Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster Review

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Ingredients

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster Ingredients

Hover to see details. On mobile? Tap for ingredient stories!

Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Glycerin, Panthenol, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Glycolipids, Hydrolyzed Algin, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Sea Water, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Linalool, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Review

Does Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster has to offer:
 
✅ Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster:
 

🔵 Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), Panthenol (est. ≈4.0%) and Sodium Hyaluronate (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

📌 Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to 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.

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract (est. ≈3.0%) and Sodium Hyaluronate (est. ≈2.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

📌 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.

Things to Be Aware Of: Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Pros & Cons of Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants
   

Summary: Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, making it ideal for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
With its high antioxidant content, Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
That said, there are some things about Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster worth noting.
 
Looking at its moisturizing profile, we found that it doesn’t contain any occlusive ingredients, potentially allowing the moisture attracted to the skin by humectants to evaporate. Therefore, if it’s used as the only moisturizer in a routine, it’s recommended to pair it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones.
 
📌 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
80
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
Function:
Origin:
Glycolipids
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Algin
Function:
Origin:
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sea Water
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
15.7
6
4
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 15.7 10
10.0
6
4
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 15.7 10
10
All humectants
15.7
6
4
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
2
1
0.3
All antioxidants 6.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.3
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
3
Sodium Hyaluronate
2
Hydrolyzed Algin
1
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
4
All soothing 4 5 No
All soothing
4
4
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %80
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.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Panthenol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Melissa Officinalis Leaf ExtractA fragrant extract derived from lemon balm leaves with antioxidant and antiviral flavonoids and terpenes. It has a lovely, fresh, lemon-like scent.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
Glycolipids
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
GlycolipidsVarious lipids combined with one or more sugars. It can be used as an emulsifier or a very gentle cleanser.
Hydrolyzed Algin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed AlginA humectant moisturizing mixture of algae-based polysaccharides, also known as alginate, that have undergone the process of hydrolysis.
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chlorella Vulgaris ExtractA dried mass of tiny, single-cell green algae. It is widely used as a food source or dietary supplement since it is rich in proteins, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. This dark green extract is used as an antioxidant agent in skincare.
Sea Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sea WaterA water obtained from oceans, seas, and large saltwater lakes. The water has been purified, and what remains is a complex mixture of various mineral salts that have beneficial effects on the skin. Sea water is used as a humectant and a solvent.
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid CopolymerA synthetic humectant moisturizer often paired with glycerin. It also functions as a viscosity-controlling agent that creates gel-like formulas with thicker textures.
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-5-Ceteth-20A synthetic emulsifier that can also contribute to the smooth feel of a product.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
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.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
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.
Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) OilAn essential oil derived from common, or true, lavender. It is used in skincare for its lovely, calming scent. Like all essential oils, however, it may cause a contact skin allergy in more sensitive individuals.