True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence Review

True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence has to offer:
 
✅ Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
✅ Soothing: True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence:
 

🔵 Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈80.0%), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈4.0%) and Davidsonia Jerseyana Fruit Extract (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

📌 Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

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

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈80.0%), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈4.0%), Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract (est. ≈3.0%), 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.

🔴 Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈80.0%) and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈4.0%).

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: True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

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.

Pros & Cons of True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
✅ 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 ingredients like Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, making it ideal for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
Rich in antioxidants, True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation. This product is also formulated with a high concentration of soothing ingredients, offering the potential to calm and comfort irritated skin. Whether you’re experiencing redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, its soothing properties may help restore balance and provide relief.
 
That said, there are some things about True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence worth noting.
 
Looking at its moisturizing profile, we found that it doesn’t contain any occlusive ingredients, potentially allowing the moisture attracted to the skin by humectants to evaporate. Therefore, if it’s used as the only moisturizer in a routine, it’s recommended to pair it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
80
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Water
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Davidsonia Jerseyana Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polygonum Fagopyrum (Buckwheat) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Bromelain
Function:
Origin:
Papain
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Phenethyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
86.3
80
4
2
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 86.3 10
10.0
80
4
2
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
80
4
2
0.3
All humectants 86.3 10
10
All humectants
86.3
80
4
2
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 80 -
Total
0
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
80
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
80
4
3
2
0.3
All antioxidants 89.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
89.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
80
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
4
Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
3
Davidsonia Jerseyana Fruit Extract
2
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
80
4
1.3
All soothing 85.3 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
85.3
80
4
1.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %80
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Water
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Water
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Microcitrus Australasica Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant and exfoliating extract from caviar lime, a citrus fruit that looks like caviar. The fruits are rich in citric acid (an AHA) and also contain antioxidant vitamin C, phenolic compounds, and a lime-scented essential oil.
Davidsonia Jerseyana Fruit Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Davidsonia Jerseyana Fruit Extract
Polygonum Fagopyrum (Buckwheat) Seed Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Polygonum Fagopyrum (Buckwheat) Seed Extract
Bromelain
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
BromelainA mixture of enzymes extracted from the pineapple plant. It acts as a skin-softening agent and mild exfoliant by breaking down proteins.
Papain
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PapainAn enzyme that is obtained from papaya fruits. It acts as a mild exfoliant with skin-softening benefits.
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.

Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
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.
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
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.
Water
Est. %0.3
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.
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 Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Phenethyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phenethyl AlcoholA multifunctional ingredient that primarily serves as a preservative. Derived from the Chinese cinnamon tree, it provides broad-spectrum protection for skincare products through its antimicrobial efficacy.