Superdrug

Superdrug Simply Pure Hydrating Light Moisturiser

Name: Superdrug - Simply Pure Hydrating Light Moisturiser
Brand: Superdrug

Efficacy100/100IrritancyLow

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Urea, Polyglyceryl-6 stearate + 10 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Simply Pure Hydrating Light Moisturiser”

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 lactate.

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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone.

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

UreaHero· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations~0.05–0.2%

Polyglyceryl-6 stearateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~3.6–5.4%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~2.8–4.2%

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~2.1–3.2%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1.7–2.6%

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~1.5–2.2%

SerineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.4%

Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.1–0.3%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.45–1.05%

SorbitolEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.05–0.25%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.4–0.95%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn 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)~0.15–0.5%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Serine, Lactic acid

May help

This product contains serine. 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.

SerineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

8 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 8 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~2.8–4.2%est.

Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1–1.5%est.

Polyglyceryl-6 behenateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.5–1.2%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.45–1.05%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.35–0.8%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~0.15–0.5%est.

Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.1–0.3%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.01–0.1%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

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~1.7–2.6%est.

Alternatives

The closest match we found

Maruderm Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Face & Body Cream

Closest match55% match

$21.99

View all alternatives

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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

Propanediol~4.7–7.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

Polyglyceryl-6 stearate~3.6–5.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Polyglyceryl-6 stearate

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~2.8–4.2%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Dimethicone~2.1–3.2%

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 alcohol~1.7–2.6%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Glycerin~1.5–2.2%

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

Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Polysorbate 60~1–1.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60

Carbomer~0.8–1.2%

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

Polyglyceryl-6 behenate~0.5–1.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-6 behenate

Allantoin~0.4–0.95%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces rednessReduces irritationExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Pentylene glycol~0.45–1.05%

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

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.35–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Xanthan gum~0.2–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Sodium hydroxide~0.15–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Lactic acid~0.15–0.5%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-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

Serine~0.1–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Serine

Sodium lactate~0.1–0.3%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate

Sorbitol~0.05–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Sorbitol

Urea~0.05–0.2%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingExfoliation

Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations

More about Urea

Disodium edta~0.01–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Sodium chloride~0.05–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride

Ingredient list view

Water, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-6 stearate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Dimethicone, Cetearyl alcohol, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 60, Carbomer, Polyglyceryl-6 behenate, Allantoin, Pentylene glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan gum, Sodium hydroxide, Lactic acid, Serine, Sodium lactate, Sorbitol, Urea, Disodium edta, Sodium chloride

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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
	SuperdrugSimply Pure Hydrating Light MoisturiserYOUR PRODUCT	UltraLuxeHydrasoft Cream - Anti-Aging	MarudermHyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Face & Body Cream	The Grey MenCOMFORT+ FACE CREAM
Match	—	55%	55%	55%
Price	—	$96.00	$21.99	$93.90
Shared key ingredients	—	6 of 7	6 of 7	5 of 7
Key difference	—	Lactic Acid	Niacinamide	Niacinamide
Irritancy	Low	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Superdrug - Simply Pure Hydrating Light Moisturiser" is a well-rounded moisturizing product. The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Urea, glycerin and sodium lactate 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 (caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone, cetearyl alcohol, polyglyceryl-6 stearate and pentylene glycol) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: lactic acid and allantoin

Irritation risk

This product does not contain known common irritants and is suitable for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be low. 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.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Superdrug" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 8 studies and safety reviews.

1
Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
2
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
3
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoinscielo.br
5
Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
7
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
8
Topical urea in skincare: A reviewpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SuperdrugSimply Pure Hydrating Light Moisturiser

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