e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Hydro-Gel Moisturizer
Works for
MoisturizingCeramide 3, Ceramide 6 ii + 21 moreWorks well
“Keeps skin moisturised all day long”
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:
anhydroxylitol, 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, helianthus annuus seed oil.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide 1, ceramide 3, ceramide 6 ii, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, phytosphingosine
Anti-agingPalmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 + 1 moreMay help
“Formulated with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture for a plump complexion, ceramides to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, and peptides to promote collagen and improves skin texture.”
This product contains palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1. These ingredients 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?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Geraniol, Linalool + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
0 of 1 community members would buy it again.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~4.6–5.6%
- 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 GlycerinCaprylic/capric triglyceride~4.2–5.1%
- 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 triglycerideButylene glycol~3–3.7%
- 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 glycolPhenyl trimethicone~2.3–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture
More about Phenyl trimethiconeDiisostearyl malate~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Diisostearyl malateJojoba esters~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function
More about Jojoba estersSodium acrylates copolymer~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylates copolymerSodium hyaluronate~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateHydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronateCeramide 3~0.75–1.1%
- 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 3Ceramide 6 ii~0.6–0.95%
- 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 6 iiPalmitoyl tripeptide-1~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-1Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Ceramide 1~0.5–0.75%
- 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 1Xylitylglucoside~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function
More about XylitylglucosideAnhydroxylitol~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrir function
More about AnhydroxylitolPhenoxyethanol~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolHydrolyzed jojoba esters~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrolyzed jojoba estersLecithin~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinXylitol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function
More about XylitolTromethamine~0.25–0.5%
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerTocopherol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolHelianthus annuus seed oil~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function
More about Helianthus annuus seed oilCaprylyl glycol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolEthylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%
Xanthan gum~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumDisodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Saccharide isomerate~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Saccharide isomerateSodium citrate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citrateCitric acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidSodium lauroyl lactylate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Sodium lauroyl lactylateCarbomer~0.2–0.35%
- 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 CarbomerPhytosphingosine~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect
More about PhytosphingosinePolysorbate 20~0.15–0.3%
Cholesterol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolGeraniol~0.05–0.15%
Linalool~0.05–0.1%
Parfum~0.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Butylene glycol, Phenyl trimethicone, Diisostearyl malate, Jojoba esters, Sodium acrylates copolymer, Sodium hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 ii, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Ceramide 1, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrolyzed jojoba esters, Lecithin, Xylitol, Tromethamine, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Tocopherol, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Caprylyl glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan gum, Disodium edta, Saccharide isomerate, Sodium citrate, Citric acid, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Carbomer, Phytosphingosine, Polysorbate 20, Cholesterol, Geraniol, Linalool, 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.
| e.l.f. CosmeticsHoly Hydration! Hydro-Gel MoisturizerYOUR PRODUCT | Derm InstituteAnti-Oxidant Hydration Cream | MEDI-PEELGold Age Tox H8 Cream | Meishoku Brilliant ColorsCeracolla Perfect Gel Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 58% | 52% | 51% |
| Price | $13.00 | $150.00+$137.00 | $17.19+$4.19 | $15.18+$2.18 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 11 of 19 | 9 of 19 | 7 of 19 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Oligopeptide-1 | Oxybenzone |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | High | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: W3LL PEOPLE Fresh Dew Snow Mushroom Gel-Cream MoisturizerNo7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Night Cream
Product summary
"e. L. F. Cosmetics - Holy Hydration! Hydro-Gel Moisturizer" has a good moisturizing formula. The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Humectants in this product (anhydroxylitol, glycerin, saccharide isomerate, sodium hyaluronate and xylitylglucoside) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Ceramide 1, ceramide 3, ceramide 6 ii, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and palmitoyl tripeptide-1 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 (phytosphingosine 0.20% - 0.35%, ceramide 1 0.50% - 0.75%, ceramide 6 ii 0.60% - 0.95% and ceramide 3 0.75% - 1.10%). 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.
- We like that this moisturizer contains peptides (palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 0.50% - 0.80% and palmitoyl tripeptide-1 0.55% - 0.85%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. Peptides might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
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 high. 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.
Price
The product retails for 12.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4
- 5
- 6Safety Assessment of Tromethamine as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
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