Amino Acid Oil-Free Moisturiser
Amino Acid Oil-Free Moisturiser
Product Description
A lightweight, oil-free moisturiser formulated with L-Arginine, Niacinamide, and Green Tea Extract to hydrate and rebalance oily and stressed skin while preventing congestion and promoting a clearer, healthier-looking complexion.
โจ Texture & Feel
Oil-Free Hydration
Provides moisture without adding shine or greasiness, perfect for oily and combination skin types.
Pore Minimizing
Saccharide Isomerate absorbs excess sebum and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores.
Skin Balancing
Niacinamide helps even skin tone and calm blemish-prone skin while supporting the skin barrier.
Antioxidant Protection
L-Arginine and Green Tea Extract provide antioxidant benefits for a healthy, radiant glow.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Free from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains Dicaprylyl Carbonate, an ester that may feed Malassezia yeast. Not recommended for fungal acne-prone skin.
Oil-free formula with non-comedogenic ingredients. Unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free formula with soothing aloe vera and allantoin. Low irritation potential.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ Niacinamide 1.6-2.5% Proven
A form of Vitamin B3 that helps even skin tone, minimize pores, calm blemishes, and support the skin barrier. Multi-functional ingredient ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.
- Clinical Evidence: Proven effective at 2%+ concentration for skin barrier support and tone evening.
- Benefits: Anti-blemish, pore-minimizing, brightening, anti-inflammatory.
๐งฌ L-Arginine (Amino Acid) Proven
A naturally occurring amino acid that delivers hydration, provides antioxidant protection, and promotes collagen production. Low irritation potential makes it ideal for blemish-prone skin.
- Function: Skin conditioning, antioxidant, collagen support.
- Source: Can be derived synthetically or naturally.
๐ฆ Glycerin Proven
A powerful humectant that draws moisture to the skin and helps maintain hydration levels. One of the most effective and well-studied moisturizing ingredients available.
- Clinical Evidence: Studies show glycerin is more effective than hyaluronic acid as a humectant.
- Function: Attracts and retains moisture in the upper skin layers.
๐ฑ Saccharide Isomerate Promising
Derived from amino acids Alanine and Serine, this ingredient absorbs excess sebum, reduces pore appearance, and mattifies skin while maintaining hydration.
- Function: Sebum absorption, pore minimizing, long-lasting hydration.
- Ideal For: Oily and combination skin types.
๐ต Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Extract Promising
Rich in antioxidants, green tea helps neutralize free radicals, tone the skin, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Function: Antioxidant protection, skin toning, anti-inflammatory.
- Key Compounds: Polyphenols, catechins, EGCG.
๐ฟ Aloe Vera Leaf Juice Traditional
The first ingredient in the formula, providing soothing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing benefits. Contains vitamins A, C, and E for antioxidant protection.
- Traditional Use: Sunburn relief, wound healing, skin soothing.
- Contains: Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, polysaccharides.
18 ingredients
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Aqua (Water), Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Propanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Saccharide Isomerate, Arginine, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Water, Allantoin, Betaine, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Gluconate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply as the final step before sunscreen in the morning, or as the last step at night. Can be layered over serums and treatments.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse Your Skin
Start with clean, freshly washed skin. Use your preferred cleanser and pat dry.
Apply Toner & Serums (Optional)
If using toner or serums, apply them first and allow to absorb before moisturizing.
Dispense Moisturiser
Squeeze a pea-sized amount onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.
Apply & Massage
Gently massage into face and neck using upward motions. Allow to fully absorb before applying makeup or sunscreen.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin
- You struggle with enlarged pores
- You want hydration without greasiness
- You have blemish-prone or stressed skin
- You prefer natural, fragrance-free products
- You need a lightweight base for makeup
- You want an affordable, effective moisturiser
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
- You have very dry skin needing rich moisture
- You prefer heavy, occlusive creams
- You need anti-aging benefits as primary concern
- You want SPF included in your moisturiser
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Specifically formulated for oily skin. Oil-free, fast-absorbing formula controls shine without clogging pores. Saccharide Isomerate helps absorb excess sebum.
Balances well across different face zones. Hydrates dry areas while controlling oiliness in the T-zone without feeling heavy.
Non-comedogenic formula with niacinamide for blemish control. Not suitable for fungal acne due to Dicaprylyl Carbonate content.
Fragrance-free with soothing aloe and allantoin. Low irritation potential. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Provides hydration but may not be rich enough for very dry skin. Consider layering with a hydrating serum or using a heavier moisturiser.
๐ Results Timeline
Immediate Hydration
Skin feels hydrated and comfortable without greasiness. Lightweight texture absorbs quickly, leaving a natural finish.
