In My Defence
In My Defence
Product Description
D'You In My Defence is a lightweight, fast-absorbing barrier-building moisturiser powered by a patented 5-ceramide blend at 1% concentration (20x the industry standard), combined with cholesterol and fatty acids in the skin-mimicking 3:1:1 golden ratio. Built on a base of 40% Portulaca (purslane) extract water and acai sterols, it soothes irritation, reduces sensitivity and restores barrier resilience without any greasy residue.
โจ Texture & Feel
Patented 5-Ceramide Blend
Five identical-to-skin ceramides (NP, NS, AS, AP, EOP) at 1% โ 20x more than the typical market standard โ to rebuild a compromised barrier.
3:1:1 Golden Lipid Ratio
Ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids in the exact ratio found naturally in your skin, accelerating penetration and repair.
40% Purslane Extract Base
Portulaca Oleracea โ the "fountain of youth" โ delivers omega-3s, vitamins and antioxidants to calm and hydrate.
Featherlight Dispersion Tech
Patented dispersion technology makes a lipid-rich cream feel weightless, so it works year-round for every skin type.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. Generally considered safe โ patch test and consult your doctor as it contains fragrance and botanical extracts.
Not fungal-acne safe. Contains fatty acids, olive-derived esters and lecithin that can feed malassezia in prone individuals.
Pairs beautifully on top of retinol, vitamin C, AHAs and BHAs to buffer irritation and lock in moisture.
A light fruity parfum is present. Very reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin should patch test before full use.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ฑ Portulaca Oleracea (Purslane) Extract ~40% Proven
The hero base of the formula, replacing most of the water. This succulent extract is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, natural moisturising factors, and vitamins A, C and E, delivering deep calming and antioxidant benefits.
- Source: Studies show purslane has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity that helps soothe irritated, reactive skin.
- Tradition: Used in traditional Korean medicine to treat inflamed and damaged skin.
๐งฑ 5-Ceramide Complex (NP, NS, AS, AP, EOP) 1% Proven
A patented blend of five identical-to-skin ceramides at 1% total โ about 20x the typical concentration. Ceramides are the intercellular lipids that bond skin cells together and seal in water, the cornerstone of a healthy barrier.
- Source: Ceramides are key structural lipids of the stratum corneum; topping up depleted levels strengthens the barrier and reduces transepidermal water loss.
- Synergy: Most effective when paired with cholesterol and fatty acids, exactly as formulated here.
๐ซ Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Sterols ~1% Promising
Acai-derived plant sterols add a dose of antioxidants and skin-conditioning lipids, supporting the barrier and helping defend against environmental free radicals.
- Source: Acai is a well-documented source of polyphenols and fatty acids with antioxidant capacity.
๐ผ Bisabolol + Panthenol + Allantoin Soothing Trio Proven
A calming trio: bisabolol blocks inflammatory signals, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) hydrates and accelerates wound healing, and allantoin protects and smooths. Together they neutralise redness and irritation.
- Source: Bisabolol is shown to reduce inflammatory response; panthenol is a clinically supported humectant and barrier aid.
- Bonus: Bisabolol also enhances the absorption of surrounding ingredients.
๐ Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin Humectants Proven
A double humectant system. Sodium hyaluronate (HA's stable salt) and glycerin pull water into the skin and hold it there, plumping the surface and reinforcing the moisture the ceramides seal in.
- Source: A 2016 study found glycerin to be a more effective humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
๐ฟ Neem, Turmeric, Holy Basil & Bhringaraj Extracts Botanicals Promising
A panel of Ayurvedic-inspired botanicals โ Melia Azadirachta (neem), Curcuma Longa (turmeric), Ocimum Sanctum (holy basil) and Eclipta Prostrata (bhringaraj) โ add antioxidant, anti-microbial and soothing support.
- Source: Turmeric's curcumin is a documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory; neem and holy basil are rich in protective polyphenols.
45 ingredients
Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Water, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Betaine, Euterpe Oleracea Sterols, Ceramide NP, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide As, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Bisabolol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Panthenol, Allantoin, Vinyldimethicone, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cholesterol, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Phytosphingosine, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Xanthan Gum, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Arachidic Acid, Melia Azadirachta Bark Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Palmitic Acid, Tocopherol, Pantolactone, Oleic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use morning and night as the second-to-last step. When layering with active serums, apply In My Defence afterwards to seal them in and buffer irritation. In the AM, always finish with sunscreen.
๐ How to Use
Prime the pump
On first use, prime the airless pump with 10โ20 pumps until product dispenses. This is normal for the packaging.
Dispense a small amount
One to two pumps is enough for the whole face โ a little goes a long way thanks to the concentrated formula.
Apply to clean, slightly damp skin
Smooth over face and neck after cleansing, toning and any serums. Press gently to help absorption.
