What's In My Jar
Dermalogica Calm Water Gel
Dermalogica

Dermalogica Calm Water Gel

Efficacy37/100IrritancyHigh·100% recommend (1 review)
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Glycerin, Dimethicone + 11 more
Works
What the product description says
“Ce gel hydratant enrichi en acide hyaluronique et en complexe UltraCalming diminue immédiatement les rougeurs et apaise les sensibilités tout en hydratant la peau en profondeur.”
Source: Dermalogica

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: dipotassium glycyrrhizate, 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: dimethicone, diethylhexyl carbonate.

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~4.2–6.2%
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~2.8–4.2%
Pyrus malus fruit extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content~1.6–2.4%
Diethylhexyl carbonateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.3–1.9%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.6–1.4%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizateKey active· HumectantEffect: 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~0.45–1.1%
Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronateKey activeEffect: HighAttracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.85%
Dimethicone crosspolymerKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface~0.15–0.65%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice· HumectantEffect: LowTraditionally 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~3.4–5.2%
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~2–3%
Stearyl heptanoate· EmollientEffect: Low~0.3–0.75%
Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethiconeEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together. Can help to soften upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.75%
Lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethiconeEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps to soften upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~0.1–0.45%
Anti-aging
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Grâce à sa technologie d'acide hyaluronique à double action, il hydrate durablement à différents niveaux de la peau et repulpe les ridules de déshydratation.”
Source: Oh my cream

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: LowTraditionally 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~3.4–5.2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Lavandula angustifolia flower extract, Linalool + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Lavandula angustifolia flower extractEssential oil that can be irritatingHigh~0.4–1%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.3%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.3%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~3.4–5.2%est.
Pyrus malus fruit extractCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar contentMedium~1.6–2.4%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.5–1.2%est.
HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Maris salUsed to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentrationMedium~0.15–0.7%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.4%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
Stearyl heptanoate—3/5~0.3–0.75%est.

User reviews

Would you recommend?
100%·yes

1 of 1 community members would buy it again.

100% would0% wouldn't
  • abbieleighb· Feb 2024Recommends

    This is a gel moisturizer, not a gel foam cleanser…

What reviewers noticed
Marker shows the average response

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~4.2–6.2%
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
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~3.4–5.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-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
Dimethicone~2.8–4.2%
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
Butylene glycol~2–3%
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
Pyrus malus fruit extract~1.6–2.4%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Can have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content

More about Pyrus malus fruit extract
1,2-hexanediol~0.5–1.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Diethylhexyl carbonate~1.3–1.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Diethylhexyl carbonate
Opuntia ficus-indica stem extract~1–1.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Opuntia ficus-indica stem extract
Sodium hyaluronate~0.6–1.4%
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
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.45–1.1%
Key active
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
Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate~0.35–0.85%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate
Lavandula angustifolia flower extract~0.4–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Essential oil that can be irritating

More about Lavandula angustifolia flower extract
Stearyl heptanoate~0.3–0.75%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Stearyl heptanoate
Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together. Can help to soften upper layer of the skin

More about Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone
Hydroxyacetophenone~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone
Maris sal~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Exfoliation

Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration

More about Maris sal
Dimethicone crosspolymer~0.15–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface

More about Dimethicone crosspolymer
Stearyl caprylate~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Stearyl caprylate
Lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A type of silicone that helps to soften upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone
Potassium sorbate~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Citric acid~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Disodium phosphate~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation

More about Disodium phosphate
Linalool~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Limonene~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Limonene
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Dimethicone, Butylene glycol, Pyrus malus fruit extract, 1,2-hexanediol, Diethylhexyl carbonate, Opuntia ficus-indica stem extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, Lavandula angustifolia flower extract, Stearyl heptanoate, Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone, Hydroxyacetophenone, Maris sal, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Stearyl caprylate, Lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, Potassium sorbate, Citric acid, Sodium benzoate, Disodium phosphate, Linalool, Limonene

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Bluemercury
$59.00
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Amazon USPrice as of 11/8 06:08 GMT
$59.00
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Sephora
$59.00
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Ulta1.7 oz
$59.00
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Oh my cream
≈ $75.92
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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
DermalogicaCalm Water GelYOUR PRODUCTRéViveHydrogel Moisturizer / Hyaluronic Acid Water CreamskintificPDRN Bright & Smooth Moisture Gel Cream MoisturizerTemple SpaTRUFFLE DE-LIGHT
Match—44%44%44%
Price$59.00$136.50+$77.50$14.90−$44.10$140.37+$81.37
Shared key ingredients—4 of 54 of 53 of 5
Key difference—NiacinamideNiacinamideCeramide Np
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol——— Contains drying alcohol
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 10 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
  3. 3
    Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
  4. 4
    The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
Dermalogica Calm Water Gel
DermalogicaCalm Water Gel
Buy at Bluemercury$59.00$59.00as of 11/8 06:08 GMT

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

Buy at Bluemercury$59.00$59.00as of 11/8 06:08 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.