Stark Skincare CITY Light Daytime Oil Review

Stark Skincare CITY Light Daytime Oil
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Stark Skincare CITY Light Daytime Oil Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Stark Skincare CITY Light Daytime Oil has to offer:
 
  • Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10, impaired by the absence of humectants.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Stark Skincare CITY Light Daytime Oil has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.0 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Stark Skincare CITY Light Daytime Oil contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Stark Skincare CITY Light Daytime Oil

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Stark Skincare CITY Light Daytime Oil:
 

Very Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Stark Skincare CITY Light Daytime Oil is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely occlusive. It has zero Humectancy (we didn't find any humectant ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil (est. ≈50.0%), Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil (est. ≈11.0%) and Camelina Sativa Seed Oil (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of Stark Skincare CITY Light Daytime Oil suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

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

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Stark Skincare CITY Light Daytime Oil has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (est. ≈2.0%), 
 the only derivative of ascorbic acid with solid evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy. A single clinical study involving 23 participants (Mariko et al.) demonstrated that a cream with 1% ATIP reduced the average depth of periorbital wrinkles by 6% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ATIP).
 
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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Stark Skincare CITY Light Daytime Oil is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil (est. ≈50.0%), Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil (est. ≈3.0%) and Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (est. ≈2.0%).

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.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Stark Skincare CITY Light Daytime Oil is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Camelina Sativa Seed Oil (est. ≈6.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

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: Stark Skincare CITY Light Daytime Oil

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Stark Skincare CITY Light Daytime Oil to your skincare routine:
 

Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Stark Skincare CITY Light Daytime Oil contains no humectants at all.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding water-binding humectants to their moisturizing routine for effective dual-action moisturizing. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Stark Skincare CITY Light Daytime Oil

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Stark Skincare CITY Light Daytime Oil to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing Camelina Sativa Seed Oil

Cons: 

  • May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
50
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
Function:
Origin:
C13-15 Alkane
Function:
Origin:
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Camelina Sativa Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Function:
Origin:
Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Isododecane
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Equisetum Arvense Juice
Function:
Origin:
Rhodiola Rosea Callus
Function:
Origin:
Urtica Dioica (Nettle)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
74.3
50.0
11.0
6.0
4.0
3.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
None
Occlusivity All occlusives 74.3 20
10.0
50.0
11.0
6.0
4.0
3.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
None
All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
50
11
6
4
3
0.3
All occlusives 74.3 20
10.0
All occlusives
74.3
50.0
11.0
6.0
4.0
3.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2 /10 1 2 2
Total
2
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2 /10
when present at, %
1
in this formula, est. %
2
Anti-wrinkle rating
2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
50
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 57.1 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
57.1
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
50
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
3
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
2
Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract
1.5
Tocopherol
0.3
Rhodiola Rosea Callus
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
6
All soothing 6 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
6
6
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
Est. %50
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran OilExtracted from the outer layer of rice grains, this oil is rich in occlusive moisturizing and emollient omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and a potent antioxidant γ-oryzanol. It may have beneficial effects on dry or sun-damaged skin, as well as eczema.
C13-15 Alkane
Est. %22
Function
Origin
C13-15 Alkane
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Cannabis Sativa Seed OilAlso known as hemp seed oil, an occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil derived from the seeds of industrial hemp. It has nothing to do with full-spectrum CBD or THC. It contains unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant phytosterols, phytol, and vitamin E.
Camelina Sativa Seed Oil
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Camelina Sativa Seed OilAn oil expressed from wild flax seeds. It is a good base oil due to its moisturizing (occlusive) and emollient properties, its fatty acid composition, and its high content of antioxidants.
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing fatty oil expressed from raspberry seeds. It is a rich source of linoleic, α-linolenic, and palmitic fatty acids.
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed OilDerived from cranberry seeds, this rich-in-antioxidants oil contains a combination of emollient and occlusive moisturizing omega-3,-6, and -9 fatty acids.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (ATIP) is an oil-soluble derivative of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C. It is more stable than ascorbic acid, with studies supporting its collagen-boosting and anti-pigment effects.

Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Sambucus Nigra Fruit ExtractA soothing extract of elderberries that is packed with astringent tannins and antioxidant anthocyanins.
Isododecane
Est. %1
Function
Origin
IsododecaneAn emollient derived from petroleum with high spreadability. It is often used as a replacement for oils and silicones because it leaves no residue behind on the skin. When a product is labeled as “oil-free” it may contain isododecane instead of heavier oils.
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.

Equisetum Arvense Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Equisetum Arvense Juice
Rhodiola Rosea Callus
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rhodiola Rosea Callus
Urtica Dioica (Nettle)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Urtica Dioica (Nettle)