Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Spot Treatment

Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Spot Treatment
2.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
4.7 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
3Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Results you may expect from using Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Spot Treatment:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Spot Treatment:

  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.4 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Spot Treatment has an anti-wrinkle rating of 3.0 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Lightly moisturizing: Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Spot Treatment has a moisturizing rating of 2.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 4.7 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Niacinamide (est. ≈2.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Spot Treatment 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.
 
Among others, Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Spot Treatment also contains Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract 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 Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Spot Treatment is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
Water
6
Sulfur
4
Isoamyl Laurate
3
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
2
Niacinamide
1.5
Arabinose
1.3
Bentonite
1
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
0.3
Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate
0.3
Olive Oil Glycereth-8 Esters
0.3
Zinc PCA
0.3
Allantoin
0.3
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
0.3
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
0.3
Leptospermum Scoparium Branch/Leaf Oil
0.3
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
0.3
Corallina Officinalis Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
0.3
Amber Powder
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
0.3
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
0.3
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Root Extract
0.3
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract
0.3
Quartz
0.3
Polysorbate 60
0.3
Sorbitan Isostearate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Disodium EDTA
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Polysorbate 20
0.3
Alcohol Denat.
0.3
Chlorphenesin
0.3
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
0.3
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Sulfur
Function:
Origin:
Isoamyl Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Arabinose
Function:
Origin:
Bentonite
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Olive Oil Glycereth-8 Esters
Function:
Origin:
Zinc PCA
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Leptospermum Scoparium Branch/Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Amber Powder
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Quartz
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
4.7
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 4.7 10
4.7
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 4.7 10
4.7
All humectants
4.7
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
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
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
-
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 4.4 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.4
Niacinamide
2
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
0.3
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
0.3
Corallina Officinalis Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
0.3
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
0.3
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 3.8 5 No
All soothing
3.8
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
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.
Sulfur
Est. %6
Function
Origin
SulfurSulfur is a registered OTC drug ingredient that can be used to fight acne. As a keratolytic, it helps remove dead skin buildup.
Isoamyl Laurate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Isoamyl LaurateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced ester (simple oil) and is often used as a silicone alternative. It is has a light feeling and improves the spreadability of products while making skin feel soft and non-sticky.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Cetyl EthylhexanoateA clear, pale yellow liquid, that functions as an emollient and a solvent, meaning that it is useful for dissolving oil-soluble ingredients.
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.

Arabinose
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Arabinose
Bentonite
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
BentoniteA naturally occurring material that has a variety of functions. It is used as absorbent, since the bentonite can absorb oils produced by the skin and prevent a greasy appearance. It is also a great opacifier.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate
Olive Oil Glycereth-8 Esters
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Olive Oil Glycereth-8 Esters
Zinc PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zinc PCAA two-part ingredient: Zinc helps to control sebum and bacteria in acne-prone skin, while skin-identical PCA is a moisturizing humectant. Zinc PCA may even boost collagen production and so is researched as a potential anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf OilA fragrant and antioxidant essential tea tree oil praised for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Tea tree oil helps to treat acne, inflamed skin, and small wounds. It might, however, cause allergies and skin irritations.
Leptospermum Scoparium Branch/Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Leptospermum Scoparium Branch/Leaf Oil
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root ExtractAn extract derived from the thick roots of curcuma (turmeric), a famous yellow spice and a major ingredient in curry powder. It is used in skincare for its proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Corallina Officinalis ExtractAn extract from red marine alga, Corallina officinalis is used in skincare for its antioxidant properties. It also contains an immense amount of calcium and special, sulfur-containing polysaccharides.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Leaf ExtractAn antimicrobial and antioxidant extract derived from Neem leaves – an Indian traditional medicine. Neem leaves have been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal activity. It is also a prospective anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Amber Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Amber Powder
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractAn antioxidant extract derived from the flowers of the Indian lilac, also known as Neem. It is often used in traditional medicine in India. The Neem flower extracts contain limonoids, which are currently under research for their anti-pigment activity.
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coccinia Indica Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from the cucumber-like fruits of ivy gourd. It contains a large amount of soothing mucilage as well as some antioxidant carotenoids. It has also been shown that the extract may have some anti-allergy properties.
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Root Extract
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf ExtractA fragrant extract derived from the flowering basil plant that contains essential oil and antioxidants such as terpenes, flavonoids, and vitamin K.
Quartz
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
QuartzA naturally occurring mineral that functions as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
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.

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.
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.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilA castor oil-derived ingredient often used to incorporate small amounts of oil (such as a fragrance) into a water-based product. PEG-4 HCO is a gold-standard solubilizer and can be used in low amounts due to its ability to solubilize things so well.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.