Where to purchase: The Ordinary: LINK / Cult Beauty: LINK / Ulta: LINK / Look Fantastic: LINK / Sephora: LINK
Price: £12 / $14.91
Volume: 100ml
Made in: Canada
What is it?: A lightweight gel moisturiser to help support surface hydration of the skin.
What does it do?: Hydrate the skin + use Natural Moisturising Factors to strengthen the skin’s barrier).
Supposedly Good for: All Skin Types + Oily + Combination Skin.
What I think: I agree this suits the above and dehydration-prone skins.
Fungal Acne compatible?: No
Vegan?: Yes.
Cruelty Free?: Yes.
How long does it last after opening?: 12 Months.
pH: 5.3-6.3
Packaging: Plastic tube with a cap and hygiene tab.
Directions: Apply only a small amount to the face in the AM and PM. (More directions from the ordinary website).
How I use it: I apply this in the AM under SPFs that could potentially be drying (i.e. if they contain alcohol), as this helps keep the skin hydrated. I absolutely follow the instructions (i.e. only apply a small amount) as the more of this you apply, the stickier it will get due to the gel nature of this product). In the PM I apply this in conjunction with a lightweight cream such as the Numbuzin Purple Cream or the 23 Years old BHA /AHA Cream HERE.
Key Ingredients: Beta-Glucan + Allantoin (Soothing) / Hyaluronic Acid (Hydrating)
Other Key Ingredients: These are the Natural Moisturising Factors (NMFs) which help retain the skin’s barrier and re-build and reinforce it (as these naturally occur in the skin): Arginine, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Proline, Threonine, Sodium PCA, Urea, Phospholipids.
- This also contains hydrating sugars such as Maltose, Fructose, Trehalose, Xylitol, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitylglucoside (These draw hydration into the skin).
Note: So as you can see this is a hydrating product loaded with humectants and skin-barrier repairing ingredients.
Full Ingredients: Aqua (Water), PPG-24-Glycereth-24, Propanediol, Betaine, Beta-Glucan, Arginine, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Proline, Threonine, Glutamic Acid, Lysine HCL, Glucose, Maltose, Fructose, Trehalose, Xylitol, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitylglucoside, Sodium PCA, PCA, Sodium Lactate, Urea, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phospholipids, Sphingolipids, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, P-Anisic Acid, Aminomethyl Propanol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE
Texture: This immediately feels cooling and hydrating on the skin. It’s easy to spread and doesn’t feel oily or too sticky (I just don’t apply too much).
Sticky?: If I apply too much. But if I apply just a coin-sized amount along the face (and neck) then it’s fine.
Greasy?: No.
Balls up?: No.
- As you can see, this is a transparent gel. It doesn’t look really water (i.e. it doesn’t just melt on top of my skin), I have to rub it in in order for it to absorb (doesn’t just slide down the hand, it has some adherance).
Swatch Comparison: No Product (Left) Vs Product (Right)
Does this Sting if the Skin has been Irritated / Sensitised by Shaving/Heavy Retinol Use?: No.
Summer or Winter?: Great in the summer for Oily Skins and this can be layered with an emollient serum or cream in the winter months for dry skins.
Layerable?: Yes. I can even apply a more emollient cream on top.
Video Swatch:
- As you can see, this really looks like a typical aloe gel, but it’s less sticky (i.e. this doesn’t ball up constantly).
Fragrance?: Fragrance + EO Free. This doesn’t smell great, it smells slightly ”plastic-y” but it’s not unbearable.
Good Under Makeup?: I wouldn’t recommend this under foundation just in case of any potential balling up (or if you apply a thin layer).
How long have I been using this?: 2-3 Months.
Will I use until Completion?: Yes.
How Long will that take?: Another 3-4 Months.
The Effect?: Hydrated skin that feels plump (and softer once it’s fully absorbed). Immediately, this feels cooling and soothing on the skin.
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What I like:
- Fragrance + EO Free
- Cruelty-Free
- Lightweight
- Not Greasy / Oily
- Did not irritate my skin
- Hydrating
- Doesn’t ball up like crazy (i.e. for a gel cream)
What I don’t like:
- Slightly sticky (due to the gel texture) if I apply too much
- Not hugely moisturising (i.e. not emollient)
Overall Rating and Conclusion: 4 (nearly 3.9)/5 – A gentle, hydrating and soothing (cooling) gel cream that is great for sensitive skins. This is not emollient or that moisturising so dry skins and those in dry weathers may prefer the NMF + Phytoceramides cream (Review HERE), but Oily + Combination skins and those in hot and humid weathers should suit this Gel cream. I’ve enjoyed it, I use it in conjunction with a lightweight cream (just to add some emollients), but this helps provide that a hydrating boost to a routine.
Would I repurchase?: Yes, as it’s not too expensive so I can keep it in my stock for when I need a soothing gel cream.
Dupe?: These are all similar in terms of texture (i.e. that lightweight gel):
- The Corthe RX Moisture Recharging Gel (Swatches + Review HERE)
2. Etude House Soon Jung Hydro Barrier Cream is slightly more emollient but still hydrating and has that similar gel-like texture – Yesstyle LINK / Stylevana LINK
3. The SVR Aloe Gel is very similar in texture and just as suitable for both sensitive and oily skins (Swatches + Review HERE).
My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.
Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.
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My Skincare Regime 