SubQ Skin
SubQ Skin
Product Description
Hylamide SubQ Skin is a lightweight, water-thin "Advanced Serum" from Canadian clinical brand Hylamide (part of the DECIEM group, sister to The Ordinary and NIOD). It pairs a multi-weight hyaluronic acid complex with next-generation peptides and copper, plus a touch of BHA, to target multi-depth rehydration while visibly smoothing fine lines, sagging and textural irregularities.
โจ Texture & Feel
Multi-Depth Hydration
Several molecular weights of hyaluronic acid plus saccharide isomerate hydrate at and below the skin surface.
Next-Gen Peptides
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 (Matrixyl Synthe'6) and Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3 signal skin to look firmer and smoother.
Copper Peptide Boost
Copper Lysinate/Prolinate supports the look of skin repair and overall complexion quality.
Featherweight Layering
Thin, fast-absorbing fluid sits well under other serums, moisturizer and makeup without pilling.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Mostly pregnancy-friendly humectants and peptides, but it contains salicylic acid (BHA). Topical BHA at low levels is usually considered low-risk, yet most OB-GYNs advise caution โ clear it with your doctor first.
Free of esters and most triggers, but it does contain ferments (Pseudoalteromonas, radish-root) and lecithin that some Malassezia-prone users react to. Patch test if you're sensitive.
Plays nicely with niacinamide, hydrating toners and most moisturizers. A gentle, supportive step rather than a strong standalone treatment.
Already contains BHA and a low-pH citric/AHA buffer, so stacking it with strong direct acids or low-pH vitamin C in the same step can irritate. Alternate AM/PM or on separate days.
Fragrance-, oil- and alcohol-free, free of common EU allergens. Generally well tolerated, but the BHA and pH adjusters mean a patch test is wise for reactive skin.
Can be used AM and PM. BHA doesn't make skin notably more sun-sensitive, but daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is still essential.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ง Multi-Weight Hyaluronic Acid Complex ~0.1โ2% Proven
A blend of Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate and Polyglucuronic Acid delivers hydration at multiple skin depths โ surface plumping plus deeper, longer-lasting moisture.
- Source: A 2016 human study found crosslinked HA raised epidermal water content by ~7.6% and cut transepidermal water loss by ~27.8% versus control.
- Source: Low-molecular-weight HA can travel deeper into skin and has been linked to improved elasticity and wrinkle depth in clinical work.
๐งฌ Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 Signal peptide Promising
The hero peptide of Matrixyl Synthe'6. As a matrikine-mimetic signal peptide, it encourages the look of firmer skin by supporting the appearance of collagen and matrix proteins.
- Source: In one 56-day study, a serum pairing 15% vitamin C with 5 ppm palmitoyl tripeptide-38 improved measured skin roughness and tone in women over 40.
- Source: The manufacturer reports this peptide signals six matrix components including collagen I, III, IV and hyaluronic acid.
๐ค Copper Lysinate/Prolinate Copper complex Promising
A copper amino-acid complex that supplies skin with bioavailable copper, a cofactor associated with the appearance of skin repair, firmness and overall complexion quality. This is the kind of copper technology that made Hylamide and its NIOD sibling popular with skincare enthusiasts.
- Source: Copper peptides are widely studied for supporting the visible signs of skin renewal and a healthier-looking barrier over time.
๐งซ Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3 Signal peptide Promising
A second signal peptide that complements Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, adding to the serum's "multi-peptide" positioning aimed at the look of smoother, more even, younger-looking skin.
- Source: Combining multiple signal peptides is a formulation strategy intended to address several visible aging pathways at once.
๐ฟ Salicylic Acid (BHA) <0.5% (est.) Proven
Present low in the list, contributing a mild exfoliating and pore-decongesting effect plus formula preservation. It refines texture without turning this into a strong exfoliant.
- Source: Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so it can penetrate pores to help clear buildup; the FDA recognizes 0.5โ2% for OTC acne products.
