Calming Relief A.I. Cream
Calming Relief A.I. Cream
Product Description
Product overview
A dermatologist-recommended, clinically tested moisturizing cream formulated with BioMimic Technology and Palmitamide MEA (PEA) to instantly soothe dry, red, and itchy skin while strengthening the moisture barrier. Gentle enough for babies, children, and sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
BioMimic Technology
Patented formula with essential lipids that mimic the skin's natural moisture barrier structure for optimal repair and protection.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBioMimic Technology
Patented formula with essential lipids that mimic the skin's natural moisture barrier structure for optimal repair and protection.
Anti-Itch Complex (PEA)
Contains Palmitamide MEA, a naturally occurring lipid compound with clinically proven anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties.
Instant & Long-Lasting Relief
Provides immediate soothing of redness and irritation while delivering sustained hydration for lasting comfort.
Safe for All Ages
Gentle enough for babies and children. Free from fragrances, preservatives, colorants, and mineral oils. Hypoallergenic formula.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Contains olive oil, palm oil, and olus oil which are fatty acid-rich ingredients that may feed malassezia yeast.
Excellent for use with tretinoin, retinol, AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C. Helps soothe irritation from active ingredients.
Clinically tested and formulated to not clog pores. Low comedogenic rating of 1/5. Suitable for acne-prone skin.
Specifically formulated for atopic eczema-prone skin. Dermatologist recommended for managing dry, irritated skin conditions.
Gentle enough for use after dermatological procedures. Recommended by clinics for post-laser and post-treatment recovery.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSPalmitamide MEA (PEA)Proven
A naturally occurring lipid compound (N-acylethanolamine) that acts on cannabinoid receptors to reduce inflammation, itching, and redness. The star ingredient that gives this cream its anti-itch "A.I." designation.
- Clinical Study: Reduced histamine-induced itch and vasodilation when applied topically (Journal of Clinical Aesthet Dermatol, 2018)
- Mechanism: Works through cannabinomimetic action on CB receptors to down-regulate inflammatory response
- Safety: Well-tolerated with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties
Olive Oil (Olea Europaea Fruit Oil) HighProven
Rich emollient positioned second in the formula, providing deep moisturization through oleic acid and natural antioxidants including vitamin E and polyphenols.
- Benefits: Excellent for barrier repair, softening, and protecting dry skin
- Comedogenic Rating: 0-2 (generally non-comedogenic)
- Antioxidant: Contains squalene and vitamin E for protection against environmental damage
Glycerin HighProven
Powerful humectant naturally found in skin. Draws moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers to hydrate the stratum corneum.
- Study: Found more effective than AHAs and hyaluronic acid as a humectant (2016 research)
- Skin-Identical: Naturally present in skin, well-tolerated by all skin types
- Additional Benefits: Antimicrobial and antiviral properties, supports wound healing
SqualaneProven
Lightweight, non-greasy emollient that mimics skin's natural sebum. Excellent for all skin types including acne-prone and sensitive skin.
- Compatibility: Generally safe for fungal acne when derived from sugarcane (source may vary)
- Benefits: Moisturizes without clogging pores, antioxidant properties, improves skin elasticity
- Absorption: Fast-absorbing, leaves no greasy residue
Hydrogenated LecithinProven
Phospholipid complex that forms the core of the BioMimic Technology. Mimics the skin's natural lipid barrier for enhanced delivery and repair.
- Function: Emulsifier and skin-identical ingredient that supports barrier function
- Delivery: Helps active ingredients penetrate effectively into the skin
- Safety: Biocompatible and well-tolerated
16 ingredients
Water (Aqua), Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Olus Oil, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Squalane, Betaine, Palmitamide MEA, Sarcosine, Acetamide MEA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer, Sodium Carbomer, Xanthan Gum
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after water-based products (serums, essences) and before heavier occlusives or sunscreen. Can be used AM and PM.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Prep
Start with clean, dry skin. Apply after your toner and serum steps if using them.
Apply Gently
Take a pea-sized amount and warm between fingernails. Gently massage into face and neck, or apply to affected areas on body.
Use Twice Daily
Apply morning and night, or as needed throughout the day to soothe irritated areas. Can be used under makeup or sunscreen.
For Body Use
Can also be applied to dry, irritated areas on the body. Excellent for eczema patches, post-shave irritation, or general dryness.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry, dehydrated, or rough skin
- Your skin is prone to redness and irritation
- You experience itchiness from dryness
- You have eczema or atopic dermatitis
- You use retinoids or other actives that cause irritation
- You need a fragrance-free, gentle moisturizer
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have a damaged skin barrier
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You prefer a very lightweight, gel texture
- You have extremely oily skin and want matte finish
- You're looking for anti-aging or brightening actives
- You need SPF protection (use sunscreen on top)
- You want a larger tube (only comes in 50ml)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESRich, nourishing formula specifically designed for dry skin. Provides immediate and long-lasting hydration.
Hypoallergenic and free from common irritants. Clinically tested for sensitive and reactive skin types.
