Holika Holika AC MILD Emulsion

Holika Holika AC MILD Emulsion

Efficacy43/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Moisturizing
Ceramide np, Glycerin + 9 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Boasting a refreshing, lightweight consistency that absorbs quickly and deeply into skin, the tonic fills skin with moisture to promote vital activity on a cellular level.”
Source: Lookfantastic

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: betaine, 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: ceramide np, pentylene glycol.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np

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~0.05–0.25%
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~2.5–3.7%
BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~1.8–2.7%
Ulmus davidiana root extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant root extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might have an anti-inflammatory effect and could help neturalize free radicals in skin~0.45–1.1%
TriethylhexanoinKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.55%
Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: HighA 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.~0.15–0.7%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.3%
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~3.4–5.1%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~1.4–2.2%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizateUnder-dosedA 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~0.05–0.25%
Pyrus malus fruit extractUnder-dosedCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content~0.05–0.3%
Anti-aging
Centella asiatica extract
May help
What the product description says
“Alleviating redness, improving skin tone and quashing the risk of further blemish formations, the formula harnesses the nourishing, strengthening and anti-ageing properties of powerful antiseptic Bay Leaf extract, vitamin-packed Ruccola extract and brightening Apple extract.”
Source: Lookfantastic

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.

Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: MediumA 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.~0.15–0.7%
Evens skin tone
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Alleviating redness, improving skin tone and quashing the risk of further blemish formations, the formula harnesses the nourishing, strengthening and anti-ageing properties of powerful antiseptic Bay Leaf extract, vitamin-packed Ruccola extract and brightening Apple extract.”
Source: Lookfantastic

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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~0.05–0.25%
Anti-blemish
Centella asiatica extract
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Alleviating redness, improving skin tone and quashing the risk of further blemish formations, the formula harnesses the nourishing, strengthening and anti-ageing properties of powerful antiseptic Bay Leaf extract, vitamin-packed Ruccola extract and brightening Apple extract.”
Source: Lookfantastic

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Centella asiatica extractEffect: LowA 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.~0.15–0.7%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Centella asiatica extract, Ficus carica fruit extract + 3 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (centella asiatica extract, ficus carica fruit 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.

Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: MediumA 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.~0.15–0.7%
Ficus carica fruit extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals. The concentrations typically used in cosmetics are too small to have an effect~0.15–0.5%
Ulmus davidiana root extractEffect: LowA plant root extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might have an anti-inflammatory effect and could help neturalize free radicals in skin~0.45–1.1%
Chrysanthemum morifolium flower extractEffect: LowUsed as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.1–0.3%
Pyrus malus fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content~0.05–0.3%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
10 strong irritants: Alcohol, Chrysanthemum morifolium flower extract + 8 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 20 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~6.1–9.1%est.
Ulmus davidiana root extractA plant root extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might have an anti-inflammatory effect and could help neturalize free radicals in skinHigh~0.45–1.1%est.
Chrysanthemum morifolium flower extractUsed as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant effectHigh~0.1–0.3%est.
Mentha piperita extractUsed as a fragrance and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis oilUsed as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivityHigh~0.05–0.3%est.
Citrus limon fruit oil—High~0.05–0.3%est.
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilA plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil—High~0.05–0.25%est.
Cymbopogon nardus oil—High~0.05–0.2%est.
Geranium maculatum oilAn essential oil. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~1.4–2.2%est.
TriethylhexanoinHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.15–0.55%est.
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.65%est.
Centella asiatica extractA 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.Medium~0.15–0.7%est.
Ficus carica fruit extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals. The concentrations typically used in cosmetics are too small to have an effectMedium~0.15–0.5%est.
Pyrus malus fruit extractCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar contentMedium~0.05–0.3%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.3%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Isoceteth-10Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Alcohol~6.1–9.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol
Butylene glycol~3.4–5.1%
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
Glycerin~2.5–3.7%
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
Betaine~1.8–2.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine
Pentylene glycol~1.4–2.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol
Polyglyceryl-10 myristate~1.1–1.7%
Formula
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.95–1.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

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 lecithin
Amaranthus caudatus seed extract~0.55–1.25%
Formula
Ulmus davidiana root extract~0.45–1.1%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant root extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might have an anti-inflammatory effect and could help neturalize free radicals in skin

More about Ulmus davidiana root extract
Cellulose gum~0.4–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions

More about Cellulose gum
Phenoxyethanol~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture

More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer
Diphenyl dimethicone~0.2–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Diphenyl dimethicone
Triethylhexanoin~0.15–0.55%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Triethylhexanoin
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil
Centella asiatica extract~0.15–0.7%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

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 extract
Ficus carica fruit extract~0.15–0.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals. The concentrations typically used in cosmetics are too small to have an effect

More about Ficus carica fruit extract
Carbomer~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Tromethamine~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine
Chrysanthemum morifolium flower extract~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Used as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Chrysanthemum morifolium flower extract
Pyrus malus fruit extract~0.05–0.3%
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
Laurus nobilis leaf extract~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Mentha piperita extract~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance and can be irritating

More about Mentha piperita extract
Eruca sativa leaf extract~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Parfum~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.05–0.25%
Under-dosed
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
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Disodium edta~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Citrus aurantium dulcis oil~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis oil
Sodium hyaluronate~0.1–0.3%
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
Citrus limon fruit oil~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · high
Isoceteth-10~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Isoceteth-10
Isoceteth-25~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Isoceteth-25
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
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 oil
Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Parfum~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Cymbopogon nardus oil~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Geranium maculatum oil~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Can be irritating

More about Geranium maculatum oil
Parfum~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ceramide np~0.05–0.25%
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
Ingredient list view

Water, Alcohol, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Betaine, Pentylene glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 myristate, Hydrogenated lecithin, Amaranthus caudatus seed extract, Ulmus davidiana root extract, Cellulose gum, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Diphenyl dimethicone, Triethylhexanoin, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Centella asiatica extract, Ficus carica fruit extract, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Chrysanthemum morifolium flower extract, Pyrus malus fruit extract, Laurus nobilis leaf extract, Mentha piperita extract, Eruca sativa leaf extract, Parfum, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium edta, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil, Sodium hyaluronate, Citrus limon fruit oil, Isoceteth-10, Isoceteth-25, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil, Parfum, Cymbopogon nardus oil, Geranium maculatum oil, Parfum, Ceramide np

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

🇬🇧 Beauty Bay (UK)
$23.25 Out of stock
Check
🇬🇧 Lookfantastic (UK)
≈ $29.03 Out of stock
Check
🇬🇧 Mankind (UK)
≈ $29.03 Out of stock
Check
🇦🇺 Amazon Australia (AU)
Price unavailable Out of stock
Check
🇬🇧 Amazon UK (UK)
Price unavailable Out of stock
Check

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

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
Holika HolikaAC MILD EmulsionYOUR PRODUCTAnuaHeartleaf 70% Daily LotionMuldreamAll Green Mild All In One Moisturizer LotionCentellian24Revitalizing Collagen Emulsion
Match—67%64%63%
Price—$6.82—$15.39
Shared key ingredients—6 of 75 of 75 of 7
Key difference—Beta-GlucanMadecassosideNiacinamide
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol ———
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: ACWELL Phyto Active Balancing LotionCOVER FX Custom Blending Moisturizer

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 26 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
Holika Holika AC MILD Emulsion
Holika HolikaAC MILD Emulsion

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

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.