9-Ingredient Face Moisturizer
9-Ingredient Face Moisturizer
Product Description
A minimalist, fragrance-free moisturizer formulated with just 9 essential ingredients including hyaluronic acid and organic coconut oil. Developed in France using only the most necessary components for effective hydration without unnecessary additives. Dermatologist-tested and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.
โจ Texture & Feel
Minimalist Formula
Only 9 carefully selected ingredients โ nothing unnecessary, nothing filler. Each component serves a specific purpose.
Dual Hydration System
Combines humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin) with occlusives (coconut oil) for instant and lasting hydration.
Clean Beauty
B Corp certified brand with strict ingredient standards exceeding EU regulations. Recyclable aluminum packaging.
Lightweight Comfort
Non-greasy texture absorbs quickly without leaving residue. Works well as a makeup base.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains coconut oil which is high in lauric acid (C12 fatty acid) โ a known food source for Malassezia yeast. Avoid if prone to fungal acne.
Coconut oil is comedogenic for some individuals (rating 4/5). Patch test recommended if you have a history of breakouts from coconut-derived products.
Dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, and free from common irritants. Suitable for sensitive and reactive skin types.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ง Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, derived from fermented wheat. A powerful humectant that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water, providing deep hydration and helping to plump fine lines.
- Function: Humectant โ attracts and binds water to the skin
- Benefits: Instant hydration, reduced fine lines, improved skin plumpness
- Source: Fermented wheat (biofermentation process)
๐ฅฅ Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil Organic Proven
Organic coconut oil rich in saturated fatty acids (primarily lauric acid). Acts as an occlusive emollient to lock in moisture and create a protective barrier on the skin.
- Function: Occlusive emollient โ prevents moisture loss
- Benefits: Nourishes, softens, and smooths skin
- Fatty Acid Profile: ~47% lauric acid, plus caprylic, capric, and oleic acids
๐ฏ Glycerin Proven
Vegetable-derived glycerin from rapeseed and sunflower. A powerful humectant that draws moisture to the skin's surface layers. Studies show it may be more effective than hyaluronic acid for hydration.
- Function: Humectant โ attracts water from environment and deeper skin layers
- Comedogenicity: 0 (non-comedogenic)
- Irritancy: 0 (non-irritating)
๐งด Cetyl Alcohol Functional
A fatty alcohol derived from coconut. Unlike drying alcohols, fatty alcohols are beneficial emollients that thicken formulas and make skin feel smooth.
- Function: Emollient, thickener, emulsion stabilizer
- Source: Coconut-derived
- Comedogenicity: 2 (low)
๐พ Pentylene Glycol Functional
A humectant derived from sugar cane that provides surface hydration and helps stabilize the formula. Also has mild antimicrobial properties.
- Function: Humectant, solvent, preservative booster
- Source: Sugar cane (plant-derived)
- Benefits: Hydration, smooth texture, formula stability
9 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, O-Cymen-5-Ol
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply as the last step of your skincare routine (before SPF in morning). Use morning and evening for best results.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse & Prep
Start with clean, dry skin. Apply any serums or treatments first and allow them to absorb.
Dispense
Take a small dab of moisturizer (about pea-sized amount). A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.
Apply
Massage gently into face and neck using circular, upward motions until fully absorbed. Takes approximately 30 seconds.
Follow with SPF (Morning)
In the morning, always follow with sunscreen. This moisturizer works well as a makeup base.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You prefer minimalist formulas with few ingredients
- You have normal, dry, or combination skin
- You want a fragrance-free, gentle moisturizer
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You appreciate French pharmacy skincare
- You want a lightweight, non-greasy daily moisturizer
- You value clean beauty and sustainable packaging
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia) โ contains coconut oil
- You're very acne-prone and react to coconut oil
- You have very oily skin and want a gel moisturizer
- You need very heavy, rich hydration for extremely dry skin
- You're on a tight budget (higher price per ml)
- You want anti-aging actives like retinol or peptides
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Ideal balance of hydration without heaviness. Absorbs quickly and maintains moisture throughout the day.
Provides good hydration but very dry skin may need additional products or a heavier cream in winter months.
Lightweight formula balances well across different face zones without adding excess oil to T-zone.
May feel slightly rich for very oily skin. Consider the brand's purifying cream instead, or use sparingly.
Fragrance-free, minimal ingredients, dermatologist-tested. Excellent tolerance for reactive skin.
Tested non-comedogenic, but contains coconut oil which may trigger breakouts in some. Patch test first.
๐ Results Timeline
Instant Hydration
Skin feels immediately hydrated, soft, and smooth. Lightweight texture absorbs quickly without greasiness.
95% noticed instant hydrationImproved Moisture Barrier
Skin maintains hydration longer throughout the day. Reduced tightness and dry patches.
88% reported improved comfortVisible Improvement
Skin appears more supple, plump, and healthy-looking. Fine dehydration lines appear reduced.
