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Derma E Ultra Hydrating Alkaline Gel Booster
Derma E

Derma E Ultra Hydrating Alkaline Gel Booster

Efficacy87/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Panthenol, Glycerin + 7 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Ultra Hydrating Alkaline Gel Booster”
Source: Derma E

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": copper pca, glycerin.

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: panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.85–1.3%
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~3.7–5.6%
Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~3.5–5.2%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~2.6–3.9%
Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronateKey activeEffect: HighAttracts water into the upper layer of the skin~2–3%
Copper pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~1.4–2.1%
Superoxide dismutaseKey activeEffect: HighAn antioxidant enzyme that is naturally present in skin. It can help support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin. It is used in topical medications for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. There are three types of natural Superoxide Dismutase in human skin. The compound used in topical treatments and cosmetics are mimics of typically one of these natural variants~1.1–1.6%
Palmitoyl tripeptide-28Key activeEffect: High~0.5–1.15%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.7%
Anti-aging
Palmitoyl tripeptide-28, Camellia sinensis leaf extract
May help
What the product description says
“Reduces the appearance of fine lines, dullness and dehydrated skin”
Source: Derma E

This product contains palmitoyl tripeptide-28. 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.

Palmitoyl tripeptide-28Key activeEffect: Medium~0.5–1.15%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.7%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Superoxide dismutase, Camellia sinensis leaf extract + 1 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (superoxide dismutase) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - camellia sinensis leaf extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Superoxide dismutaseKey activeEffect: HighAn antioxidant enzyme that is naturally present in skin. It can help support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin. It is used in topical medications for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. There are three types of natural Superoxide Dismutase in human skin. The compound used in topical treatments and cosmetics are mimics of typically one of these natural variants~1.1–1.6%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.7%
ErgothioneineUnder-dosedCan help neutralize free radicals in skin. Preliminary studies show that it can be more effective than coenzyme Q10 but studies on effective concentration for topical applications are lacking~0.4–0.9%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 1 ingredient with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
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Higher efficacy · 100/10062% match
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~3.7–5.6%
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
Sodium pca~3.5–5.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca
Sodium hyaluronate~2.6–3.9%
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
Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate~2–3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate
Copper pca~1.4–2.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Copper pca
Superoxide dismutase~1.1–1.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

An antioxidant enzyme that is naturally present in skin. It can help support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin. It is used in topical medications for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. There are three types of natural Superoxide Dismutase in human skin. The compound used in topical treatments and cosmetics are mimics of typically one of these natural variants

More about Superoxide dismutase
Panthenol~0.85–1.3%
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
Palmitoyl tripeptide-28~0.5–1.15%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-28
Ergothioneine~0.4–0.9%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Preliminary studies show that it can be more effective than coenzyme Q10 but studies on effective concentration for topical applications are lacking

More about Ergothioneine
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.2–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingAnti-blemishMoisturizingEvens skin tone

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Polysorbate 20~0.1–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
Sodium bicarbonate~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps regulate the product pH

More about Sodium bicarbonate
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Parfum~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Sodium pca, Sodium hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, Copper pca, Superoxide dismutase, Panthenol, Palmitoyl tripeptide-28, Ergothioneine, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Polysorbate 20, Sodium bicarbonate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum

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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
Derma EUltra Hydrating Alkaline Gel BoosterYOUR PRODUCTe.l.f. CosmeticsHoly Hydration! Triple Bounce Serummarie veroniqueSoothing B3 SerumPaula's choiceHA Booster
Match—62%59%59%
Price—$12.00$120.00—
Shared key ingredients—4 of 104 of 103 of 10
Key difference—NiacinamideNiacinamideAdenosine
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
  4. 4
    A novel efficient and safe treatment for atopic dermatitis: Topical superoxide dismutase (SOD).alliedacademies.org
  5. 5
    Novel topical agent containing superoxide dismutase 100 000 IU and 4% of plant extracts as a mono-therapy for atopic dermatitispubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Copper/Zinc Superoxide Dismutase in Human Skin: Current Knowledgefrontiersin.org
Derma E Ultra Hydrating Alkaline Gel Booster
Derma EUltra Hydrating Alkaline Gel Booster
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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.