Dermatological Analysis: Lidl Anti-Wrinkle And Anti-Aging Creams

Does price matter when it comes to skincare products? It is clear that women and men spend hundreds of euros on creams, serums and other anti-aging cosmetics that help them save years.

But it is not the price that determines the quality of these products , but their ingredients. Dermatologists agree, price is irrelevant from the point of view of whether the creams work or not.

Hence the rise of low cost cosmetics. Products that offer the same results as high-end brands, at much lower prices. Very tempting!

There are many brands in the low cost cosmetic market, but one of the most popular is Cien , owned by the Lidl supermarket. Your moisturizer has been a success as it was awarded by the OCU as the best moisturizer on the market, and only for € 3!

You may be wondering are they really worth it? Can a supermarket cream remove wrinkles and other signs of aging for less than € 5? This is what we are going to check in this article by analyzing its ingredients.

Many of you have asked us, so finally here is the analysis of the Anti-wrinkle and Anti-aging creams of the Cien de Lidl brand.

The purpose of this article is to check the effectiveness of Lidl wrinkle creams , always based on their composition, since the INCI is the only one that does not lie. This way you will know if they are really worth it, or not worth spending even 1 cent on them.

In this post are the complete analyzes of the two best options that we have found, and then you will find the summary of what the other options have seemed to us, with a link to the complete analysis where you have everything more broken down.

What we have done is analyze each INCI ingredient by ingredient, presenting a summary of the role they play in the formula and the benefits (if any) that each one of them has. But in order not to extend too much, if an ingredient is already analyzed in another article, we put the link so that you can look at it if you are interested.

And at the end of the analysis you have more information about Lidl creams, what their main characteristics are, what active ingredients they use to fight wrinkles, as well as what you are paying when buying an anti-wrinkle cream.

In short, everything you need to know if you are considering buying an anti-wrinkle cream from Lidl .

Lidl Anti-Wrinkle and Anti-Aging Creams

  • Hundred Nature Day Granada Anti-Aging Facial Cream
  • Cien Nature Night Granada Anti-Aging Facial Cream
  • Anti-wrinkle face cream Q10 Hundred day
  • Hundred night Q10 anti-wrinkle face cream
  • Cien Gold anti-wrinkle serum
  • One Hundred Orchid Intensive Anti-Wrinkle Serum
  • Cien Caviar anti-wrinkle serum
  • Hundred Orchid Wrinkle Filler
  • Nourishing night cream Orchid of a Hundred
  • Cien DNA hydronutritive night cream
  • Cien Aloe Vera Anti-aging face and body cream

Hundred Nature Day Granada Anti-Aging Facial Cream

Of all the Lidl anti-wrinkle and anti-aging creams and serums, we have chosen Granada day and night creams for several reasons.

First of all, they are the INCIs that have the fewest ingredients. I explain this that the quantity of ingredients matters after the analysis, but basically it is that the fewer ingredients a cream has, the more concentrated the active ingredients will be, and all the ingredients can have more quality.

In this Granada day cream I have counted 21 ingredients, quite a few less than in the others, which in many cases exceed 40. First positive point.

Pomegranate oil (from organic farming) is the star ingredient in the cream, a good antioxidant agent that also stimulates collagen synthesis and repairs the skin. Very good option.

The formula is completed by almond, jojoba and sunflower oils, which preserve the hydration and nutrition of the skin and protect it from dryness.

But in addition to these, there are also other anti-wrinkle actives, as you can see in the INCI analysis.

But the most striking of all is that this € 2.99 cream does not include any harmful ingredients, only perfume, which can irritate sensitive skin. It is very rare, it is one of the cheapest creams, because it also has 50 ml (instead of 30 ml), but its formula is the best we have found. I can not explain.

Let’s go on to unravel the INCI, and then I’ll tell you what I think.

More things I like about this cream, it starts out strong with an antioxidant, sunflower oil. And continue with various emollients (like almond oil) and lubricants (like glycerin).

Pomegranate oil, which is the most important asset, is in eighth place. Not bad, especially if we take into account in which positions we have found the assets in other formulas.

It is followed by jojoba oil, a good restorer, and babasu oil, which acts as a barrier and moisturizer for the skin. Vitamin E is also present, although in a lower concentration.

And a little further down is coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant that also supports the synthesis of collagen and elastin. I’m not sure why this compound is not considered an asset in the product description, as it is a good anti-wrinkle ingredient.

The same goes for phytic acid, which is another good lightening and hydrating ingredient. Only the fragrances and perfume remain, which is the most reprehensible part of the formula.

