Bertine Moisturising Gel Cream
Bertine Moisturising Gel Cream
Product Description
Tatagaltier's Bertine Moisturising Gel Cream is a lightweight, fast-absorbing barrier moisturiser built around a 5-ceramide complex, hyaluronic acid, soothing Centella Asiatica and Galactomyces ferment. The fragrance-free, gel-textured formula floods skin with water-light hydration while reinforcing the moisture barrier, calming redness and supporting elasticity, making it a popular daily moisturiser for oily, combination and sensitive skin.
โจ Texture & Feel
5-Ceramide Barrier Complex
Ceramides EOP, NS, NP, AS and AP work with cholesterol to mimic the skin's natural lipid matrix and reduce water loss.
Multi-Layer Hydration
Sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, beta-glucan and 2,3-butanediol pull and hold water for plump, comfortable skin.
Soothing Botanicals
Centella Asiatica, allantoin and Cynanchum Atratum calm redness and visible irritation in sensitive skin.
Glow & Antioxidant Support
Galactomyces ferment plus idebenone (Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone) add radiance and help defend against free radicals.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, no salicylic acid, no hydroquinone and no chemical UV filters. Retailers list it as pregnancy/breastfeeding/TTC friendly. Always confirm with your OB-GYN.
Contains Galactomyces ferment, grape seed oil, sweet cherry seed oil and glyceryl stearate, all potential malassezia triggers. Not ideal if you are strictly fungal-acne-prone.
Pairs nicely on top of retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide and exfoliating AHA/BHA to buffer dryness and irritation.
Free from added fragrance, EU allergens, harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones and sulfates. Patch test very reactive skin.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ข๏ธ Squalane (Olive-Derived) ~2โ5% Proven
Sitting high on the INCI list as the second ingredient, squalane is a skin-identical emollient that softens and hydrates without clogging pores.
- Source: Structurally mirrors lipids in human sebum, so it absorbs cleanly with a comedogenic rating of just 1.
- Source: Research links it to antioxidant activity against UVA-induced oxidative stress and support for collagen biosynthesis.
๐ง Glycerin ~3โ8% Proven
A powerhouse humectant naturally found in skin that pulls water into the stratum corneum and supports hydration, elasticity and repair.
- Source: Works across all skin types and is non-irritating, typically used between 3โ10% in leave-on products.
- Source: Plays well with almost every other ingredient, making it a reliable hydration base.
๐ถ Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate Varies Promising
A yeast ferment (the same family used in sake brewing) prized for boosting the skin's natural moisturising factors and adding radiance.
- Source: Studies show it encourages filaggrin production, strengthening the barrier and reducing moisture loss.
- Source: Its antioxidant properties help protect against oxidative stress and UV-induced inflammation; one study found it helped regulate sebum.
๐ฟ Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract Varies Proven
"Cica" extract rich in antioxidants and amino acids that soothes irritation and supports the skin barrier.
- Source: Active compounds like madecassic acid and asiaticoside prompt skin to produce more hyaluronic acid for hydration.
- Source: Research shows it can increase Type I collagen production by boosting fibroblast activity.
๐งฑ 5-Ceramide Complex (EOP, NS, NP, AS, AP) ~0.1โ0.5% total Proven
The barrier hero of this formula. Five skin-identical ceramides slot into the lipid matrix to seal in moisture and protect against irritants.
- Source: Ceramide EOP has an ultra-long fatty acid chain that uniquely bridges skin lipid layers to limit water loss.
- Source: A 4-week regimen using Ceramide EOP, NP and AP produced significant improvements in eczema, psoriasis and dry skin in clinical study.
- Source: A study of 312 patients found a ceramide routine cut atopic dermatitis severity by over 61% in 4 weeks.
๐ Sodium Hyaluronate ~0.1โ1% Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid that acts as a humectant, binding water from the environment and deeper skin to the surface for instant plumping.
- Source: Lower molecular weight versions are linked to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity and barrier repair.
- Source: Typically used between 0.1โ2% in skincare formulations.
๐ Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone (Idebenone) Low % Promising
A water-soluble Coenzyme Q10 derivative that delivers antioxidant defence to help protect skin from free-radical and environmental damage.
- Source: Functions as an antioxidant, supporting an anti-aging and protective role within the formula.
๐ Beta-Glucan + Allantoin Soothing duo Proven
A calming pair: beta-glucan deeply hydrates and supports wound healing, while allantoin protects, soothes and gently encourages cell renewal.
- Source: Beta-glucan penetrates skin and has been studied as an effective wrinkle reducer and healing agent.
- Source: Allantoin is recognised by the FDA as a skin protectant and is stable, non-sensitizing and non-irritating.
28 ingredients
Water, Squalane, Glycerin, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Sodium Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Allantoin, Prunus Avium (Sweet Cherry) Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Lauryl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Royal Jelly Protein, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NS, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AS, Ceramide AP, Beta-Glucan, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol, Glyceryl Stearate, 2,3-Butanediol.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply as your moisturiser step, after watery serums and before sunscreen in the morning. At night it can be the final step or sealed with a heavier balm for very dry skin.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse & tone first
Start on freshly cleansed skin, lightly damp for better absorption and hydration lock-in.
Dispense a small amount
Take a pea to almond-sized amount; the gel-cream spreads easily, so a little goes a long way.
Massage upward & outward
Gently massage onto the face from the centre outward, covering forehead, cheeks, nose, chin and neck.
