Moisture Surge Overnight Face Mask
Moisture Surge Overnight Face Mask
Product Description
Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Face Mask is a creamy, oil-free sleeping mask that delivers a 98% overnight moisture boost. Formulated with glycerin, shea butter, aloe vera, and panthenol, it intensely nourishes dehydrated skin while you sleep β leaving you with soft, dewy, glowing skin by morning.
β¨ Texture & Feel
98% Moisture Boost Overnight
Clinically tested on 21 women, this mask delivers a dramatic 98% increase in skin hydration while you sleep, replenishing lost moisture reserves.
Strengthens Moisture Barrier
Panthenol (vitamin B5) and shea butter work together to reinforce the skin's natural moisture barrier, reducing overnight transepidermal water loss.
Soothing Botanical Complex
Aloe vera, olive fruit extract, and bisabolol calm irritation, while algae extracts from Hypnea musciformis and Gelidiella acerosa provide ocean-sourced hydration.
Multi-Layer Humectant System
A blend of glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, trehalose, and sucrose creates an invisible moisture net that attracts and holds water at multiple skin depths.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains several potential fungal acne triggers: cetyl ethylhexanoate, sorbitan stearate, shea butter, mango seed butter, murumuru butter, olea europaea fruit extract, and cetearyl alcohol.
Clinique labels this product as non-acnegenic. Main comedogenic concerns are cetyl alcohol (2/5) and dimethicone film formation. Most users report no breakouts.
100% fragrance-free, allergy tested, dermatologist tested, and ophthalmologist tested. Free from parabens, phthalates, and common allergens.
Includes CI 14700 (Red 4) and CI 19140 (Yellow 5) for the pink tint. These are cosmetic colorants β generally safe but may cause sensitivity in rare cases.
Contains PEG-8, PEG-75, and PEG-100 Stearate. These are humectants and emulsifiers generally recognized as safe. Avoid on severely compromised or broken skin.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ Glycerin 4.3β5.3% Proven
A powerhouse humectant naturally found in skin. Glycerin attracts water from the environment and deeper skin layers into the outer epidermis. Studies have shown it outperforms hyaluronic acid and AHAs as a humectant.
- Function: Humectant, skin-identical ingredient, barrier support
- Research: A 2016 study found glycerin more effective than AHAs and hyaluronic acid at skin hydration
- Comedogenic Rating: 0/5 β will not clog pores
𧴠Dimethicone 2β4% Proven
A silicone-based occlusive that forms a breathable protective barrier on the skin surface, locking in moisture and giving a smooth, velvety finish. Widely used in wound care for its protective properties.
- Function: Occlusive, emollient, skin protectant
- Research: FDA-recognized skin protectant; effective at reducing transepidermal water loss
- Comedogenic Rating: 1/5 β very low risk
π₯ Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii) 1β3% Proven
A rich natural emollient from the fruit of African Shea trees. Packed with vitamins A and E, antioxidants, and fatty acids including stearic and linoleic acid that deeply nourish and regenerate skin.
- Function: Emollient, occlusive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
- Research: Contains quercetin and EGCG antioxidants; provides natural UV protection (SPF 3β4, not a sunscreen replacement)
- Comedogenic Rating: 0β2/5 depending on source
π Panthenol (Vitamin B5) 0.5β1% Proven
A provitamin that converts to pantothenic acid in the skin. It penetrates the skin effectively where it both moisturizes and supports the moisture barrier. Clinique highlights this as the mask's star ingredient.
- Function: Humectant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, barrier repair
- Research: Shown to improve skin hydration, reduce TEWL, and accelerate skin barrier recovery
- Comedogenic Rating: 0/5
π§ͺ Sodium Hyaluronate 0.2β0.4% Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid with a smaller molecular weight, allowing deeper penetration into the skin. Can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, providing intense hydration from within.
- Function: Humectant, plumping agent, anti-aging support
- Research: Extensively studied β proven to increase skin hydration and reduce fine line appearance
- Comedogenic Rating: 0/5
π Algae Extracts Complex 0.5β0.7% Promising
A blend of Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, and Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract. These marine-sourced actives are rich in carrageenan, vitamins, and minerals that help the skin retain water.
