Works for
MoisturizingCeramide 3, Centella asiatica extract + 16 moreWorks well
“A hydrating essence that helps minimize redness and dryness. Contains Cica and Centella Asiactica. 39913182527623”
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:
arginine, 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: arginine, squalane.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide 3
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Centella asiatica extract, Leontopodium alpinum callus culture extract + 1 moreMay help
This product contains antioxidants (centella asiatica extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.
Anti-agingSide benefit · Centella asiatica extract, Hyaluronic acidMay help
This product contains centella asiatica extract. 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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 strong irritants: Gardenia florida fruit extract, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil + 3 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Butylene glycol~5.1–7.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolDipropylene glycol~3.4–5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycol1,2-hexanediol~1.9–2.8%
Centella asiatica extract~1.8–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.
More about Centella asiatica extractGlycerin~1.6–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinBenzyl glycol~1.2–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps dissolve other ingredients and preserve products
More about Benzyl glycolAmmonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerEthylhexylglycerin~0.85–1.25%
Propanediol~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolSodium hyaluronate~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronatePolyglyceryl-10 laurate~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-10 lauratePanthenol~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolCarbomer~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerAdansonia digitata fruit extract~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Arginine~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
More about ArginineDipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycyrrhizateLeontopodium alpinum callus culture extract~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A plant stem cell extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin
More about Leontopodium alpinum callus culture extractCarthamus tinctorius flower extract~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Disodium edta~0.1–0.45%
Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency
More about Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerGardenia florida fruit extract~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating.
More about Gardenia florida fruit extractDextrin~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about DextrinCitrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity
More about Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilSqualane~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 SqualaneChamomilla recutita flower/leaf/stem extract~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract. Can be used as a fragrance. Contains multiple chemical compounds, some of which are frequent irritants and allergens
More about Chamomilla recutita flower/leaf/stem extractAnastatica hierochuntica extract~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Corn starch modified~0.1–0.35%
Peat water~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Long sugars that help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycansAcetic acid~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triglycerideCitric acid~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidSodium hyaluronate crosspolymer~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerSpirulina maxima extract~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidHydrogenated lecithin~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 lecithinHydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ceramide 3~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 3Hyaluronic acid~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation
More about Hyaluronic acidSodium acetylated hyaluronate~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of hyaluronic acid that works as an excellent moisturizer by attracting water into the upper layer of the skin. Is typically feels less sticky on the skin compared to the usual hyaluronic acid
More about Sodium acetylated hyaluronateLimonene~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneLinalool~0.05–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Water, Butylene glycol, Dipropylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Centella asiatica extract, Glycerin, Benzyl glycol, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propanediol, Sodium hyaluronate, Polyglyceryl-10 laurate, Panthenol, Carbomer, Adansonia digitata fruit extract, Arginine, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Leontopodium alpinum callus culture extract, Carthamus tinctorius flower extract, Disodium edta, Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, Gardenia florida fruit extract, Dextrin, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Squalane, Chamomilla recutita flower/leaf/stem extract, Anastatica hierochuntica extract, Corn starch modified, Peat water, Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans, Acetic acid, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Citric acid, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Spirulina maxima extract, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Hydrogenated lecithin, Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate, Ceramide 3, Hyaluronic acid, Sodium acetylated hyaluronate, Limonene, Linalool
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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.
| Dr. AltheaSkin Relief EssenceYOUR PRODUCT | NEOGEN X SUR.MEDICHyal Glow Rose Essence | Colleen Rothschild BeautyPrep Hydrate Milky Essence | NACIFICUYU cream toner | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 55% | 49% | 49% |
| Price | — | $18.04 | — | $15.96 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 10 of 14 | 5 of 14 | 12 of 14 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Niacinamide | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | High | High | Low | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: BIOHEAL BOH Ceramune Hydrating Cream SkinK-SECRET Hyaluronic Acid Secret Toner
Product summary
"Dr. Althea - Skin Relief Essence" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory and Moisturizing
This product could be helpful for: Anti-aging, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- Ceramides (ceramide 3 0.10% - 0.30%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.
- Humectants (hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid 0.05% - 0.30%, hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans 0.10% - 0.35%, hyaluronic acid 0.10% - 0.30%, glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer 0.10% - 0.40%, glycerin 1.60% - 2.40%, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer 0.10% - 0.30%, sodium hyaluronate 0.35% - 0.85%, sodium acetylated hyaluronate 0.05% - 0.30% and arginine 0.15% - 0.60%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails from 15.83£ up to 25.00£ in the United Kingdom and from 7.20$ up to 18.00$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 26 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Centella asiatica in cosmetologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4
- 5
- 6
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