Use morning & night
Suitable for twice-daily use. In the AM, always follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination or sensitive skin that wants hydration without heaviness
- Your barrier feels compromised, tight or reactive and needs ceramide support
- You prefer fragrance-free, lightweight gel textures
- You want an affordable daily ceramide + HA moisturiser
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and avoiding actives like retinoids
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You are strictly fungal-acne-prone (contains ferment and seed oils)
- You have very dry or mature skin needing a richer occlusive cream
- You have a known sensitivity to royal jelly or bee-derived ingredients
- You react to lauryl glucoside or fermented ingredients
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight gel-cream absorbs fast and hydrates without a greasy or heavy finish.
Balances hydration across an oily T-zone and drier cheeks; the brand's primary target skin type.
Fragrance-free with cica and allantoin to calm redness, though a patch test is wise for reactive skin.
Ceramides and cholesterol restore the barrier, but very dry skin may want a richer cream layered on top.
Low comedogenic risk overall, but the ferment and seed oils mean fungal-acne-prone skin should be cautious.
๐ Results Timeline
Instant comfort & hydration
Skin feels softer, plumper and less tight straight after application thanks to HA, glycerin and squalane.
90% noticedCalmer, less reactive skin
Centella and allantoin help visible redness and irritation settle with consistent daily use.
70% noticedStronger barrier & smoother texture
Ceramide and cholesterol support shows as a more resilient barrier and smoother, more balanced skin.
65% noticedImproved radiance & elasticity
Galactomyces ferment and idebenone contribute to a brighter, more even and bouncier appearance over time.
55% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
Figures are approximate marketplace aggregates. This is an emerging Malaysian brand and is not yet widely stocked on Sephora, Ulta or Amazon US.
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Five ceramides plus cholesterol for serious barrier support
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing and non-greasy gel texture
- Fragrance-free and free from common irritants
- Soothing cica, allantoin and beta-glucan calm redness
- Affordable, vegan, cruelty-free and reef-safe
โ Criticized
- Not reliably fungal-acne safe (ferment + seed oils)
- May be too light for very dry or mature skin
- Small packaging size on the 50ml tube
- Contains royal jelly, so not for those avoiding bee-derived ingredients
- Limited availability and reviews outside Southeast Asia
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Cruelty-free ceramide + HA moisturiser sharing 9 ingredients. Even simpler and more fragrance/allergen-conscious, but lacks the ferment, cica and antioxidant extras.
Closest in format โ a ceramide gel-cream with HA and oils sharing 11 ingredients. Very similar lightweight feel at a low price, with a shorter active list.
Cruelty-free fragrance-free ceramide + HA cream sharing 10 ingredients. The most affordable option, but a basic formula without ferment or botanical soothers.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Tatagaltier Bertine Gel Cream (Featured)
~$12โ16PURITO Dermide Relief Barrier Moisturizer
~$18โ23Torriden Solid-In Ceramide Cream
~$31COSRX Balancium Ceramide Soothing Gel Cream
~$22๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat
Squeeze tube (50ml) / larger tube (70ml)
Yes โ both 50ml and 70ml are under the 100ml carry-on limit
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is generally considered pregnancy and breastfeeding friendly. The formula contains no retinoids, no salicylic acid, no hydroquinone and no chemical sunscreen filters, and retailers list it as pregnancy/breastfeeding/TTC safe. As always, confirm with your OB-GYN before adding any product during pregnancy.
Use caution. Although the overall formula is gentle, it contains Galactomyces ferment filtrate, grape seed oil, sweet cherry seed oil and glyceryl stearate โ all of which can feed malassezia yeast. If you are strictly managing fungal acne, this may not be the safest choice; a fully ester- and ferment-free moisturiser would be a better fit.
Yes. As a barrier-supporting moisturiser, it layers well over actives like retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide and exfoliating acids. Its ceramides, cica and hyaluronic acid help buffer the dryness and irritation that strong actives can cause. Apply your treatment first, then seal with this gel cream.
It is designed primarily for oily, combination and sensitive skin that wants barrier support and hydration without heaviness. The lightweight gel-cream texture absorbs quickly and feels comfortable in humid climates. Very dry or mature skin can still use it but may want a richer cream layered on top.
Hydration and comfort are usually felt immediately. Calmer, less reactive skin tends to appear within 1โ2 weeks, while barrier strengthening and smoother texture build over about 4 weeks of consistent use. Radiance and elasticity benefits from the ferment and antioxidants develop over 8 weeks or more.
It belongs in the moisturiser step โ after cleansing, toner, essence and any watery serums. In the morning, apply it before your sunscreen. At night, it can be the final step or sealed under a heavier balm if your skin is very dry.
It carries a low comedogenic risk, around 2 out of 5. The main emollient, squalane, is rated just 1 and is unlikely to clog pores, while the formula is lightweight and oil-balanced. Grape seed oil sits slightly higher (2โ3), so extremely clog-prone skin should monitor, but most users find it non-pore-clogging.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is approximately 12 months. Keep the tube tightly closed, stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and use clean hands or a spatula to help preserve the formula's freshness.
Verdict: The Tatagaltier Bertine Moisturising Gel Cream is an impressive, science-backed barrier moisturiser that punches above its modest price. A genuine 5-ceramide complex with cholesterol, hyaluronic acid, soothing cica and a Galactomyces ferment makes it a standout for oily, combination and sensitive skin wanting lightweight hydration and barrier repair. The fragrance-free, vegan and pregnancy-friendly formula adds to its appeal. The main caveats are that it is not reliably fungal-acne safe and may feel too light for very dry or mature skin. For most barrier-focused, budget-conscious routines, it is an easy recommend.
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
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.