Vitamin E Cream
What it's good for
Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.
A gentle smoother and skin-soother. Reduces flakiness and helps the surface look more even.
Good for: Anti-inflammatory, Hydrating
Calms irritation and adds light hydration. The classic for sunburned or reactive skin.
Good for: Anti-inflammatory, Hydrating
A wax film former that quietly does what petrolatum does (slows water loss and shields chapped skin) without feeling slick. Most evidence comes from honey/beeswax/olive-oil cerates that have shown improvement in dry, irritation-prone skin in controlled trials. CIR-affirmed safe.
Good for: Barrier repair, Hydrating
A botanical with real clinical wins for irritated, post-procedure, or recovering skin, with randomized-trial support behind its soothing reputation. Gentle enough for delicate, easily reactive skin and dry, sensitive patches.
Good for: Anti-inflammatory
The classic "tea-bag-on-puffy-eyes" botanical. Calms angry skin via well-studied anti-inflammatory pathways, gently. Good for reactive or rosacea-prone complexions.
Good for: Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant
A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.
Good for: Hydrating
Technically a wax that masquerades as oil, molecularly closer to your own sebum than any other plant oil. Hydrates without clogging pores, calms inflammation, and plays well in acne-prone and sensitive routines.
Good for: Hydrating, Barrier repair, Anti-inflammatory
Pro-vitamin B5. Deeply hydrates and helps repair the skin barrier, calming dry or compromised skin.
Good for: Hydrating, Barrier repair
Speeds up how fast your skin renews itself so old, dull cells shed faster and fresher skin shows through. Builds collagen over time, smoothing fine lines.
Good for: Anti-aging
A rich, naturally occlusive plant butter from the African karite tree. Soothes dry, irritation-prone skin, refills the lipid barrier, and was well tolerated enough in randomized trials that most participants used it comfortably as a daily emollient.
Good for: Barrier repair, Hydrating, Anti-inflammatory
Brightens dull skin and helps fade dark spots. Also defends against everyday UV and pollution damage when worn under sunscreen.
Good for: Brightening, Antioxidant
Evidence behind the ingredients
Real citations from our research database, one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.
A gentle smoother and skin-soother. Reduces flakiness and helps the surface look more even.
Xu Z et al., Efficacy and Safety of Topical Compound Heparin Sodium Allantoin Gel for the Treatment of Rosacea, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(4):e70129 — RCT (n=82, 12 weeks): allantoin gel improved erythema and alleviated itching/burning vs traditional therapy
Tan C et al., The combination of allantoin, bisabolol, D-panthenol and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate mitigates UVB-induced PGE2 synthesis by keratinocytes, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2024;46(5):691-701 — in vitro: allantoin combination reduced UVB-induced PGE2, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα
Saucedo-Acuna RA et al. (Mexico), Characterization and In Vivo Assay of Allantoin-Enriched Pectin Hydrogel for the Treatment of Skin Wounds, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2023;24(8):7377 — allantoin-pectin hydrogel reduced wound healing time by ~71% with complete closure at day 15 in rat model
Calms irritation and adds light hydration. The classic for sunburned or reactive skin.
Huang YN et al., Effects of Aloe vera on Burn Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials, Journal of Burn Care & Research 2024;45(6):1536-1545 — topical aloe vera reduced burn wound-healing time
Tungkasamit T et al., Reduction in severity of radiation-induced dermatitis in head and neck cancer patients treated with topical aloe vera gel: A randomized multicenter double-blind placebo-controlled trial, European Journal of Oncology Nursing 2022;59:102164 — aloe vera reduced severity of moderate-to-severe radiation dermatitis
Sharma S et al., Second-Degree Burns and Aloe Vera: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review, Advances in Skin & Wound Care 2022;35(11):1-9 — topical aloe vera shortened time to healing for second-degree burns
A wax film former that quietly does what petrolatum does (slows water loss and shields chapped skin) without feeling slick. Most evidence comes from honey/beeswax/olive-oil cerates that have shown improvement in dry, irritation-prone skin in controlled trials. CIR-affirmed safe.