- Source: It has aspirin-like soothing properties and does not notably increase sun sensitivity.
๐ฆ Glycerin + Saccharide Isomerate 3โ10% (typ.) Proven
Backbone humectants that draw and hold water in the skin. Saccharide Isomerate (a corn-derived sugar complex) bonds to skin for longer-lasting, "second-day" hydration that supports the HA network.
- Source: Glycerin is a non-irritating humectant suitable for all skin types and compatible with almost every other ingredient.
- Source: Saccharide isomerate is structured to mimic skin's own carbohydrates, giving it durable moisturizing properties.
๐ Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract 1โ5% (typ.) Promising
A marine ferment (trade name Antarcticine/Arctalis) used for soothing and the look of smoother, more hydrated skin around expression lines.
- Source: Manufacturer trials report creams with 1โ5% increased skin hydration and reduced the look of wrinkle depth around the eyes.
36 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3, Copper Lysinate/Prolinate, Methylglucoside Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Polyglucuronic Acid, Lactobacillus/Eriodictyon Californicum Ferment Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Phospholipids, Lecithin, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Hexylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethoxydiglycol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply to clean skin morning and night, before heavier serums and moisturizer. The brand suggests following with SubQ Eyes and any Hylamide boosters as needed. In the AM, always finish with sunscreen.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse
Start with clean, towel-dried skin so the lightweight fluid can absorb evenly.
Dispense a Few Drops
Use roughly half to one full pipette for the whole face. A little goes a long way with this watery texture.
Press & Smooth
Apply across the entire face AM and PM. It can be gently smoothed on and around the eye area too.
Layer & Lock In
Wait a few seconds to absorb, then follow with moisturizer (and SPF in the morning). Patch test first if your skin is reactive.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You want lightweight, multi-depth hydration that won't feel heavy or sticky
- You're starting to address early fine lines, sagging or rough texture
- You like a fragrance-free, oil-free serum that layers under everything
- You enjoy peptide- and copper-based "skincare nerd" formulas from the DECIEM family
- You have oily, combination or normal skin and dislike tacky residue
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You want a single, high-strength anti-aging treatment (this is gentle and supportive)
- You're very dry and need a rich, occlusive cream rather than a watery fluid
- You're strictly avoiding all ferments due to fungal-acne concerns
- You're pregnant/breastfeeding and prefer fully BHA-free products
- You need easy, ongoing repurchasing โ the Hylamide line has been discontinued
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Oil-free, watery texture absorbs fast without adding shine; the low-level BHA helps keep pores clear.
Hydrates well thanks to multi-weight HA, but very dry skin will want a richer cream layered on top.
Balances hydration across the face without overloading the oilier T-zone โ an ideal everyday layer.
Fragrance-, oil- and allergen-free and well tolerated, but the BHA and pH adjusters mean a patch test is smart.
Low comedogenicity and a touch of BHA are friendly to breakouts, though ferment-sensitive skin should monitor.
Peptides, copper and deep hydration target the look of lines, sagging and texture without irritation.
๐ Results Timeline
Plump, Comfortable Hydration
Skin feels instantly hydrated and looks dewier as the HA complex pulls in water. Absorbs fast with no sticky film.
~85% noticedSmoother Surface
Reviewers report softer, more supple skin and a more even-looking surface with consistent AM/PM use.
~65% noticedRefined Texture & Fine Lines
Peptides and copper work gradually; over a couple of months users describe the look of softened fine lines and improved texture.
~50% noticedLong-Term Skin Quality
With ongoing use, the focus shifts to maintained hydration and overall complexion quality rather than dramatic change.
