Power Wave Super Hydrating Moisturizer
Power Wave Super Hydrating Moisturizer
Product Description
Bubble Power Wave Super Hydrating Moisturizer is an extra-rich, peptide-powered cream built for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin. It pairs an Aquaxyl hydration complex with jojoba oil, squalane, shea butter, niacinamide and Hexapeptide-9 to flood skin with moisture and reinforce a compromised barrier β without fragrance and without a heavy, greasy finish.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Up to 10X Hydration
Clinically tested to deliver a significant moisture boost versus untreated skin, restoring softness and plumpness.
Barrier Repair
Hexapeptide-9, niacinamide and Aquaxyl work together to strengthen and reinforce a weakened skin barrier.
Fragrance-Free & Gentle
No added fragrance, parabens, silicones, sulfates or common allergens β suited to reactive, sensitive skin.
Accessible Price
A peptide-rich barrier cream at $16 β affordable enough to use generously, morning and night.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical UV filters. Niacinamide, peptides and humectants are widely considered low-risk. Always confirm with your OB/GYN.
Includes fatty alcohols, esters, jojoba oil, glycol palmitate and polysorbate 60 β ingredients that can feed malassezia. Skip if you're prone to fungal acne.
Squalane (0) and jojoba are skin-mimicking; shea butter sits mid-range. Brand markets it as non-comedogenic, but very oily skin should patch test.
Designed to buffer retinoids, adapalene, vitamin C, AHAs and BHAs β apply afterward to calm and rehydrate active-treated skin.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ Aquaxyl Complex (Xylitylglucoside / Anhydroxylitol / Xylitol) ~1-3% Proven
A sugar-derived hydration trio that pulls water into skin and reduces transepidermal water loss, creating a "3-D hydration" effect and reinforcing the outer barrier.
- Source: Xylitol-based humectants shown to decrease water loss and improve skin-barrier biomechanics.
- Role: Bubble's headline "moisture booster" for long-lasting hydration.
π§ Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) ~1-2% Proven
A multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the barrier, regulates oil, reduces the look of pores and dark spots, and is well tolerated by sensitive skin.
- Source: Converts to NAD in skin cells, supporting repair and collagen production.
- Note: Around 5% is typical for visible brightening; the level here is supportive rather than a hero treatment dose.
πΏ Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil) ~1-2% Promising
A non-comedogenic, sebum-mimicking oil rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. Softens, soothes and helps reduce moisture loss while supporting the barrier.
- Source: Structurally close to human sebum, making it well suited to dry skin.
𫧠Squalane ~2-4% Proven
A lightweight, non-irritating emollient that mimics skin's own lipids, locking in hydration and acting as an antioxidant against free-radical damage.
- Source: Research shows squalane is non-irritating even at 100% and suits sensitive skin.
- Bonus: Comedogenic rating of 0 β one of the most skin-friendly emollients available.
π° Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Nut Extract) ~2-5% Proven
A rich emollient that forms a protective film, trapping moisture and helping relieve dry, itchy or flaky skin β a key reason the texture feels so nourishing.
- Role: Provides the "extra rich, creamy" cushion the formula is known for.
π Sodium Hyaluronate <1% Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid. A powerful humectant that holds water in the skin to plump and hydrate, complementing the Aquaxyl and glycerin already in the formula.
- Source: Naturally present in skin; binds many times its weight in water.
𧬠Hexapeptide-9 <0.5% Promising
A signal peptide included to support a more resilient skin barrier and improve barrier function over time β Bubble's named "peptide-rich" active.
- Role: Peptides are used to support skin structure and firmness; results build with consistent use.
π‘οΈ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) <1% Proven
A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects against free radicals, strengthens the lipid barrier and helps keep skin's natural oils healthy.
- Synergy: Works well alongside vitamin C and adds a layer of environmental protection.
31 ingredients
Water, C15-19 Alkane, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Nut Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Palmitate, Niacinamide, Coco-Glucoside, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Diheptyl Succinate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Glycol Palmitate, Phenoxyethanol, Xylitylglucoside, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Anhydroxylitol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Xylitol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Tocopherol, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Citric Acid, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hexapeptide-9, Sodium Hydroxide.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply after serums and treatments, but before sunscreen in the morning. Use morning and evening β it's an ideal final step to seal in actives like retinoids or vitamin C.
π How to Use
Start With Clean Skin
Cleanse and pat skin until just damp β applying onto slightly damp skin helps the humectants lock in extra moisture.
Layer After Treatments
Apply any serums, toners or actives first, then take a pea-to-dime-sized amount of Power Wave.
Massage In Gently
Warm between fingertips and press into the face and neck. The cream melts in and absorbs without a greasy film.