82% saw visible improvementLong-Term Benefits
Sustained hydration and improved skin texture with consistent use. Skin barrier feels stronger and more resilient.
Based on clinical testingโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Minimalist 9-ingredient formula โ no fillers
- Fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin
- Lightweight, non-greasy texture
- Fast absorption, works as makeup base
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- B Corp certified, sustainable packaging
- Dermatologist tested, high tolerance
- 99% naturally derived ingredients
โ Criticized
- Contains coconut oil โ not fungal acne safe
- Higher price per ml than drugstore alternatives
- May not be rich enough for very dry skin
- No additional actives (retinol, niacinamide, etc.)
- Coconut oil may cause breakouts for some
- Only available directly from Typology
- Small 50ml size
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Similar hydrating concept with more ingredients (46 vs 9). Contains NMF components, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid. No coconut oil โ more fungal acne friendly. 100ml size offers better value.
Also fragrance-free and for sensitive skin. Contains ceramides and niacinamide for barrier repair. More ingredients but well-tolerated. 75ml size at lower price point.
Contains ceramides for barrier repair and hyaluronic acid. More complex formula but excellent value. Lighter texture, better for oily skin. Much larger size (89ml+).
Ultra-gentle, minimal formula designed for extremely sensitive skin. Contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides. No coconut oil โ fungal acne safe option.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Typology 9-Ingredient (This Product)
$38-40 / 50mlThe Ordinary NMF + HA
$14.00 / 100mlLa Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair
$22.99 / 75mlCeraVe Moisturizing Cream
$16.99 / 340g๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening. Check the PAO symbol on packaging for exact date.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required.
Aluminum tube (100% recycled aluminum) with recyclable polypropylene (PP) cap. FSC certified cardboard box.
Yes โ 50ml is under the 100ml/3.4oz TSA limit. Tube packaging is leak-resistant.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this moisturizer is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or other ingredients commonly avoided during pregnancy. All 9 ingredients (water, coconut oil, glycerin, cetyl alcohol, pentylene glycol, cetyl phosphate, sodium hydroxide, sodium hyaluronate, o-cymen-5-ol) are considered safe for pregnant and nursing mothers.
No, this moisturizer is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains coconut oil, which is high in lauric acid (C12 fatty acid). Malassezia yeast feeds on fatty acids with carbon chain lengths between C11-C24, making coconut oil a food source for the fungus. If you have fungal acne or Malassezia folliculitis, consider alternatives like Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer or products formulated without coconut oil and other problematic fatty acids.
Yes, this moisturizer can be used with most active ingredients including retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. The simple, non-active formula makes it an excellent pairing for active treatments. Apply your actives first (after cleansing and toning), allow them to absorb, then follow with this moisturizer to seal in hydration. If using retinol, apply the moisturizer after to help buffer any irritation.
This moisturizer is best suited for normal, dry, combination, and sensitive skin types. It excels for those with sensitive or reactive skin due to its minimal, fragrance-free formula. It may be slightly rich for very oily skin types. Very dry skin may need additional hydration, especially in winter. Not recommended for those prone to fungal acne or who react to coconut oil.
You'll feel immediate hydration and softness upon first application. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, you should notice improved moisture retention and reduced tightness. After 4 weeks, skin typically appears more supple and healthy-looking. According to brand testing, 95% of users experienced moisturized skin after one hour, and significant improvements were noted after 28 days of twice-daily use.
Apply this moisturizer as the last step of your skincare routine (before sunscreen in the morning). The typical order is: 1) Cleanser, 2) Toner, 3) Essence/Treatment, 4) Serum, 5) This Moisturizer, 6) Face oil (optional), 7) Sunscreen (AM only). Apply to clean, dry skin morning and evening. A small amount is sufficient โ massage gently until absorbed.
The product is officially tested non-comedogenic by the brand. However, it contains coconut oil which has a comedogenic rating of 4/5 and may clog pores for some individuals. Other ingredients like glycerin (0/5) and cetyl alcohol (2/5) have low comedogenic ratings. If you're acne-prone or have experienced breakouts from coconut oil in the past, patch test before full-face use or consider a coconut oil-free alternative.
This moisturizer has a 12-month Period After Opening (PAO). Once opened, use within 12 months for optimal efficacy and safety. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The aluminum tube packaging helps protect the formula from light and air degradation. Check the PAO symbol on the packaging (open jar icon with "12M") for the exact shelf life.
Verdict: The Typology 9-Ingredient Face Moisturizer delivers on its promise of effective, minimalist hydration. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a clean, fragrance-free moisturizer with a short, transparent ingredient list โ particularly appealing for sensitive skin and those who appreciate French pharmacy skincare. The lightweight texture absorbs beautifully and works well as a makeup base. However, the presence of coconut oil makes it unsuitable for fungal acne sufferers, and the price point is higher than drugstore alternatives offering similar hydration. Best suited for normal to combination skin seeking a gentle, no-frills daily moisturizer.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Opacifying, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Pentylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|

