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St. Ives Collagen & Elastin Face Moisturizer Review

St. Ives Collagen & Elastin is a budget facial moisturizer designed mainly for dry skin and everyday hydration. It stands out for its quick-absorbing, non-greasy feel and unusually large jar size for the price. Its main limitations are mixed sensitivity feedback and less practical jar packaging.
Expert reviewed
84
Overall score
Data-driven scoring Expert reviewed Updated analysis

Why we ranked it highly

St. Ives Renewing Collagen & Elastin is a cream-format facial moisturizer aimed at adults who want straightforward daily hydration, especially for dry skin. The product is described as dermatologist tested, paraben free and non-comedogenic, with safflower seed oil and a formula positioned around softer, smoother-looking skin. In practical use, customer feedback consistently points to lightweight hydration, fast absorption and a soft skin feel rather than a heavy occlusive finish. The 10 oz size makes it notably larger than many face creams, which helps explain its strong value profile. Reviews suggest it fits easily into a morning or evening routine and can work before makeup for some users. However, the data also shows some caution points: skin sensitivity reactions are mixed, eye-area use appears unsuitable, and the jar format is less convenient and hygienic than pump-based alternatives.
90-day review Expert reviewed User feedback Data scoring

Key specs

Item details

Brand Name
St. Ives
Age Range Description
Adult
Skin Type
Dry
Number of Items
1
Item Form
Cream
Target Use Body Part
Face
Product Benefits
Moisturizing,Nourishing,Hydrating
Specific Uses For Product
Pores
Country as Labeled
Argentina
Model Name
St Ives Moisturizer Oz
Recommended Uses For Product
Moisturizing, Hydrating, Nourishing
UPC
077043104736
Manufacturer Part Number
104736
Model Number
104736
Manufacturer
Unilever

Product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer
No
Product Dimensions
3.94 x 4.33 x 2.76 inches; 12 ounces
Item model number
104736
UPC
077043104736
Manufacturer
Unilever

Scores breakdown

87 /100

Effectiveness

86 /100

Beauty results

74 /100

Skin compatibility

2 /100

Hair compatibility

84 /100

Finish quality

76 /100

Longevity

68 /100

Ingredient quality

70 /100

Safety

Strengths

  • Strong hydration performance for a low-cost daily face moisturizer.
  • Lightweight cream texture absorbs quickly without a greasy finish, according to many reviews.
  • Large 10 oz size offers standout value for frequent use.
  • High customer satisfaction backed by a very large review count and 4.6/5 average rating.
  • Non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested positioning supports everyday facial use.
  • Pleasant scent is a positive for many buyers, without being described as overpowering by most reviewers.
  • Works well under makeup for some users because it sinks in relatively fast.

Limitations

  • Skin sensitivity feedback is mixed, with some users reporting burning.
  • Eye-area tolerance appears limited and reviews suggest care is needed near the eyes.
  • Jar packaging is less hygienic and less travel-friendly than a pump or tube.
  • Ingredient quality scoring is only moderate based on the information provided.
  • Personalization is limited because there are no format, fragrance, or skin-type variants listed.
  • Scent may not suit buyers who strongly prefer fragrance-free face care.
  • Some packaging confidence concerns appear in reviews, including an opened seal complaint.

Ideal user profiles

  • Budget-focused shoppers who want a large everyday facial moisturizer.
  • Users with dry skin looking for a quick-absorbing cream with a soft, non-greasy feel.
  • Buyers who want a simple moisturiser that can fit into a day and night routine.
  • People who like using one cream across the face, neck and chest.

Use cases

  • Daily morning facial moisturising.
  • Night-time moisture support for dry-feeling skin.
  • Pre-makeup skin prep after allowing a short absorb time.
  • Neck and chest moisturising as part of a broader routine.
  • Budget skincare routines that need a large-format cream.
  • Users who prefer lightweight hydration without a heavy after-feel.

Fit and positioning

Who this works for

Category positioning

This product sits firmly in the skincare category as a daily facial moisturizer. Its main role is to provide routine hydration and help maintain a softer, smoother skin feel rather than serve as a specialist treatment step. Within a skincare routine, it fits best after cleansing and before sunscreen in the morning, or as a basic moisturizing step at night. It is positioned more as an accessible, mass-market cream for consistent moisture support than as a highly personalized or treatment-focused formula.

Best for

This moisturizer is best suited to buyers who want affordable, everyday hydration with a light, non-greasy feel. It looks especially appealing for dry skin users, people who want a large-size face cream, and shoppers who value simple routine products over premium packaging. It may also suit users looking for a moisturiser that layers reasonably well under makeup, based on review feedback.

Not best for

It may be less suitable for highly reactive or very sensitivity-prone skin, since user feedback on irritation is mixed and some report burning. It is also not the best fit for buyers who want fragrance-free care, eye-area flexibility, or hygienic pump packaging. Shoppers seeking highly targeted anti-ageing or highly customized skincare options may find it too basic.

Beauty results

The visible result appears to be softer, smoother, more comfortably hydrated skin with a light healthy-looking glow rather than a dramatic finish change. Reviews repeatedly describe skin looking less dull and feeling more supple, while the texture seems to avoid the greasy shine that can make richer creams less versatile for daytime use.

Performance analysis

How it performs in practice

Each scoring dimension is separated into a compact card so the strengths and tradeoffs are easier to compare without reading one long block.

Effectiveness analysis

With an effectiveness score of 87, this moisturizer performs strongly in its main job: everyday facial hydration. The provided review summary and individual reviews consistently mention softer, smoother skin, quick absorption and a non-greasy finish, which align well with the product’s intended use for dry skin. The large review base also adds weight to the overall pattern of positive feedback. Performance concerns mainly relate to tolerance rather than moisturising ability, since some users report burning and one reviewer highlighted the need to keep it away from the eye area.

