Cosmetics & Toiletries is pleased to revive its Read the Label column, now authored by industry expert Marc de Mul, Ph.D., of Measured Innovation. As it has in the past, this column reviews trending and new cosmetic products, emphasizing their ingredient choices, sustainability and label claims.
ROC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Moisturizer
This moisturizer earned top honors in the Good Housekeeping Beauty Awards in 2024. On the label, it claims to instantly brighten and plump the skin and deliver 24-hr hydration.
It sells for about $14 per fluid ounce, which places it in the masstige category. For comparison, the CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion, also a winner, retails for less than $1 per fluid ounce. Is ROC worth the cost?
Oil Phase Composition
The ROC product has water as its first ingredient, so it is a w/o emulsion. It contains three main emollient oils:
- Dicaprylyl carbonate: a light, fast-spreading, naturally derived emollient;
- Trimethylolpropane tricaprylate/tricaprate: functioning as a secondary emollient and solubilizer; and
- Tridecyl trimellitate: a viscous synthetic oil that can form a barrier on skin.
The last two emollients have three aliphatic tail groups, making them very nonpolar and oily.
Emulsifying System
The emulsifying system comprises two main ingredients:
- Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate: a natural emulsifier and rheology modifier, and
- Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate crosspolymer, also known as Aristoflex HMB by Clariant Corp. This is a widely used synthetic hydrophobically modified polymeric emulsifier.
- Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6 is also present as a gel former.
In addition, ROC's moisturizer contains silicone oil (dimethicone) and silicone elastomer (polysilicone-11), which impart a smooth skin feel.
Functional Ingredients
Functional ingredients that may support efficacy claims are mainly:
- 3-O-Ethyl ascorbic acid, an ether form of vitamin C, that may help reduce dark spots and wrinkles and firm the skin by promoting collagen production. It’s in the product at a high level because it’s early in the INCI list.
- Another antiaging active is nonapeptide-1, a skin brightening synthetic nonapeptide.
Preservatives and Other Ingredients
The formulation is preserved by caprylhydroxamic acid, disodium EDTA and sodium lactate. In addition, various plant extracts complete the formula.
Finally, the INCI list includes Yellow 5 and 6, both of which are synthetic dyes that notably may be banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2026 for food and drug applications.
Product Claims: Brightening and Plumping
The instant brightening and plumping claims are supported by consumer studies finding that 97% of women reported this effect.
There may also have been a clinical study monitoring women for fine lines and wrinkles, skin brightness and skin firmness, as well as hydration, since a greater than 60% improvement is claimed for these parameters. ROC reports that its clinical studies are objective and conducted at third party labs, although no details for such are provided.
Packaging and Sustainability
In this author's view, this product is not sustainable. It contains several petroleum-derived ingredients and it is packaged in a glass bottle with a plastic seal that is not easily recycled.
In Summary
Overall, the ROC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow moisturizer appears to be an excellent product formulation with real skin benefits but it could be more sustainable. It’s likely that the brightening and plumping claims are supported by the functional ingredients — primarily the vitamin C, which is in the formula at a high level.
Preferably, companies would present their clinical data for review by consumers, independent organizations and the media, assuring transparency and the efficacy behind their claims.
Full Ingredient Disclosure
Water (Aqua/Eau), Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Trimethylolpropane Tricaprylate/Tricaprate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Nonapeptide-1, Cistus Monspeliensis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sodium Lactate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract, Polygonum Aviculare Extract, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Troxerutin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Maltodextrin, Polysilicone-11, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Fragrance (Parfum), Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Limonene, Linalool, Citral.
*Ingredients are listed as disclosed on company website Aug. 4, 2025.
