It soothes sensitive skin.
Dermalogica is hardly a flashy brand — and it doesn’t need to be. Since its genesis in the 80s, it has become a staple for skincare enthusiasts, including yours truly. Moreover, it’s been used by celebrities like Oprah and Courteney Cox, both of whom have praised its fan-favorite exfoliator. Similarly, Tina Fey has also relied on Dermalogica, specifically its plumping serum.
While I love each of the aforementioned fan-favorites, I’d be remiss not to mention the Dermalogica Calm Water Gel — which, IMO, is the brand’s unsung hero; plus, it’s perfect for quite literally anyone seeking plump, healthy looking skin.
Buy Now $56
The Dermalogica Calm Water Gel is a feather-light, fast-absorbing moisturizer that deeply hydrates and plumps skin in seconds. Formulated for all skin types, the fragrance-free cream is particularly perfect for ultra-sensitive skin thanks to its soothing, cooling feel and anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s also ideal for ultra-dry skin, as I can attest — and for people who are averse to moisturizers that feel greasy or heavy on the skin.
I’m impressed by the formula, which dispenses as a gel yet seems to burst into a cooling liquid the moment it hits my face. Shortly thereafter, my skin appears plumper, healthier — and, importantly, for anyone who dislikes greasiness — devoid of any residue. While I typically turn to rich, thick creams to soften my dry skin, Dermalogica’s gel has proven that hydration and lightweight texture can, in fact, coexist. A quick scan of the ingredients list points to why.
For one, the formula contains hyaluronic acid — the uncontested skin-quencher of the skincare world. More accurately, the gel contains two forms of the molecule, at different weights, which allows for it to both sink deeply and settle more superficially on the skin. Sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid’s close cousin, is also present, doubling down on dewiness.
As for the super-soothing feel, aloe vera is partially to thank. The ingredient, most commonly associated with soothing sunburns, is an excellent inflammation-fighter in general, even for dry, cracked skin. Furthermore, aloe boasts hydrating properties, and has been shown to help prevent transepidermal water loss.
Glycerin, yet another hydration hero, is present in Dermalogica’s Calm Water Gel. Similar to hyaluronic acid, glycerin is a humectant; in other words, it attracts moisture from the surrounding air and locks it into skin. As dermatologist Dr. Melanie Palm, M.D., previously told InStyle, “Glycerin is one of a precious few moisturizing ingredients that has a lasting effect, well beyond its time of application and absorption.”
Thanks to these quenching ingredients, the gel yields instant, satisfying relief to dry, sensitized skin, and feels like a dip in a cool stream after a long, sunny hike. I’m particularly fond of this cream in the balmier months; and with spring in swing and summer hot on its heels, I envision reaching for it daily. God forbid sunburns are in my future — though I know I’ll have a moisturizer that’s adequately gentle and supremely soothing to turn to if so. Shop the Dermalogica Calm Water Gel for soothed, plump skin.
Shop more Dermalogica skincare:
Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator
Buy Now $19
Special Cleansing Gel
Buy Now $14
Pro-Collagen Banking Serum
Buy Now $89