2.5/ 10
2.5
/ 10
Overview
How moisturizing is it? Slightly moisturizing. Elemis Instant Refreshing Gel has a moisturizing rating of 2.5 out of 10.
Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely humectant. It has a moderate Humectancy of 5.0 out of 10 and zero Occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusives on the ingredient list).
Tip: Studies suggest that humectants alone do not moisturize the skin. We recommend applying a product with some occlusive ingredients after the use of this one.
- SULFATE-FREE
- FRAGRANCE-FREE
- NON-COMEDOGENIC
- PHTHALATE-FREE
- SILICONE-FREE
- ESSENTIAL OIL-FREE
- OIL-FREE
Score | Ingredient | Origin | Functions |
|---|---|---|---|
75 | Water | Naturally occurring | Formula Helper |
7.5 | Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 39-C | Formula Helper | |
5 | Propylene Glycol | Botanical, Synthetic | Moisturizing (humectant),Fragrance,Formula Helper |
3 | Menthol | Botanical, Synthetic | Soothing,Fragrance,Flavor,Refreshing,Formula Helper |
2.5 | Arnica Montana Flower Extract | Botanical | Fragrance |
2 | Betula Alba Bark Extract | Botanical | Antioxidant,Soothing,Astringent,Fragrance,Flavor |
1.5 | Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water | Botanical | Soothing,Astringent |
1.3 | Carbomer | Synthetic | Formula Helper |
1 | Camphor | Botanical, Synthetic | Soothing,Fragrance,Formula Helper |
0.3 | Triethanolamine | Synthetic | Fragrance,Formula Helper |
0.3 | Methylparaben | Synthetic | Antimicrobial,Fragrance,Preservative |
0.3 | Propylparaben | Synthetic | Antimicrobial,Fragrance,Preservative |
Ingredients explained
The 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.
Score
5
Function
Moisturizing (humectant), Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity controlling
Origin
Botanical, Synthetic
A clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
A volatile compound isolated from peppermint oil. It causes a cooling sensation on the skin that can be very soothing. Menthol can also act as a topical painkiller. In more sensitive individuals, however, it may cause skin irritation or an allergy.
An extract derived from the flower heads of the mountain arnica plant. This plant is used as herbal medicine to treat wounds, bruises, and inflammation. In skincare, however, it is mostly added for fragrance purposes due to its pleasant pine and sage odor.