It is true that anti-wrinkle active ingredients could play a greater role in the formula, since its first 6 ingredients are basically moisturizing, and that perfume is not recommended in any cosmetic, but in general it is a cream that is fine.

I say this above all because it does not include the toxic preservatives or irritating ingredients of the other creams, something that is a considerable improvement.

Of course, its use in combination with Granada night cream is recommended, to protect regeneration while you sleep; another of the best Lidl creams we have found.

Cien Nature Night Granada Anti-Aging Facial Cream

Well, here is the second best option, which is precisely the Granada night cream.

Its benefits are basically the same as those of the day cream, fewer ingredients, more active and fewer problematic ingredients.

Use most of the ingredients in the day cream, with some more nourishing additions. Of course, they share pomegranate oil (from organic farming), and complemented with shea butter, which helps regenerate tired skin by taking advantage of the skin’s regeneration period.

And this time they do mention coenzyme Q10, as a smoothing and firming of damaged skin.

Let’s see what other ingredients it includes by analyzing the INCI.

Sunflower oil (antioxidant) is in the first positions, as in the day cream, followed closely by babassu oil (moisturizing and barrier), and avocado oil (nourishing and moisturizing).

As you can see, the weight of the formula is carried by these nourishing and moisturizing ingredients; So one of the differences between the day cream and this one is that the night cream takes more advantage of the nutritional part to be able to take care of the skin at night.

This time around, pomegranate oil (which is the star anti-aging ingredient) is present a little further down, just before shea butter, another great nourishing ingredient.

It also has jojoba oil, vitamin E, phytic acid, and coenzyme Q10. All these ingredients are present in the day cream; and as in it, in a very low concentration.

Perfume and fragrances are the only ingredients in contention, especially for sensitive skin, which may have some reaction. But at least there are no harmful ingredients or irritants in the formula.

It has the same price as the previous cream, € 2.99, and the same thing happens to me, I do not understand why these ingredients are of better quality than those of other formulas with a higher price.

Next you have the analysis of the rest of the Cien brand anti-wrinkle and anti-aging creams. Judge for yourself.

Anti-wrinkle face cream Q10 Hundred day

The Q10 day cream has little anti-wrinkle action, since all its anti-aging assets are in a minimal proportion. According to its first 5 ingredients (those that carry the weight of the formula), it is a cream that will hydrate, and slightly protect from the sun.

The problem is that even if you only use it as a moisturizer, it is full of problematic ingredients (irritants, toxic, allergens), which will probably harm the most sensitive skin, and will not do any good to other skin.

The assets they include are buried under a mountain of ingredients that are of little use to our skin. There’s no way a formula like this can even minimize wrinkles.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Anti-wrinkle facial cream Q10 day of One Hundred, Analysis and Alternative .

Hundred night Q10 anti-wrinkle face cream

The formula is very similar to the previous Q10 day cream. It only differs in that the one during the day includes sun filters, and the one at night adds cocoa butter to achieve greater nutrition while the skin repairs itself.

This means that it basically has the same errors and problems, assets that do not work because they are in very low concentrations, and a whole repertoire of problematic ingredients, especially for sensitive skin.

And it is what catches my attention the most, which is advertised as a special cream for sensitive skin, and still includes alcohol, perfume, fragrances that cause sensitivity, and irritating ingredients.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Anti-wrinkle facial cream Q10 night of One Hundred, Analysis and Alternative .

Cien Gold anti-wrinkle serum

Gold is a good claim to this anti-wrinkle serum, but other than how glamorous it sounds, it doesn’t really bring many benefits beyond acting as a highlighter. On the contrary, it increases the price considerably.

The other ingredients are similar to the other serums, but this one comes at a higher price. A good thing is that it has several anti-wrinkle actives, although once again, in very low concentrations.

It won’t be able to do much more than hydrate and regenerate, which is fine, but not for an anti-wrinkle product. In addition, you have to count on the harmful ingredients that it includes, a couple of irritants and a toxic one.

You can enter the full technical analysis in the following article: Cien Gold Anti-wrinkle Serum, Analysis and Alternative .

One Hundred Orchid Intensive Anti-Wrinkle Serum

A serum that is more expensive than the before and after, but curiously worse in terms of ingredients. I do not know why, in this formula they have added parabens, compounds that you would do well not to put on your skin.

They have also added several irritating and allergenic fragrances, which I don’t see as necessary either. And orchid extract, while touted as a moisturizer, softener, protector, and emollient, can’t really do any of that.

The other active ingredients (hyaluronic acid, squalane, peptides) are good anti-wrinkle ingredients, but most are not in the right properties to exert any benefit for the skin.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Orquídea de Cien Intensive Anti-Wrinkle Serum, Analysis and Alternative .