- Function: Humectant, antioxidant, skin conditioning
- Research: Hypnea Musciformis is rich in vitamins A, C, and E plus minerals including calcium, magnesium, and potassium
- Comedogenic Rating: 0/5
π¬ Trehalose 0.5β0.7% Promising
A natural disaccharide (two glucose molecules) that functions as a humectant and cell protectant. Found in organisms that survive extreme dehydration, trehalose helps skin cells maintain hydration under stress.
- Function: Humectant, antioxidant, cell protectant
- Research: Shows promise for anti-aging properties, though research is still developing
- Comedogenic Rating: 0/5
β Caffeine 0.1β0.5% Promising
An antioxidant alkaloid that helps reduce puffiness by constricting blood vessels. Also provides mild anti-inflammatory benefits and may help protect against UV-induced damage when used topically.
- Function: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, de-puffing
- Research: Studies suggest topical caffeine can reduce UV damage and improve microcirculation
- Comedogenic Rating: 0/5
π± Bisabolol 0.1β0.3% Proven
A soothing compound derived from chamomile. Known for potent anti-inflammatory and skin-calming properties, it helps reduce redness and irritation while enhancing the penetration of other active ingredients.
- Function: Anti-inflammatory, soothing, penetration enhancer
- Research: Well-documented anti-irritant properties; commonly used in sensitive skin formulations
- Comedogenic Rating: 0/5
πΏ Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water 0.3β0.6% Proven
Steam-distilled aloe vera water that provides lightweight hydration and soothing relief. Rich in polysaccharides, amino acids, and vitamins that calm irritated skin and support natural healing processes.
- Function: Soothing, hydrating, anti-inflammatory
- Research: Clinique highlights aloe vera as a key ingredient for its calming and moisture-supporting benefits
- Comedogenic Rating: 0/5
π« Olea Europaea Fruit Extract 0.2β0.5% Promising
Olive fruit extract rich in squalene, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. Provides antioxidant protection and deep emollient benefits to nourish dry, stressed skin overnight.
- Function: Antioxidant, emollient, skin conditioning
- Research: Contains polyphenols and fatty acids that protect against free radical damage
- Comedogenic Rating: 2/5
πΎ Triticum Vulgare Bran Extract 0.2β0.5% Promising
Wheat bran extract rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Provides conditioning and protective benefits, helping to smooth and soften the skin's surface texture.
- Function: Antioxidant, skin conditioning, emollient
- Research: Contains vitamin E and ferulic acid, both known antioxidants
- Comedogenic Rating: 0/5
π₯ Mango Seed Butter (Mangifera Indica) 0.3β0.6% Proven
A rich emollient butter from mango seeds packed with stearic and oleic fatty acids. Provides deep nourishment and creates a protective layer on the skin to prevent moisture loss.
- Function: Emollient, occlusive, skin conditioning
- Research: Rich in vitamins A and E; excellent for restoring dry, damaged skin
- Comedogenic Rating: 2/5
π΄ Murumuru Butter (Astrocaryum Murumuru) 0.1β0.3% Promising
An Amazonian palm butter rich in lauric and myristic fatty acids. Provides intense emolliency and helps lock in moisture while leaving a non-greasy finish on the skin.
- Function: Emollient, moisture-locking, skin softening
- Research: High in pro-vitamin A and omega fatty acids for skin nourishment
- Comedogenic Rating: 2β3/5
π» Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) 0.1β0.3% Proven
A stable form of vitamin E that functions as an antioxidant. Protects skin cells from free radical damage, supports healing, and helps soften the skin's upper layers.
- Function: Antioxidant, skin conditioning, moisturizer
- Research: Extensively studied antioxidant; helps reduce UV-induced oxidative stress
- Comedogenic Rating: 0β2/5
πΎ Oryzanol 0.05β0.2% Promising
Derived from rice bran oil, oryzanol is a potent antioxidant compound. It helps protect the skin from environmental damage and UV exposure while providing moisturizing benefits.