Souza C et al., Topical Formulation Containing Beeswax-Based Nanoparticles Improved In Vivo Skin Barrier Function, AAPS PharmSciTech 2017;18(7):2505-2516 — controlled: beeswax-based nanoparticle topical formulation
Al-Waili NS. Clinical and mycological benefits of topical application of honey, olive oil and beeswax in diaper dermatitis. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2005;11(2):160-163.
CIR Expert Panel. Safety Assessment of Beeswax, Candelilla Wax, Carnauba Wax, Japan Wax, and Beeswax-Derived Ingredients. Int J Toxicol. (Reaffirmed 2005.)
+−8 more ingredients
A botanical with real clinical wins for irritated, post-procedure, or recovering skin, with randomized-trial support behind its soothing reputation. Gentle enough for delicate, easily reactive skin and dry, sensitive patches.
Deligiannidou GE et al. (Greece), An Update of Phytotherapeutic Advances of Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) in Wound Healing, Plants (Basel) 2025 — peer-reviewed review of 2020-2025 experimental and clinical evidence on Calendula formulations for skin regeneration: healing rate, cell proliferation, inflammatory modulation
Effect of oral Calendula officinalis on second-degree burn wound healing (Iran), Scars Burns and Healing 2023
Siddiquee S et al., Efficacy of topical Calendula officinalis on prevalence of radiation-induced dermatitis: A randomised controlled trial, Australasian Journal of Dermatology 2021;62(1):e35-e40 — topical calendula reduced radiation-induced dermatitis
The classic "tea-bag-on-puffy-eyes" botanical. Calms angry skin via well-studied anti-inflammatory pathways, gently. Good for reactive or rosacea-prone complexions.
Essential Oil of Matricaria chamomilla Alleviates Psoriatic-Like Skin Inflammation by Inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR and p38MAPK Signaling Pathway, Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology 2024
Comparative analysis of whole plant, flower and root extracts of Chamomilla recutita L. (Germany), Frontiers in Immunology 2024
Xu J et al., Therapeutic effects of chamomile volatile oil nanoemulsion/Bletilla striata polysaccharides gels on atopic dermatitis, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 2024 — topical chamomile volatile oil nanoemulsion (19.07 nm) reduced skin damage, epidermal thickness, and mast cell infiltration in atopic dermatitis mice; rebalanced Th1/Th2
A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.
Danby SG et al., Different types of emollient cream exhibit diverse physiological effects on the skin barrier in adults with atopic dermatitis, Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 2022;47(6):1154-1164 — glycerol+urea emollient delivered superior barrier-strengthening and irritant protection
Youssef R et al., Glycerol 85% efficacy on atopic skin and its microbiome: a randomized controlled trial, Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2021;32(7):730-736 — topical glycerol 85% RCT on atopic skin
Evans NJ et al., Human axillary skin condition is improved following incorporation of glycerol into the stratum corneum from an antiperspirant formulation, Archives of Dermatological Research 2017;309(9):739-748 — 4% glycerol penetrated axillary SC, reduced irritation, improved hydration
Technically a wax that masquerades as oil, molecularly closer to your own sebum than any other plant oil. Hydrates without clogging pores, calms inflammation, and plays well in acne-prone and sensitive routines.
Tietel Z, Melamed S, Ogen-Shtern N, et al. Topical application of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis L.) wax enhances the synthesis of pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid and reduces inflammation in the ex-vivo human skin organ culture model. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2024;15:1333085. — Ex-vivo human skin model showing jojoba wax reduced LPS-induced IL-6/IL-8/TNFα by ~30% and enhanced pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid synthesis.
Blaak J, Staib P, An updated review on efficacy and benefits of sweet almond, evening primrose and jojoba oils in skin care applications, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2022;44(1):1-9 — jojoba oil documented as effective for strengthening stratum corneum integrity, recovery, and lipid ratio
Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL, Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2017;19(1):70 — jojoba reviewed among 19 plant oils: supports stratum-corneum lipid replenishment, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects
Pro-vitamin B5. Deeply hydrates and helps repair the skin barrier, calming dry or compromised skin.
