Daily Moisturiser
Daily Moisturiser
Product Description
A luxurious 5% niacinamide gel-cream from cosmetic dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting that absorbs in a flash to leave skin comfortable, dewy and hydrated all day. It pairs barrier-boosting niacinamide with shea butter and hyaluronic acid for next-level hydration โ fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive, blemish-prone skin.
โจ Texture & Feel
Fast Absorbing
Sinks in quickly with no sticky or greasy residue, so it layers seamlessly under sunscreen and makeup.
Barrier Support
5% niacinamide and shea butter help strengthen the skin barrier, boost ceramide production and reduce water loss.
Deep Hydration
Sodium hyaluronate plus the Aquaxyl humectant trio draw moisture in and help lock it down all day.
Derm-Designed
Created by London cosmetic dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting with a minimalist, science-led skincare philosophy.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Free from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone and chemical UV filters. Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and shea are widely considered safe โ still, confirm your full routine with your doctor.
Not fungal-acne safe. Contains shea butter, stearic acid, fatty-acid esters and a glutamate emulsifier that can feed malassezia.
Fragrance-free and formulated without common allergens. WIMJ rates its irritation potential as low; suitable for reactive, redness-prone skin.
Plays well with retinoids, vitamin C, AHAs and BHAs. Apply after your treatment serums to seal them in and buffer irritation.
Brand-tested as non-comedogenic and designed to help keep pores clear; unlikely to clog pores for most users.
Vegan, Leaping Bunny cruelty-free and reef safe, with no parabens, sulfates or drying alcohols.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ Niacinamide 5% Proven
The hero active and a multitasking form of vitamin B3. It strengthens the skin barrier, helps regulate oil, refines the look of pores and fades dark spots and post-acne marks โ all while being gentle enough for sensitive skin.
- Concentration: Declared at 5%, a well-studied, effective dose.
- Mechanism: Converts to NAD+ in skin, supporting repair, collagen and ceramide production.
๐ง Sodium Hyaluronate HA salt Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid and a powerful humectant. It binds large amounts of water to plump and hydrate the upper layers of skin for a smoother, dewier look.
- Source: Naturally occurring in the body; here it draws moisture into the skin.
๐ฅฅ Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Emollient Proven
A rich, barrier-boosting hydrator packed with antioxidants and fatty acids. It rapidly softens skin and forms a protective film that traps moisture and relieves tightness.
- Benefit: Replenishes the barrier with stearic and linoleic acids.
๐ฟ Glycerin Humectant Proven
A gold-standard humectant already found naturally in skin. It pulls moisture into deeper layers, supports the barrier and is among the most effective hydrators in skincare.
- Research: A 2016 study found glycerin more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
๐ฉน Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) Soothing Proven
A soothing humectant that penetrates deeper skin layers to hydrate, calm and support wound healing. It leaves skin softer and less reactive โ ideal alongside actives.
- Function: Binds water and helps repair and soothe compromised skin.
๐ท Aquaxyl Complex (Xylitylglucoside ยท Anhydroxylitol ยท Xylitol) Trio Promising
A sugar-derived humectant trio marketed as a "3-D hydration" system. It reinforces the skin's surface, reduces water loss and helps maintain a healthy microbiome for longer-lasting hydration.
- Concept: Designed as an anti-dehydration shield for the outer skin layer.
๐ Allantoin Soothing Promising
A gentle, protective ingredient prized for soothing and moisturising. It's commonly paired with stronger actives to calm skin and, at higher levels, support healing.
- Purity: Produced synthetically for cosmetics to ensure consistency.
26 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cyclopentasiloxane, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Panthenol, Xylitylglucoside, Polysilicone-11, Stearic Acid, Anhydroxylitol, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xylitol, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use AM & PM, after your serums and before sunscreen. Think of it like the butter in a sandwich โ use as little or as much as your skin needs (1โ2 pumps).
๐ How to Use
Cleanse & Treat
After cleansing and applying any treatment serums, your skin is prepped to be sealed in.
Dispense
Use 1โ2 pumps depending on how dry your skin feels that day.
Dot & Spread
Apply with the #13dottechnique for an even layer that absorbs into your face โ not your hands.
