Works for
MoisturizingTripeptide-3, Trehalose + 12 moreWorks well
“Treat skin to the nourishing properties of AHAVA Exclusive Activating Smoothing Essence , a lightweight water-lotion solution that promotes softer, more hydrated skin.”
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
Anti-agingTripeptide-3, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice + 1 moreMay help
“Formulated with a host of active nourishing ingredients and the brand's clinically proven, exclusive wrinkle-smoothing patent, AoSTM Complex, the hydrating essence delivers a surge of moisture to help hydrate and plump the appearance of skin, leaving it feeling softer and more receptive of the next steps in your skincare routine.”
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Rosa centifolia flower water, Parfum + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Propanediol~4.9–6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolBis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane~4–4.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silaneTrehalose~3.2–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehaloseGlycerin~2.6–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinSaccharide isomerate~2.1–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Saccharide isomerateCryptomeria japonica bud extract~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolAloe barbadensis leaf juice~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceBiosaccharide gum-1~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about Biosaccharide gum-1Butylene glycol~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- 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
More about Butylene glycolTripeptide-3~0.6–0.9%
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilAcmella oleracea extract~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Propylene glycol~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolTrideceth-9~0.5–0.75%
Niacinamide~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about NiacinamideCalotropis procera callus extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Xanthan gum~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumAllantoin~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinChamomilla recutita flower extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Chamomilla recutita flower extractMaris aqua~0.3–0.55%
Rosa centifolia flower water~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Caprylyl glycol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycol1,2-hexanediol~0.2–0.35%
Sodium hyaluronate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateEthylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.3%
Galactoarabinan~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about GalactoarabinanPhoenix dactylifera fruit extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Parfum~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumHexyl cinnamal~0.05–0.1%
Ingredient list view
Water, Propanediol, 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, Rosa centifolia flower water, Caprylyl glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Sodium hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Galactoarabinan, Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract, Parfum, Hexyl cinnamal
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| AhavaExclusive Activating Smoothing EssenceYOUR PRODUCT | SWANICOCOPeptine Biome For Men All In One Essence | numbuzinNo.9 NAD Bio Lifting-sil Essence | e.l.f. CosmeticsHydrating Water Essence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 91% | 84% | 81% |
| Price | — | $22.17 | $19.20 | $0.13 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 9 | 4 of 9 | 4 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester | Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester | Urea |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | High | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: ACWELL Phyto Active Balancing TonerDr. Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Essence
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.
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.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 11 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 6
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