Works well on dry areas. Use sparingly on T-zone or apply only to dry patches. May feel rich for oily zones.
May feel too rich for very oily skin. Best used at night or on specific irritated areas only.
Non-comedogenic formula. Great for soothing irritation from acne treatments. Not fungal acne safe.
Specifically formulated for atopic eczema. PEA compound helps reduce itching and inflammation.
Results timeline
4+ WEEKSInstant Soothing & Comfort
Immediate relief from dryness, tightness, and discomfort. Skin feels moisturized and protected right away.
95% noticedReduced Redness & Itching
Visible reduction in redness and significant decrease in itchiness. Irritated patches start to calm down.
85% noticedBarrier Repair Begins
Skin barrier starts to strengthen. Less reactive to triggers. Moisture retention improves noticeably.
78% noticedLong-Term Skin Health
Significant improvement in overall skin texture and resilience. Reduced frequency of flare-ups and irritation episodes.
70% noticedRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Excellent for calming redness and irritation
- Relieves itching from dryness effectively
- Dermatologist recommended and clinically tested
- Fragrance-free and preservative-free formula
- Safe for babies, children, and sensitive skin
- Works well with retinoids and active ingredients
- Repairs damaged skin barrier
- Long-lasting hydration
- Non-comedogenic
Criticized
- Small tube size (50ml) for the price
- Can feel heavy or oily for some skin types
- Not fungal acne safe
- Leaves a slight sheen (not matte)
- May not be moisturizing enough for very dry climates
- Takes a moment to absorb fully
- Some find it too rich for daytime use
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Simpler formula without PEA, but similarly gentle and fragrance-free. Great for sensitive skin but less targeted for itch relief.
Also designed for ultra-sensitive skin with minimal ingredients. Lighter texture but lacks the anti-itch PEA complex.
Contains ceramide NP and feverfew for calming. Different approach to redness relief with oat-based soothing.
Korean alternative with similar gentle, soothing philosophy. Contains panthenol and madecassoside instead of PEA.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Check the PAO symbol on packaging for exact duration.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep at room temperature (15-25°C / 59-77°F).
Aluminum tube with flip-top cap. Hygienic dispensing minimizes contamination. Opaque packaging protects ingredients.
Yes, 50ml is under the 100ml TSA limit for carry-on luggage. Compact size fits easily in toiletry bags.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this cream is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or other ingredients typically avoided during pregnancy. The formula is designed to be gentle and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for expecting and nursing mothers.
No, this cream is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains olive oil, palm oil, and olus oil, which are fatty acid-rich ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast. If you have fungal acne, consider alternatives like Eucerin UltraSensitive Soothing Care or products specifically formulated to be FA-safe.
Yes! This cream is excellent for use with active ingredients. Its soothing, barrier-repairing properties help counteract irritation from retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C. Many dermatologists recommend it specifically for patients starting tretinoin or other potentially irritating treatments. Apply the cream after your actives to help calm and protect the skin.
This cream is best suited for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin types. It excels at treating skin that experiences redness, itching, and irritation. While it's non-comedogenic, the rich texture may feel heavy for very oily skin. Combination skin types can use it on dry areas only. It's particularly beneficial for those with compromised skin barriers or reactive skin.
You'll experience immediate soothing and comfort upon application. Redness and itching typically improve within 1-3 days of consistent use. Barrier repair and long-term improvements in skin health usually become noticeable after 2-4 weeks of regular application. For eczema management, you may see significant improvement in flare-up frequency after 4+ weeks.
Apply this cream as your moisturizer step, after cleansing, toning, and any water-based serums or treatments. In the morning, follow with sunscreen. At night, you can top with an occlusive if needed for extra dry skin. The general order is: Cleanser → Toner → Serum → Physiogel A.I. Cream → Occlusive (optional) → Sunscreen (AM only).
No, this cream is clinically tested and certified non-comedogenic with a rating of approximately 1/5. It's formulated to not clog pores and is safe for acne-prone skin (bacterial acne). However, individual reactions can vary, and those with fungal acne should avoid this product due to its oil content.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. This means you should use the product within 12 months of first opening. Despite being preservative-free, the tube packaging helps maintain product integrity. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for best results. Write the opening date on the tube to track usage.
Verdict: Physiogel Calming Relief A.I. Cream is an excellent choice for anyone with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin seeking effective relief from redness and itching. The clinically-proven Palmitamide MEA (PEA) complex delivers on its anti-itch promise, while the BioMimic Technology genuinely helps repair the skin barrier. It's dermatologist-recommended for good reason - the fragrance-free, preservative-free formula is gentle enough for babies yet effective enough for stubborn skin issues. The main drawbacks are its price-to-size ratio (50ml feels small) and the fact it's not suitable for fungal acne. If you're battling irritated, reactive skin and need a reliable, safe moisturizer that actually calms inflammation, this German dermatology classic is worth the investment.
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 skin’s 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 «promises» 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
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing 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 |
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Pentylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Refatting
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Irritation
Dark Spots
|