Cien Caviar anti-wrinkle serum

Without a doubt, it is the best serum that you will find among the entire Lidl assortment, which does not mean that it is a good product. At least it has no parabens, and its assets are more concentrated.

Squalene, hyaluronic acid and caviar are in good proportion, and it also has several peptides responsible for stimulating collagen synthesis.

However, it also has some unsavory ingredients, such as perfume, a toxic preservative, and an irritant and sensitizer. It can help to blur wrinkles, but you risk damaging your skin and health.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Caviar de Cien anti-wrinkle serum, Analysis and Alternative .

Hundred Orchid Wrinkle Filler

It is not an anti-wrinkle cream, but a product that fills in the wrinkle on the outside, so that the makeup is smoother. Therefore, its ingredients are based on polymers, film formers, silicones and tensors that have a limited duration.

Hyaluronic acid is present, but its concentration is merely anecdotal. And worst of all, the formula is packed with parabens, preservatives, toxins, irritants, and allergenic fragrances.

Although it is the most expensive product of Cien in proportion, its ingredients are of very low quality. It is not a recommended cosmetic.

You can enter the full technical analysis in the following article: Cien Orchid Wrinkle Filler, Analysis and Alternative .

Nourishing night cream Orchid of a Hundred

Like the other products in the Orchid range, this cream includes parabens, toxic preservatives, and irritating ingredients, something that makes me reject it completely.

It is little more than a moisturizer, as all the anti-wrinkle actives (basically hyaluronic acid) are very low on the list, which means that their proportion is not adequate.

And the same thing happens with the orchid, little quantity, and very basic properties. Only macadamia oil and shea butter, two good nourishing ingredients, are saved.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Orchid Night Nourishing Cream, Analysis and Alternative .

Cien DNA hydronutritive night cream

The lack of active ingredients is the tonic of the DNA hydronutrient cream, which will neither hydrate nor nourish your skin optimally.

Don’t be fooled by the name, the formulation does not influence the DNA at all, nor does it protect it, as the brand makes us believe. It only has 3 ingredients that are worth it: shea butter, macadamia oil and hyaluronic acid, and even so, the proportion of these assets is really low to provide any benefits.

Of course, it is full of fragrances and perfume, the vast majority of them irritating and allergenic. And silicone is also quite present in the cream, achieving the effect of a smoother and softer skin. But make no mistake, it is only a momentary effect.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: DNA de Cien Hydronutritive Night Cream, Analysis and Alternative .

Cien Aloe Vera Anti-aging face and body cream

It is a rather precarious anti-aging cream, as it does not have the necessary ingredients to offer the benefits it advertises. It does not have snail drool, or rosehip, and aloe vera (which is in a good proportion) is not enough to be considered a true anti-aging asset.

It has other assets of better quality, but its proportion is too low, and therefore its anti-wrinkle benefits will be minimal. And although it has sunscreen, it is too low to not worry about the sun, so you will have to apply an additional sunscreen.

On the other hand, it has several irritating and toxic ingredients, which would be better not to have around, and much less on the face. For all this, my recommendation is that you stay away from this cream as much as possible.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Cien Aloe Vera Anti-aging Face and Body Cream, Analysis and Alternative .

Characteristics of Cien de Lidl anti-wrinkle and anti-aging creams

Cien is a clear example of low cost cosmetics, low prices, many ingredients, and most of them of poor quality.

We have analyzed 11 of their products, and all of their formulas have 4 factors in common:

  1. Many ingredients.
  2. Active in low concentrations.
  3. Great presence of harmful ingredients.
  4. Repeating ingredients.

LARGE AMOUNT OF INGREDIENTS

There is unanimity: the fewer ingredients a cream has, the better . Fewer ingredients means that the actives are more abundant and that the concentrations of the ingredients present are higher. This way you can get more performance and benefit from an ingredient.

And on the contrary, if the list is very long, the actives are diluted, and the concentrations from the fifth ingredient are ridiculous, no benefit is shown.

Well, most of Lidl’s products have a rather extensive INCI, exceeding 40 ingredients on many occasions. The two creams that include the least ingredients are the two best options we have chosen, and they reach 20 ingredients.

From this derives another problem. If the cream has more than 40 ingredients and its price does not exceed 7 euros in most cases, the cost per ingredient is about 17 cents. And with 17 cents you can’t buy anything of quality.

This brings us to the second factor, the low concentration of assets.

EXCASE CONCENTRATION OF ASSETS

As we have said, there is little scope to buy quality ingredients, and if bought, they are in a ridiculous ratio, too low to have an effect.

