Works for
MoisturizingCeramide np, Glycerin + 15 moreWorks well
“This gel cream is enriched with Iceland mineral water, moss extract and kelp extract to restore moisture and strengthen skin barrier.”
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, glucose.
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, vinyl dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy10 strong irritants: Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil + 8 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale3 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Water~12–14%
Glycerin~4.6–5.6%
- 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 GlycerinDipropylene glycol~2.9–3.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolDicaprylyl carbonate~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonateMethyl trimethicone~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps create a silky product finish and dissolve other ingredients
More about Methyl trimethiconeVinyl dimethicone~1.6–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps to create a nice product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Vinyl dimethiconeC14-22 alcohols~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that helps stabilize product formulations
More about C14-22 alcoholsCaprylic/capric triglyceride~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triglyceridePentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product consistency while softening the upper layer of the skin
More about Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoateRosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.7–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractSedum sarmentosum extract~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Cetraria islandica extract~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Laminaria digitata extract~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Seaweed extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but good research is lacking at the moment
More about Laminaria digitata extractPseudoalteromonas ferment extract~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Vaccinium angustifolium fruit extract~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract tha can have anti-oxidant properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking
More about Vaccinium angustifolium fruit extractVaccinium macrocarpon fruit extract~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
A berry extract. Might have some anti-oxidant properties
More about Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit extractMesembryanthemum crystallinum extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glyceryl stearate~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateHydroxyacetophenone~0.4–0.65%
C12-20 alkyl glucoside~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about C12-20 alkyl glucosideSodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium polyacryloyldimethyl tauratePalmitic acid~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidStearic acid~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidHydrogenated polydecene~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Hydrogenated polydeceneTromethamine~0.3–0.6%
Carbomer~0.3–0.6%
- 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 CarbomerAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerCitrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilCitrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.3–0.55%
- 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 oilTrideceth-10~0.45–0.7%
Disodium edta~0.3–0.6%
Melia azadirachta leaf extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating
More about Melia azadirachta leaf extractButylene glycol~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolMelia azadirachta flower extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skin
More about Melia azadirachta flower extractCeramide np~0.4–0.6%
- 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 npHydrogenated lecithin~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 lecithinCoccinia indica fruit extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect helping neutralize free radicals in skin
More about Coccinia indica fruit extractMyristic acid~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
More about Myristic acidLavandula angustifolia oil~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Lavandula angustifolia oilPelargonium graveolens flower oil~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidation
More about Pelargonium graveolens flower oilAmyris balsamifera bark oil~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glucose~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function
More about GlucoseAloe barbadensis flower extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Aloe barbadensis flower extractSolanum melongena fruit extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Eggplant fruit extract. Might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Solanum melongena fruit extractEucalyptus globulus leaf oil~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilMelaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilCitrus paradisi peel oil~0.25–0.45%
Propanediol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolOcimum sanctum leaf extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that is rich in a fragrance compound eugenol that is a frequent allergen and can be irritating. It might also contain anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicals
More about Ocimum sanctum leaf extractJuniperus mexicana oil~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Boswellia carterii oil~0.25–0.45%
Curcuma longa root extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant
More about Curcuma longa root extractCorallina officinalis extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants
More about Corallina officinalis extractDipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycyrrhizateXanthan gum~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumGlyceryl caprylate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
More about Glyceryl caprylateCaprylyl glycol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycol1,2-hexanediol~0.1–0.2%
Ingredient list view
Water, Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene glycol, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Methyl trimethicone, Vinyl dimethicone, C14-22 alcohols, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Sedum sarmentosum extract, Cetraria islandica extract, Laminaria digitata extract, Pseudoalteromonas ferment extract, Vaccinium angustifolium fruit extract, Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit extract, Mesembryanthemum crystallinum extract, Glyceryl stearate, Hydroxyacetophenone, C12-20 alkyl glucoside, Sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Hydrogenated polydecene, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Trideceth-10, Disodium edta, Melia azadirachta leaf extract, Butylene glycol, Melia azadirachta flower extract, Ceramide np, Hydrogenated lecithin, Coccinia indica fruit extract, Myristic acid, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, Amyris balsamifera bark oil, Glucose, Aloe barbadensis flower extract, Solanum melongena fruit extract, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Citrus paradisi peel oil, Propanediol, Ocimum sanctum leaf extract, Juniperus mexicana oil, Boswellia carterii oil, Curcuma longa root extract, Corallina officinalis extract, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Xanthan gum, Glyceryl caprylate, Caprylyl glycol, 1,2-hexanediol
Compare prices
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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.
| The SaemIceland Aqua Gel CreamYOUR PRODUCT | Thank You FarmerRice Pure Gel and Cream | MedicubeTXA + Niacinamide Capsule Cream | FEEVHyper-Hydro Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 61% | 61% | 61% |
| Price | $17.10 | $23.80+$6.70 | $19.24+$2.14 | $18.72+$1.62 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 8 | 5 of 8 | 4 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Niacinamide | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: celimax The Real Cica Soothing Creamcocokind electrolyte water cream
Product summary
Based on the ingredients included, "The Saem - Iceland Aqua Gel Cream" works well for moisturizing the skin. This moisturizer uses a good combo of humectants and emollients. These both types of ingredients are essentials for improving the skin hydration and keeping the skin barrier healthy. Humectants in this product (glycerin, glucose, butylene glycol and caprylyl glycol) 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). Ceramide np, vinyl dimethicone, caprylic/capric triglyceride, caprylyl glycol and dicaprylyl carbonate 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
- Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (ceramide np 0.45% - 0.65%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.
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.
Price
The product retails for 19.70$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 25 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Safety Assessment of Pentaerythrityl Tetraesters as Used in Cosmeticsjournals.sagepub.com
- 3Allergic contact dermatitis induced by rosemary leaf extract in a cleansing gelpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4
- 5
- 6
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