Overview
What it is
General moisturizer with 44 ingredients that contains peptides and PHA
Cool Features
It is cruelty-free and reef safe
Suited For
It has ingredients that are good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
It doesn't contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
Fun facts
MDSun is from United States.
We independently verify ingredients and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Does this product need an update? Let us know.
What's inside
Ingredients List
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
HumectantCichorium Intybus Root Extract
MaskingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningMatrixyl 3000
Hydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-29
Skin ConditioningGold
Cosmetic ColorantLactobionic Acid
BufferingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialRh-Polypeptide-104
Skin ProtectingRh-Polypeptide-11
Skin ConditioningRh-Polypeptide-1
Skin ConditioningRh-Polypeptide-3
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-9
Skin ConditioningRh-Polypeptide-20
Skin ConditioningRh-Polypeptide-51
AntioxidantWhey Protein
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine
Skin ConditioningCitrus Grandis Fruit Extract
AstringentDipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin ConditioningHexapeptide-11
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningTetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate
Skin ConditioningCocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
CleansingTetrapeptide-23
Skin ConditioningAcetylarginyltryptophyl Diphenylglycine
Skin ConditioningHuman Adipose Stromal Cell Extract
Skin ConditioningHuman Neonatal Fibroblast Conditioned Media
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tetrapeptide-22
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-3
Skin ConditioningEDTA
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEchinacea Angustifolia Meristem Cell Culture
Skin ConditioningGardenia Jasminoides Meristem Cell Culture
AntioxidantLeontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture
Skin ConditioningMalus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Octapeptide-3, Cichorium Intybus Root Extract, Gluconolactone, Matrixyl 3000, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-29, Gold, Lactobionic Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Rh-Polypeptide-104, Rh-Polypeptide-11, Rh-Polypeptide-1, Rh-Polypeptide-3, Sh-Polypeptide-9, Rh-Polypeptide-20, Rh-Polypeptide-51, Whey Protein, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine, Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Hexapeptide-11, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Tetrapeptide-23, Acetylarginyltryptophyl Diphenylglycine, Human Adipose Stromal Cell Extract, Human Neonatal Fibroblast Conditioned Media, Hydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-22, Sh-Polypeptide-3, EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Sodium Hydroxide, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Echinacea Angustifolia Meristem Cell Culture, Gardenia Jasminoides Meristem Cell Culture, Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Carbomer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Explained
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 is a synthetic peptide also commonly known as SNAP-8. It is a lab-made peptide often marketed as a gentler, topical alternative to Botox.
It works by mimicking part of a protein involved in muscle contractions, which may help relax facial tension and reduce the appearance of fine lines (mostly around the eyes and forehead).
It’s considered a “next-gen” version of Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8), an older peptide with more research behind it that also supports collagen production.
SNAP-8 showed slightly better results than Argireline in one small manufacturer-funded study, but there’s limited independent research. Plus, most tests use concentrations higher than what’s typically found in skincare products.
This ingredient might offer a subtle smoothing effect but it won't don’t deliver the dramatic results of actual Botox injections.
Think of it more like a supporting actor in your skincare lineup.
Learn more about Acetyl Octapeptide-3This ingredient is also known as chicory root extract.
Gluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneThis famous peptide is a blend of various INCI ingredients.
Read more about the benefits of the peptides in this mix, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7.
Or learn more about the other ingredients:
Glycerin, Water, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-29 is a peptide.
Gold is a metallic element mostly used to impart a metallic color in cosmetics.
Gold flakes and colloidal/nano gold are often marketed for being skin soothing, anti-aging, and revitalizing.
While lab studies suggest gold nanoparticles may have anti-inflammatory or antioxidant potential, there is limited high-quality human evidence showing clear skin benefits at typical cosmetic use levels.
The EU has raised safety concerns around gold nanomaterials due to insufficient data on skin penetration and long term exposure. Additionally, gold is a known contact allergen. This means it may trigger irritation or allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to gold.
