Skin Nutrition Gel
Skin Nutrition Gel
Product Description
A featherlight gel moisturizer from Labore, Indonesia's first sensitive-skin specialist, engineered for hot, humid tropical climates. Powered by GentleBiome™ microbiome technology, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, it floods skin with up to +45.70% more hydration, calms redness, and reinforces a stressed barrier — all with a cool, fast-absorbing, non-greasy finish.
✨ Texture & Feel
GentleBiome™ Technology
Bifida Ferment Lysate helps balance the skin's microbiome to keep the barrier calm, resilient, and less reactive.
+45.70% Hydration
Hyaluronic acid and layered humectants deliver an instant, brand-measured boost in skin moisture.
Niacinamide-Powered
High in the formula to strengthen the barrier, smooth texture, and help fade post-acne marks over time.
Cooling Tropical Formula
An ultra-light gel with a fresh, cooling sensation, purpose-built for hot, humid weather and oily skin.
🛡️ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone. Core actives (niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, allantoin) are widely regarded as pregnancy-friendly. Always confirm with your doctor.
Free of obvious oils and esters, but contains Bifida Ferment Lysate and Laureth-7 — ferments are debated triggers. Patch test if you're malassezia-prone.
Plays nicely with vitamin C, retinol, and AHA/BHA. Use it as your hydrating moisturizer step to buffer and soothe.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologically tested for reactive, easily-irritated skin.
🔬 Ingredient Breakdown
🌿 Niacinamide ~2–5% Proven
Vitamin B3 and the formula's hero active, sitting second on the INCI list, which signals a meaningful, functional dose. It strengthens the skin barrier, regulates oil, calms redness, and helps fade dark spots and post-acne marks.
- Source: Bissett et al. (2005), Dermatologic Surgery — niacinamide measurably improved aging facial skin appearance.
- Source: Shown to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and improve barrier function at 2–5%.
💧 Sodium Hyaluronate <1% Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, which penetrates more easily. It binds water in the skin for instant plumping and the brand's claimed +45.70% hydration lift.
- Source: A well-established humectant that can hold many times its weight in water.
🦠 Bifida Ferment Lysate N/D Promising
A probiotic-derived ferment and the core of the GentleBiome™ story. It supports the skin microbiome, helps soothe sensitized skin, and is studied for improving barrier resilience and tolerance to environmental stress.
- Source: Studied for reinforcing skin's defenses against UV-induced damage and improving barrier function.
🍬 Biosaccharide Gum-1 N/D Promising
A plant-derived sugar that forms a soft, breathable film on the skin. It acts as a humectant and an anti-irritant, giving the gel its smooth, comfortable slip.
- Source: Used in soothing formulas for its film-forming, moisture-binding, soft-touch properties.
🌼 Bisabolol ~0.5% Proven
A chamomile-derived soothing agent and one of the most effective calming ingredients in cosmetics. It reduces inflammation and helps recover skin after irritation or dryness.
- Source: Documented anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing activity, often used at low concentrations.
🌱 Allantoin 0.5–2% Proven
A reliable soothing and moisturizing ingredient that calms sensitive, problem-prone skin, supports recovery, and helps gently smooth texture.
- Source: Well-researched; soothing and skin-protective activity confirmed, typically used at 0.5–2%.
💦 Glycerin N/D Proven
The gold-standard humectant, drawing water into the upper layers of skin and keeping it soft and supple. A backbone of nearly every effective moisturizer.
- Source: One of the most studied and effective humectants in skincare.
🧴 Saccharide Isomerate N/D Promising
A 100% plant-derived moisturizer that mimics the natural carbohydrate fraction of the upper skin. It bonds to skin strongly for longer-lasting hydration than typical humectants.
- Source: Marketed for prolonged, bound moisture retention compared with standard humectants.
🌸 Mirabilis Jalapa Extract N/D Promising
An extract from the four o'clock flower included as a botanical soothing and protective agent, contributing antioxidant and skin-conditioning support.
- Source: Traditional botanical studied for soothing and protective skin properties.
🪞 Dimethicone N/D Proven
A skin-friendly silicone that gives the gel its silky-smooth slip, fills in the look of fine lines and texture, and forms a light breathable layer that reduces water loss.
- Source: Widely used emollient; reduces TEWL while feeling weightless and non-greasy.
🌾 Propanediol N/D Promising
A plant-derived humectant and solvent that hydrates, improves the texture of the formula, and helps other actives spread and absorb more effectively.
- Source: A gentle, naturally-derived alternative to traditional glycols and a penetration aid.
🍋 Citric Acid (AHA) <1% Proven
Although citric acid is an AHA, here it sits at the very end of the INCI list and functions mainly as a pH adjuster rather than an exfoliating active, so it contributes negligible exfoliation.
- Source: Commonly used at low levels to stabilize formula pH and as a mild antioxidant chelator.
30 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Olivate, Saccharide Isomerate, Propanediol, Polyacrylamide, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Bisabolol, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Mirabilis Jalapa Extract, Sorbitan Olivate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Laureth-7, Disodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Amodimethicone, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol.
🔄 Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply as your moisturizer step — after watery serums and treatments, before sunscreen in the morning or as your final step at night. Layer a richer cream on top in cooler weather or for very dry skin.
📝 How to Use
Cleanse & Tone
Start on freshly cleansed, slightly damp skin to lock in extra moisture.