For this reason, in all the formulas we have analyzed, assets are relegated to the middle or lower part of the list . On rare occasions they are in the top 5-6 ingredients.

They use cheaper ingredients like glycerin, propylene glycol, glyceryl polyacrylate, or caprylyl glycol, to fill the formula, neglecting its quality.

HIGH WEIGHT OF HARMFUL INGREDIENTS

In line with the above, I think that a characteristic that stands out from Lidl’s formulas in general is the great presence of ingredients that we could call unpleasant .

There’s a little bit of everything, from toxic preservatives (like phenoxyethanol), to irritating or sensitizing fragrances. There are also alcohol, irritating and sensitizing moisturizers (like propylene glycol), or even retinol, which have some pretty nasty side effects.

And of course, they also have a niche for parabens . These preservatives are still present in some cosmetics, but it is better to avoid them due to their adverse effects, both for health and for the skin.

It should be noted that perfume and phenoxyethanol are in the vast majority of formulas (I think only two are saved, the best options).

This does not mean that Lidl’s products do not comply with the regulations or regulations on cosmetics, they do comply, but the problem is in the legislation.

All this brings to mind the problem of the combined effect , which is the accumulation of these small amounts of harmful compounds that cosmetics include, and that we apply every day.

For this reason, it is best to avoid cosmetics that include these harmful ingredients, and switch to more natural versions.

INGREDIENT RECURRENCE

Another factor that characterizes Lidl creams is the repetition of certain ingredients . I suppose that if they buy them in large quantities, it will be cheaper for them.

So in almost all formulas there is glycerin, propylene glycol (which is also an irritant and sensitizer), they all have perfume, and a toxic preservative like phenoxyethanol.

Thickeners, emulsifiers and emollients that make the product work better, feel good on the skin, and make the texture more attractive are also repeated.

And the anti-wrinkle actives too. We will go on to analyze them more deeply.

What ingredients do Lidl creams use to fight wrinkles?

Of all the active ingredients that have properties to fight wrinkles, fine lines and the signs of aging, Lidl has chosen these:

Hydrolyzed soy protein

Soy protein is a recurring ingredient in Lidl’s formulation. It is a good ingredient as it is an impressive source of isoflavones. The role of isoflavones is widely appreciated and is currently the subject of intensive research.

Isoflavones appear to protect the skin against hormone-related aging , such as menopause.

As we age, our hormone levels decline and our skin, the largest organ, shows the results. Hydrolyzed soy protein helps restore radiance to skin.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is one of the best anti-wrinkle actives out there today. It is also an important component of the skin, where it participates in tissue repair.

Applied topically, hyaluronic acid forms an air-permeable layer and penetrates the dermis, thus increasing the elasticity and hydration of the skin .

It thus acts as a filler that fills in the furrows of the skin from the inside, not superficially. And it is an excellent moisturizer.

Squalane

Squalane is an absolutely essential oil for the skin, especially when a regenerating effect is desired. The skin has enough when it is young, but as we age the levels drop considerably.

Squalane can help replenish the natural levels lost through the normal aging process, contributing to regenerative activity, restoring a more youthful appearance , and resistance to inflammatory skin conditions.

Peptides

There are many peptides, but they all have a very similar function. Lidl’s formulas use hexapeptide-10, tripeptide-10 citrulline, and tripeptide-1, powerful actives that firm, plump, and stimulate the synthesis of new collagen fibers .

But not all peptides have the same studies to support their effectiveness. One of the most studied, recognized and effective is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline), but this peptide does not appear in Lidl formulas.

Tocopherol or Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E)

Its proven benefits include improving the effectiveness of active ingredients in sunscreens, reducing the formation of free radicals from UV exposure, promoting the healing process, strengthening the barrier function of the skin. skin, protecting the lipid balance of the skin barrier, and reducing transepidermal water loss. Almost nothing.

Coenzyme Q10

Ubiquinone, also known as Coenzyme Q10, is a fat-soluble substance similar to vitamins, naturally present in the body. Applied to the skin, it can have antioxidant benefits due to its energizing effect on skin factors that tend to decline with age and accumulated sun exposure.

In some creams it uses certain exotic ingredients, such as caviar, gold or orchids, which are more of a claim than anti-aging active ingredients. In reality, these ingredients only serve to raise the price of the cream, which sounds more sophisticated and luxurious.

And here the question arises: What are we really paying when buying a cream? Is it the ingredients, the advertising, or is there something else?

What are you paying when buying a cream?

When we shell out money for a high-quality skincare product, we expect what is inside the gold packaging will live up to what we are paying for.

