Aqualogica Glow+ Hydra Gel Moisturizer Review

Aqualogica Glow+ Hydra Gel Moisturizer
7.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.9 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Ingredients

Aqualogica Glow+ Hydra Gel Moisturizer Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Sodium PCA, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate/HEMA Crosspolymer, Ascorbic Acid, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Review

Does Aqualogica Glow+ Hydra Gel Moisturizer Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Aqualogica Glow+ Hydra Gel Moisturizer has to offer:
 
✅ Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 7.0 out of 10.
✅ Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Aqualogica Glow+ Hydra Gel Moisturizer has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.5 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

  

Key Benefits of Aqualogica Glow+ Hydra Gel Moisturizer

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Aqualogica Glow+ Hydra Gel Moisturizer:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Perfect for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Aqualogica Glow+ Hydra Gel Moisturizer is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 7.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈5.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.9 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈7.5%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with combination and oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🟣 Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Aqualogica Glow+ Hydra Gel Moisturizer has a slight level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 0.5 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

1️⃣ Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
2️⃣ Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
 or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
 
📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some additional anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of Aqualogica Glow+ Hydra Gel Moisturizer

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Aqualogica Glow+ Hydra Gel Moisturizer to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing perfect for combination and oily skin
✅ Also a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
 

⭕ Cons: 

✅ We couldn't find any
   

Summary: Aqualogica Glow+ Hydra Gel Moisturizer

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Aqualogica Glow+ Hydra Gel Moisturizer
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, perfect for combination and oily skin. It's also a great option for those with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
Aqualogica Glow+ Hydra Gel Moisturizer contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may offer a slight anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though relatively minimal, impact on wrinkles.
 
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
7.5
5
3
2
1.9
1
1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Xylitylglucoside
Function:
Origin:
Anhydroxylitol
Function:
Origin:
Xylitol
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate/HEMA Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.7
5
3
1.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
7.8
7.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
7.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.7 10
10.0
5
3
1.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 7.8 20
3.9
7.5
0.3
Moisturizing rating
7.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
5
3
1.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.7 10
10
All humectants
11.7
5
3
1.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
7.5
0.3
All occlusives 7.8 20
3.9
All occlusives
7.8
7.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
Total
0.5
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.2 3 No
All antioxidants
1.2
Niacinamide
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Dimethicone
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Glycerin
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP CopolymerA polymeric ingredient that creates lightweight and refreshing gel textures. It also works as a viscosity controlling agent.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %1.9
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone CrosspolymerA group of ingredients that are typically added to skincare products to adjust the formula. Dimethicone Crosspolymers stabilize a formula, regulate its thickness and consistency and give the product a velvety feel.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Sodium PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PCAOne of the most important parts of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Sodium PCA is used in skincare for its fantastic humectant properties.
Xylitylglucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
XylitylglucosideAn emollient extract from rice bran, the brown outer part of the rice kernel. It includes palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic acids, and antioxidants such as tocopherols and γ-oryzanol.
Anhydroxylitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AnhydroxylitolA derivative of xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol. It has humectant moisturizing properties.
Xylitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
XylitolAn organic compound that is most well-known for its use as a sweetener that also protects your teeth from cavities. Xylitol is used in skincare as a moisturizing humectant and has been shown to improve the protective barrier function of the skin.
Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate/HEMA Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate/HEMA Crosspolymer
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit ExtractA soothing extract obtained derived from the papaya fruit. It contains a skin softening and mildly exfoliating enzyme called papain, as well as various anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can assist in the wound healing process.
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)A bright yellow colorant that is often also listed as FD&C Yellow 5.