Dispense
Squeeze a pea-to-coin-sized amount onto your fingertips.
Apply Evenly
Smooth over face and neck, then gently pat to help the gel absorb. Use morning and night.
Seal (Optional)
Follow with sunscreen in the AM, or a richer cream at night if your skin needs extra occlusion.
👤 Who Is It For?
✅ Perfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin in a hot, humid climate
- You want lightweight hydration with zero grease or stickiness
- Your skin is sensitive, reactive, or recovering from a damaged barrier
- You prefer fragrance-free, niacinamide-based moisture
- You layer multiple actives and need a calm hydrating step
❌ Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or mature skin that needs a rich, occlusive cream
- You strictly avoid all silicones (this contains dimethicone)
- You are highly fungal-acne reactive (contains a ferment and Laureth-7)
- You dislike a cooling sensation on application
🎯 Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight gel absorbs fast and adds zero shine — designed for oily skin in tropical heat.
Hydrates the dry zones without overwhelming the oily T-zone.
Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologically tested with soothing bisabolol and allantoin.
Non-comedogenic and niacinamide-rich, but fungal-acne-prone users should patch test the ferment.
Provides comfortable hydration, but very dry skin may want a richer cream layered on top.
📈 Results Timeline
Cool & Hydrated
An instant fresh, plumped, cooled feel — backed by the brand-measured +45.70% hydration boost.
~90% noticedCalmer, Less Redness
Bisabolol and allantoin help reduce visible reactivity and day-to-day irritation.
~70% noticedSmoother, More Even
Niacinamide begins refining texture and gradually evening out tone and post-acne marks.
~60% noticedStronger Barrier
Ongoing microbiome support leaves the barrier more resilient and less easily irritated.
~55% noticed⭐ Ratings by Platform
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Praised
- Genuinely lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy — ideal for humid weather
- Measurable hydration boost with a soothing, cooling feel
- Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin
- Niacinamide sits high in the formula for barrier and brightening benefits
- Affordable, vegan, cruelty-free, and microbiome-focused
❌ Criticized
- Small 50ml tube can run out fast with daily face use
- Not airless or pump packaging (open tube exposes the ferment)
- Contains a ferment and Laureth-7 — not ideal for strict fungal-acne avoiders
- Limited availability outside Southeast Asia
- May feel too light on its own for very dry or mature skin
💰 Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
A similarly lightweight barrier gel popular across SE Asia for sensitive, oily skin. Swaps the microbiome ferment for a ceramide complex; very close in feel and use case.
A Korean ceramide soothing gel in a much larger size. Excellent for sensitive barrier care, but it's ceramide-led rather than niacinamide-led and carries a light scent.
A lightweight, niacinamide-containing, fungal-acne-safe option. It's a lotion rather than a gel and contains no ferment, making it a safer pick for malassezia-prone skin.
🔄 Comparison with Competitors
Labore Skin Nutrition Gel (Featured)
~$18ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel
~$15La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluid
~$30SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream
~$20📦 Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and close the tube tightly after each use.
50 ml squeeze tube
Yes — at 50ml it's well under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone, and its core actives — niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin — are widely considered pregnancy-friendly. The only acid present, citric acid, sits at the end of the INCI list as a pH adjuster, not an active exfoliant. As always, confirm with your OB/GYN or doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Mostly, but with caution. The formula avoids the obvious oils, fatty acids, and esters that typically feed malassezia, but it does contain Bifida Ferment Lysate (a ferment) and Laureth-7 — both of which are debated as potential triggers in the fungal-acne community. If you're highly malassezia-prone, patch test on a small area for a couple of weeks before applying to your whole face.
Yes. This is a soothing, hydrating moisturizer that pairs well with all of those actives. Apply your treatment (vitamin C, retinol, AHA, or BHA) first, then layer this gel on top to buffer potential irritation and lock in moisture. Niacinamide is compatible with each of these ingredients.
It's best for oily, combination, and sensitive skin, especially in warm, humid climates. The lightweight, cooling gel also works well as a non-greasy hydrating layer for acne-prone skin. Very dry or mature skin can still use it, but may prefer to layer a richer cream on top.
Hydration and a cooling, soothed feel are immediate. Most people notice calmer skin and less redness within 1–2 weeks, smoother texture and more even tone around 4 weeks, and a more resilient barrier with consistent use by about 8 weeks.
It's your moisturizer step. Apply it after cleansing, toning, and any serums or treatments, and before sunscreen in the morning — or as your final step at night. In drier conditions you can layer a heavier cream over the top.
It's unlikely to clog pores for most people. The brand markets it as non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic, and the formula scores about 1 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. The mildly comedogenic olive-derived emulsifiers (Cetearyl/Sorbitan Olivate) sit low in the formula, so clog risk is minimal.
About 12 months (12M PAO). To get the most out of it, store the tube in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and close the cap tightly after each use, since the ferment is best protected from prolonged air and heat exposure.
Verdict: A standout lightweight hydrator for hot, humid climates and sensitive or oily skin. The fragrance-free, niacinamide-rich, microbiome-supporting formula genuinely delivers fast, cooling, non-greasy moisture and helps calm reactive skin at a budget-friendly price. The main drawbacks are the small 50ml tube, non-airless packaging, and a ferment that strict fungal-acne avoiders may want to patch test first. For tropical-climate, sensitive-skin users, it's 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 skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 5 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 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
Amodimethicone
Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Irritation
|