Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment

Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment
3.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.4 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
1.6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment:

  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.4 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment has an anti-wrinkle rating of 1.6 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

How moisturizing is it?

Lightly moisturizing: Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment has a moisturizing rating of 3.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.4 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 6.5 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Propanediol (est. ≈3.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈2.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment has a minimal anti-wrinkle rating of 1.6 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:
    • Glycolic Acid (est. ≈4.0%),
       highly effective in peelings, yet with below-average anti-wrinkle efficacy when used in leave-on skincare products.
    • Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
       one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
Among others, Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment also contains Retinyl Palmitate, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Retinyl Palmitate 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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
7.5
4
3
2
1.5
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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Ratings

All humectants
6.5
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.5 10
6.5
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.5 10
6.5
All humectants
6.5
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
1.5 /10 5 4 1.2
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
1.6
Glycolic Acid
1.2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
4
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
1.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.4 3 No
All antioxidants
2.4
Niacinamide
0.3
Alpha-Arbutin
0.3
Glutathione
0.3
Kojic Acid
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
0.3
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
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. %70
Function
Origin
The 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.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Glycolic Acid
Est. %4
Function
Origin

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.

Propanediol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
An 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. %2
Function
Origin

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

Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
A 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.
Oligopeptide-68
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

Description is coming soon

Alpha-Arbutin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Glutathione
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A naturally occurring tripeptide that combats free radicals and acts as a reducing agent.
Kojic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A bioactive compound isolated from various fungi or fermented products. It is one of the most common and potent anti-pigment and brightening ingredients, and has been successfully tested on humans.
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but also much less effective in its anti-aging and acne-reducing effects.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
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.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An extract obtained from black willow bark. It contains astringent tannins and salicin (which is converted to salicylic acid). Salicin has similar anti-inflammatory activity to aspirin.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A fragrant, astringent essential water obtained by steeping and distilling the twigs and leaves of the witch hazel plant. It leaves the skin feeling tight and refreshed after application and helps with the healing of small cuts on the skin.
Arnica Montana Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A healing and soothing extract derived from the flowers of wolf’s bane. It contains a wide range of anti-inflammatory compounds such as sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, amines, and an essential oil with a thyme-like scent.
Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

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.

Azelaic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A powerful dermatological ingredient that helps to treat acne and various pigmentation issues. It appears both in medicated creams and regular skincare. It reduces redness and inflammation but can be irritating in high concentrations.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A white mineral powder mainly used in skincare as a physical sunscreen. It protects against UVA light that leads to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Zinc oxide can also be used as a colorant to enhance the whiteness of a product.
Echinacea Angustifolia Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A soothing and antioxidant extract from prickly pear succulent stems. These stems contain a cooling and anti-inflammatory watery gel that is similar to aloe.
Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An 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.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium 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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
Sodium Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium oleate is a sodium salt of oleic acid. It has the typical properties of soap: it foams in water and emulsifies oil into tiny droplets. It comes in the form of a white powder and is used in skincare products exactly as you would expect – as a cleanser and emulsifier.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.
Polyacrylate-13
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic, film-forming ingredient that creates a network around other ingredients in the formula and protects them from being easily washed away.
Polyisobutene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A highly viscous liquid that is used in lip gloss formulations to prolong wear time and add shimmer. Polyisobutene dramatically increases the thickness of skincare products it is added to.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A polymeric ingredient that creates lightweight and refreshing gel textures. It also works as a viscosity controlling agent.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
The 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.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
The 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.
PEG-40 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
This PEG, or polyethylene glycol, is excellent at emulsifying water and oil together to form oil-in-water emulsions. Due to its water-loving nature, PEG-40 stearate can also act as a cleansing agent.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Sorbitan Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A vegetable-derived ingredient most commonly used as an emulsifier to stabilize water and oil mixtures.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
Benzoic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A preservative effective against fungi, yeast, and some bacteria. It is commonly paired with phenoxyethanol to create a broad spectrum preservation system. Benzoic acid can also serve as a pH adjuster, fragrance, and bulking agent.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An occlusive moisturizing oil expressed from soybeans. It does not leave an oily feeling on the skin due to its low content of saturated fatty acids. Glycine soja oil contains emollient fatty acids and a significant amount of antioxidants.