Garnier

Garnier SkinActive Gel Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid

Name: Garnier - SkinActive Gel Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
Brand: Garnier

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing

20 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“SkinActive Gel Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid”

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, sodium hyaluronate.

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, dimethiconol.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: caprooyl phytosphingosine, caprooyl sphingosine, ceramide ap, ceramide eop, ceramide eos, ceramide np, ceramide ns

DimethiconolKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time~0.15–0.6%

Isopropyl myristateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic~0.45–1.05%

Caprooyl sphingosineHeroEffect: HighA component of ceramides. 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~0.1–0.3%

Caprooyl phytosphingosineHero· EmollientEffect: HighA component of ceramides. 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~0.1–0.45%

Ceramide apHeroEffect: HighA 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~0.1–0.35%

Ceramide eopHero· EmollientEffect: HighA 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~0.1–0.45%

Ceramide eosHeroEffect: HighA 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~0.1–0.3%

Ceramide npHero· EmollientEffect: HighA 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~0.1–0.4%

Ceramide nsHero· EmollientEffect: HighA 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~0.1–0.4%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.5%

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~4.1–6.1%

CholesterolKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.1–0.4%

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~3.5–5.3%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.1–0.4%

Cetearyl ethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin~2.6–4%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.6–1.35%

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)~0.05–0.3%

Lycium barbarum fruit extractUnder-dosedEffect: MediumA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer~0.1–0.35%

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~0.3–0.7%

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally 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~1.6–2.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

7 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Parfum + 5 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 23 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~2–3%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.1–0.45%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

FarnesolAdded to create a nice product smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%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~1.6–2.4%est.

Hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acidUsed to regulate product's pH, but can be also used as an exfoliator when included in higher concentrations. There is a controversy about whether it can generate free radicals and induce skin cell damage when used in topical productsMedium~1.4–2.1%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.6–1.35%est.

Ascorbyl glucosideA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in productsMedium~0.15–0.55%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.5%est.

T-butyl alcoholUsed to dissolve other ingredients and to improve smell of products. It could be irritatingMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Lycium barbarum fruit extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layerMedium~0.1–0.35%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~0.05–0.3%est.

Ceteareth-25Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.5%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.3%est.

Behenic acidHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.5%est.

Punica granatum extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effectiveMedium~0.05–0.25%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Ci 42090A colorant (dye)Medium~0.1–0.35%est.

Ascorbyl palmitateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.Medium~0.05–0.15%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

Isopropyl myristateAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.45–1.05%est.

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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~4.1–6.1%

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

Dimethicone~3.5–5.3%

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

Cetearyl ethylhexanoate~2.6–4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Cetearyl ethylhexanoate

Alcohol denat.~2–3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~1.6–2.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritationReduces rednessAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingAnti-blemish

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

Hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid~1.4–2.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Exfoliation

Used to regulate product's pH, but can be also used as an exfoliator when included in higher concentrations. There is a controversy about whether it can generate free radicals and induce skin cell damage when used in topical products

More about Hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid

Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~1.2–1.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate

Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Caprylyl glycol~0.6–1.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Isopropyl myristate~0.45–1.05%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic

More about Isopropyl myristate

Tocopherol~0.3–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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

Ascorbyl glucoside~0.15–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin tone

A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products

More about Ascorbyl glucoside

Dimethiconol~0.15–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time

More about Dimethiconol

Bisabolol~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol

Parfum~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Sodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.5%

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

Xanthan gum~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Disodium edta~0.1–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

T-butyl alcohol~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to dissolve other ingredients and to improve smell of products. It could be irritating

More about T-butyl alcohol

Lycium barbarum fruit extract~0.1–0.35%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer

More about Lycium barbarum fruit extract

Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Limonene~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

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

More about Limonene

Farnesol~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Added to create a nice product smell. Can be irritating

More about Farnesol

Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Linalool~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Lactic acid~0.05–0.3%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-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

Ceteareth-25~0.1–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Ceteareth-25

Citronellol~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol

Potassium sorbate~0.1–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Geraniol~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol

Cetyl alcohol~0.1–0.4%

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

Benzyl alcohol~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol

Ceramide np~0.1–0.4%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

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 np

Behenic acid~0.1–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Behenic acid

Punica granatum extract~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationEvens skin tone

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective

More about Punica granatum extract

Cholesterol~0.1–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingCleansing

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

More about Cholesterol

Ceramide ns~0.1–0.4%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

More about Ceramide ns

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Ci 42090~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A colorant (dye)

More about Ci 42090

Ceramide ap~0.1–0.35%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

More about Ceramide ap

Ceramide eop~0.1–0.45%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

More about Ceramide eop

Ceramide eos~0.1–0.3%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

More about Ceramide eos

Caprooyl phytosphingosine~0.1–0.45%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A component of ceramides. 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 Caprooyl phytosphingosine

Caprooyl sphingosine~0.1–0.3%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A component of ceramides. 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 Caprooyl sphingosine

Ascorbyl palmitate~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-agingAnti-oxidation

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.

More about Ascorbyl palmitate

F.i.l. d191175/1

Not recognized

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cetearyl ethylhexanoate, Alcohol denat., Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid, Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Isopropyl myristate, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl glucoside, Dimethiconol, Bisabolol, Parfum, Sodium hyaluronate, Xanthan gum, Disodium edta, T-butyl alcohol, Lycium barbarum fruit extract, Sodium hydroxide, Limonene, Farnesol, Sodium benzoate, Linalool, Lactic acid, Ceteareth-25, Citronellol, Potassium sorbate, Geraniol, Cetyl alcohol, Benzyl alcohol, Ceramide np, Behenic acid, Punica granatum extract, Cholesterol, Ceramide ns, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ci 42090, Ceramide ap, Ceramide eop, Ceramide eos, Caprooyl phytosphingosine, Caprooyl sphingosine, Ascorbyl palmitate, Unknown

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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
	GarnierSkinActive Gel Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic AcidYOUR PRODUCT	It CosmeticsConfidence in a Gel Lotion Moisturizer	Peter Thomas RothWater Drench Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer	REVOLUTION SKINCARECeramides Moisture Lotion
Match	—	61%	60%	58%
Price	$12.79	$49.00+$36.21	$23.00+$10.21	$6.01−$6.78
Shared key ingredients	—	12 of 18	12 of 18	11 of 18
Key difference	—	Adenosine	Saccharide Isomerate	Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Low
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, "Garnier - SkinActive Gel Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid" works well for moisturizing the skin. This moisturizer uses a good combo of humectants and emollients. These both types of ingredients are essentials for improving the skin hydration and keeping the skin barrier healthy. Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate and caprylyl glycol in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Emollients in this formulation (caprooyl phytosphingosine, ceramide eop, ceramide np, ceramide ns and cholesterol) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

Ingredient callouts

As a plus, this moisturizer also contains ceramides (ceramide ns 0.10% - 0.40%, ceramide np 0.10% - 0.40%, ceramide eos 0.10% - 0.30%, ceramide eop 0.10% - 0.45%, ceramide ap 0.10% - 0.35%, caprooyl sphingosine 0.10% - 0.30% and caprooyl phytosphingosine 0.10% - 0.45%). Ceramides are a type of lipids that our skin produces itself. They are a building block of the skin's barrier. Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or extracted from plants. They work well for softening the skin surface and "patch holes" in the skin's barrier.

Irritation risk

There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive 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.