Works for
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Panthenol + 21 moreWorks well
“HYDRATE LIGHT”
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, polyglutamic acid.
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, cholesterol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide ap, ceramide eop, ceramide np, niacinamide, panthenol, phytosphingosine
Anti-agingSide benefit · Niacinamide, Glycine soja seed extractWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
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.
Evens skin toneSide benefit · Niacinamide, Glycine soja seed extractWorks well
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: glycine soja seed extract.
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Anti-blemishSide benefit · Niacinamide, PhytosphingosineWorks well
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy13 flagged ingredientsMedium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Dimethicone~5.6–6.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 DimethiconeDimethyl isosorbide~4.5–5.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to dissolve other ingredients in a product and can enhance their ability to penetrate the skin
More about Dimethyl isosorbideGlycerin~3.1–3.8%
- 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 GlycerinIsododecane~2.4–3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture
More about IsododecaneIsononyl isononanoate~2.1–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Forms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness
More about Isononyl isononanoateNiacinamide~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideCetearyl alcohol~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholJojoba esters~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function
More about Jojoba estersSaccharide isomerate~0.95–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Saccharide isomerateCoco-glucoside~0.8–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritating
More about Coco-glucosideHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerIsohexadecane~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent
More about IsohexadecaneHelianthus annuus seed wax~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function while creating a thicker product consistency
More about Helianthus annuus seed waxPropanediol~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolHydrolyzed caesalpinia spinosa gum~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps softent the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Hydrolyzed caesalpinia spinosa gumPanthenol~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolXanthan gum~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumGlycine soja seed extract~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin. Might be somewhat helpful in evening the skin tone.
More about Glycine soja seed extractPolysorbate 60~0.35–0.6%
Saccharomyces lysate extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can have some anti-inflammatory effect
More about Saccharomyces lysate extractWine extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sclerotium gum~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions
More about Sclerotium gumBisabolol~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 BisabololLecithin~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinPullulan~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect
More about PullulanCaesalpinia spinosa gum~0.3–0.55%
Dimethicone crosspolymer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface
More about Dimethicone crosspolymerDimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerSodium lauroyl lactylate~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Sodium lauroyl lactylatePolyglutamic acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin.
More about Polyglutamic acidSilica~0.4–0.6%
Ceramide np~0.3–0.5%
- 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 npCeramide ap~0.25–0.45%
- 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 apPhytosphingosine~0.3–0.5%
- 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 PhytosphingosineCholesterol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolCarbomer~0.2–0.4%
- 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 CarbomerCeramide eop~0.2–0.4%
- 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 eopEthylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.3%
Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCitric acid~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidSodium citrate~0.1–0.15%
- 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 citratePotassium sorbate~0.15–0.3%
Ingredient list view
Water, Dimethicone, Dimethyl isosorbide, Glycerin, Isododecane, Isononyl isononanoate, Niacinamide, Cetearyl alcohol, Jojoba esters, Saccharide isomerate, Coco-glucoside, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Isohexadecane, Helianthus annuus seed wax, Propanediol, Hydrolyzed caesalpinia spinosa gum, Panthenol, Xanthan gum, Glycine soja seed extract, Polysorbate 60, Saccharomyces lysate extract, Wine extract, Sclerotium gum, Bisabolol, Lecithin, Pullulan, Caesalpinia spinosa gum, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Polyglutamic acid, Silica, Ceramide np, Ceramide ap, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Carbomer, Ceramide eop, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Citric acid, Sodium citrate, Potassium sorbate
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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.
| ObagiHYDRATE LIGHTYOUR PRODUCT | RilastilAcnestil Attiva Cream | AgencyCloud Care Weightless Whipped Moisturizer | DermaticaNourishing Ceramide + Peptides | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 90% | 89% | 88% |
| Price | $70.00 | $15.61−$54.39 | — | $21.14−$48.86 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 9 of 16 | 9 of 16 | 9 of 16 |
| Key difference | — | Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate | Sodium Hyaluronate | Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: THE formularx Barrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide MoisturizerCOSRX Derma Water Barrier Moisturizer
Product summary
"Obagi - HYDRATE LIGHT" 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 (panthenol, glycerin, polyglutamic acid, saccharide isomerate and saccharomyces lysate extract) 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). Emollients in this formulation (ceramide eop, ceramide np, phytosphingosine, cholesterol and helianthus annuus seed wax) 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
- We particularly like that there is a good concentration of Niacinamide (1.70% - 2.10%) in this moisturizer. Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is a great ingredient to have in a moisturizer. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and help improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- As a plus, this moisturizer also contains Ceramides (ceramide eop 0.20% - 0.40%, phytosphingosine 0.30% - 0.50%, ceramide ap 0.25% - 0.45% and ceramide np 0.30% - 0.50%). 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
This moisturizer contains actives that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. 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.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 19 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.