Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream

Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream
6.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream:

  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.8 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Lightweight moisturizer perfect for oily to normal skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream 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 maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Propanediol (est. ≈9.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.6 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈4.0%) and Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters (est. ≈2.5%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

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

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, an ingredient often 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 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.

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Alpha-Arbutin (est. ≈1.0%), Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract (est. ≈0.3%), Sodium Hyaluronate (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

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
60
9
6
4
3
2.5
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Macadamiate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Isododecane
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Alpha-Arbutin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Tetrasodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Strelitzia Nicolai Seed Aril Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum
Function:
Origin:
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Papain
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Algin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Malic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Tin Oxide
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
17.4
9
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
7.1
4.0
2.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 17.4 10
10.0
9
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 7.1 20
3.6
4.0
2.5
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 17.4 10
10
All humectants
17.4
9
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
2.5
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 7.1 20
3.6
All occlusives
7.1
4.0
2.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Melia Azadirachta 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
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
All antioxidants 4.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.6
Alpha-Arbutin
1
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
0.3
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
0.3
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
0.3
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
0.3
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract
0.3
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
0.3
Corallina Officinalis Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.1 5 No
All soothing
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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.
Propanediol
Est. %9
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Ethyl Macadamiate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Macadamiate
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Jojoba EstersAn occlusive moisturizing mixture of fatty acids and fatty alcohols obtained from jojoba oil. It is also used as a formula helper.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Isododecane
Est. %1.5
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.
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acrylates CopolymerA synthetic polymer that can come in various forms and is often used to create light gel-like textures. Some versions can also create a light film on the skin.
Alpha-Arbutin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Alpha-Arbutin
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.
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) ExtractAn extract derived from cucumbers that offers soothing, cooling, and emollient properties.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.

Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer

A synthetic ingredient registered as Penstia Powder trademark. It gives a silky and creamy texture to a formula, allowing a product glide smoothly on the skin. It also helps bind other ingredients together and achieve desired consistency and thickness.

Lauryl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lauryl Dimethicone
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneA viscous liquid that makes a great oil base due to its smooth sensorial profile. It has emollient features, including good spreadability and little tack upon application. It also has the added benefit of being able to thicken products.
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.
Tetrasodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrasodium EDTAOne of the most common synthetic chelators. It can reduce the 'hardness' of water and so is often used in rinse-off products.
Strelitzia Nicolai Seed Aril Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Strelitzia Nicolai Seed Aril Extract
Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed ExtractDerived from horse chestnut seeds, this soothing extract contains an anti-inflammatory mixture called Aescin. It is suitable for inflamed and irritated skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerA modified version of regular hyaluronic acid. It attracts large volumes of water, thereby making it an effective humectant moisturizing ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Papain
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PapainAn enzyme that is obtained from papaya fruits. It acts as a mild exfoliant with skin-softening benefits.
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.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Algin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlginA plant-based ingredient that can form gels when added to water, so it can thicken water-based products. Algin serves as a binding agent, where it helps hold the other ingredients in the product together and prevents them from separating.
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.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
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.
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) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit ExtractAn under-researched extract obtained from the eggplant fruit. Eggplant contains plant pigments called anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, which are excellent antioxidants.
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Flower ExtractAn extract obtained the flowers of Aloe vera – which are a rich source of antioxidant flavonoids (mainly apigenin). It also contains a bit of the emollient mucilage.
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf ExtractAn extract derived from the leaves of Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, a traditional herb used in Ayurveda medicine. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory rosmarinic acid, galic acid, flavonoids, and a sweet-scented essential oil.
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.
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.
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.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Potassium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Benzoate
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
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.

Malic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malic AcidA simple organic alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) commonly found in unripe fruits. It is more gentle of an exfoliant when compared to the famous and potent glycolic and lactic acids.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Synthetic FluorphlogopiteAlso known as synthetic mica, this ingredient’s best property is its ability to form thin, sheet-like crystals. This gives products (mostly makeup) great slip.
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.
Tin Oxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tin OxideA multi-functional mineral that increases the physical space a product takes up, increases the viscosity of liquid products, and, when used as an opacifying agent, makes a transparent or translucent product become opaque or solid in color.