Dermalogica body hydrating cream

Dermalogica body hydrating cream

Efficacy37/100IrritancyHigh
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Works for

1 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing
15 ingredients credited for this claim
Good support
What the product description says
“body hydrating cream”
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: glycerin, butylene glycol.

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: dimethicone, cetyl alcohol.

Saccharum officinarum extractKey activeEffect: HighSugar extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.55–0.8%
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~0.25–0.45%
DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~0.75–1.1%
Diheptyl succinateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product finish on the skin~2–2.4%
Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymerKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.6%
Glyceryl stearate seKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient~1.7–2%
Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~2.3–2.8%
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~3.1–3.7%
Cetearyl ethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin~4.7–5.7%
Symphytum officinale root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might be able to help decrease inflammation in skin and have an anti-oxidant effect~0.2–0.35%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedEffect: HighAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.4–0.6%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedEffect: 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~0.5–0.8%
Pyrus malus fruit extractUnder-dosedEffect: MediumCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content~0.5–0.75%
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~0.2–0.4%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan 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~0.3–0.6%
Exfoliation
1 ingredient credited for this claim
Weak support
What the product description says
“Smooth and relieve skin dryness with Lactic Acid and natural hydroxy acid extracts from Sugar Cane and Apple.”
Source: Bluemercury

This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.

Lactic acidUnder-dosedEffect: HighAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.4–0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
19 strong irritants: Lavandula angustifolia oil, Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil + 17 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 25 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Lavandula angustifolia oilAn essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.4–0.6%est.
Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil—High~0.3–0.6%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.5%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extractA plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.25–0.5%est.
Citrus limon peel extractA very irritating fragrant ingredientHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Citrus limon peel oilA highly irritating fragranceHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Litsea cubeba fruit oilAn essential oil with a lemon-like smell that is extracted from a fruit grown in Asia. Used as a fragranceHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
Cananga odorata flower oilAn essential oil. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Cymbopogon citratus leaf oil—High~0.2–0.4%est.
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilAn essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilAn essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skinHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Salvia sclarea oil—High~0.2–0.4%est.
Santalum album oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extractUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Anthemis nobilis flower extractA plant extract that one one hand, can contain compounds that can help calm down skin irritation, but, on the other hand, its other compounds (especially fragrant ones) can themselves be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.
CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.15–0.3%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.15%est.
Pyrus malus fruit extractCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar contentMedium~0.5–0.75%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~0.5–0.8%est.
Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.4–0.6%est.
Symphytum officinale root extractA plant extract that might be able to help decrease inflammation in skin and have an anti-oxidant effectMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 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
Glyceryl stearate seUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient2/5~1.7–2%est.
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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
Cetearyl ethylhexanoate~4.7–5.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Cetearyl ethylhexanoate
Cetyl caprylate~4.1–5.1%
Formula
Butylene glycol~3.1–3.7%
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
Cetyl alcohol~2.3–2.8%
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
Diheptyl succinate~2–2.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product finish on the skin

More about Diheptyl succinate
Glyceryl stearate se~1.7–2%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient

More about Glyceryl stearate se
Peg-100 stearate~1.5–1.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

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

More about Peg-100 stearate
Potato starch modified~1.2–1.4%
Formula
Polysorbate 85~0.95–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Polysorbate 85
Dimethicone~0.75–1.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone
Saccharum officinarum extract~0.55–0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Sugar extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharum officinarum extract
Pyrus malus fruit extract~0.5–0.75%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Can have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content

More about Pyrus malus fruit extract
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.5–0.8%
Under-dosedIrritant · 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
Lavandula angustifolia oil~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Lavandula angustifolia oil
Lactic acid~0.4–0.6%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid
Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer~0.4–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer
Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · high
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

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
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil
Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract
Citrus limon peel extract~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A very irritating fragrant ingredient

More about Citrus limon peel extract
Citrus limon peel oil~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A highly irritating fragrance

More about Citrus limon peel oil
Juniperus mexicana oil~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Litsea cubeba fruit oil~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

An essential oil with a lemon-like smell that is extracted from a fruit grown in Asia. Used as a fragrance

More about Litsea cubeba fruit oil
Pogostemon cablin oil~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Cananga odorata flower oil~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Can be irritating

More about Cananga odorata flower oil
Cymbopogon citratus leaf oil~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

An essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterial

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil
Salvia sclarea oil~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Santalum album oil~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Santalum album oil
Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extract~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Tocopherol~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-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
Glycerin~0.25–0.45%
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
Xanthan gum~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Anthemis nobilis flower extract~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

A plant extract that one one hand, can contain compounds that can help calm down skin irritation, but, on the other hand, its other compounds (especially fragrant ones) can themselves be irritating

More about Anthemis nobilis flower extract
Symphytum officinale root extract~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

A plant extract that might be able to help decrease inflammation in skin and have an anti-oxidant effect

More about Symphytum officinale root extract
Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate
Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Geraniol~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Citral~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral
Linalool~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Limonene~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Limonene
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ingredient list view

Water, Cetearyl ethylhexanoate, Cetyl caprylate, Butylene glycol, Cetyl alcohol, Diheptyl succinate, Glyceryl stearate se, Peg-100 stearate, Potato starch modified, Polysorbate 85, Dimethicone, Saccharum officinarum extract, Pyrus malus fruit extract, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Lactic acid, Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer, Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract, Citrus limon peel extract, Citrus limon peel oil, Juniperus mexicana oil, Litsea cubeba fruit oil, Pogostemon cablin oil, Cananga odorata flower oil, Cymbopogon citratus leaf oil, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil, Salvia sclarea oil, Santalum album oil, Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extract, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Xanthan gum, Anthemis nobilis flower extract, Symphytum officinale root extract, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Sodium hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Geraniol, Citral, Linalool, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Bluemercury
$34.00
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Dermalogica
$34.00
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Ulta
$34.00
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Oh my cream
$35.00
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Amazon USPrice as of 10/16/2026 00:02 GMT
$39.00
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Yesstyle
$75.90
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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
Dermalogicabody hydrating creamYOUR PRODUCTFirst Aid BeautyKP Smoothing Body Lotion DuoPRIORI SkincareHand and Body Replenisher LCA fx141DermadoctorKP Duty Dermatologist Formulated Body Scrub
Match—53%51%51%
Price$34.00$61.20+$27.20$35.70+$1.70$25.60−$8.40
Shared key ingredients—5 of 75 of 74 of 7
Key difference—Colloidal OatmealRetinyl PalmitateLactobionic Acid
Irritancy High Medium Medium Low
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 19 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
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  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
Dermalogica body hydrating cream
Dermalogicabody hydrating cream

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.