Acwell Real Aqua Balancing Cream Review

Where to purchase: Soko Glam: LINK / Stylevana: LINK

Price: $30 / £23.91

Volume: 50ml

Made in: South Korea

What is it?: A Watery gel-cream containing a patented N4 Complex to help lock in moisture [Which is: Houttuynia Cordata, Liquorice Root Extract, Omega-3 and 6 Fatty acids to overall hydrate, soothe and strengthen the skin’s barrier and improve moisture].

Aims to: Rehydrate and rebalance the skin.

Supposedly Good for: All Skin Types.

What I think: I think Oily and Oily-Combination Skins would prefer this over very dry skins. Sensitive skins could also use this.

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Vegan?: Yes

Cruelty Free?: Yes

Fungal-acne Suitable?: No

EU-allergen-free?: Yes

pH: 5.0~7.0

Packaging: Plastic tub with a screw-top lid. Did not come with a spatula.

Directions: ”Apply a moderate amount to the entire face and neck, gently massaging in until absorbed.” (From the website).

How I use it: I apply a coin-sized amount to the face and neck as this spread quite far. It doesn’t take long for this to absorb.

Key Ingredients: Purslane Extract + Houttuynia Cordata Extract (Anti-inflammatory + Anti-oxidative), Safflower Seed Oil (Antioxidant, High in Linoleic Acid – Nourishing and moisturising), Chia Seed Oil (Anti-inflammatory + Moisturising + Antioxidative), Hyaluronic acid + Sodium Hyaluronate (Hydrating Humectants), Linoleic + Linolenic Acids (Moisturising + Skin-barrier-reinforcing), Biosaccharide Gum-1 (Soothing), Stonecrop Extract (Moisturising).

Full Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Cetearyl Olivate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Sorbitan Olivate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Carbomer, Glyceryl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Trideceth-10, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Brassica Oleracea Gemmifera (Brussels Sprouts) Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Sedum Sarmentosum Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Sucrose Palmitate, Salvia Hispanica Seed oil, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate

NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE

Texture: This is definitely a gel-cream. It has a gel-base that you see more and as you spread this out, but it starts off as a cream. It feels lightly cooling when applied to the skin and is easy to massage and absorb into the skin. The brand describes this as a ”rich formula that makes the skin feel smooth and soft after applying and that this absorbs quickly, leaving the skin smooth and soft” – I would agree that it does leave the skin feeling relatively soft. (This isn’t a mattifying formula, but I’m not left looking too shiny).

Sticky?: No (See Swatch Video Below).

Greasy?: No (But this cream isn’t mattifying).

Balls up?: No (unless you use a LOT of product so it can’t absorb fully and then rub your face).

• As you can see, this is a translucent gel cream. It has some creaminess to it.

When massaging this into the skin, it feels smooth and starts to absorb. It has a gel-textured base and feels cooling / hydrating.

Swatch Comparison: No Cream (Left) VS Cream (Right)

Does this Sting if the Skin has been Irritated / Sensitised by Shaving/Heavy Retinol Use?: This did not for me.

Summer or Winter?: Oily Skins: Both. Dry Skins: Summer.

Layerable?: Yes (But be careful to apply to much to avoid any possible chance of balling up, due to this gel base).

Video Swatch:

• As you can see, this isn’t sticky and doesn’t drip down the skin. It is a gel-cream and provides hydration and light moisturisation. It doesn’t make the skin look too oily or glossy.

Fragrance?: This is Fragrance + EO Free (if you smell the jar, it smells a bit chemical-y, but the cream doesn’t smell like this on my face).

Good Under Makeup?: Yes (Just don’t add a very thick layer to avoid any potential balling up).

How long have I been using this?: Almost until completion (4-5 months).

Will I use until Completion?: Yes.

How Long will that take?: 1 more use.

The Effect?: The brand states that this leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft and hydrated – I would agree that it feels hydrated, and it does feel relatively soft. The skin doesn’t feel sticky.

What I like:

• Fragrance + EO Free
• Hydrating
• Lightweight
• Lightly moisturising
• Not sticky or tacky
• Did not worsen my skin
• Vegan

What I don’t like:

• Not as Emollient / Moisturising as Dry skins may prefer, or in the dryer winter months

Note: Acwell offer the Aqua Clinity Cream which may suit more dry skins LINK.

Overall Rating and Conclusion: 4/5 – A comfortable, hydrating and lightly moisturising gel-cream! It isn’t the most emollient (i.e. not suitable for very dry skins), but it has been comfortable for use on my oily-combination skin (especially during hot weather). I appreciate that it is gentle and even feels slightly cooling on the skin, and that it’s not sticky or tacky, and is fast-absorbing. Oilier skins should enjoy this as it provides some moisture (oil) and a lot of hydration.

Would I repurchase?: Yes! This has been just as comfortable to wear as the Dr G Red clear soothing gel cream (Recommended as a dupe below). I like how smooth it feels and it has been comfortable for my oily-combination skin, even in the evening (if I feel dry-er, I will apply an emollient serum underneath).

Dupes?: The Dr.G Red Blemish Gel Cream (Swatches + Review HERE) is very similar in terms of texture and also its target skin type.

Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK

• The First Aid Beauty – Hello Fab Coconut Water Cream (Swatches + Review HERE) is another water-gel cream that is hydrating and lightly moisturising (good for Oily + Combination Skins).

Available at: Look Fantastic: LINK / Ulta: LINK / Dermstore: LINK

First Aid Beauty Review Video:

• The Dear Klairs Midnight Blue Clearing Water Cream isn’t as creamy as the Acwell Gel Cream, so it is even more suitable for the summer / oilier skins. It’s hydrating and lightweight. (Swatches + Review HERE).

Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK

• The Rovectin Aqua Hyaluronic Soothing Cream is slightly more creamier than this Aqua Gel Cream, but it is surprisingly hydrating and comfortable for my oily-combination skin. Fragrance + EO Free, Vegan + Cruelty-Free.

Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Rovectin: LINK / Superdrug: LINK

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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