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

Glycerin

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.

This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.

Squalane

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.

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.

Super Aqua Max Deep Moisture Sleeping Pack

Dermide Cica Barrier Sleeping Pack

When to use

Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Deep Moisture Sleeping Pack 68 ingredients

PURITO Dermide Cica Barrier Sleeping Pack 24 ingredients

1 Routine

0% use in am

100% use in pm

100% use every day

208 Routines

11% use in am

89% use in pm

76% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Deep Moisture Sleeping Pack 68 ingredients

Super Aqua Max Deep Moisture Sleeping Pack hasn't been rated yet.

Rate it now

PURITO Dermide Cica Barrier Sleeping Pack 24 ingredients

4.5 /5

from 8 ratings

Works Well (6) Hydrating (6) No Scent (4)

Soo Kim

9 months ago

Review

So good! Use after put retinol on then this will help calm your skin

#hydrating

#works well

PURITO

Dermide Cica Barrier Sleeping Pack

Melissa

4 months ago

Review

I have used this exclusively as a day time night time moisturizer and it’s the best I’ve ever used. I have clog prone, combo, dehydrated, sensitive skin and this is the ONLY, and I mean ONLY cream I can tolerate. Don’t let sleeping pack scare you. Didn’t trigger any acne or fungal acne, isn’t too heavy. It’s 10/10. I think I’ve passed year 3 of using this.

#great value

#hydrating

#absorbs well

#no scent

PURITO

Dermide Cica Barrier Sleeping Pack