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Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, "Rationale - #1 The Hydragel" works well for moisturizing the skin. The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Panthenol, alanine, arginine, aspartic acid and betaine 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). Caprooyl phytosphingosine, ceramide eop, ceramide np, ceramide ns and cholesterol 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

  • We love that this moisturizer contains a good concentration of niacinamide 2.20% - 2.70%. Niacinamide is a perfect active in a moistruizer because it helps calm down inflamation in skin and support the skin barrier. More than that, it is helpful for most common skin concerns: it helps regulat oil production, help reduce acne and clogged pores, improve skin tone and prevent pigmentation marks. It also helps fight photodamage.
  • As a plus, this moisturizer also contains ceramides (caprooyl sphingosine 0.20% - 0.35%, caprooyl phytosphingosine 0.25% - 0.45%, ceramide eos 0.20% - 0.35%, ceramide eop 0.25% - 0.45%, ceramide ap 0.20% - 0.35%, ceramide ns 0.25% - 0.45% and ceramide np 0.25% - 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.
  • This formulation also uses an effective concentration of panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 1.10% - 1.30%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.

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.