NARS Cosmetics Aqua Gel Hydrator Review

NARS Cosmetics Aqua Gel Hydrator
5.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does NARS Cosmetics Aqua Gel Hydrator Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what NARS Cosmetics Aqua Gel Hydrator has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

Key Benefits of NARS Cosmetics Aqua Gel Hydrator

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using NARS Cosmetics Aqua Gel Hydrator:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, NARS Cosmetics Aqua Gel Hydrator is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.8 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 8.3 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈5.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

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: NARS Cosmetics Aqua Gel Hydrator

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding NARS Cosmetics Aqua Gel Hydrator to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing NARS Cosmetics Aqua Gel Hydrator is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Ascorbyl Glucoside, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Ascorbyl Glucoside provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Ascorbyl Glucoside 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 NARS Cosmetics Aqua Gel Hydrator

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of NARS Cosmetics Aqua Gel Hydrator 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: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Cyclomethicone
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape)
Function:
Origin:
Pyrus Cydonia Seed
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Melilotus Officinalis Herb Oil
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Hybrida Oil
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Persica (Peach) Gum
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf
Function:
Origin:
Lilium Candidum Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Methylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Ethylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Propylparaben
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.3
5
3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
3.6
2.0
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.3 10
8.3
5
3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 3.6 20
1.8
2.0
1.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
5
3
0.3
All humectants 8.3 10
8.3
All humectants
8.3
5
3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2
1.3
0.3
All occlusives 3.6 20
1.8
All occlusives
3.6
2.0
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Ascorbyl Glucoside
-
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
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
Ascorbyl Glucoside
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
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.
Cyclomethicone
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
CyclomethiconeA blend of emollient silicones that leaves a smooth and non-greasy after-feel. Unlike other types of oils, it does not leave any residue on the skin, which is part of what makes it so popular.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %5
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.

Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Sodium Chloride
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Squalane
Est. %2
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.
Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer
Dimethicone
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Est. %1
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.
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl GlucosideA derivative of vitamin C. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. There are unfortunately no clinical studies on ascorbyl glucoside’s anti-pigment or anti-acne efficacy alone.
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.
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.

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil

A fragrant essential oil expressed or distilled from the rinds of sweet oranges. Its main constituent is limonene, which is responsible for its fresh, citrusy smell. It may induce sun allergies in people sensitive to citrus fruits.

Potassium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium HydroxideA very alkaline ingredient, meaning that it has a high pH. Potassium hydroxide is therefore useful in bringing a low pH in a cosmetic product up to a more neutral, skin-safe level.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape)
Pyrus Cydonia Seed
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pyrus Cydonia Seed
Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA 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.
Melilotus Officinalis Herb Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melilotus Officinalis Herb Oil
Lavandula Hybrida Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Hybrida OilA fragrant essential oil distilled from a lavender hybrid of the two most common lavender species: true lavender and spike lavender. It contains linalool and linalyl acetate as well as eucalyptol and camphor, which altogether give it a cooling, lavender scent.
Prunus Persica (Peach) Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Persica (Peach) Gum
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf
Lilium Candidum Flower Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lilium Candidum Flower Water
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.
Methylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
Ethylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylparabenA cost-effective preservative that belongs to the group of parabens. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
Propylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.