
Overall Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)
If your skin goals include firmer, smoother, more radiant-looking skin, iS CLINICAL Youth Intensive Crème is a luxury pick that earns its spot. This rich anti-aging cream focuses on deep hydration and visible texture improvement, softening fine lines while supporting a bouncier, more resilient look. It is plush enough for night, yet refined enough to layer under SPF on dry or mature skin by day.
Quick Verdict
Best for: normal to dry, mature, or dehydrated skin that wants plush moisture plus visible smoothing.
Skip if: you are very oily or prefer featherweight gel creams year-round.
Bottom line: a results-forward, antioxidant- and peptide-rich cream with a luxurious feel and steady payoff over weeks.
Formula & Key Ingredients
This crème takes a multi-path approach to aging signs:
- Hyaluronic acid (multi-weight): draws water to the surface for immediate plumpness and cushion.
- Peptides (including copper peptide derivatives): support a firmer, more elastic look over time.
- Antioxidants (vitamin C esters, vitamin E, SOD): help defend against environmental stressors that dull glow and roughen texture.
- Botanical extracts: add soothing and nourishing support to keep the barrier calm while actives go to work.
Note: Youth Intensive Crème is peptide/antioxidant-led. It does not rely on high-strength retinoids, which is why many sensitive-leaning users tolerate it better than classic retinol night creams.
Texture & Application
The texture is rich, cushiony, and non-greasy. It melts in, leaving a satin finish rather than a waxy film.
- Night: apply a pea to almond-size over serums as your final step.
- Day (dry/mature skin): press a half-pea onto cheeks and perimeter under SPF for comfort without heaviness.
- Layering tip: if you use strong acids or retinoids in your routine, alternate nights or apply this crème on top to buffer potential dryness.
Results & Performance
What to expect with consistent use:
- Immediately: skin feels softer, looks more supple, and makeup sits smoother.
- Weeks 3–4: fine lines appear softened; tone looks more even and well-rested.
- Weeks 6–8: a firmer, springier look through the mid-face and fewer rough patches.
The finish is polished rather than glossy, making it friendly for daytime in cool/dry climates and a standout sealer at night year-round.
Who It Is For vs Who Should Skip
Choose it if your skin drinks moisturizer, your cheeks get tight by midday, or you want firming support without jumping straight to high-strength retinoids.
Skip it if your T-zone is very oily or you live in humid weather and dislike any residue. Consider a lighter gel cream for daytime and keep Youth Intensive Crème for night only.
Value for Money
This is a premium-priced cream. The value shows up if you want a single step that delivers deep comfort plus visible smoothing, and you will actually use it nightly. If you prefer lightweight textures or you already run oily, a lighter moisturizer plus a separate peptide serum may be better value.
Pros ✅
- Intensely hydrating with a luxurious, non-greasy finish
- Helps improve firmness and elasticity with peptide support
- Softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles over time
- Antioxidant blend supports a brighter, more resilient appearance
- Layers well over serums and under SPF on dry/mature skin
Cons ❌
- Premium price point
- Rich texture may feel heavy for very oily skin
- Results build gradually and rely on consistent use
How To Use (Step-by-Step)
- Cleanse and gently pat dry.
- Serum: vitamin C by day or your preferred hydrating/repair serum at night.
- Crème: press Youth Intensive Crème over face and neck.
- Daytime: finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen.
- Weekly rhythm: if using retinoids, alternate nights or buffer with this crème on top.
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Key Benefit | Skin Type Suitability | Anti-Aging Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| iS CLINICAL Youth Intensive Crème | Deep hydration, reduces fine lines & wrinkles, improves elasticity | Normal, dry, mature | Retinol + antioxidants + peptides for advanced anti-aging |
| La Mer Crème de la Mer | Rich hydration and barrier repair | Dry, very dry | Moisture barrier renewal with Miracle Broth™ |
| SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 | Restores skin barrier lipids, firms skin | Normal, dry, mature | Anti-aging through lipid replenishment |
| Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Night Crème | Multi-action night repair, smoother skin | Normal to combination | Firming, hydration, and night repair focus |
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Final Thoughts
The iS CLINICAL Youth Intensive Crème delivers a luxurious experience with results to match. It’s an excellent choice for those willing to invest in a high-performance cream that tackles multiple signs of ageing while deeply hydrating the skin. If you want smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin, this cream is a strong contender in the luxury skincare space.
See also
If you’re comparing rich, anti-aging moisturizers, see how Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream stacks up, and consider Neocutis Bio Cream Firm Riche as another intensive firming option.
– For a serum-first routine that targets multiple signs of aging, read our Clarins Double Serum review.
– Explore a more traditionally luxurious formula in our Tatcha Ageless Enriching Renewal Cream review.
– If you prefer pairing your cream with a growth-factor treatment, see the SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex review.
FAQ
1) How is Youth Intensive Crème different from a basic moisturizer?
It combines peptides and antioxidants with multi-weight hyaluronic acid to address firmness, fine lines, and radiance while delivering deep hydration.
2) Can sensitive skin use it?
Often yes, since it is not a high-strength retinoid formula. Still, patch test and ease in if your skin is reactive, especially if you use acids or retinoids elsewhere in your routine.
3) When should I apply it?
Use it nightly as your last step over serums. Dry or mature skin can also apply a thin layer in the morning under SPF for extra comfort.
4) Will it clog pores?
It has a rich texture but is well-balanced. Oily or breakout-prone users may prefer using it at night only or confining it to drier zones.
5) Can I layer it with retinoids or vitamin C?
Yes. Use vitamin C in the morning and Youth Intensive Crème on top of hydrating serums. With retinoids at night, either buffer by applying this over your retinoid or alternate nights.