90% noticed improved hydrationBalanced, Clearer Complexion
Oil production begins to balance. Skin appears less shiny throughout the day. Some users notice improved skin texture and fewer breakouts.
75% noticed reduced oilinessVisible Pore Refinement
Continued use shows minimized pore appearance. Niacinamide helps even out skin tone and reduce blemishes. Skin looks healthier and more radiant.
65% noticed smaller-looking poresLong-Term Skin Health
Consistent use maintains balanced, healthy-looking skin. Improved overall complexion with fewer congestion issues and better makeup application.
80% would repurchaseโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Lightweight, non-greasy formula perfect for oily skin
- Excellent value for money (budget-friendly)
- Clean, minimal ingredient list (18 ingredients)
- 97.7% natural, vegan, cruelty-free
- Works great under makeup as a primer
- Fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin
- Contains effective actives (Niacinamide, Arginine)
- Fast absorption without sticky residue
โ Criticized
- Not suitable for fungal acne sufferers
- May feel tight on some skin types after drying
- Not hydrating enough for very dry skin
- Being discontinued by the brand
- Small 75ml tube for regular users
- Limited availability in some regions
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Similar lightweight, oil-free formula with amino acids and hyaluronic acid. Even more affordable but lacks niacinamide and green tea extract. Great for basic hydration.
Hyaluronic acid-based gel moisturizer with similar lightweight texture. More widely available but contains fragrance. Better for dehydrated oily skin.
Contains niacinamide and ceramides for barrier repair. Slightly richer texture but still oil-free. Great for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Q+A Amino Acid Oil-Free Moisturiser
ยฃ9.00La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte
$19.99Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
$17.99The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
$7.90๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required.
Squeezable tube with flip-top cap. Hygienic dispensing prevents contamination.
Yes, 75ml is under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this moisturiser is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens that are typically advised against during pregnancy. The formula uses gentle, pregnancy-safe ingredients like aloe vera, niacinamide, glycerin, and amino acids. However, always consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
No, this moisturiser is not recommended for those with fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis). It contains Dicaprylyl Carbonate, an ester that can potentially feed the Malassezia yeast that causes fungal acne. If you suffer from fungal acne, consider alternatives specifically formulated to be Malassezia-safe, such as products containing only squalane, glycerin, or urea-based formulas.
Yes, this moisturiser can be used alongside most active ingredients. The niacinamide in the formula is compatible with vitamin C (despite old myths suggesting otherwise). It can be applied after retinol or AHA/BHA treatments to provide soothing hydration. For best results with retinol, apply the moisturiser after the retinol has absorbed. With AHAs/BHAs, you can apply this moisturiser once your treatment has fully absorbed.
This moisturiser is specifically formulated for oily and combination skin types. It works excellently for those with stressed, blemish-prone skin seeking lightweight hydration without added shine. It's also suitable for sensitive skin due to its fragrance-free, gentle formula. Those with very dry skin may find it insufficient on its own and might need to layer with a richer moisturiser or hydrating serum.
Immediate effects include improved hydration and a comfortable, non-greasy feel. Within 2-4 weeks of consistent use, you may notice more balanced oil production and fewer breakouts. Visible improvements in pore size and overall skin texture typically appear after 4-8 weeks. For best results, use morning and night as part of a consistent skincare routine.
Apply this moisturiser as the final step before sunscreen in your morning routine, or as the last step in your evening routine. The order should be: Cleanser โ Toner (optional) โ Serums/Treatments โ This Moisturiser โ Sunscreen (AM only). It absorbs quickly and works well under makeup, making it an excellent daytime moisturiser.
This moisturiser has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it is very unlikely to clog pores. The oil-free formula is specifically designed to prevent congestion in oily and acne-prone skin. It's formulated with non-comedogenic ingredients and the brand markets it as suitable for blemish-prone skin. However, individual reactions can vary, so if you have highly reactive skin, consider patch testing first.
The Period After Opening (PAO) for this moisturiser is 12 months. This means you should use it within 12 months of first opening the tube for optimal freshness and efficacy. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The tube packaging helps minimize contamination and preserve the product's integrity longer than jar packaging.
Verdict: The Q+A Amino Acid Oil-Free Moisturiser is an excellent budget-friendly option for those with oily, combination, or blemish-prone skin seeking lightweight hydration. Its 97.7% natural formula with effective ingredients like Niacinamide and L-Arginine delivers visible results at an accessible price point. While not suitable for fungal acne sufferers or those needing intense hydration, it excels as a daily moisturiser for oil control and skin balancing. The British-made, vegan, cruelty-free formulation aligns with conscious beauty values. Highly recommended for oily skin types looking for an affordable, no-fuss moisturiser that performs.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|