More expensive products have better ingredients and more sophisticated technology, right? Well I’m sorry to disappoint you, but it’s not always like that

Big brands have no problem taking an amazing formula, removing the most expensive ingredients, like proprietary ingredients or signature scent, and repackaging it for a cheaper product.

Therefore, although the “star” ingredients may remain in the high-end product, the base can be exactly the same as a lower-priced product.

So what are we paying when buying a cream? Everything will depend on the brand, it can be something as banal as the texture, or as important as the clinical tests of an ingredient .

One of the differences between the most expensive and the cheapest creams often comes down to the “elegance” of the formula.

For example, silicones make the formula super smooth, and give it great glide.
Both silicones and dimethicone, and light-reflecting ingredients like talc and mica, don’t really contribute anything to healthier, smoother skin (other than offering a smoother application).

But it’s not all about a more luxurious texture, higher-end skincare brands often include their own blend of ingredients in their products, sourced from exclusive labs; In other words, you won’t find them in the supermarket aisles, and they can really have noticeable effects on your skin.

However, because some are proprietary blends, brands do not have to disclose exactly what they contain; In other words, one could include 90% water and only 10% active ingredients, but the latter will still appear at the top of the ingredient list.

In the end, there is only one real way to determine if an expensive product is worth your time: do your research.

As a consumer, you should look for proof that a product works . There are many brands that strive to prove that their product really works, conducting clinical tests to prove it. And these tests cost money.

Do not confuse these tests with phrases like “most users saw positive results” or similar, as this is based on the user’s perception (which means a self-assessment) and not on any clinically proven unbiased evidence.

So before investing in a product, take your time to research if the brand has done any studies or can provide statistics to support its promises to eliminate wrinkles and signs of aging.

The price of Lidl creams makes it impossible for the company to carry out clinical studies that prove the effectiveness of its products. And that’s when you should trust your own beauty knowledge, and learn to read a list of cosmetic ingredients.

The key in these creams is to look for ingredients that are proven to work, as Retinol, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Argireline, and Glycolic Acid have been shown to work.

And of course, quality ingredients cost more than ingredients that do not benefit the skin. If the formula has a high concentration of these assets, it will cost more than if it has a tiny part of them.

Another aspect to take into account is that much of what a cream costs is spent on packaging and advertising . Some companies try to dazzle us with a celebrity endorsement, a stylishly designed jar, and / or exotic ingredients.

But in many ways, it seems that they do all of this to be able to charge more money for a product. We have the example of the Gold de Cien anti-wrinkle Serum, which uses gold as a claim, and thus be able to charge € 6 instead of € 3. It seems like a minimal difference, but they are charging you double what it is really worth.

What should you look for in a cream?

When you have to buy a skin care product, skip the price and brand of your choice, and go directly to the ingredients list (INCI). It’s not about the label, it’s about the content .

We know that it is not easy to decipher an ingredient list, but it is important to do it to know what we are buying.

To do this, you should know that the skincare ingredients are listed in percentage order in the product, unless the ingredient is 1% or less. Then the ingredients can be listed in any order.

So the ones with the highest concentration are the first 5-6, which should be the anti-wrinkle active ingredients, in order to benefit from all their properties.

Take a look at the ingredients you know and then search the Internet ingredient by ingredient until you have a good understanding of the ones you don’t know. At first it may seem somewhat tedious, but little by little you will learn what are the ingredients to avoid, the assets to look for, and you will identify them at a glance.

In Lidl products, no cream has any anti-aging active in the top positions; something that is understandable for the low price they have.

In most cases, it is emollients, lubricants or silicones that have the greatest presence, turning the cream into a mere moisturizer. When an irritating ingredient or other problematic compound does not filter through, something much worse for our skin.

Therefore, it could be said that Lidl’s Cien creams and serums are not really anti-wrinkle or anti-aging products, since they do not have the necessary assets to be able to eliminate wrinkles, or even minimize them. Of course, they can hydrate the skin well, and a hydrated skin is a healthier skin and less prone to wrinkles.

Conclusion

The most important thing is that I hope you have understood in this article, is that neither the price nor the brand of a cosmetic product should be part of your purchase decision. The only thing that counts when it comes to skin care products is the ingredients .

Don’t let ads and marketing promises interfere with your research and purchasing decisions. You will be surprised what you can discover about a product once you have delved into what it contains.

And something important, be realistic about the results you can achieve with a cream. Despite the promises of many anti-wrinkle and anti-aging products, don’t expect drastic changes from a simple cream, regardless of how much you spend on it. Cosmetics help, but they don’t work miracles.

Perhaps the most effective and least expensive way to prevent wrinkles is to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, every day. This simple step can help prevent lines and dry skin in the first place.

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Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.

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