.5
All occlusives
1.0
1.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 22 2.5
n/a
- 11 -
Total
2.5
Ascorbic Acid
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
22
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
11
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
22
11
1
1
All antioxidants 35 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
35
Ascorbic Acid
22
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
11
Tocopheryl Acetate
1
Tocopherol
1
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1
All soothing 1 5 No
All soothing
1
1
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %50
Function
Origin
A lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %22
Function
Origin

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %11
Function
Origin
A lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
Polysilicone-11
Est. %6
Function
Origin
A synthetic rubber-like substance of the silicone family that has no color or distinct scent. These are large molecules that cannot penetrate the skin but instead create a thin silky film on the skin's surface.
Phytantriol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Ethoxydiglycol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
A type of alcohol with humectant moisturizing properties. It also acts as a solvent, since it mixes well with a variety of other compounds, including water and even some oils.
Bisabolol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
An anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %1
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.

Tocopherol
Est. %1
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.