Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel Review

Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing 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.
  • Soothing: Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing 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, entirely due to the high content of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈99.0%).

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.

Tip: 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 Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈99.0%).

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.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈99.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

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: Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing 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 Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing 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.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel 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 Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Centella Asiatica Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Centella Asiatica Extract may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does 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 Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing 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
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Cons: 

  • Needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants if used as a standalone moisturizer
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
99
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
0.1
Est. %
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Bambusa Vulgaris Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Zea Mays (Corn) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
99.0
99
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 99 10
10.0
99
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
99
All humectants 99 10
10
All humectants
99.0
99
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
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
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
99
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 100.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
100.2
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
99
Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Bambusa Vulgaris Extract
0.3
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
99
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 99.9 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
99.9
99
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %99
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Bambusa Vulgaris Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bambusa Vulgaris ExtractA soothing extract derived from bamboo stems and leaves with various antioxidant flavonoids. It also contains some silica that our hair and skin need in order to maintain their proper structure and strength.
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit ExtractA soothing, cooling, and emollient extract derived from cucumbers. Cucumber has been used in skincare for centuries and is used to treat skin problems such as eye swelling, sunburn, and itchy and irritated skin.
Zea Mays (Corn) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zea Mays (Corn) Leaf Extract
Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit ExtractAn emollient extract from red watermelon fruit. Its pulp, seeds, and rinds are a source of beneficial compounds for the skin, and it has occlusive, emollient, and antioxidant properties.
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor OilA white paste-like substance derived from castor oil that belongs to a group of ingredients called PEGs (polyethylene glycols). It acts as a perfume solubilizer that helps fragrance agents dissolve in water and as a cleansing agent.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
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.
Triethanolamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethanolamineA clear, colorless, and highly viscous liquid, this ingredient is an excellent pH adjuster. When it is necessary to neutralize an acidic solution or to generally increase the pH of a product, triethanolamine is a common choice.
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.
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.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

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.
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Butylphenyl Methylpropional

A synthetic fragrance ingredient used to recreate the scent of lilies, this ingredient also features fresh, green, and powdery notes. Butylphenyl Methylpropional was recently labeled as Toxic to Reproduction in the EU and will be banned in 2022.