Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate is touted to be a potent antioxidant face serum with a lightweight texture, and promises to improve the radiance, resilience, and smoothness of skin — in as little as 3 days.
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Does Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate live up to these claims? To answer this question, we’ll give you all the details on the key ingredients in this formula, as well as the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skin care. We’ll also share some Shiseido reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of this product.
Is Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate Right For You?
Before we get into the details, here’s the TL;DR if you just want to know whether or not Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate is right for you.
- Key ingredients? Denatured alcohol, glycerin, silicones
- Skin type? All
- Texture? Lightweight serum
- Fragrance? Yes
- Cruelty free? No
- Cost? $75 USD for 1 fl oz (30 mL)
What Are The Key Ingredients in Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate?
We’ve reviewed many Shiseido skin care products here at The Derm Review, and one thing that nearly all of the products have in common is a high concentration of denatured alcohol in the formula. Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate is no exception.
After water, denatured alcohol is the second highest concentration ingredient in this serum! We can see why the brand uses this ingredient, but we typically don’t recommend alcohol-based products. Here’s why:
On one hand, alcohol functions as a penetration enhancer by disturbing the skin barrier so that key ingredients can penetrate deeper into the skin. Plus, alcohol gives products a quick-drying finish, imparts a weightless feel, and temporarily tightens the look of skin.
On the other hand, alcohol-based products can cause excessive skin dryness since they disturb the skin barrier.
According to a publication in the journal BBA Biomembranes, alcohol can disrupt the lipids that make up the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin).
While alcohol may provide short term benefits, it’s not doing your skin any good in the long run.
And keep in mind that the brand combines denatured alcohol with high concentrations of humectants and silicones to disguise signs of aging.
Now don’t get us wrong; humectants and silicones aren’t bad ingredients. Humectants draw moisture into the skin and, therefore, are very hydrating. Silicones impart a silky, smooth skin feel while also forming an invisible film on the surface of skin to lock in moisture.
But like we mentioned earlier, combining these ingredients with denatured alcohol temporarily disguises lines and wrinkles, causing you to think the product is working. In our opinion, this is pretty deceptive, and it’s one reason we don’t recommend Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate.
The brand claims that extracts like iris root, reishi mushroom, and heartleaf are key ingredients in this serum. Firstly, these ingredients are used in very low concentrations. Secondly, these aren’t evidence-backed ingredients that will give you the anti-aging effects you’re looking for.
And let’s not forget to mention that the formula contains fragrance, which isn’t doing your skin any favors!
How to Use Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate?
Use Ultimune after cleansing and softening skin, but before applying other serums or moisturizers. Pump twice onto fingertips and smooth evenly over face and neck. The brand recommends using it twice daily, morning and evening.
Where to Buy Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate?
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate and other Shiseido skin care products are sold on the brand’s website, as well as third party retailers such as Sephora, Ulta, Macy’s, Walmart, and more. There’s also a store locator on the brand’s website so you can find a physical location that sells Shiseido skin care products near you.
How Much is Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate?
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate costs $75 USD for 1 fl oz (30 mL).
What is The Shiseido Eye Cream Return Policy?
The Shiseido return policy states, “If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your Shiseido Online purchase, you may return it within 30 days of receipt and we will be happy to provide a full merchandise refund in the original form of payment.”
Is Shiseido Cruelty Free?
Shiseido is not cruelty free. In the brand’s animal testing policy, they state that they do not test on animals. However, Shiseido skin care products are sold in mainland China where animal testing is required by law.
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate Reviews
Despite the lackluster formula, Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate is highly rated, earning an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars after more than 4,000 customer reviews.
There are many 5-star reviews for Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate from customers who love that it feels lightweight and helps to improve the look of skin pretty quickly.
For example, one review says, “Such a big fan of this serum, always recommend it to friends as it really delivers. So light and easily absorbed but leaves skin glowing and feeling revitalized. Ideal morning and evening as a first step before your day and night cream, I wouldn’t be without it.”
However, there are a handful of negative reviews for the Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, mostly from customers who were disappointed that they didn’t see the results they were hoping for.
For example, one review says, “Honestly, this serum isn’t that great. I’ve tried a lot of high-quality products before. But some were hits and some were misses. It’s just an average serum. First of all, I haven’t noticed any changes despite applying for a couple of weeks. Second, it dries out my skin immediately after application. Therefore, I have to apply moisturizer twice. In addition, it has a pungent, strong scent that may irritate sensitive skin. Fourth, it doesn’t plump the skin in any noticeable way. As a result, I plan to return this serum and switch back to my previous serum brand.”
Our Verdict
Overall, we don’t recommend Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate due to the high concentration of denatured alcohol in the formula.
Pros
- Many positive Shiseido reviews for Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Cons
- Formula mostly consists of denatured alcohol, glycerin, and silicones
- Formula contains fragrance
- Shiseido is not cruelty free
What Are Some Alternatives to Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate?
If you’re looking for skincare products to address the signs of aging, we recommend Carrot & Stick. Carrot & Stick maximizes the use of powerful ingredients and minimizes the use of superficial ones, resulting in advanced skincare solutions that help promote healthy, more youthful-looking skin. We recommend the Day & Night Routine. This 24-hour skincare routine will defend against and help repair visible signs of aging by addressing fine lines and wrinkles.
References:
BBA Biomembranes, May 2012, pages 1410-1419
