e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream

A sophisticated, lightweight anti-aging moisturizer featuring peptides and niacinamide to smooth fine lines while providing a velvety, matte finish.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This moisturizer features an excellent blend of proven active ingredients and hydrators. Niacinamide is high on the list, offering skin-brightening and barrier-strengthening benefits. The inclusion of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (commonly known as Matrixyl 3000) provides strong anti-aging properties by stimulating collagen production. Squalane and Sodium Hyaluronate ensure deep hydration and moisture retention, while Dimethicone and Silica provide a smooth, cosmetically elegant texture.

Safety Rating: 3.8

The formula is generally safe for most users, utilizing standard preservatives like Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin. However, the inclusion of added Fragrance (Parfum) significantly lowers the safety score for individuals with sensitive or reactive skin, as it is a common allergen. Additionally, Polyethylene is a microplastic; while safe for topical application on human skin, it raises environmental concerns.

Final Rating: 4.2

This is a high-performing facial moisturizer that goes beyond basic hydration by including powerhouse ingredients like Peptides and Niacinamide. It is well-suited for anti-aging and barrier maintenance. The texture system (Silicones and Starches) suggests a pleasant, non-greasy finish. The only drawback preventing a higher score is the presence of Fragrance, which limits its suitability for very sensitive skin types.

Verdict

This facial moisturizer is a robust formulation designed to target the visible signs of aging while maintaining a cosmetically elegant texture. At the core of its efficacy is the inclusion of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. Often recognized as the famous duo Matrixyl 3000, these signaling peptides work synergistically to stimulate collagen production, helping to firm the skin and reduce the depth of wrinkles over time. This anti-aging action is bolstered by Niacinamide, a powerhouse ingredient known for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier, brighten the complexion, and regulate oil production, making this product versatile for various skin concerns. In terms of hydration and moisture, the formula strikes a careful balance. It utilizes Glycerin, Trehalose, and Sodium Hyaluronate to bind water to the skin, ensuring deep hydration. These humectants are supported by Squalane, a highly compatible bio-identical oil that moisturizes without feeling heavy or greasy. The addition of Panthenol (Vitamin B5) provides a soothing touch, helping to calm the skin and reduce redness. The texture of this product is particularly noteworthy. With a base containing Isohexadecane, Dimethicone, and texture enhancers like Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate and Silica, the moisturizer is engineered to dry down to a soft-focus, matte finish. This makes it an exceptional choice for daytime use, as it blurs imperfections and acts as a gripping primer for makeup application. It avoids the sticky or shiny residue often associated with heavy anti-aging creams. However, the product is not without potential drawbacks. The inclusion of Fragrance (Parfum) at the end of the ingredient list may pose a risk for those with reactive or sensitive skin. Additionally, Isopropyl Isostearate is a rich emollient that, while effective for moisture retention, can be comedogenic for users who are very prone to congestion or breakouts. Overall, this is a well-engineered product best suited for normal, combination, or dry skin types looking for preventative aging care. It offers a luxurious feel and potent actives, provided the user’s skin tolerates fragrance.

Who Is This Product For?

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Key Actives & Skin-Replenishing Ingredients / 关键活性成分与皮肤补充成分

🧪 Niacinamide / 烟酰胺

Purpose: Skin brightening, barrier repair, pore refining

Concerns: Generally safe; can cause flushing in high concentrations

Notes: A form of Vitamin B3 that offers multiple benefits including anti-aging and anti-acne properties.

🧪 Squalane / 角鲨烷

Purpose: Emollient, antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: A highly stable, skin-identical moisturizer derived from olive or sugar cane.

🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant, hydration

Concerns: None

Notes: The salt form of hyaluronic acid; holds 1,000 times its weight in water.

🧪 Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 / 棕榈酰三肽-1

Purpose: Anti-aging, skin restoration

Concerns: None

Notes: Part of the peptide complex known as Matrixyl 3000; stimulates collagen production.

