1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Aesop
Elemental Facial Barrier Cream
face neck cream
Aesop
face neck cream
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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Take the skin testThe perfect foil for city-dwellers and those planning a cold-weather holiday, Aesop's Elemental Facial Barrier Cream (60ml) defends your face against the dehydrating effects of extreme weather, consistent temperature changes and the ravages wrought by urban dirt, fumes and free radicals. Delivering instant relief from any tightness or discomfort, this intensely nourishing moisturiser quenches skin's thirst and helps fortify its lipid barrier to keep your complexion cool, calm and collected. With a blend of emollient ingredients, including shea butter, sunflower seed oil, carnauba and candlilla waxes, alongside blemish-battling rosemary and lavender oils, this rich formula has a clean, herbaceous fragrance and smooth, buttery texture to leave your face feeling refreshed, replenished and protected.
Elemental Facial Barrier Cream is a cushioning cream from Aesop. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 40 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as moderately cushioned — emollient enough to feel like a cream, without the heaviest occlusives near the top. The oils in it point to a dewy, emollient finish rather than a matte one. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin and Water, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Water and Cetearyl Alcohol.
On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Combination (oily) and Oily skin. Several ingredients carry irritation flags. If your skin is reactive, this is one to patch test carefully or approach slowly.
The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection, oil control, brightening and tone and cell renewal. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free, sulfate-free and dye-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain fragrance and essential oils, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after serums. Seal in your serums with it; in the morning, sunscreen still goes on top.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
Several ingredients here carry irritation flags. If your skin is reactive or you have rosacea, introduce this slowly, or ask a dermatologist first.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Alcohols, C16-18
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Stearic acid
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Castor oil, hydrogenated
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Stearic acid, monoester with glycerol
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil is an oil from the Hip Rose, Rosa canina L., Rosaceae
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of the Sunflower, Helianthus annuus L., Compositae
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
(R*,R*)-.alpha.,4-dimethyl-.alpha.-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)cyclohex-3-ene-1-methanol; 3-Cyclohexene-1-methanol, alpha,4-dimethyl-alpha-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-, (theta,theta)-(+/-)-; 3-Cyclohexene-1-methanol, alpha,4-dimethyl-alpha-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-, (S-(theta,theta))- (levomenol)
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Farnesol, Eugenol, Linalool, Limonene
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Oil, Farnesol, Eugenol
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.
This product is the "Moisturise" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 40 ingredients on the label.
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Changes how the product smells or looks
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Dissolves and carries everything else
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Forms a film that slows water loss
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Calms visible redness and irritation
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the seeds of Castor, Ricinus communis, Euphorbiaceae
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
2,2-bis[[(1-Oxoisooctadecyl)oxy]methyl]-1,3-propanediyl bis(isooctadecanoate)
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Alcohols, C16-18
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Stearic acid
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Castor oil, hydrogenated
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(1-oxooctadecyl)-.omega.-hydroxy- (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Stearic acid, monoester with glycerol
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil is an oil from the Hip Rose, Rosa canina L., Rosaceae
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Phenoxyethanol
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the wood of Fusanus spicatus, Santalaceae
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Euphorbia Cerifera Cera Extract is an extract of the Candelilla, Euphorbia Cerifera, Euphorbiaceae
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of the Sunflower, Helianthus annuus L., Compositae
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax is a wax obtained from the leaves and leaf buds of Copernicia cerifera, Palmaceae.
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
(R*,R*)-.alpha.,4-dimethyl-.alpha.-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)cyclohex-3-ene-1-methanol; 3-Cyclohexene-1-methanol, alpha,4-dimethyl-alpha-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-, (theta,theta)-(+/-)-; 3-Cyclohexene-1-methanol, alpha,4-dimethyl-alpha-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-, (S-(theta,theta))- (levomenol)
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil is the essential oil obtained from the flowering tops and leaves of the Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis L., Lamiaceae
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the flowers of the Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, Labiatae. ISO 8902:2009
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Proline, 5-oxo-, zinc salt
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Benzoic acid
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Oil is the volatile oil steam distilled from the dried flower buds of the Clove, Eugenia caryophyllus, Myrtaceae. It consists chiefly of eugenol
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
D-Glucoside, Decyl
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3-Acetyl-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2,4(3H)-dione
30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Proline, 5-oxo-, copper salt (2:1)
31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Trisodium citrate
32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ormenis Multicaulis Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the herb Moroccan Chamomile, Ormenis multicaulis, Compositae
33rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
34th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Citrus Tangerina Peel Oil is the volatile oil expressed from the peel of the ripe fruit the Tangerina, Citrus Tangerina, Rutaceae
35th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
36th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Zingiber Officinale Extract is an extract of the roots of the Ginger, Zingiber officinalis L., Zingiberaceae
37th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2,6,10-Dodecatrien-1-ol, 3,7,11-trimethyl-
38th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Phenol, 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)-
39th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,7-Dimethyl octa-1,6-diene-3-ol
40th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1-Methyl-4-Isopropenylcyclohexene; dipentene
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
ATOPALM
Shares 8 key ingredients with Elemental Facial Barrier Cream: Water, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tocopherol
ATOPALM
Shares 8 key ingredients with Elemental Facial Barrier Cream: Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid
Missha
Shares 8 key ingredients with Elemental Facial Barrier Cream: Water, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Bisabolol
COSRX
Shares 8 key ingredients with Elemental Facial Barrier Cream: Water, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Dr.Althea
Shares 7 key ingredients with Elemental Facial Barrier Cream: Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Stearic Acid
Dr. Althea
Shares 7 key ingredients with Elemental Facial Barrier Cream: Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Stearic Acid
WATER, RICINUS COMMUNIS SEED OIL, GLYCERIN, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAISOSTEARATE, Butyrospermum Parkii, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, STEARIC ACID, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, PEG-20 STEARATE, CETEARETH-20, GLYCERYL STEARATE, ROSA CANINA FRUIT OIL, COCO-CAPRYLATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, FUSANUS SPICATUS WOOD OIL, DISODIUM EDTA, EUPHORBIA CERIFERA CERA EXTRACT, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED OIL, TOCOPHEROL, COPERNICIA CERIFERA WAX, BISABOLOL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS LEAF OIL, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA OIL, ZINC PCA, BENZOIC ACID, EUGENIA CARYOPHYLLUS FLOWER OIL, DECYL GLUCOSIDE, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, COPPER PCA, SODIUM CITRATE, ORMENIS MULTICAULIS OIL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CITRUS TANGERINA PEEL OIL, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ROOT EXTRACT, FARNESOL, EUGENOL, LINALOOL, LIMONENE.
Warm half a teaspoon of product in hands before gently massaging into freshly cleansed and toned skin, from forehead to neck. Reapply as desired.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Combination (oily), Oily skin.
Some ingredients here carry irritation flags, so sensitive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before applying it to the whole face.
10 ingredients could feed malassezia: Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Butyrospermum Parkii, Peg-20 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Coco-caprylate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
No — it contains Farnesol, Eugenol, Linalool, Limonene.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
Yes — it contains Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Oil, Farnesol, Eugenol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.
Use it morning and evening, after serums.
It lists 40 ingredients, of which 0 are recorded as actives.
Aesop.
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