Review of Super Moisturizers: Uncensored

ENGLEWOOD, N.J. - Oct. 21, 2015 - PRLog -- We all know moisturizers are a must. The confusing part? Picking one that works for your skin—and your budget. We tested six of the best-selling brands on the market—from department store splurges to drugstore savers—to find out which ones not only combat dehydration and benefit skin, but also which are worth spending your hard-earned money on.

Chanel Hydra Beauty Creme – $158
The Good: The active ingredient in this pricey potion is an extract of the Camellia Alba plant, which Chanel claims promotes “optimal moisture retention within the cells.” We just love its elegant fragrance and how its rich, emollient texture feels on our skin.

The Bad: Jar Packaging:  plant extracts, vitamins, antioxidants, and other ingredients begin to break down as soon as air hits them. Once you open the jar, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll be saying bye, bye to its benefits.

The Bottom Line: While this one appeals to several of our senses, its packaging and lack of stable antioxidants means you’re not getting the bang for your buck.

Crème De La Mer – $310
The Good: The gold standard when it comes to high-end hydration, this ultra-rich cream helps heal even the driest of complexions and is safe for sensitive skin. Its secret? Seaweed extract, which revitalizes with an array of micronutrients and minerals.

The Bad: Contains several potential irritants, including eucalyptus oil and lime. Then there’s that price tag.

The Bottom Line: We’d like to believe La Mer’s claim that this cream can “biologically lift skin due to its nutrient-dense nature.” Unfortunately, it’s not substantiated by science.

Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Soothing Face Cream – $64
The Good: This cream contains Hypsizygus Ulmarius and Chaga Mushrooms, which the company claims can instantly soothe skin, and Narcissus Lily Bulb, which is said to have anti-aging effects.

The ingredients support skin’s function in maintaining a stronger, healthier more youthful appearance.

The Bad: We’re a bit suspicious of the company’s anecdotal claims, but our eyebrows raised even higher when we discovered how many ingredients here can potentially be irritating to skin. We love natural ingredients—but only when they’re proven to work.

The Bottom Line: Ironically, this one’s not all that “natural,” as it contains more than its fair share of synthetic ingredients. These mushrooms are less than magical, in our opinion.

La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Riche – $36
The Good: This intensive moisturizer features a fresh, silky texture and absorbs quickly to instantly calm and hydrate parched skin.

The Bad: While shea butter, silicone, mineral oil, and urea prevent water loss and are emollient, you won’t find any age-reversing ingredients here.

The Bottom Line: A solid moisturizer with a good price point, but hardly unique. This one could benefit from a few more antioxidants and skin-repairing ingredients.

Environ Super Moisturizer – $54
The Good:  This all-natural, super-satiny cream helps comfort, repair, and revitalize dry skin and protects from environmental influences with an array of antioxidants, including Vitamins B5, E and C.

The Bad: Not widely available in stores or online.

The Bottom Line: This could be good choice for certain skin types; however, an esthetician should analyze your skin before using this product.

Dermalogica Super Rich Repair – $82
The Good: This ultra-concentrated moisturizer contains an impressive assortment of skin-saving emollients, water-binding agents, and antioxidants.

The Bad: It really stinks that Dermalogica decided to add a slew of fragrant oils—proven irritants that can potentially lead to collagen breakdown and slow down your skin’s natural healing abilities.

The Bottom Line: This product delivers immediate benefits for dry, dehydrated, and prematurely aging skin. Plus, powerful peptides help stimulate collagen production, while the acid-free smoothing complex helps improve skin’s elasticity and tone.