Beauty results

The beauty result score of 86 suggests a reliably good visible finish for a basic face cream. The most supported outcomes are smoother-looking skin, a softer surface feel and a mild glow rather than dramatic transformation. Reviews indicate that it hydrates without leaving a heavy film, which helps the skin look fresh instead of oily. That makes the final result practical for both day and night use.

Skin compatibility

The skin compatibility score of 74 reflects a mixed but generally usable profile. On the positive side, the product is described as dermatologist tested and non-comedogenic, and some reviewers with sensitive skin report no irritation or breakouts. However, the aggregated review overview also notes burning for some users, so compatibility is not consistently strong across all skin sensitivities. It appears more dependable for general dry skin than for highly reactive skin.

Finish quality

At 84 for finish quality, this moisturizer appears to balance hydration with a relatively clean skin finish. Customer feedback repeatedly describes it as lightweight, quick to sink in and non-greasy, which is a strong result for a cream aimed at dry skin. The finish seems more soft and smooth than rich and occlusive, helping it fit daytime routines. The main caveat is that finish quality does not overcome tolerance issues for everyone.

How it compares

Within the facial moisturizer category, this product appears stronger on value and broad user satisfaction than on formula sophistication or packaging design. Compared with many everyday moisturizers, it stands out for its large size, low cost and consistently praised non-greasy hydration. It also performs well for visible softness and a smooth finish. Where it looks less competitive is in packaging quality, ingredient profile depth and sensitivity confidence, especially for users who need a very gentle or fragrance-free option. Overall, it compares best as an accessible, mass-market daily moisturizer rather than a premium or highly specialized skincare formula.

Ranking summary

This product ranks well because it combines strong everyday hydration with standout value and unusually high customer satisfaction. Its overall score of 84 is supported by excellent value at 95, customer satisfaction at 92, effectiveness at 87 and beauty result at 86. In simple terms, it does the basics of moisturising very well for a low price and a large amount of product. It ranks slightly below top-tier options because weaker areas are harder to ignore: packaging quality is only 60, ingredient quality is moderate at 68, and skin compatibility is less consistent at 74 due to mixed irritation feedback and eye-area sensitivity concerns.

Buying advice

This moisturizer is worth considering if you want a low-cost, high-volume face cream for daily hydration and you prefer a texture that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy finish. It makes the most sense for dry skin users and budget-conscious shoppers who want a practical staple product. Buyers with very sensitive skin, fragrance concerns or eye-area sensitivity should be more cautious, because review feedback is mixed in those areas. Before buying, check whether you are comfortable with jar packaging, avoid assuming advanced anti-ageing benefits, and patch test first if your skin reacts easily to facial creams.
84
Overall score

Final verdict

St. Ives Collagen & Elastin is a strong budget option in the daily face moisturizer category. Its main strength is simple but important: it delivers effective hydration, a soft skin feel and a quick-absorbing finish at a very low price for a very large jar. The main limitation is that it is not the most universally gentle or refined formula, with mixed sensitivity feedback and less desirable jar packaging. For shoppers who prioritize value and everyday usability over premium packaging or advanced formulation, it is an above-average choice. For highly reactive skin, a more specialized moisturizer may be safer to consider first.
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Key topics

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Frequently asked questions

Is St. Ives Face Moisturizer Cream good for dry skin?
Based on the provided description, specifications, scores and review overview, it appears well suited to dry skin. Customers frequently describe it as hydrating, softening and quick to absorb without feeling greasy. That said, individual response varies, so buyers with easily irritated skin may still want to patch test first.
Is St. Ives Face Moisturizer Cream suitable for sensitive skin?
The product is dermatologist tested and some reviewers with sensitive skin say they use it without issues. However, the review summary also notes mixed sensitivity feedback, with some users reporting burning. That makes it a cautious rather than universal choice for sensitive skin.
Can you use St. Ives Face Moisturizer Cream under makeup?
Several reviews suggest it can work well under makeup because it absorbs fairly quickly and does not leave a greasy film. One reviewer mentioned applying makeup after a short wait. Results can vary by skin type and the rest of the routine, but it appears reasonably makeup-friendly.
Does St. Ives Face Moisturizer Cream have a strong scent?
Scent feedback is generally positive, with many users describing it as pleasant, light or not overpowering. Still, scent preferences are personal, and at least one reviewer specifically noticed the smell. Buyers who prefer fragrance-free facial care may want to keep that in mind.
How long does St. Ives Face Moisturizer Cream last?
The 10 oz jar is large for a facial moisturizer, and multiple reviewers say a little goes a long way. That supports the product’s strong value profile. Wear on skin seems solid for routine moisturising, though exact hydration duration will depend on skin type, climate and how much is applied.
What are the main drawbacks of St. Ives Face Moisturizer Cream?
The main limitations in the data are mixed sensitivity reactions, caution around the eye area, and weaker packaging performance. Jar packaging is less hygienic than pumps or tubes, and one review mentioned a broken seal. It also offers limited personalization compared with products made in multiple versions.
Is St. Ives Face Moisturizer Cream good value for money?
Yes, value is one of its strongest areas in the scoring data. At a low listed price and with a 10 oz size, it offers a large amount of product for everyday use. Reviews also repeatedly mention good value, especially given the hydration and lightweight finish users describe.
Are the claims for St. Ives Face Moisturizer Cream well supported?
The core moisturising claims are reasonably supported by the product description, specifications and broad customer feedback. Hydration, softness and quick absorption are consistent themes. Stronger claims around major wrinkle change or more advanced skin outcomes are less clearly supported by the data provided.

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