Carenology 95

Carenology 95 SEA:HOLLY Water Plumping Emulsion

Name: Carenology 95 - SEA:HOLLY Water Plumping Emulsion
Brand: Carenology 95

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Edit

Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing

16 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“HOLLY Water Plumping Emulsion”

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: erythritol, glycerin.

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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, squalane.

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

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~2.1–3.2%

ErythritolKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.5–1.2%

SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~0.45–1.1%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~2.8–4.2%

Hydroxyethyl ureaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients~0.4–0.9%

Ceramide npHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~1.1–1.6%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.85–1.25%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.15–0.65%

Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.7–2.6%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~0.1–0.35%

Dextrin· HumectantEffect: LowA sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.75%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.3%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.1–0.4%

AllantoinUnder-dosedEffect: HighHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.35–0.8%

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateUnder-dosedEffect: HighA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.1–0.5%

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~0.1–0.45%

Exfoliation

Not advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: hydroxyethyl urea.

Hydroxyethyl ureaKey activeEffect: HighA derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients~0.4–0.9%

AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.35–0.8%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

2 strong irritants: Lavandula angustifolia flower water, Gardenia florida fruit extract

Medium risk

We flagged 8 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Lavandula angustifolia flower water—High~4.6–6.9%est.

Gardenia florida fruit extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating.High~0.3–0.7%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~2.8–4.2%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.3%est.

HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.05–0.2%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.15%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Edit

Cheaper Alternatives

Similar formulations, better price

Cetaphil Redness Relieving Night Moisturizer

62% match

$18.99

PURITO Dermide Relief Barrier Moisturizer

60% match

$18.32

View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?

No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Write a review · ~30s

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Lavandula angustifolia flower water~4.6–6.9%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Lavandula angustifolia flower water

Propanediol~3.6–5.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~2.8–4.2%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Glycerin~2.1–3.2%

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

Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate~1.7–2.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate

Eryngium maritimum callus culture filtrate~1.4–2.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Eryngium maritimum callus culture filtrate

Hydrogenated lecithin~1.3–1.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin

Ceramide np~1.1–1.6%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide np

Sodium hyaluronate~0.85–1.25%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Erythritol~0.5–1.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Erythritol

Squalane~0.45–1.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane

Hydroxyethyl urea~0.4–0.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

ExfoliationMoisturizing

A derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients

More about Hydroxyethyl urea

Allantoin~0.35–0.8%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces rednessReduces irritationExfoliation

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

More about Allantoin

Dextrin~0.35–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Dextrin

Gardenia florida fruit extract~0.3–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating.

More about Gardenia florida fruit extract

Ceteareth-6 olivate~0.2–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Ceteareth-6 olivate

Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.15–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer

Cetyl alcohol~0.15–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.1–0.5%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate

Tocopherol~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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

Disodium edta~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Butylene glycol~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 glycol

Pentylene glycol~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Hydroxyacetophenone~0.05–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone

1,2-hexanediol~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Ingredient list view

Water, Lavandula angustifolia flower water, Propanediol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glycerin, Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, Eryngium maritimum callus culture filtrate, Hydrogenated lecithin, Ceramide np, Sodium hyaluronate, Erythritol, Squalane, Hydroxyethyl urea, Allantoin, Dextrin, Gardenia florida fruit extract, Ceteareth-6 olivate, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Cetyl alcohol, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Tocopherol, Disodium edta, Butylene glycol, Pentylene glycol, Caprylyl glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2-hexanediol

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Yesstyle

$27.90

Buy

Affiliate links · prices updated regularly

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
	Carenology 95SEA:HOLLY Water Plumping EmulsionYOUR PRODUCT	CetaphilRedness Relieving Night Moisturizer	DifferinRestorative Night Moisturizer	celimaxDual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Match	—	62%	60%	60%
Price	$27.90	$18.99−$8.91	$14.99−$12.91	$20.75−$7.15
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 8	5 of 8	5 of 8
Key difference	—	Niacinamide	Niacinamide	Ceramide Ap
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.

We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.

Open dupe finder

Product summary

"Carenology 95 - SEA: HOLLY Water Plumping Emulsion" has a good moisturizing formula. As we expect from a proper moisturizer, the formula includes a combo of effective humectants and emollients. These are the two different types of ingredients that are essential for improving the skin hydration and supporting a healthy skin barrier. Erythritol, glycerin, hydroxyethyl urea, sodium hyaluronate and butylene glycol 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). Ceramide np, caprylic/capric triglyceride, squalane, butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate and cetyl alcohol in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.

Ingredient callouts

Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (ceramide np 1.10% - 1.60%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.

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

Irritation risk

This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. 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.