NuFace Hydrating Aqua Gel

NuFace Hydrating Aqua Gel

Efficacy87/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Anti-aging
Adenosine, Olivine extract + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Created with the powerful combination of hyaluronic acid and glacial water, this hydrating gel is uniquely designed with NuFACE IonPlex™, so the youth-prolonging microcurrents are effectively delivered to the skin’s surface and down to the muscle.”
Source: Cultbeauty

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

AdenosineKey activeEffect: HighMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.15–0.3%
Olivine extractEffect: LowA mineral, magnesium iron silicate. It can help add minerals to the surface of the skin that might be helpful for its barrier function. It is claimed to be able to support collagen production but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking~0.15–0.3%
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~0.15–0.3%
Moisturizing
Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract, Glycerin + 8 more
Works
What the product description says
“Quench thirsty skin with up to 24 hours of continuous hydration with NuFACE’s Hydrating Aqua Gel.”
Source: Lookfantastic

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": betaine, glycerin.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extractKey active· HumectantEffect: HighMushroom extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%
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~0.2–0.4%
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin~0.15–0.3%
BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.15–0.3%
AdenosineKey activeEffect: MediumMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.15–0.3%
Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.2–0.35%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.2–0.35%
Glyceryl undecylenate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and helps preserve the product formulation~0.2–0.35%
Olivine extractEffect: LowA mineral, magnesium iron silicate. It can help add minerals to the surface of the skin that might be helpful for its barrier function. It is claimed to be able to support collagen production but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking~0.15–0.3%
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~0.15–0.3%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
7 flagged ingredients
Medium risk
We flagged 7 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Glyceryl undecylenateHelps oil and water mix together and helps preserve the product formulationMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Sodium metabisulfiteA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Propanediol~4.2–5.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Sea silt extract~3.9–4.7%
Formula
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~2.8–3.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 acid
Adenosine~2.2–2.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)

More about Adenosine
Olivine extract~1.8–2.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A mineral, magnesium iron silicate. It can help add minerals to the surface of the skin that might be helpful for its barrier function. It is claimed to be able to support collagen production but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Olivine extract
Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract~1.5–1.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Mushroom extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract
Betaine~1.3–1.6%
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
Glycerin~1.1–1.4%
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
Carbomer~0.75–1.1%
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
Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.6–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Caprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Sodium citrate~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
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 citrate
Tocopherol~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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
Benzyl alcohol~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Benzyl alcohol
Glyceryl caprylate~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate
Glyceryl undecylenate~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and helps preserve the product formulation

More about Glyceryl undecylenate
Potassium sorbate~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Disodium phosphate~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation

More about Disodium phosphate
Sodium phosphate~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Sodium phosphate
Sodium metabisulfite~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium metabisulfite
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Sodium hydroxide~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Sodium nitrate~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Sodium nitrate
Water~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Propanediol~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Sea silt extract~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.15–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 acid
Adenosine~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)

More about Adenosine
Olivine extract~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A mineral, magnesium iron silicate. It can help add minerals to the surface of the skin that might be helpful for its barrier function. It is claimed to be able to support collagen production but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Olivine extract
Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Mushroom extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract
Betaine~0.15–0.25%
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
Glycerin~0.2–0.35%
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
Carbomer~0.15–0.3%
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
Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Caprylyl glycol~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Sodium citrate~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
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 citrate
Tocopherol~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingMoisturizing

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
Benzyl alcohol~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Benzyl alcohol
Glyceryl caprylate~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate
Glyceryl undecylenate~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and helps preserve the product formulation

More about Glyceryl undecylenate
Potassium sorbate~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Disodium phosphate~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation

More about Disodium phosphate
Sodium phosphate~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Sodium phosphate
Sodium metabisulfite~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium metabisulfite
Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Sodium nitrate~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Sodium nitrate
May contain citric acid
Not recognized
Water~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Propanediol~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Sea silt extract~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin

More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
Adenosine~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)

More about Adenosine
Olivine extract~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A mineral, magnesium iron silicate. It can help add minerals to the surface of the skin that might be helpful for its barrier function. It is claimed to be able to support collagen production but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Olivine extract
Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract~0.2–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Mushroom extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract
Betaine~0.15–0.3%
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
Glycerin~0.2–0.4%
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
Carbomer~0.2–0.35%
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
Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Caprylyl glycol~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Sodium citrate~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
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 citrate
Tocopherol~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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
Benzyl alcohol~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Benzyl alcohol
Glyceryl caprylate~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate
Glyceryl undecylenate~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and helps preserve the product formulation

More about Glyceryl undecylenate
Potassium sorbate~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Disodium phosphate~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation

More about Disodium phosphate
Sodium phosphate~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Sodium phosphate
Sodium metabisulfite~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium metabisulfite
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Sodium hydroxide~0.05–0.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Sodium nitrate~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Sodium nitrate
Ingredient list view

Water, Propanediol, Sea silt extract, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Adenosine, Olivine extract, Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract, Betaine, Glycerin, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl glycol, Sodium citrate, Tocopherol, Benzyl alcohol, Glyceryl caprylate, Glyceryl undecylenate, Potassium sorbate, Disodium phosphate, Sodium phosphate, Sodium metabisulfite, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium nitrate, Water, Propanediol, Sea silt extract, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Adenosine, Olivine extract, Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract, Betaine, Glycerin, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl glycol, Sodium citrate, Tocopherol, Benzyl alcohol, Glyceryl caprylate, Glyceryl undecylenate, Potassium sorbate, Disodium phosphate, Sodium phosphate, Sodium metabisulfite, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium nitrate, Unknown, Water, Propanediol, Sea silt extract, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Adenosine, Olivine extract, Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract, Betaine, Glycerin, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl glycol, Sodium citrate, Tocopherol, Benzyl alcohol, Glyceryl caprylate, Glyceryl undecylenate, Potassium sorbate, Disodium phosphate, Sodium phosphate, Sodium metabisulfite, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium nitrate

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon USPrice as of 11/12 15:03 GMT
$35.00
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Bluemercury
$55.00
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Sephora
$80.00
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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
NuFaceHydrating Aqua GelYOUR PRODUCTKate SomervilleWrinkle Warrior Hydration GelI'm fromVitamin Tree Water Gel CreamCos De BAHAHyaluronic acid gel cream
Match—63%60%59%
Price$55.00—$28.00−$27.00$12.99−$42.01
Shared key ingredients—5 of 63 of 64 of 6
Key difference—GluconolactoneNiacinamideNiacinamide
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
Drying alcohol————
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