No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream Review

No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream
10.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Alcohol Denat., Xylitylglucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Xylitol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Glucose, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Morus Alba Leaf Extract
Review

Does No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream has to offer:
 
✅ Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 10.0 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer Perfect for Dry to Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream is exceptionally moisturizing, with the highest possible moisturizing rating of 10.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This is one of the most moisturizing products on the market, with a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈45.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈11.0%), and a maximum occlusivity of 10 out of 10, entirely due to the significant content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈22.0%) and Dimethicone (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with dry to very dry skin who want intense hydration. It combines a high concentration of humectants with an exceptional level of occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing specifically for very dry skin.

The occlusive profile of No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for very dry skin.

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: No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream 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 and Biosaccharide Gum-4, 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 No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ Very rich moisturizer perfect for dry and very dry skin: exceptionally occlusive and humectant-rich
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream
 is an ideal moisturizer for dry to very dry skin, combining a very high concentration of humectants and occlusive ingredients in a rich, thick texture.
 
That said, there are some things about No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream 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
45
22
11
6
4
2.5
2
1.5
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
Est. %
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Xylitylglucoside
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Xylitol
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Glucose
Function:
Origin:
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Function:
Origin:
Morus Alba Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
59.3
45
11
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
28.0
22.0
6.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
10.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 59.3 10
10.0
45
11
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 28.0 20
10.0
22.0
6.0
Moisturizing rating
10.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
45
11
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 59.3 10
10
All humectants
59.3
45
11
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
22
6
All occlusives 28.0 20
10.0
All occlusives
28.0
22.0
6.0
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
Ascorbyl Glucoside
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Biosaccharide Gum-4
-
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
All antioxidants 1.2 3 No
All antioxidants
1.2
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Ascorbyl Glucoside
0.3
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
0.3
Morus Alba Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Glycerin
Est. %45
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %11
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.

Dimethicone
Est. %6
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.
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl StearateA palm-derived emollient ester with good lubricity that leaves a smooth after-feel on the skin.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %2.5
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.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %2
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.

Xylitylglucoside
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
XylitylglucosideAn emollient extract from rice bran, the brown outer part of the rice kernel. It includes palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic acids, and antioxidants such as tocopherols and γ-oryzanol.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %1
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.
Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates CopolymerA highly functional synthetic ingredient that forms a protective layer on the skin and reduces static buildup. It gives an emollient feel to the product, including a silky after-feel.
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.

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.
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.
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.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Xylitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
XylitolAn organic compound that is most well-known for its use as a sweetener that also protects your teeth from cavities. Xylitol is used in skincare as a moisturizing humectant and has been shown to improve the protective barrier function of the skin.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Glucose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlucoseA simple sugar that is also one of two components of sucrose, or table sugar. It is used as a humectant in skincare products. Glucose is also used to flavor lip care cosmetics because of its mildly sweet taste.
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Panax Ginseng Root ExtractDerived from the roots of the Korean Ginseng, this extract contains a mixture of antioxidant and soothing ginsenosides which are proven to reduce inflammation and treat eczema. The root is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine.
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Biosaccharide Gum-4A sugar-derived gel which forms a water-binding film on the skin’s surface. This film allegedly protects the skin from environmental stressors.
Morus Alba Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Morus Alba Leaf ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the white mulberry tree. It is rich in antioxidant and astringent compounds and shows potent antimicrobial and antifungal activities.