Guerlain Super Aqua Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum Review

Guerlain Super Aqua Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum
6.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Guerlain Super Aqua Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Glycerin, Squalane, Isohexadecane, Butylene Glycol, Beeswax, Propanediol, Steareth-20, Jojoba Esters, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Sodium PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Tromethamine, Caprylyl Glycol, Laureth-23, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyacrylate-13, Sodium Hyaluronate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Fragrance, Polyisobutene, Viola Tricolor Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, Propylene Carbonate, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Adenosine, Citronellol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Carrageenan, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Nymphaea Odorata Root Extract, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Benzyl Benzoate, Sea Salt, BHT
Review

Does Guerlain Super Aqua Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Guerlain Super Aqua Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum has to offer:
 
✅ Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.5 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Guerlain Super Aqua Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Guerlain Super Aqua Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Perfect for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Guerlain Super Aqua Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.5 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. ≈6.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈2.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.0 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Squalane (est. ≈4.0%).

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.

📌 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: Guerlain Super Aqua Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Guerlain Super Aqua Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ If It’s an Exfoliator, It May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Lactic Acid

This product contains lactic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. It works by removing dead skin cells, revealing new, more delicate skin that is more vulnerable to sun damage.

In smaller quantities, lactic acid is often used as a pH adjuster and may not significantly contribute to exfoliation. However, at higher concentrations, it functions as an effective exfoliant with benefits and risks similar to other AHAs. Products with AHAs, including lactic acid, may increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

If this product is designed for exfoliation, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily is essential to protect your skin. Always check the label or the manufacturer’s website for specific usage instructions.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Guerlain Super Aqua Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract and Adenosine, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 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 anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

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

Pros & Cons of Guerlain Super Aqua Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Guerlain Super Aqua Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum 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
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Guerlain Super Aqua Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Guerlain Super Aqua Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum
, 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.
 
That said, there are some things about Guerlain Super Aqua Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Guerlain Super Aqua Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 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
70
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Steareth-20
Function:
Origin:
Jojoba Esters
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-23
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylate-13
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Stearalkonium Hectorite
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Polyisobutene
Function:
Origin:
Viola Tricolor Extract
Function:
Origin:
Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Carrageenan
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Hexyl Cinnamal
Function:
Origin:
Nymphaea Odorata Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Sea Salt
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.1
6
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
6.1
4.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.1 10
10.0
6
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 6.1 20
3.0
4.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.1 10
10
All humectants
11.1
6
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 6.1 20
3.0
All occlusives
6.1
4.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.8 3 No
All antioxidants
1.8
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Viola Tricolor Extract
0.3
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
BHT
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.2 5 No
All soothing
1.2
0.3
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. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Squalane
Est. %4
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Isohexadecane
Est. %3
Function
Origin
IsohexadecaneA clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as an emollient. It is made up of pure hydrocarbons and leaves a dry feeling on the skin upon application. It also increases the spreadability of a product.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %2
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.

Beeswax
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
BeeswaxA waxy substance made by bees while they are building their honeycombs. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient with wound healing and antimicrobial properties similar to those of honey. Its bleached, purified form is called Cera alba.
Propanediol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Steareth-20
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Steareth-20A white to light brown reaction product of a clear gas and stearyl alcohol. Like the other steareth ingredients, steareth-20 is a waxy emulsifier that can help to form a stable emulsion, even in extreme conditions.
Jojoba Esters
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Jojoba EstersA mixture of various wax esters from jojoba oil. It is used in skincare products as a fantastic emollient, soothing, and occlusive moisturizing agent that won't leave a sticky, oily feeling on the skin.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA synthetic emollient ester. It works to improve the appearance of the skin by filling in the microcracks on the surface, thereby making the skin appear softer and smoother. It imparts a lightweight, velvety feel.
Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polymethyl MethacrylateA powdered ingredient with an impressive sensory profile that gives off a creamy, sometimes velvety feeling on the skin. It is made up of tiny microspheres that roll smoothly across the skin and create slip and high spreadability.
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.
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.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Stearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl AlcoholA natural fatty alcohol that thickens, stabilizes, and keeps emulsions a bright white color. It has many uses, the main one being as an emulsifier. It also acts as an opacifying agent and emollient.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Lactic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Tromethamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.
Laureth-23
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laureth-23Laureth-23 is a strong emulsifier that is perfect for bringing oils into water-based products. It can be used to mix fragrance or to add to shampoos. It plays nicely with other emulsifiers and ingredients, and can show synergy when used with other emulsifiers of the same type like Laureth-7.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Polyacrylate-13
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyacrylate-13A synthetic, film-forming ingredient that creates a network around other ingredients in the formula and protects them from being easily washed away.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
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.

Stearalkonium Hectorite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearalkonium Hectorite
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Polyisobutene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolyisobuteneA highly viscous liquid that is used in lip gloss formulations to prolong wear time and add shimmer. Polyisobutene dramatically increases the thickness of skincare products it is added to.
Viola Tricolor Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Viola Tricolor ExtractAn astringent, sebum regulating, and antioxidant extract from wild pansy which contains various antioxidant flavonoids, carotenoids, saponins, as well as special cyclical proteins called cyclotides.
Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) ExtractA vibrant, purple extract obtained from the dark flowers of common mallow. Its main active ingredient is an emollient and soothing thick mucilage.
Propylene Carbonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene CarbonateA derivative of propylene glycol that is used most frequently as a solvent. Additionally, propylene carbonate serves as a viscosity controlling agent reducing the thickness of the products it is added to.
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica Leaf ExtractA well-researched soothing, wound-healing, and promising anti-aging extract that is obtained from the leaves of the Gotu Kola.
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Citronellol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citronellol

A fragrant compound found naturally in many essential oils (mainly lemongrass). It can have a lemon or a rose scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citronellol, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Sodium Carrageenan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Carrageenan
Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geraniol

A fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Hexyl Cinnamal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexyl Cinnamal

A synthetic scent ingredient that produces a jasmine-like fragrance. According to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), hexyl cinnamal is a skin sensitizer and allergen and so its use in skincare should be limited.

Nymphaea Odorata Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nymphaea Odorata Root Extract
Benzyl Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Salicylate

A fragrance ingredient with a sweet, floral, and slightly balsamic scent. It is one of the twenty-six fragrances that are considered allergens according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), and so its use is restricted.

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.
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.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Benzyl Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl BenzoateA fragrance ingredient with a fruity and woody scent. It is considered an allergen according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), which means that care must be taken when determining usage levels in skincare products.
Sea Salt
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sea SaltA mixture of minerals from saltwater. The studies show that sea salt may help to restore skin health by improving skin barrier function, improving moisturization, reducing inflammation, and reducing skin roughness and redness.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.