Face Reality Skincare Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel Review

Face Reality Skincare Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does Face Reality Skincare Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Face Reality Skincare Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel 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.

  

Key Benefits of Face Reality Skincare Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Face Reality Skincare Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel:
 

🔵 Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Face Reality Skincare Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel 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. ≈7.5%) and Caprylyl Glycol (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.

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

Things to Be Aware Of: Face Reality Skincare Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Face Reality Skincare Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel 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 Face Reality Skincare Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel 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 Face Reality Skincare Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Face Reality Skincare Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel 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
 

⭕ Cons: 

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

Summary: Face Reality Skincare Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Face Reality Skincare Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel
, 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.
 
That said, there are some things about Face Reality Skincare Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel 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.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
7.5
5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
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
0.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Phenethyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Syringa Vulgaris (Lilac) Leaf Cell Culture Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metabisulfite
Function:
Origin:
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Santalum Austrocaledonicum Wood Oil
Function:
Origin:
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Function:
Origin:
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex (CI 75810)
Function:
Origin:
Totarol
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Tributyl Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor) Bark Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Phenyl t-Butylnitrone
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
10.8
7.5
2
1
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10.8 10
10.0
7.5
2
1
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
7.5
2
1
0.3
All humectants 10.8 10
10
All humectants
10.8
7.5
2
1
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
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.5 3 No
All antioxidants
2.5
Sodium Hyaluronate
1
Sodium Metabisulfite
0.3
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
0.3
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
0.3
Totarol
0.3
Phenyl t-Butylnitrone
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.9 5 No
All soothing
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
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. %7.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Carbomer
Est. %5
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Maltodextrin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Phenethyl Alcohol
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Phenethyl AlcoholA multifunctional ingredient that primarily serves as a preservative. Derived from the Chinese cinnamon tree, it provides broad-spectrum protection for skincare products through its antimicrobial efficacy.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Alcohol Denat.
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %1
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.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice PowderExtracted from dried aloe vera leaves, it has the same effects as fresh aloe vera juice – it is humectant moisturizing, refreshing, and soothing. This powder can also serve as a gelling agent when mixed with water.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Syringa Vulgaris (Lilac) Leaf Cell Culture Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Syringa Vulgaris (Lilac) Leaf Cell Culture Extract
Sodium Metabisulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium MetabisulfiteA preservative that is especially effective at preventing fungus and mold growth. It is normally combined with a strong bactericidal preservative in order to achieve broad-spectrum protection. Sodium metabisulfite is also used as an antioxidant.
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower ExtractAn extract from the white flowers of the Japanese honeysuckle. Apart from an essential oil responsible for its jasmine-like scent, the extract also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory iridoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
Santalum Austrocaledonicum Wood Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Santalum Austrocaledonicum Wood Oil
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateA chelating agent that disables harmful heavy metal ions present in skincare.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) WaterA fragrant, astringent essential water obtained by steeping and distilling the twigs and leaves of the witch hazel plant. It leaves the skin feeling tight and refreshed after application and helps with the healing of small cuts on the skin.
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.
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Damascena Flower OilAlso known as Damask rose oil, it is one of the most precious and expensive essential oils in the world obtained from the petals of the Damask rose. It is used in skincare as a luxurious fragrance.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower ExtractA fragrant extract derived from the flowers of the Italian honeysuckle. It has a pleasant, sweet, floral scent. Not much is known about its compounds and their functions.
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
Est. %0.2
Function
Origin
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil

A fragrant essential oil obtained from the flowers of the tropical ylang-ylang tree. It is a popular ingredient in skincare, as well as in aromatherapy, perfumes, and the food industry for its sweet, floral, slightly fruity, jasmine-like scent.

Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex (CI 75810)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex (CI 75810)
Totarol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TotarolAn effective antimicrobial and antioxidant bioactive compound that occurs naturally in cypress trees.
Acetyl Tributyl Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Tributyl Citrate
Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor) Bark Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor) Bark Oil
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil

An essential oil derived from the peels of the sweet orange. It is commonly used as a fragrance because of its pleasant, citrusy scent. The main constituent of the essential oil is limonene (up to 96%).

Phenyl t-Butylnitrone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phenyl t-Butylnitrone