
Skincare · Moisturizer · Luxury
We put Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer through our full ingredient analysis.
Chapter I · The Score
After analyzing 14 ingredients across four dimensions, our algorithm returned a verdict that surprised us.
Overall
Use With Caution
Chapter II · The Ingredients
We scored every ingredient individually. Some impressed us. Others raised serious questions.
Homosalate
This chemical UV filter is suspected of influencing the human hormonal system.
Octocrylene
This UV filter can cause irritation in sensitive skin and is poorly biodegradable in aquatic environments.
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
A common UVA filter that can become unstable under light exposure and often needs to be stabilized by other filters.
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
A UVB filter generally considered relatively safe, but can cause allergic reactions in rare cases.
Disodium EDTA
This chelating agent is poorly biodegradable and accumulates in the environment.
PEG-75 Stearate
As a PEG derivative, this emulsifier can make the skin barrier more permeable to potential harmful substances.
Caprylyl Methicone
A synthetic silicone oil that provides smoothness but burdens the environment due to its poor biodegradability.
Carbomer
A synthetic polymer that, as liquid microplastic, can burden oceans and wastewater treatment plants.
Linalool
A declarable fragrance ingredient that oxidizes upon contact with oxygen and can cause allergic reactions.
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
A valuable plant oil that intensely nourishes the skin and strengthens its natural barrier function.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11
A modern peptide that firms the skin structure and contributes to the visual smoothing of wrinkles.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
This peptide supports collagen synthesis and noticeably improves skin elasticity.
Marrubium Vulgare Extract
This plant extract acts as a strong antioxidant and protects the skin from negative environmental influences.
Tocopherol
Pure Vitamin E protects both the skin and the product's ingredients from oxidation by free radicals.
Full ingredient list
Aqua/Water/Eau, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butylene Glycol, Coconut Alkanes, Glycerin, Silica, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Caprylyl Methicone, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, PEG-75 Stearate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Rosa Damascena Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Beta-Carotene, Tocopherol, Xanthophylls, Michelia Alba Leaf Oil, Citric Acid, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Solanum Tuberosum Pulp Extract, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Aqua/Water/Eau, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Chapter III · The Deep Dive
Die Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream is a rich moisturizer designed as a hybrid of skincare and make-up primer, additionally offering an integrated sun protection factor.
The formulation contains a blend of high-quality plant oils and modern peptides but is devalued by the use of several chemical UV filters, PEG derivatives, and silicones. While these ingredients are functional, some are criticized for their effects on the skin barrier and the environment.
| Ingredient | Rating | Function & Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Aqua/Water/Eau | 🟢 | Solvent and base of the cream. |
| Homosalate | 🟡 | Chemical UV filter; suspected of having hormonal effects. |
| Octocrylene | 🟡 | Chemical UV filter; can cause irritation in sensitive skin. |
| Glycerin | 🟢 | Classic humectant that keeps the skin supple. |
| Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil | 🟢 | Natural plant oil, intensively nourishes the skin without feeling heavy or greasy. |
| Caprylyl Methicone | 🟡 | A lightweight silicone oil, provides a silky skin feel, but is difficult to degrade. |
| PEG-75 Stearate | 🟡 | Emulsifier; can make the skin more permeable to pollutants. |
| Marrubium Vulgare Extract | 🟢 | Horehound extract; acts as an antioxidant and protects against environmental influences. |
| Disodium EDTA | 🟡 | Chelating agent; poorly biodegradable and ecologically questionable. |
| Rosa Damascena Extract | 🟢 | Rose extract; has a slightly soothing effect and is used for fragrancing. |
| Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11 | 🟢 | A peptide designed to firm and smooth the skin structure. |
| Carbomer | 🟡 | Thickener; synthetic polymer that can pollute the environment. |
| Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane | 🟡 | Chemical UV filter (Avobenzone); provides protection against UVA radiation. |
| Tocopherol | 🟢 | Vitamin E; protects the product and the skin from oxidation. |
The ecological balance of the product is rather critical due to the complex mixture of synthetic substances.
Conclusion: The Magic Cream is a technically complex product that, while containing nourishing peptides and extracts, is heavily based on synthetic filters and emulsifiers. For a high-end product, it contains a relatively large number of ingredients that serve texture optimization rather than long-term skin health.
Recommendation:
High Concern — Flagged Ingredient
Disodium EDTA
This chelating agent is poorly biodegradable and accumulates in the environment.
Chapter IV · The Verdict
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer earns a 52/100 from our algorithm. A moderate score — some effective ingredients alongside notable concerns.