In the EU, gold is listed as CI 77480 and only permitted for use as a cosmetic colorant. The US and FDA does not list it as an approved cosmetic color additive. This affects how products that contain gold are labeled or formulated in the US market.
Learn more about GoldLactobionic Acid is a PHA. PHAs are the gentle cousins to AHAS.
Like AHAs, they exfoliate the top layer of skin. Lactobionic acid also exhibits significant antioxidant activity.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. This means they do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
By removing dead skin cells, PHAs leave the skin brighter and with even-texture.
Learn more about Lactobionic AcidLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate is a natural preservative. It comes from fermenting radish roots with a bacteria called leuconostoc. The trade name for this ingredient is Leucidal.
Leuconostoc comes from lactic acid.
This ingredient has antimicrobial properties and helps prevent the growth of bacteria in a product.
Leuconostoc is used to make the traditional Korean side-dish, kimchi. It is also used to make sourdough bread (both incredibly yummy foods).
Learn more about Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateRh-Polypeptide-104 is a peptide.
Rh-Polypeptide-11 is a peptide.
Rh-Polypeptide-1 is a peptide.
Rh-Polypeptide-3 is a peptide.
Sh-Polypeptide-9 is a signal peptide that tells our body to create more blood vessels.
It is important to note, this ingredient is mitogenic and not mutagenic. Meaning it will stimulate cell multiplication, and will not cause cancer.
Rh-Polypeptide-20 is a peptide.
Rh-Polypeptide-51 is an antioxidant and is a peptide.
We don't have a description for Whey Protein yet.
This ingredient is a synthetic lipopeptide that is often paired with its sibling, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminohydroxybutyrate, in a trade blend called Syn-Tacks.
It's main job is to target the dermal-epidermal junction. This junction starts to weaken around age 30 and its functino depends heavily on proteins to keep skin intact, firm, and resilient.
This ingredient works by stimulating all of these proteins simultaneously. Research on related peptide complexes has shown that topical application significantly increased dermal collagen expression with significant improvement in skin wrinkles observed after just 2 weeks.
Clinical data suggests using 1-3% concentration for visible results and most blends use this amount anyway.
Learn more about Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl HydroxythreonineThis ingredient is also known as grapefruit or citricidal extract. It has perfuming and astringent properties.
Astringents shrinks tissue by drawing water out of your skin. This leads to a temporary tightening effect in the skin.
This small molecule peptide has similar benefits to Argireline, the "botox" peptide.
According to the manufacturer, this peptide mimics snake venom to freeze muscles. This prevents muscle movement and contractions to prohibit the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
While this seems promising, research is lacking in proving this ingredient to be as effective as botox.
Learn more about Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide DiacetateThis synthetic peptide is known as a signal peptide. Signal peptides tell your skin to create more collagen, elastin and protein.
Hexapeptide-11 is composed of several amino acids, including alanine.
This synthetic peptide is created from lysine, valine, and palmitic acid.
According to the manufacturer, in-vitro studies show tissue growth and collagen synthesis. Another in-vivo study found 60 volunteers saw a significant reduction in wrinkles after 84 days.
Due to its palmitic acid base, this peptide may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5We don't have a description for Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate yet.
We don't have a description for Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein yet.
Tetrapeptide-23 is a peptide.
We don't have a description for Acetylarginyltryptophyl Diphenylglycine yet.
We don't have a description for Human Adipose Stromal Cell Extract yet.
This is a growth factor ingredient. Growth factors stimulate cell growth and healing.
Studies find they help with:
The term "conditioned media" refers to a mix of lab grown growth-factors. Just so you know - the US allows human-derived growth factors. However, human-derived growth factors are illegal in the EU and plant sources are used as an alternative.
According to Dr. Zoe Draelos, growth factors have some drawbacks:
However, many people have seen great results from using growth factor serums.
There is also controversy surrounding growth factors. The controversy is due to their mitogenic activity, or their ability to increase the number of cells. It is best to avoid using growth factors if you have psoriasis or are at risk of skin cancer.
