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Zelens Zelens 3T Complex Essential Anti-Aging Cream - Product image showing packaging and label for comedogenic ingredient analysis
ZelensMoisturizer

Zelens 3T Complex Essential Anti-Aging Cream

High Risk(21)
65 ingredients7 flagged

Zelens 3T Complex Essential Anti-Aging Cream is a sophisticated, high-performance moisturizer designed to combat visible signs of aging while promoting skin firmness and elasticity. Developed by Dr. Marko Lens, this cream features the proprietary 3T Complex—a blend of triterpenes—along with a cocktail of botanical extracts and herbal oils. The formula starts with a hydrating base of Glycerin and Propanediol, providing an initially smooth application. It is specifically formulated to replenish the skin’s lipid barrier using ingredients like Borage Oil, which is rich in gamma-linolenic acid. While it aims to provide a youthful glow and intense nourishment for mature skin, the texture is quite rich and emollient, reflecting a complex profile of plant-derived oils and extracts designed to deeply condition the epidermis.

Our Analysis

Our analysis of the Zelens 3T Complex Essential Anti-Aging Cream indicates a High Comedogenic Risk for those with clear-skin goals. The formula contains Wheat Germ Oil and Algae Extract, both of which earn a maximum 5/5 rating on the comedogenic scale. Wheat Germ Oil is a notorious pore-clogger, while Algae Extract can contain iodides that irritate the pore lining. Further concerns include Glyceryl Stearate SE and various fatty alcohols. While these ingredients offer great benefits for lipid-depleted skin, they present a significant risk of triggering micro-comedones and inflammatory breakouts in acne-prone individuals.

Skin Type Recommendations

This cream is ideal for dry, very dry, and mature skin types that need heavy-duty moisture and anti-aging support. However, it is strongly discouraged for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. The inclusion of highly comedogenic oils makes it likely to cause congestion and breakouts in these skin types.

Flagged Ingredients

5
wheat germ oil

Extremely high comedogenicity in rabbit ear assays; historically consistent pore-clogger.

5
algae extract

Rich in iodides which irritate the pore lining, triggering inflammation and micro-comedones.

3
glyceryl stearate se

Self-emulsifying version contains stearates that can clog pores.

2
capric/caprylic triglyceride

Fractionated coconut oil; removed most clogging long-chain acids but can still affect some.

2
borage oil

Highest GLA source; anti-inflammatory, moderate weight.

2
cetearyl alcohol

Fatty alcohol emollient with low-moderate comedogenicity on its own. However, when combined with Ceteareth-20, the synergistic effect can significantly increase pore-clogging potential (combined rating of 4).

2
tocopherol

Pure Vitamin E is thick and sticky; safe in small amounts as an antioxidant, but potentially clogging in pure oil form.

Want Deeper Analysis?

Run our MACR (Multi-Axis Comedogenic Risk) analysis to get a comprehensive 5-axis risk assessment. This AI-powered analysis evaluates ingredients for Plugging Risk, Barrier Damage, Fungal Acne Risk, Oxidation Risk, and real-world User Reports — giving you personalized scores for your skin type.

Full Ingredient List(65 ingredients)

Water (Aqua)Isononyl IsononanoateGlycerinPropanediolButylene GlycolCaprylic/​Capric TriglycerideGlyceryl Stearate SeCyclopentasiloxaneDimethiconeAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/​Vp CopolymerPhenoxyethanolBorago Officinalis Seed OilCetearyl AlcoholCorylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed OilLinum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed OilOryza Sativa (Rice) Hull PowderSesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed OilTriticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ OilHelianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilFragrance (Parfum)ChlorphenesinCyclohexasiloxaneDisodium EdtaPyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit ExtractPanthenyl Ethyl EtherO-Cymen-5-OlSimmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilAscorbyl TetraisopalmitateSodium DehydroacetateCommiphora Mukul Resin ExtractCaramelSilanetriolHydrolyzed PearlHyaluronic AcidCitric AcidMimosa Tenuiflora Bark ExtractSorbic AcidUrsolic AcidHimanthalia Elongata ExtractMalpighia Punicifolia (Acerola) Fruit ExtractVitis Vinifera (Grape) Leaf ExtractLinaloolAesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chesnut) Bark ExtractCarica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit ExtractCrithmum Maritimum ExtractFucus Vesiculosus ExtractGinkgo Biloba Leaf ExtractHamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf ExtractHelichrysum Arenarium Flower ExtractMelissa Officinalis Leaf ExtractOlea Europaea (Olive) Leaf ExtractPalmaria Palmata ExtractPanax Ginseng Root ExtractParietaria Officinalis ExtractPhysalis Alkekengi Fruit ExtractPorphyra Umbilicalis ExtractSodium BenzoatePadina Pavonica Thallus ExtractTocopherolCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp CopolymerRead all the geeky details about Glycerin here >>Read all the geeky details about Hyaluronic Acid here >>Read all the geeky details about Tocopherol here >>[more]

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Our analysis is powered by AI and backed by extensive research on comedogenic ingredients — but it's not medical advice. For skin concerns, please consult a dermatologist.