Don't Forget Eyes & Neck
Skin is skin. Let it fully absorb before sunscreen in the morning โ it won't take long.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You want a fragrance-free, do-it-all daily moisturiser
- You have normal, combination, dry or sensitive skin
- You're blemish-prone and need a non-comedogenic option
- You want niacinamide's brightening and barrier benefits in your moisturiser step
- You layer actives and need something gentle on top
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have very oily skin and prefer an ultra-light gel (try the Light version)
- You're strictly avoiding fungal-acne triggers
- You want a budget drugstore price point
- You dislike silicone-based "slip" textures
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Absorbs fast and is non-comedogenic, though the richer texture can feel like a lot in summer โ the Light version may suit better.
Shea butter and a humectant-rich base deliver comfortable, long-lasting hydration.
A balanced gel-cream that hydrates evenly without leaving skin greasy.
Fragrance-free and allergen-conscious with low irritation potential; patch test if very reactive.
Non-comedogenic and niacinamide helps blemishes, but note it isn't fungal-acne safe.
๐ Results Timeline
Comfort & Hydration
Skin feels supple, soft and dewy with tightness relieved from the first application.
90%+ noticedSmoother, Calmer Skin
Improved softness and a more even, well-hydrated look as the barrier strengthens.
70% noticedBrighter & More Even
With consistent use, niacinamide helps fade marks and refine the appearance of pores.
60% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
Ratings are approximate aggregates compiled from retailer listings and may vary over time.
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Lightweight yet genuinely hydrating
- Fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive skin
- Sits beautifully under makeup and SPF
- Meaningful, well-studied 5% niacinamide dose
- Vegan, cruelty-free and reef safe
โ Criticized
- Premium price vs drugstore niacinamide creams
- Not fungal-acne safe (shea + fatty acids)
- A minority report bumps from the richer texture
- Contains silicones some users prefer to avoid
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Niacinamide plus ceramides in a fragrance-free lightweight lotion. Similar gentle, barrier-supporting feel but no shea butter and a thinner texture.
Affordable everyday hydration with amino acids and HA. Lacks the 5% niacinamide and has a more basic emollient base.
Matches the 5% niacinamide and gel-cream feel at a lower price. Slightly less rich and less barrier-focused than Dr Sam's.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Dr Sam's Daily Moisturiser (Featured)
$32 / 50mlCeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
$16.99La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair
$22.99Naturium Niacinamide Gel Cream 5%
$20.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the pump closed between uses.
Pump bottle (25ml / 50ml / 100ml)
Yes โ 25ml and 50ml sizes are carry-on friendly (under 100ml)
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Generally considered suitable. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical UV filters โ the ingredients most often flagged during pregnancy. Its actives (niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and shea butter) are widely regarded as pregnancy-friendly. As always, run your full routine past your doctor or midwife.
No. It contains shea butter, stearic acid, caprylic/capric triglyceride, glyceryl stearate SE and sodium stearoyl glutamate โ fatty acids and esters that can feed Malassezia. If you're prone to fungal acne, a stripped-back, ester-free moisturiser is a safer choice.
Yes. Niacinamide is well tolerated alongside virtually all actives. Apply your treatment serums first, then layer this moisturiser on top to seal them in and help buffer any potential irritation.
It suits all skin types but shines for normal, combination, dry and sensitive skin. Very oily skin may prefer the lighter, gel-textured Flawless Moisturiser Light.
Hydration and comfort are immediate. Niacinamide's brightening and barrier benefits โ fading marks and refining the look of pores โ typically appear over 8โ12 weeks of consistent use.
Apply it after cleansing and serums, and before sunscreen in the morning. Use it both AM and PM, adjusting the amount (1โ2 pumps) to how your skin feels.
It's formulated and brand-tested as non-comedogenic and is unlikely to clog pores for most people โ we rate it low at 2/5. A small number of users with very reactive skin have reported bumps, so a patch test is sensible.
Around 12 months (check the open-jar PAO symbol on the packaging). Store it cool and dry and keep the pump closed to protect the formula.
Verdict: A polished, dermatologist-formulated daily moisturiser that does exactly what it promises โ fast-absorbing, fragrance-free hydration with a genuinely useful 5% niacinamide dose. It's a standout for sensitive, combination and blemish-prone skin and layers beautifully under SPF. The main caveats are the premium price next to drugstore niacinamide creams and the fact it isn't fungal-acne safe. If neither is a dealbreaker, it's an easy, reliable everyday pick.
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 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 3 |
Cyclopentasiloxane
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|