Learn more about Human Neonatal Fibroblast Conditioned MediaWe don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract yet.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-22 is a peptide.
Sh-Polypeptide-3 is a peptide.
EDTA is the shortened name for ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid. It is a chelating agent and used to stabilize products.
Chelating Agents are used to prevent trace metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This can prevent unwanted reactions or changed efficacy of products.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateHydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.
This ingredient helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product.
This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients.
Learn more about HydroxyethylcelluloseDimethyl Isosorbide is a low-irritation solvent that helps deliver actives into your skin. It is created from glucose.
Research shows how well this ingredient works depends on the active and formulation rather than the concentration alone. This means adding more Dimethyl Isosorbide does not guarantee better penetration of ingredients into the skin.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract comes from the leaves of an herb plant native to Southeast Asia. Centella Asiatica is rich in antioxidants and amino acids. It can help reduce irritation and soothe the skin.
Many active components found in centella asiatica, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside, encourage the skin to naturally produce hyaluronic acid. This helps keep our skin hydrated. Many of these components also show antioxidant activity and may help reduce the signs of aging.
Research shows centella asiatica can help increase Type I collagen production by increasing fibroblast production. Fibroblast helps form connective tissue.
The combination of all these properties makes centella asiatica leaf extract effective at soothing the skin.
Other components of centella asiatica leaf extract include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Recent studies found madecassoside may help prevent damage from UV rays by preventing UV-induced inflammation. Further research is needed.
This plant has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica Leaf ExtractWe don't have a description for Echinacea Angustifolia Meristem Cell Culture yet.
Gardenia Jasminoides Meristem Cell Culture is an antioxidant.
We don't have a description for Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture yet.
This ingredient comes from a rare Swiss apple known as Uttwiler Spätlauber. It is produced from the cell cultures of the apple and not the fruit itself.
According to manufacturer studies, this ingredient has demonstrated the following benefits:
- Visible anti-wrinkle effect around the eye area (in vivo)
- Enhanced colony-forming efficiency of epidermal stem cells (in vitro)
- Improved ability of skin cells to regenerate and build new tissues in a 3D epidermis model (in vitro)
- Increased skin density (in vitro)
- Boosted vitality of epidermal stem cells (in vitro)
- Reversal of cellular aging signs in fibroblasts (in vitro)
This ingredient is a synthetic, salt form polymer built from acrylic acid, ethacrylic acid, or their simple esters. It works as a binder, film former, and viscosity increasing agent.
Typical concentrations start at around 0.5% but can go up to 25% for film-forming or binding.
The CIR Expert Panel assessed the safety of 126 acrylates copolymers and concluded they are safe in cosmetics at current use levels when formulated to be non-irritating. They also noted the levels present in finished cosmetic products are not considered a safety risk and Genotoxicity testing (Ames tests, chromosomal aberration assays) has come back negative across the board.
Though the raw building blocks (like acrylic acid) can be irritating on their own, cosmetic-grade versions go through purification to keep levels extremely low.
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer is a large molecule that doesn't penetrate skin barrier in any meaningful way.
Learn more about Sodium Acrylates CopolymerCarbomer is a high-molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. It is used to form gels and thicken formulas.
Due to its large molecular size, carbomer has minimal skin penetration and is considered an inert ingredient.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Learn more about CarbomerAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice comes from leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is best known for helping to soothe sunburns. It is also anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and can help heal wounds.
Aloe is packed with good stuff including Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are antioxidants, which help fight free-radicals and the damage they may cause. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice also contains sugars. These sugars come in the form of monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, and choline. These sugars are able to help bind moisture to skin.
It also contains minerals such as calcium, 12 anthraquinones, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceReviews
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Where it's from
MDSun is a American brand
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The data we've presented on this page has been verified by a member of the SkinSort Team.
Read more about us· Updated May 28, 2024 • Added by anemone