- Function: Antioxidant, UV protectant, skin conditioning
- Research: Studies show gamma-oryzanol absorbs UV light and neutralizes free radicals
- Comedogenic Rating: 0/5
πΏ Phytosterols 0.05β0.2% Promising
Plant-derived sterols that are structurally similar to cholesterol in the skin. They help repair and strengthen the skin barrier, improve moisture retention, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Function: Barrier repair, anti-inflammatory, emollient
- Research: Shown to improve barrier function and reduce inflammation in compromised skin
- Comedogenic Rating: 0/5
42 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-8, Glycereth-26, Sucrose, Sorbitan Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Trehalose, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Extract, Triticum Vulgare Bran Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, PEG-75, Caffeine, Pantethine, Sorbitol, Butylene Glycol, Oryzanol, Bisabolol, Panthenol, Phytosterols, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hexylene Glycol, Carbomer, Potassium Hydroxide, Dextrin, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, CI 14700, CI 19140
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply as the last step in your PM routine. Use nightly or 2β3 times per week for an intensive hydration treatment. Replaces your night cream on nights you use it.
π How to Use
Cleanse Your Face
Start with clean skin. Use your regular cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities. Pat dry gently with a clean towel.
Complete Your Skincare Steps
Apply toner, serums, and any treatment products as usual. This mask goes on after your full evening skincare routine.
Apply the Mask Generously
Smooth a generous, even layer over your face and throat. Avoid the eye area. Gently massage until absorbed. A thin layer is enough β too much may feel coated.
Leave On Overnight
Go to sleep and let the mask work overnight. No need to rinse off. In the morning, cleanse as usual and follow with your daytime routine including sunscreen.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- Your skin feels dry, tight, or dehydrated β especially in winter or after air travel
- You want an overnight hydration boost with visible next-morning results
- You have sensitive or eczema-prone skin and need a fragrance-free option
- You want a simple last-step product with clinically tested hydration
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe hydrating treatment
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia) β this formula contains multiple triggers
- You prefer lightweight gel textures that absorb instantly
- You want anti-aging actives like retinol, peptides, or vitamin C in your mask
- You need heavy-duty occlusive treatment for severely cracked or flaking skin
- You are on a tight budget β there are effective alternatives at lower price points
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Ideal match. Rich butters and humectants deliver deep overnight nourishment for chronically dry or dehydrated skin.
Works well for most combination types. Apply a thinner layer on oily zones and more generously on dry areas.
Oil-free formula helps, but the rich cream texture may feel heavy. Best used 2β3 times weekly rather than nightly.
Fragrance-free, allergy tested, and dermatologist tested. Contains soothing bisabolol and aloe. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Non-acnegenic per Clinique testing. However, dimethicone and butters may cause issues for some breakout-prone users. Not fungal acne safe.
π Results Timeline
Instant Softness & Glow
Skin feels noticeably softer, plumper, and more hydrated by morning. Many users report visible improvement after just one night of use.
85% noticed immediate softnessImproved Hydration & Texture
Consistent overnight use leads to smoother skin texture, reduced flakiness, and a more even skin tone. Dry patches begin to diminish.
78% reported reduced drynessStrengthened Moisture Barrier
The combination of panthenol, shea butter, and humectants reinforces the skin's natural barrier. Skin retains moisture longer throughout the day and feels more resilient.
72% noticed lasting hydration improvementCalmed, Healthier-Looking Skin
Long-term users report calmer skin with reduced redness and irritation. Skin appears plumper and fine dehydration lines are less visible.
65% reported visibly healthier skinβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Delivers noticeable overnight hydration β skin feels soft and dewy by morning
- 100% fragrance-free and allergy tested β ideal for sensitive and eczema-prone skin
- Clinically tested 98% moisture boost with dermatologist backing
- Oil-free formula suitable for all skin types including combination
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe with no concerning actives
- Generous 100ml tube lasts months with regular use
- Absorbs well without leaving heavy residue on pillows
β Criticized
- Not fungal acne safe β multiple malassezia triggers in the formula
- Contains two synthetic dyes (CI 14700, CI 19140) that serve no skin benefit
- Higher price point ($46/100ml) compared to Korean sleeping masks
- Some oily skin users report breakouts or a coated feeling
- Can attract lint and fuzz from pillows overnight
- Lacks anti-aging actives like retinol, peptides, or niacinamide
- Tube packaging is less hygienic than airless pump alternatives
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide for barrier repair. Thicker texture but similar overnight hydration. Also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. Lacks the botanical extracts and multi-butter blend.