~40% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Excellent, multi-depth hydration that absorbs fast
- Thin, non-sticky texture that layers beautifully
- Smart peptide + copper + HA "skin-nerd" formula
- Fragrance-, oil- and alcohol-free; vegan and cruelty-free
- Reviewers call it a hydrating "hidden gem"
- Was great value for the technology when available
โ Criticized
- The Hylamide brand has been discontinued by DECIEM
- Often sold out; limited distribution while it lasted
- Gentle, not a high-strength anti-aging treatment
- Open dropper bottle can expose product to air over time
- Contains ferments + BHA, so not ideal for everyone
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Same DECIEM family and a multi-peptide + HA concept. Lacks copper and the marine ferments, but it's the closest accessible stand-in and still in production.
Adds 1% copper peptides (GHK-Cu) to the Buffet base, echoing SubQ Skin's peptide-plus-copper angle. Different copper form and HA blend, but conceptually the nearest alternative.
Shares the Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 (Matrixyl Synthe'6) hero peptide plus HA at a rock-bottom price. More focused on lines, with less of the layered hydration complex.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Hylamide SubQ Skin (Featured)
~$28The Ordinary "Buffet"
$17.50NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex
~$60The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA
$10.50๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed to limit air exposure.
30 ml glass bottle with a dropper/pipette applicator.
Yes โ 30 ml is well under the 100 ml carry-on liquid limit.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Most of the formula โ hyaluronic acid, glycerin, peptides โ is generally considered pregnancy-friendly, but it does contain salicylic acid (BHA). Topical BHA at the low level seen here is usually viewed as low-risk, yet many OB-GYNs prefer you avoid or limit salicylic acid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We've flagged it as "caution," so please confirm with your own doctor before use.
It's free of the esters and most oils that commonly trigger fungal acne, but it does contain ferments (Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate) and lecithin, which some Malassezia-prone people react to. Tolerance varies a lot from person to person, so we list it as "caution" and recommend a patch test if you're fungal-acne sensitive.
It already contains BHA plus a low-pH citric/AHA buffer, so avoid stacking it in the same step as strong direct acids or low-pH vitamin C to reduce irritation โ alternate AM/PM or on different days instead. It generally pairs well with retinol (use the retinol at night and this for hydration), niacinamide and hydrating toners. When in doubt, introduce one active at a time.
It suits most skin types but shines on oily, combination, normal and mature skin that wants lightweight, multi-depth hydration plus gentle peptide support. Very dry skin will likely want a richer moisturizer layered on top, and very reactive or strictly ferment-avoidant skin should patch test first.
Hydration and a dewier, plumper look are usually immediate. Smoother texture tends to show over 1โ2 weeks, while the peptide- and copper-driven benefits for the look of fine lines and firmness develop gradually over roughly 4โ8+ weeks of consistent twice-daily use. It's a supportive, slow-and-steady serum rather than an overnight transformer.
Apply it to clean skin after cleansing and any toner, and before heavier serums, oils and moisturizer. Use it both morning and night. The brand suggests following with SubQ Eyes and any Hylamide boosters as needed, and always finishing your AM routine with sunscreen.
It's low on the comedogenic scale (about 1/5). The base is water and humectants with no heavy oils, it's oil-free, and the small amount of BHA actually helps keep pores clear. Most people, including acne-prone users, find it non-clogging, though individual reactions can always vary.
Plan to use it within about 12 months of opening (12M PAO). Keep it in a cool, dry spot out of direct sunlight and close the cap between uses, since the dropper bottle can expose the formula to air over time. Discard it if the color, smell or texture changes.
Verdict: Hylamide SubQ Skin is a quietly excellent hydrating serum โ a multi-weight hyaluronic acid complex layered with next-generation peptides, copper and a whisper of BHA in a thin, fast-absorbing, fragrance-free fluid. Reviewers consistently call it a "hidden gem" for multi-depth hydration and smoother-looking skin, and it punched well above its price for the technology inside. The main catch isn't the formula at all: DECIEM discontinued the entire Hylamide line, so it's increasingly hard to find. If you can grab it, it's a lovely everyday hydration-and-peptide step; if not, The Ordinary's "Buffet" (and Buffet + Copper) are the closest, easy-to-buy successors.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 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 |
Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Pentylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum
|
Hydrating
|