Finish With SPF (AM)
In the morning, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen as your final step. Use again at night to repair while you sleep.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have dry, dehydrated or very dry skin
- Your barrier feels compromised, tight or flaky
- You use retinoids/adapalene and need a buffering cream
- You prefer fragrance-free, vegan formulas
- You want a rich barrier cream at an affordable price
β Consider alternatives if:
- You're prone to fungal acne (malassezia)
- You have very oily skin that dislikes rich textures
- You want a lightweight gel or water-cream finish
- You're after a high-dose treatment level of niacinamide
- You prefer a larger tub for body-wide use (this is 50ml)
π― Skin Type Compatibility
The product's core audience β rich emollients and humectants deeply nourish and restore extra-dry skin.
Fragrance-free and free from common allergens, with soothing oat and barrier-supporting ingredients.
Comfortable daily hydration; may feel a touch rich in warm, humid weather.
Great on dry zones; some users prefer to keep it off oilier areas or save it for winter.
The thick, rich texture can feel heavy on oily skin β a lighter gel-cream may suit better.
π Results Timeline
Instant Softness & Comfort
Skin feels noticeably softer and more comfortable on application; tightness and dryness are eased right away.
~85% noticedSustained Hydration
In the brand's clinical test, skin showed up to 10X hydration versus untreated skin, with restored smoothness and glow.
Clinically measuredCalmer, Less Flaky Skin
Dry patches and flaking diminish with twice-daily use; makeup tends to sit more smoothly.
~70% noticedStronger Barrier
With continued use, peptides and Aquaxyl support a more resilient barrier β skin tolerates actives and weather better.
~60% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Deeply hydrating β leaves dry skin instantly soft
- Fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive skin
- Strong barrier support from peptides + Aquaxyl
- Melts in without a greasy residue
- Affordable, vegan and cruelty-free
- Layers well over actives and under makeup
β Criticized
- Too rich/thick for oily skin
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Small 50ml size
- Niacinamide is at a supportive, not treatment, level
- A few users report temporary tightness
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Simple, fragrance-free barrier cream with amino acids and HA. Lacks peptides and the Aquaxyl complex, and the texture is lighter and less luxurious.
Rich ceramide + HA cream for dry skin in a much larger tub. Adds ceramides but no peptides; also not fungal-acne safe.
Ultra-minimal, fragrance-free cream ideal for very sensitive skin. Fewer "actives" (no peptides or niacinamide) but extremely well tolerated.
π Comparison with Competitors
Bubble Power Wave (This Product)
$16.00CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
$16.99La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair
$22.99First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
$40.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; close the lid tightly after each use.
50ml jar with screw lid β use clean fingers or a spatula to keep the formula fresh.
Yes β at 50ml / 1.7 fl oz it's well within carry-on liquid limits.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters β the actives most often flagged during pregnancy. Its key ingredients (niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane) are widely considered low-risk. As always, confirm with your OB/GYN or midwife before adding any product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
No. It contains several ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast, including fatty alcohols (cetearyl alcohol, cetyl palmitate), esters (caprylic/capric triglyceride, diheptyl succinate, glycol palmitate), jojoba oil and polysorbate 60. If you're prone to fungal acne, choose a malassezia-safe moisturizer instead.
Yes β it's actually designed for it. Bubble recommends Power Wave specifically for people using actives like retinoids or adapalene. Apply your active first, then layer Power Wave on top to buffer irritation and replenish moisture. It also pairs well with vitamin C (its vitamin E supports antioxidant stability) and AHA/BHA exfoliants.
It's formulated for dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin, and balanced-to-dry skin in general. Normal and combination skin can use it (especially in colder months), while very oily skin may find the rich texture too heavy and prefer a lighter gel-cream.
Hydration and softness are immediate β most users feel the difference on first application, and the brand's clinical test measured up to 10X hydration over 8 hours. Flaking and dryness typically improve within 1-2 weeks of twice-daily use, while barrier-strengthening benefits from the peptides build over roughly 4-8 weeks.
Apply it after your serums, toners and treatments but before sunscreen. In the morning: cleanse β treat β Power Wave β SPF. At night: cleanse β treat β Power Wave as your final step. Use morning and evening for best results.
It has a low comedogenic risk (around 2/5). Squalane (rated 0) and jojoba are skin-mimicking and non-pore-clogging; shea butter sits in the mid-range. Bubble markets the formula as non-comedogenic, but if you're very acne- or congestion-prone, patch test first and apply a thin layer.
Around 12 months after opening (check the PAO jar symbol on the packaging). Keep it in a cool, dry place, close the lid tightly and use clean fingers or a spatula to keep the formula fresh for the full period.
Verdict: Bubble Power Wave Super Hydrating Moisturizer is a standout value barrier cream for dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin. The Aquaxyl + peptide + jojoba blend delivers genuinely impressive, clinically backed hydration and a fragrance-free, vegan formula that layers beautifully over actives β all at an accessible $16. Its main limitations are predictable: the rich texture is too much for oily skin, the formula isn't fungal-acne safe, and the 50ml jar is on the small side. For anyone whose skin runs dry or feels compromised, it earns an easy recommendation.
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
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.