Hyaluronic acid-based lightweight gel that provides intense hydration. Oil-free and fragrance-free. Lighter texture absorbs faster but may not deliver the same level of overnight nourishment for very dry skin.
Ultra-affordable moisturizer with amino acids, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. Simpler formula focused on barrier support. Lighter texture β may need extra layering for dry skin. No overnight mask format.
π Comparison with Competitors
Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
$46.00LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask
$32.00Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask
$32.00Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask
$39.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
24 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the cap tightly closed between uses.
Squeeze tube with screw cap (100ml full size). Also available in 30ml travel mini.
30ml mini size is TSA-approved. Full 100ml size exceeds the 100ml carry-on liquid limit β pack in checked luggage.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This mask does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients commonly flagged as unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The formula is based on gentle humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid), natural butters (shea, mango), and soothing botanicals (aloe, bisabolol). Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
No. This mask contains several ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast, including: cetyl ethylhexanoate, sorbitan stearate, shea butter, mango seed butter, murumuru seed butter, olea europaea fruit extract, and cetearyl alcohol. If you have active fungal acne or are prone to malassezia folliculitis, consider alternatives with simpler, fungal-acne-safe formulations.
Yes. Since this mask contains no active exfoliants or retinoids, it pairs well with most treatment products. Apply your retinol, vitamin C serum, or AHA/BHA first, let it absorb for a few minutes, then layer this mask on top as the final step. The humectants and occlusives will actually help buffer potential irritation from stronger actives. On nights when you use potent treatments, the mask's barrier-supporting properties can be especially beneficial.
This mask is designed for all skin types but excels for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin. Clinique markets it for all skin types β it is oil-free and non-acnegenic. Dry and combination skin users tend to love it most. Oily skin users may prefer using it 2β3 times per week rather than nightly, and should apply a thinner layer to avoid a heavy or coated feeling.
Most users report visible improvement after just one night β softer, plumper, dewier skin by morning. Clinique's clinical testing showed a 98% overnight moisture boost. For sustained barrier improvement and reduced dryness, consistent use over 2β4 weeks delivers the best results. Long-term users (2+ months) often notice calmer skin, reduced redness, and improved overall skin resilience.
This mask is the last step in your nighttime routine. Apply it after cleanser, toner, serums, and any treatment products. It replaces your night cream on the evenings you use it. Clinique recommends using it after their 3-Step system. Use nightly or as needed for a hydration boost β many users find 2β3 times per week is sufficient. Avoid the eye area when applying.
Clinique labels this product as non-acnegenic, meaning it has been tested and shown not to cause acne under controlled conditions. However, it has a moderate comedogenic potential (rated approximately 2/5) due to ingredients like cetyl alcohol and dimethicone. Most users do not experience breakouts, but some acne-prone individuals report issues. If concerned, start by applying 2β3 times per week and patch test first.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 24 months β one of the longest shelf lives for a face mask. The full-size 100ml tube typically lasts 3β5 months with nightly use, or longer if used 2β3 times per week. Store in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed. Discard if you notice any changes in color, texture, or smell.
Verdict: Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Face Mask is a reliable, dermatologist-backed sleeping mask that delivers on its promise of overnight hydration. Its 98% moisture boost claim is backed by clinical testing, and the fragrance-free, allergy-tested formula makes it a safe choice for sensitive skin. The multi-humectant system (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, trehalose, aloe) combined with natural butters provides genuine nourishment. However, it falls short for fungal acne sufferers due to multiple triggers, and the lack of advanced actives like peptides, niacinamide, or retinol means you are paying a premium primarily for hydration. Best suited for dry, sensitive, and combination skin types seeking a dependable, no-fuss overnight moisture treatment from a trusted clinical brand.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 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
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Opacifying, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 3 |
Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antifoaming Agent, Skin Protecting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Viscosity Controlling, Film Forming
|
|