Ahava Exclusive Activating Smoothing Essence

Name: Ahava - Exclusive Activating Smoothing Essence
Brand: Ahava

USD48.95

Buy — USD48.95

Affiliate link · supports WIMJ

Efficacy100/100

high

Works for:

based on ingredients and %

Moisturizing
Anti-aging

Can it cause trouble?

Irritation risk: high
Comedogenic risk ingredients: 1

Key actives

Niacinamide0.5% - 0.75%Allantoin0.3% - 0.55%Tripeptide-30.65% - 1%

See all ingredients

USD48.95

Beauty Expert

Lowest price

Buy from Beauty Expert — USD48.95

Submit an edit

Cheaper Alternatives

Similar formulations, better price

Holika Holika Prime Youth Black Snail Repair Cream

76% similar formula

$21.49

Lumene Nordic Hydra [LÄHDE] Fresh Moisture 24H Water Gel

74% similar formula

$17.90

View all alternatives

Product Summary

Based on the ingredients included, "Ahava - Exclusive Activating Smoothing Essence" works well for moisturizing the skin. This moisturizer uses a good combo of humectants and emollients. These both types of ingredients are essentials for improving the skin hydration and keeping the skin barrier healthy. Biosaccharide gum-1, galactoarabinan, glycerin, saccharide isomerate and sodium hyaluronate in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Emollients in this formulation (bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane and caprylyl glycol) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

Ingredient callouts

We like that this moisturizer contains peptides (tripeptide-3 0.65% - 1.00%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. Peptides might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.

This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: niacinamide and allantoin

Irritation risk

We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.

Price

The product retails for 48.95$ in the United States and from 33.00£ up to 55.00£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Moisturizing

What does the product description say?

Exclusive Activating Smoothing Essence

Source: From product name

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": biosaccharide gum-1, galactoarabinan.

When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: tripeptide-3

Biosaccharide gum-10.75% - 1.1%

Irritation risk:Concentration:Effectiveness:HIGH

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin

Galactoarabinan0.15% - 0.25%

Irritation risk:Concentration:Effectiveness:HIGH

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

Glycerin1.9% - 2.4%

Irritation risk:Concentration:Effectiveness:HIGH

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

Saccharide isomerate1.6% - 1.9%

Irritation risk:Concentration:Effectiveness:HIGH

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

Sodium hyaluronate0.15% - 0.3%

Irritation risk:Concentration:Effectiveness:HIGH

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

Trehalose2.2% - 2.7%

Irritation risk:Concentration:Effectiveness:HIGH

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

Tripeptide-30.65% - 1%

Irritation risk:Concentration:Effectiveness:HIGH

Propylene glycol0.6% - 0.85%

Irritation risk:Concentration:Effectiveness:LOW

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

Butylene glycol0.7% - 1.05%

Irritation risk:Concentration:Effectiveness:LOW

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

Caprylyl glycol0.25% - 0.45%

Irritation risk:Concentration:Effectiveness:LOW

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane2.8% - 3.4%

Irritation risk:Concentration:Effectiveness:LOW

A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

Niacinamide0.5% - 0.75%

Irritation risk:Concentration:Insufficient!

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

Allantoin0.3% - 0.55%

Irritation risk:Concentration:Insufficient!

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice0.95% - 1.15%

Irritation risk:Concentration:Insufficient!

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

Anti-aging

This product contains tripeptide-3. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

Tripeptide-30.65% - 1%

Irritation risk:Concentration:Effectiveness:MEDIUM

Niacinamide0.5% - 0.75%

Irritation risk:Concentration:Insufficient!

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice0.95% - 1.15%

Irritation risk:Concentration:Insufficient!

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

Key Actives

Niacinamide0.5% - 0.75%

Irritation risk:

Works for:Evens skin tone, Anti-blemish, Moisturizing, Anti-aging, Reduces irritation, Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, Reduces redness

Allantoin0.3% - 0.55%

Irritation risk:

Works for:Moisturizing, Anti-inflammatory, Reduces irritation, Reduces redness, Anti-blemish, Exfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

Tripeptide-30.65% - 1%

Irritation risk:

Works for:Moisturizing, Anti-aging

Trehalose2.2% - 2.7%

Irritation risk:

Works for:Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

Glycerin1.9% - 2.4%

Irritation risk:

Works for:Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

Saccharide isomerate1.6% - 1.9%

Irritation risk:

Works for:Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

Biosaccharide gum-10.75% - 1.1%

Irritation risk:

Works for:Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin

Sodium hyaluronate0.15% - 0.3%

Irritation risk:

Works for:Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

Galactoarabinan0.15% - 0.25%

Irritation risk:

Works for:Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

Potential irritants

Propylene glycol0.6% - 0.85%

Irritation risk:

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

Chamomilla recutita flower extract0.25% - 0.5%

Irritation risk:

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

Rosa centifolia flower water0.2% - 0.4%

Irritation risk:

Parfum0.05% - 0.1%

Irritation risk:

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

Hexyl cinnamal0.05% - 0.1%

Irritation risk:

A fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritant

Zea mays starch4.3% - 5.3%

Irritation risk:Comedogenicity:High

Used to thicken the product's consistency

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice0.95% - 1.15%

Irritation risk:

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil0.65% - 0.95%

Irritation risk:

Helps oil and water mix together

Caprylyl glycol0.25% - 0.45%

Irritation risk:

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

Ethylhexylglycerin0.15% - 0.3%

Irritation risk:

A preservative

Galactoarabinan0.15% - 0.25%

Irritation risk:

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

Comedogenic ingredients

Zea mays starch4.3% - 5.3%

Irritation risk:Comedogenicity:High

Used to thicken the product's consistency

All ingredients

Water45% - 55%

Irritation risk:

Plain old water

Propanediol5.3% - 6.4%

Irritation risk:

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

Zea mays starch4.3% - 5.3%

Irritation risk:Comedogenicity:High

Used to thicken the product's consistency

Unknown

Irritation risk:

The ingredient is not recognized

Glycol3.3% - 4%

Irritation risk:

Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane2.8% - 3.4%

Irritation risk:

A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

Trehalose2.2% - 2.7%

Irritation risk:

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

Glycerin1.9% - 2.4%

Irritation risk:

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

Saccharide isomerate1.6% - 1.9%

Irritation risk:

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

Cryptomeria japonica bud extract1.3% - 1.6%

Irritation risk:

Phenoxyethanol0.5% - 1%

Irritation risk:

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice0.95% - 1.15%

Irritation risk:

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

Biosaccharide gum-10.75% - 1.1%

Irritation risk:

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin

Butylene glycol0.7% - 1.05%

Irritation risk:

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

Tripeptide-30.65% - 1%

Irritation risk:

Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil0.65% - 0.95%

Irritation risk:

Helps oil and water mix together

Acmella oleracea extract0.6% - 0.95%

Irritation risk:

Propylene glycol0.6% - 0.85%

Irritation risk:

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

Trideceth-90.55% - 0.85%

Irritation risk:

Niacinamide0.5% - 0.75%

Irritation risk:

Calotropis procera callus extract0.3% - 0.6%

Irritation risk:

Xanthan gum0.35% - 0.6%

Irritation risk:

Used to create a thicker product consistency

Allantoin0.3% - 0.55%

Irritation risk:

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

Chamomilla recutita flower extract0.25% - 0.5%

Irritation risk:

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

Maris aqua0.25% - 0.5%

Irritation risk:

Sea water. Helps dissolve other ingredients in a product

Unknown

Irritation risk:

The ingredient is not recognized

Sea water0.25% - 0.45%

Irritation risk:

Dissolves other ingredients. It does not have additional skin benefits compared to plain water

Rosa centifolia flower water0.2% - 0.4%

Irritation risk:

Caprylyl glycol0.25% - 0.45%

Irritation risk:

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

Hexanediol0.2% - 0.35%

Irritation risk:

Helps dissolve other ingredients

Sodium hyaluronate0.15% - 0.3%

Irritation risk:

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

Ethylhexylglycerin0.15% - 0.3%

Irritation risk:

A preservative

Galactoarabinan0.15% - 0.25%

Irritation risk:

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract0.15% - 0.25%

Irritation risk:

Parfum0.05% - 0.1%

Irritation risk:

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

Hexyl cinnamal0.05% - 0.1%

Irritation risk:

A fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritant

Ingredient list view

Water, Propanediol, Zea mays starch, Unknown, Glycol, Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, Trehalose, Glycerin, Saccharide isomerate, Cryptomeria japonica bud extract, Phenoxyethanol, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Biosaccharide gum-1, Butylene glycol, Tripeptide-3, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Acmella oleracea extract, Propylene glycol, Trideceth-9, Niacinamide, Calotropis procera callus extract, Xanthan gum, Allantoin, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Maris aqua, Unknown, Sea water, Rosa centifolia flower water, Caprylyl glycol, Hexanediol, Sodium hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Galactoarabinan, Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract, Parfum, Hexyl cinnamal

USD48.95

Beauty Expert Lowest price

Buy Now

Product	Similarity	Price
Ahava Exclusive Activating Smoothing Essence	Current	$33.00
Olay Super Collagen Cream	79%	$41.99
Holika Holika Prime Youth Black Snail Repair Cream	76%	$21.49
Eyenlip Salmon & Peptide Nutrition Cream	74%	$17.01
CeraVe Renewing Peptide Moisturise	74%	-
Lumene Nordic Hydra [LÄHDE] Fresh Moisture 24H Water Gel	74%	$17.80

Ahava Exclusive Activating Smoothing Essence

Works for:

Can it cause trouble?

Key actives

Product Summary

Ingredient callouts

Irritation risk

Price

What can the product work for?

Works for

Moisturizing

What does the product description say?

Anti-aging

Honesty Check

How honest is this product?

Buy Now

Can it cause trouble?

Potential irritants

Comedogenic ingredients

User Reviews

User reviews (0)

Tried this product?

Similar Products & Dupes

Find Dupes

Better Alternatives

Ingredients & Concentrations

Key Actives

Potential irritants

Comedogenic ingredients

All ingredients

Ingredient list view

Sources & References