Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream Review

Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream
6.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Squalane, Phenyl Trimethicone, PCA Dimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Carbomer, Propylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Ethylhexyl Caprylate/Caprate, Disodium EDTA, Stearyl Behenate, Malachite Extract, Tranexamic Acid, Tryptophan, Beta-Glucan, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate
Review

Does Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream has to offer:
 
✅ Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.6 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Perfect for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.6 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 Butylene Glycol (est. ≈7.5%) and Glycerin (est. ≈5.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.2 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Squalane (est. ≈2.5%) and Phenyl Trimethicone (est. ≈2.0%).

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: Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water 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 Beta-Glucan, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Beta-Glucan provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Beta-Glucan may reduce wrinkles, its 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, 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 Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream 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: Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream
, 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 Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water Gel Cream worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Soul Apothecary HYDRA Water 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
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
PCA Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Behenate
Function:
Origin:
Malachite Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tranexamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tryptophan
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Glucan
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
13.1
7.5
5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
6.4
2.5
2.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 13.1 10
10.0
7.5
5
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 6.4 20
3.2
2.5
2.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
7.5
5
0.3
0.3
All humectants 13.1 10
10
All humectants
13.1
7.5
5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2.5
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 6.4 20
3.2
All occlusives
6.4
2.5
2.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Beta-Glucan
-
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
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Malachite Extract
0.3
Beta-Glucan
0.3
Tocopherol
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

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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %7.5
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. %5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Hexylene Glycol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Squalane
Est. %2.5
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.
Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Phenyl TrimethiconeA silicone fluid that is used as an occlusive moisturizer. It applies smoothly to the skin and reduces the tack associated with organic oils.
PCA Dimethicone
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
PCA Dimethicone
Caprylyl Methicone
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl MethiconeA liquid silicone with occlusive moisturizing properties. Being compatible with natural oils is a challenge for most silicones, but caprylyl methicone plays well with all types of oils.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP CopolymerA polymeric ingredient that creates lightweight and refreshing gel textures. It also works as a viscosity controlling agent.
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
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.
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.
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.
Ethylhexyl Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl Caprylate/Caprate
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Stearyl Behenate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl Behenate
Malachite Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malachite Extract
Tranexamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tranexamic AcidA synthetic amino acid that is used as an astringent to stop the bleeding from small cuts. It also has proven anti-pigment and redness-reducing effects.
Tryptophan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tryptophan
Beta-Glucan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta-GlucanA special polysaccharide obtained from cereals, mushrooms, yeast, bacteria, and some species of seaweed. It is a promising anti-wrinkle, wound healing, antioxidant, and moisturizing ingredient.
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.

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.