The Saem Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick

The Saem Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick
5.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Results you may expect from using The Saem Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using The Saem Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: The Saem Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.2 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: The Saem Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈9.0%) and Xylitol (est. ≈2.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, The Saem Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.2 out of 10.

It contains 3 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Niacinamide (est. ≈1.3%),
     one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
  • Glycolic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
     highly effective in peelings, yet with below-average anti-wrinkle efficacy when used in leave-on skincare products.
  • Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
     or Vitamin C, a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, yet with average efficacy confirmed by only one study.
Among others, The Saem Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick also contains Adenosine, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Adenosine 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 The Saem Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈1.3%), Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract (est. ≈0.3%), Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract (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
Water
9
Butylene Glycol
6
Alcohol
4
Sodium Stearate
3
Sodium Palmitate
2.5
PEG-12 Dimethicone
2
Xylitol
1.5
Glycerin
1.3
Niacinamide
1
PEG-8
0.3
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
0.3
Dimethicone
0.3
Sodium Citrate
0.3
Potassium Alginate
0.3
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Xanthan Gum
0.3
Fragrance
0.3
1,2-Hexanediol
0.3
Citric Acid
0.3
Laminaria Japonica Extract
0.3
Cetraria Islandica Extract
0.3
Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Extract
0.3
Adenosine
0.3
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
0.3
Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract
0.3
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
0.3
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
0.3
Polyglutamic Acid
0.3
Glycolic Acid
0.3
Arginine
0.3
Carnosine
0.3
Glutathione
0.3
Acetyl Cysteine
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
sh-Octapeptide-4
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Xylitol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8
Function:
Origin:
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Alginate
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Laminaria Japonica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cetraria Islandica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polyglutamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Carnosine
Function:
Origin:
Glutathione
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Cysteine
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
sh-Octapeptide-4
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
16.0
9
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 16.0 10
10.0
9
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 16.0 10
10
All humectants
16.0
9
2
1.5
1.3
1
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 1.3 2
1.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.2
Niacinamide
2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Glycolic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.7
Niacinamide
1.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
0.3
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
0.3
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
0.3
Carnosine
0.3
Glutathione
0.3
Acetyl Cysteine
0.3
sh-Octapeptide-4
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.2 5 No
All soothing
2.2
1.3
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Butylene GlycolA 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.
Alcohol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
Sodium Stearate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Sodium StearateA naturally derived thickener with emulsifying and cleansing properties.
Sodium Palmitate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Sodium Palmitate
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
PEG-12 DimethiconeA synthetic silicone that improves lubricity and absorption.
Xylitol
Est. %2
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.
Glycerin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Niacinamide
Est. %1.3
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.

PEG-8
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PEG-8A synthetic liquid that serves as a humectant. It also works as a solvent because of its ability to dissolve a wide range of ingredients.
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl SilaneA silicone with the unusual trait of being able to disperse in water. It moisturizes the skin as a humectant and leaves a soft and smooth after-feel. This ingredient also has foam-boosting properties.
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.
Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
Potassium Alginate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Alginate
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methyl Methacrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used for bulking, film-forming, and controlling viscosity. It can absorb large amounts of water and oil and creates a network for other ingredients to live in.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Laminaria Japonica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laminaria Japonica ExtractDerived from a species of edible seaweed, this extract contains many different moisturizing and gel-forming polysaccharides.
Cetraria Islandica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetraria Islandica Extract
Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Extract
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root ExtractA fragrant and anti-inflammatory extract derived from ginger roots. It is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine. In can increase blood circulation, which helps with skin healing and skin metabolism.
Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root ExtractAn extract from the roots of the Japanese knotweed, a plant from East Asia that has spread around the world as an invasive plant. It contains various antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potentially anti-pigment (more tests are necessary) phytochemicals.
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit ExtractA pepper extract that is claimed to have antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Polyglutamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglutamic AcidA natural polymer with incredible water-binding properties that is prepared from glutamic acid through fermentation.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums.

Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
Carnosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarnosineA skin-identical dipeptide that acts as a powerful antioxidant. It protects our skin from harmful glycation and can enhance the activity of other active ingredients in the skincare product.
Glutathione
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlutathioneA naturally occurring tripeptide that combats free radicals and acts as a reducing agent.
Acetyl Cysteine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Cysteine
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

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.

sh-Octapeptide-4
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Octapeptide-4