Gao Y et al., Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(7):e70223 — double-blind RCT (n=60): panthenol mask decreased erythema, enhanced hydration, repaired barrier vs saline
Cho YS et al., Use of Dexpanthenol for Atopic Dermatitis-Benefits and Recommendations Based on Current Evidence, Journal of Clinical Medicine 2022;11(14):3943 — Korean-authored review; dexpanthenol improves barrier and reduces severity in mild-to-moderate AD
Heise R et al., Accelerated wound healing with a dexpanthenol-containing ointment after fractional ablative CO2 laser resurfacing of photo-damaged skin in a randomized prospective clinical trial, Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology 2019;38(3):274-278 — RCT: dexpanthenol significantly faster wound closure vs petroleum jelly post-laser
Speeds up how fast your skin renews itself so old, dull cells shed faster and fresher skin shows through. Builds collagen over time, smoothing fine lines.
SCCS Revision of the Scientific Opinion on Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate), SCCS/1639/21, final version adopted 24-25 October 2022
Chien AL et al. Biomarkers of Tretinoin Precursors and Tretinoin Efficacy in Patients With Moderate to Severe Facial Photodamage: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatology. 2022;158(8):892-900. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.1891 — RCT comparing topical retinol precursors vs tretinoin for photoaging; both showed equivalent wrinkle reduction at week 24 with retinol formulation causing 6x less erythema than tretinoin.
MFDS Approved Functional Cosmetic Active — Retinol (anti-wrinkle). Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cosmetic Functional Active Ingredient List — listed alongside Adenosine, Retinyl Palmitate, and Polyethoxylated Retinamide in the Korean Functional Cosmetics Codex anti-wrinkle category
A rich, naturally occlusive plant butter from the African karite tree. Soothes dry, irritation-prone skin, refills the lipid barrier, and was well tolerated enough in randomized trials that most participants used it comfortably as a daily emollient.
O'Connor RJ et al., Clinical Evaluation of a Diaper Containing a Shea Butter-Based Emollient and Impact on Diapered Skin Erythema, Pediatr Dermatol 2025;42(3):532-538 — RCT n=271 infants, shea-butter diaper reduced dermatitis
Burnett CL, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, et al. Safety Assessment of Butyrospermum parkii (Shea)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics. Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel Final Report.
Verallo-Rowell VM, Katalbas SS, Pangasinan JP. Natural (Mineral, Vegetable, Coconut, Essential) Oils and Contact Dermatitis. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2016;16(7):51. — discussing shea butter unsaponifiable fraction NF-kB inhibition and dermatologic use.
Brightens dull skin and helps fade dark spots. Also defends against everyday UV and pollution damage when worn under sunscreen.
Krutmann J et al. PINGing Sunshine: A Review of the Evidence for Adding Non-Filtering Photoprotective Ingredients to Sunscreens. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2025;41(6). — Review of Photoprotective INGredients (PINGs); L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) identified as a top-ranked PING demonstrating efficacy across multiple photodamage endpoints.
Pullar JM et al., The roles of vitamin C in skin health, Nutrients 2017;9(8):866 — concluded topical efficacy "poorly understood"; supports dietary vitamin C
Lee JH et al., Effects of VitabridC12 on Skin Inflammation, Annals of Dermatology 2017
Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.
Layering conflicts
Ingredients in this product that can react with common actives. Avoid stacking unless noted.
- Salicylic Acidhigh
Retinol + salicylic acid can over-exfoliate and damage the barrier. Alternate nights.
- Glycolic Acidhigh
Retinol + glycolic acid is a classic barrier-buster. Use on different nights.
- Lactic Acidmedium
Retinol + lactic acid is gentler than glycolic but still alternate nights to be safe.
- Mandelic Acidmedium
Retinol + mandelic acid — alternate nights to preserve barrier integrity.
- Benzoyl Peroxidemedium
Benzoyl peroxide can break down retinol. Use one in the morning and the other at night, or pick a stabilized formula made to combine them.
Similar comparisons
Not medical advice. GlowPal is educational. Patch-test new products and talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed skin condition. See our terms.