Ahava

Ahava Time to Hydrate Essential Day Moisturizer for Combination Skin

Name: Ahava - Time to Hydrate Essential Day Moisturizer for Combination Skin
Brand: Ahava

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Urea + 14 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Time to Hydrate Essential Day Moisturizer for Combination Skin”

From product name

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. 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. The following ingredients in this product do the job: alanine, cyclomethicone.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: squalene, beta-sitosterol.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol, urea

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.45–0.65%

UreaHero· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations~0.2–0.35%

CyclomethiconeKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: HighA type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer~3.9–4.7%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1.7–2%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~1.5–1.8%

SqualeneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast~0.5–0.8%

AlanineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking~0.35–0.6%

GlycineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function~0.3–0.55%

Magnesium aspartateKey activeEffect: MediumMight be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and calm down inflammation in skin~0.3–0.5%

Saccharide hydrolysateKey active· HumectantEffect: High~0.2–0.35%

Beta-sitosterolKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA phytosterol that can support skin's barrier function and help the skin stay hydrated~0.15–0.3%

Hexyl laurate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~4.7–5.8%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.3–0.5%

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally 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~0.55–0.8%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.25–0.45%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.35–0.6%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Squalene, Creatine + 4 more

May help

This product contains antioxidants (creatine, squalene) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is some human evidence for this effect in skin, though it is smaller or less consistent than the evidence for the best antioxidants.

SqualeneKey activeEffect: MediumAn oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast~0.5–0.8%

CreatineKey activeEffect: MediumCan support skin's ability to neutralize free radicals and produce collagen, though further research is needed to confirm effectiveness~0.25–0.5%

BisabololEffect: Low, below effective doseAn active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties~0.3–0.6%

Ascorbyl palmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.~0.25–0.45%

TocopherolUnder-dosedPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.25–0.45%

Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphatesUnder-dosedA form of Vitamin E. In concentrations 1-3%, it can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support photodamage repair~0.25–0.45%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Creatine, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice + 2 more

May help

This product contains creatine. There is some human evidence that this ingredient helps reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin elasticity and firmness, though it is smaller or less consistent than the evidence for the best anti-aging ingredients.

CreatineKey activeEffect: MediumCan support skin's ability to neutralize free radicals and produce collagen, though further research is needed to confirm effectiveness~0.25–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

10 strong irritants: Hamamelis virginiana leaf water, Menthyl lactate + 8 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 20 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Hamamelis virginiana leaf water—High~0.65–1%est.

Menthyl lactateUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.4%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

FarnesolAdded to create a nice product smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

Hexyl cinnamalA fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritantHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

Alpha-isomethyl iononeA fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

Hexyl laurateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistencyMedium~4.7–5.8%est.

Aluminum starch octenylsuccinateUsed to thicken the product's consistencyMedium~3.1–3.8%est.

Zea mays starchUsed to thicken the product's consistencyMedium~1.9–2.3%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally 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 skinMedium~0.55–0.8%est.

Ascorbyl palmitateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.Medium~0.25–0.45%est.

Behentrimonium methosulfateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Dehydroacetic acidA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.15%est.

Comedogenic

3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

3 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Zea mays starchUsed to thicken the product's consistency3/5~1.9–2.3%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~1.7–2%est.

SqualeneAn oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast2/5~0.5–0.8%est.

Alternatives

The closest match we found

Manufaktura Anti-Pollution Day Cream

Closest match52% match

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Hexyl laurate~4.7–5.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency

More about Hexyl laurate

Cyclomethicone~3.9–4.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer

More about Cyclomethicone

Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate~3.1–3.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to thicken the product's consistency

More about Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate

Propanediol~2.3–2.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

Zea mays starch~1.9–2.3%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Mattifying

Used to thicken the product's consistency

More about Zea mays starch

Derived

Not recognized

Cetearyl alcohol~1.7–2%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Glycerin~1.5–1.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Glycerin

Maris aqua~1.2–1.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Sea water. Helps dissolve other ingredients in a product

More about Maris aqua

Dead

Not recognized

Sea water~0.95–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Sea water

Hamamelis virginiana leaf water~0.65–1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Hamamelis virginiana leaf water

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.55–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAntibacterialReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAnti-aging

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 juice

Squalene~0.5–0.8%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast

More about Squalene

Panthenol~0.45–0.65%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Allantoin~0.35–0.6%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

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

More about Allantoin

Bisabolol~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol

Alanine~0.35–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin tone

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking

More about Alanine

Glycine~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function

More about Glycine

Magnesium aspartate~0.3–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Might be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and calm down inflammation in skin

More about Magnesium aspartate

Creatine~0.25–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-aging

Can support skin's ability to neutralize free radicals and produce collagen, though further research is needed to confirm effectiveness

More about Creatine

Ascorbyl palmitate~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-agingAnti-oxidation

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.

More about Ascorbyl palmitate

Tocopherol~0.25–0.45%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol

Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Behentrimonium methosulfate~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Behentrimonium methosulfate

Glyceryl stearate~0.3–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Peg-100 stearate~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture

More about Peg-100 stearate

Menthyl lactate~0.25–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Menthyl lactate

Parfum~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Farnesol~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Added to create a nice product smell. Can be irritating

More about Farnesol

Linalool~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Hexyl cinnamal~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritant

More about Hexyl cinnamal

Citronellol~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol

Limonene~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Geraniol~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol

Alpha-isomethyl ionone~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Alpha-isomethyl ionone

Urea~0.2–0.35%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingExfoliation

Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations

More about Urea

Saccharide hydrolysate~0.2–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Saccharide hydrolysate

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Disodium edta~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates~0.25–0.45%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingAnti-oxidation

A form of Vitamin E. In concentrations 1-3%, it can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support photodamage repair

More about Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates

Beta-sitosterol~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A phytosterol that can support skin's barrier function and help the skin stay hydrated

More about Beta-sitosterol

Hydrogen~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hydrogen

Benzoic acid~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid

Dehydroacetic acid~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Dehydroacetic acid

Ingredient list view

Water, Hexyl laurate, Cyclomethicone, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Propanediol, Zea mays starch, Unknown, Cetearyl alcohol, Glycerin, Maris aqua, Unknown, Sea water, Hamamelis virginiana leaf water, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Squalene, Panthenol, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Alanine, Glycine, Magnesium aspartate, Creatine, Ascorbyl palmitate, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Behentrimonium methosulfate, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Menthyl lactate, Parfum, Farnesol, Linalool, Hexyl cinnamal, Citronellol, Limonene, Geraniol, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Urea, Saccharide hydrolysate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium edta, Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates, Beta-sitosterol, Hydrogen, Benzoic acid, Dehydroacetic acid

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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	AhavaTime to Hydrate Essential Day Moisturizer for Combination SkinYOUR PRODUCT	ManufakturaAnti-Pollution Day Cream	Dr. Duve MedicalClarifying Face Cream	Dr. Barbara SturmClarifying Face Cream
Match	—	52%	52%	50%
Price	—	—	—	$178.29
Shared key ingredients	—	8 of 15	4 of 15	6 of 15
Key difference	—	Niacinamide	Niacinamide	Niacinamide
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	Contains drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

Judging from the ingredient list, "Ahava - Time to Hydrate Essential Day Moisturizer for Combination Skin" works well for improving skin hydration The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Panthenol, urea, alanine, cyclomethicone and glycerin 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 (beta-sitosterol, cyclomethicone, squalene, cetearyl alcohol and glyceryl stearate) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates, vitamin e and allantoin

Irritation risk

This moisturizer contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. 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.