🧪 Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 / 棕榈酰四肽-7

Purpose: Anti-aging, soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Part of the peptide complex known as Matrixyl 3000; reduces inflammation.

🧪 Panthenol (VB5) / 泛醇 (维生素B5)

Purpose: Soothing, humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Pro-vitamin B5; excellent for calming irritated skin and improving barrier function.

🧪 Trehalose / 海藻糖

Purpose: Humectant, moisturizer

Concerns: None

Notes: A sugar found in plants that helps skin retain moisture.

📁 Emollients, Solvents & Hydrators / 润肤剂、溶剂与保湿剂

🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary base for the formulation.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A classic, effective moisturizing ingredient that draws water into the skin.

🧪 Isohexadecane / 异十六烷

Purpose: Emollient, solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a dry, non-greasy finish to the product.

🧪 Stearyl Heptanoate / 庚酸硬脂酯

Purpose: Emollient, wax

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps soften the skin and form a protective barrier.

🧪 Isopropyl Isostearate / 异硬脂酸异丙酯

Purpose: Emollient, binder

Concerns: May be comedogenic for some oily skin types

Notes: Improves the spreadability of the cream.

🧪 Butylene Glycol / 丁二醇

Purpose: Solvent, humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps dissolve ingredients and improves texture.

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Occlusive, texture enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: A silicone that forms a breathable barrier and gives a silky slip.

📁 Texture Enhancers & Thickeners / 质地改良剂与增稠剂

🧪 Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate / 淀粉辛烯基琥珀酸铝

Purpose: Absorbent, texture enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps absorb oil and gives a matte finish.

🧪 Polymethylsilsesquioxane / 聚甲基硅倍半氧烷

Purpose: Texture enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: A silicone polymer that provides a smooth, powdery feel.

🧪 Silica / 硅石

Purpose: Absorbent, thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Used to improve texture and absorb excess oil.

🧪 Polyethylene / 聚乙烯

Purpose: Viscosity control, film former

Concerns: Environmental concern (microplastic)

Notes: Used for texture, though being phased out in many regions due to environmental impact.

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener, gelling agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates the gel-like structure of the cream.

🧪 Polyacrylate-13 / 聚丙烯酸酯-13

Purpose: Film former, stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps stabilize the emulsion.

🧪 Polyisobutene / 聚异丁烯

Purpose: Binder, film former

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents water loss.

🧪 Stearic Acid / 硬脂酸

Purpose: Thickener, emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty acid used to harden the texture.

🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Fatty alcohol, thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Non-drying alcohol that softens skin and thickens the formula.

📁 Emulsifiers / 乳化剂

🧪 Cetearyl Olivate / 鲸蜡硬脂醇橄榄油酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from olive oil; mimics skin’s lipid structure.

🧪 Sorbitan Olivate / 山梨坦橄榄油酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Often paired with Cetearyl Olivate for a liquid crystal structure.

🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps oil and water mix.

🧪 PEG-100 Stearate / PEG-100 硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: Potential for contamination if not purified (1,4-dioxane)

Notes: Commonly used with Glyceryl Stearate to stabilize creams.

🧪 Polysorbate 20 / 聚山梨醇酯-20

Purpose: Emulsifier, solubilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps mix fragrance or small amounts of oil into water.

📁 Preservatives, Stabilizers & Fragrance / 防腐剂、稳定剂与香精

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Can be irritating to sensitive skin in high amounts

Notes: A standard cosmetic preservative.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative booster, skin conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Often paired with phenoxyethanol.

🧪 Caprylyl Glycol / 辛甘醇

Purpose: Humectant, preservative booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Adds moisture and anti-microbial properties.

🧪 Disodium EDTA / EDTA 二钠

Purpose: Chelating agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents metals in water from degrading the product.

🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common sensitizer/allergen

Notes: Adds a pleasant smell but can irritate sensitive skin.