Then I Met You Calming Tide Gel Cream
Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Evens skin tone2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Niacinamide acid rounds out the ingredient list, helping even out your complexion while reducing the appearance of fine lines.”
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: madecassoside.
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.
Moisturizing15 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Provides deep penetration to nourish skin from within and provides a layer of moisture Designed to be versatile in use as a hydrating peptide serum or as a layerable light-as-air moisturizer Calms skin and repairs the 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, sodium hyaluronate.
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: ceramide np, coco-caprylate/caprate.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl hexapeptide-8, ceramide np, madecassoside, niacinamide, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, palmitoyl tripeptide-5
Anti-aging6 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“My goal was to jam pack it with peptides, but make it lightweight, so it's not just about heavy creams that have anti-aging elements.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine, niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: acetyl hexapeptide-8, madecassoside, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, palmitoyl tripeptide-5.
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.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product contains antioxidants (madecassoside) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
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?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Butylene glycol~5.8–8.8%
- 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 glycolGlycerin~3.6–5.4%
- 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 Glycerin1,2-hexanediol~2.1–3.1%
Niacinamide~2.1–3.1%
- 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 NiacinamidePropanediol~1.7–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolTriethylhexanoin~1.2–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about TriethylhexanoinCetyl ethylhexanoate~1.3–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture
More about Cetyl ethylhexanoateHibiscus sabdariffa flower extract~0.95–1.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can be irritating. It might contain a compound anthocyanin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
More about Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extractCeramide np~0.6–1.35%
- 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 npAcetyl hexapeptide-8~0.4–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Acetyl hexapeptide-8Sodium hyaluronate~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronatePalmitoyl tripeptide-5~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-5Madecassoside~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations
More about MadecassosidePalmitoyl pentapeptide-4~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4Coco-caprylate/caprate~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
More about Coco-caprylate/caprateGlycereth-25 pca isostearate~0.15–0.65%
Carbomer~0.1–0.45%
- 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 CarbomerTromethamine~0.1–0.4%
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.1–0.35%
- 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 copolymerEthylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.3%
Adenosine~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 AdenosineXanthan gum~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCoptis japonica extract~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
Cyanocobalamin~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin
More about CyanocobalaminBetaine~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineCitrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.01–0.05%
- 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 oilIngredient list view
Water, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Triethylhexanoin, Cetyl ethylhexanoate, Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract, Ceramide np, Acetyl hexapeptide-8, Sodium hyaluronate, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5, Madecassoside, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Glycereth-25 pca isostearate, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Xanthan gum, Coptis japonica extract, Cyanocobalamin, Betaine, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil
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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.
| Then I Met YouCalming Tide Gel CreamYOUR PRODUCT | Jin Jung sungSoothing Moisture Skin Essence | TOSOWOONGJeju Mayu Cream | EyenlipSalmon Oil Recovery Gel Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 86% | 83% | 81% |
| Price | $35.23 | $21.99−$13.24 | — | $9.45−$25.78 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 8 of 12 | 8 of 12 | 7 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Hexapeptide-11 | Oligopeptide-1 | Copper Tripeptide-1 |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredient list, "Then I Met You - Calming Tide Gel Cream" can work well for skin moisturization. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Then I Met You - Calming Tide Gel Cream ticks this box. Acetyl hexapeptide-8, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate and butylene glycol 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 (ceramide np, coco-caprylate/caprate and cetyl ethylhexanoate) 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 (2.10% - 3.10%) 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.
- Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (ceramide np 0.60% - 1.35%). 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.
- We like that this moisturizer contains peptides (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 0.15% - 0.65%, palmitoyl tripeptide-5 0.20% - 0.80% and acetyl hexapeptide-8 0.40% - 1.00%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. Peptides might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
- Adenosine 0.05% - 0.25%. It is a chemical present inside our skin cells. A clinical trial confirmed that topical application of Adenosine in a low concentration can reduce dynamic wrinkles (these are the wrinkles that appear with age in a places where our mimic is the most active, for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead).
- Actives derived from an extract of the Centella Asiatica plant (also known as Gotu Kola) - madecassoside 0.20% - 0.75% The Centella Asiatica Actives help strengthen and restore the skin barrier, decrease inflammation in skin and neutralize free radicals. They also can help to reduce scarring. The good news is that these actives work even in low concentrations.
Irritation risk
There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits for the skin. 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.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Then I Met You" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails for 94.00A$ in Australia, from 34.98$ up to 42.00$ in the United States and from 26.65£ up to 37.99£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 27 studies and safety reviews.
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