Finish with SPF in the morning
Allow it to absorb, then follow with broad-spectrum sunscreen as your final daytime step.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have a compromised, sensitised or over-exfoliated skin barrier
- You want lightweight hydration that won't feel greasy in heat or humidity
- You use actives (retinol, acids, vitamin C) and need a soothing buffer
- You have oily or combination skin but still want ceramide repair
- You prefer vegan, cruelty-free, reef-safe formulas
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You are prone to fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You need a completely fragrance-free formula
- You have very dry skin needing a rich, heavy occlusive cream
- You are shopping on a tight budget
- You react to botanical extracts like neem or holy basil
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight and fast-absorbing โ delivers ceramide repair without adding shine or heaviness.
Excellent barrier support, though very dry skin may want a richer occlusive layered on top at night.
Balances hydration across oily and dry zones without clogging or leaving residue.
Soothing purslane, bisabolol and panthenol calm reactivity, but the fragrance means a patch test is wise.
Marketed non-comedogenic and well tolerated by most, but not suitable for fungal-acne-prone skin.
๐ Results Timeline
Calm, comfortable hydration
Skin feels softer and instantly soothed as the purslane base and humectants quench dryness and tightness.
88% noticedReduced redness & sensitivity
Daily ceramide replenishment begins to calm irritation and visible redness; skin tolerates actives more easily.
76% noticedStronger, plumper barrier
The 3:1:1 lipid matrix has had time to rebuild the barrier โ skin looks smoother, more resilient and bounces back faster.
71% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Genuinely lightweight yet barrier-repairing โ no greasy residue
- High 1% ceramide load with the ideal 3:1:1 lipid ratio
- Calms redness and sensitivity quickly
- A little goes a long way, so it lasts
- Vegan, cruelty-free and reef safe
- Suits oily and combination skin in hot, humid climates
โ Criticized
- Premium price for a 50 ml jar
- Contains fragrance โ not for fragrance-sensitive users
- Not fungal-acne safe
- Pump requires priming before first use
- May be too light for very dry skin in winter
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Three essential ceramides plus hyaluronic acid at a fraction of the price. Richer and heavier on the skin, with no fancy botanicals, but the same barrier-first philosophy.
Indian-brand 5-ceramide cream that's the closest local price alternative. Lower ceramide concentration and a simpler formula, but solid everyday barrier support.
Ceramide and squalane gel-cream with a similarly light texture. Lacks the purslane base and acai sterols, but a comparable lightweight barrier feel for less.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
D'You In My Defence (Featured)
$42.00CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
$16.99Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream
$48.00Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid Cream
$54.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Airless pump bottle (requires priming on first use)
Yes โ 50 ml is well under the 100 ml carry-on limit
โ Frequently Asked Questions
In My Defence contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters, so it is generally considered suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does contain fragrance and several botanical extracts (neem, turmeric, holy basil), so patch test first and always confirm with your doctor or dermatologist, as individual circumstances vary.
No. The formula contains fatty acids (stearic, palmitic, oleic and arachidic acid), olive-derived esters (cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, sorbitan isostearate), hydrogenated lecithin and moringa seed oil โ ingredients that can feed malassezia. If you are prone to fungal acne or malassezia folliculitis, this is not the best pick.
Yes โ this is one of its strengths. As a barrier-repairing moisturiser with no actives of its own, it layers beautifully over retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids. Apply your active treatments first, then seal them in with In My Defence to buffer irritation and lock in moisture.
It suits all skin types but shines for oily, combination and sensitised or barrier-compromised skin thanks to its lightweight, non-greasy texture. Very dry skin may want to layer a richer cream on top at night, and fungal-acne-prone skin should look elsewhere.
Most people feel softer, calmer, more hydrated skin immediately. Reduced redness and sensitivity typically show within 1โ2 weeks, and a visibly stronger, plumper barrier develops over roughly 4โ6 weeks of consistent twice-daily use.
Use it as your moisturiser step โ after cleansing, toning and any serums. In the morning, follow with sunscreen as your final step. At night, it can be your last step, or you can layer a facial oil over it if your skin is very dry.
It is marketed as non-comedogenic and is lightweight and fast-absorbing, so it is unlikely to clog pores for most people โ we'd rate it around 2/5. That said, it does contain a few mildly comedogenic ingredients like oleic acid and moringa seed oil, so very acne-prone skin should monitor how it reacts.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. The airless pump packaging helps protect the formula from air and contamination โ just store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Verdict: D'You In My Defence delivers serious barrier science in a remarkably wearable package. With a 1% five-ceramide blend, the skin-mimicking 3:1:1 lipid ratio and a 40% purslane base, it does the work of a rich repair cream while feeling featherlight โ ideal for oily, combination and sensitised skin, especially in warm climates. The main trade-offs are the premium price, the presence of fragrance and the fact that it isn't fungal-acne safe. If those aren't dealbreakers, it's one of the smartest lightweight ceramide moisturisers available.
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 5 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 5 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 |
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|