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ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel Versus Skinfix Barrier Balancing Water Cream

General Moisturizer
General Moisturizer
Korean Brand South Korea
Canadian Brand Canada

Updated on March 21, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Solvent

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin. 

It’s often used to:

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan?

This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Read more about squalene with an "e".

Is squalane an oil?

Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.

The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.

While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.

Learn more about Squalane

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.

AAVC is able to increase the consistency and viscosity of products due to its large molecule size. It also prevents ingredients from separating.

Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

When to use

1,189 Routines
47% use in am
52% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
44 Routines
52% use in am
48% use in pm
95% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel 15 ingredients

3.1 /5
from 35 ratings
Great Value (12) No Scent (11) Broke Me Out (11)
buttybun's avatar

buttybun

1 year ago
Review

Breaks me out
Not sure why, but this cause breakouts for me

Ninamujer's avatar

Nina

1 year ago
Review

It's good for humid weather
This is a simple and light moisturizer that helps hydrate my combination skin without being too oily. I haven't experienced any breakouts like the previous reviews. This will be my go-to moisturizer for hot/humid summers until I find something better!

Skinfix Barrier Balancing Water Cream 22 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Expensive (2) Light (2) Absorbs Well (1)
SparkleMotion's avatar

Sparkle Motion

15 days ago
Review

My skin has been pretty sensitive after an eczema flare so I switched to this from the Tatcha Water Cream since it is fragranced. Could not be happier with the Skinfix. Does not irritate & it feels like my barrier is improving faster than it was with the Tatcha. Also love that it’s silicon-free for under makeup.

#expensive
#light
#absorbs well
raqharrison's avatar

raqharrison

18 days ago
Review

I have very sensitive skin (rosacea and "FA") that is reactive to many products. I tried this new product because I saw it during the Sephora sale, and I haven't had any reactions to it. It's very lightweight and works well for my combination skin! The major downside is the price. Also, I could see this not being hydrating enough for those with dry skin.

#expensive
#hydrating
#light
#works well