Vinosource-Hydra S.O.S. Intense Moisturizer
Vinosource-Hydra S.O.S. Intense Moisturizer
Product Description
Product overview
A rich, silky moisturizing cream from Caudalie built for very dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin. Powered by organic grape water, olive squalane, omega-rich borage oil and antioxidant grape-seed polyphenols, it floods skin with comfort, calms redness and tightness, and clinically boosts hydration by 90% after 8 hours — all in a 97% natural-origin, vegan formula.
+90% Hydration
Caudalie reports skin hydration increases by 90% and stays comfortable for up to 8 hours after a single application.
Texture & feel
SENSORY+90% Hydration
Caudalie reports skin hydration increases by 90% and stays comfortable for up to 8 hours after a single application.
Grape Antioxidant Shield
Patented grape-seed polyphenols help neutralize free radicals that accelerate visible aging and barrier stress.
Borage Oil Barrier Repair
Omega-6 (GLA)–rich borage seed oil nourishes and helps rebuild a compromised, flaky moisture barrier.
Prebiotic Grape Water
Organic grape water hydrates, soothes and helps rebalance the skin microbiome for a calmer complexion.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEGenerally considered safe — no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical UV filters. Confirm fragrance tolerance with your doctor.
Not recommended. Contains fatty-acid esters and plant oils (e.g. ethylhexyl palmitate, oils, fatty alcohols) that can feed malassezia.
Includes a light plant-based parfum. Well tolerated by most, but very reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin should patch test first.
Plays well with retinol, vitamin C, AHA/BHA serums — apply it as the final hydrating/buffering step to reduce irritation.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSOrganic Grape Water (Vitis Vinifera Fruit Water) HighPromising
Caudalie's signature plant water, distilled from grapes. It hydrates, soothes and acts as a prebiotic to help rebalance the skin microbiome for a calmer, healthier-looking complexion.
- Source: Antioxidant-rich and prebiotic, it sits high in the formula as a soothing hydrating base.
- Best for: Dehydrated, reactive and redness-prone skin.
Olive Squalane ~3–5%Proven
A lightweight, skin-identical emollient extracted from renewable olive oil. It locks in moisture and softens without a greasy finish, mimicking the skin's own sebum.
- Source: Research shows squalane is non-irritating even at 100% concentration.
- Note: Olive-derived squalane can contain trace fatty impurities, which is one reason this formula is not malassezia-safe.
Borage Seed Oil (Borago Officinalis) MediumPromising
One of the richest plant sources of omega-6 gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). It nourishes very dry skin and supports barrier repair — the anchor active that earns this cream its "S.O.S." name.
- Source: GLA-rich fatty acids help replenish lipids in a compromised barrier.
- Best for: Flaky, tight, winter-stressed or over-exfoliated skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin Multi-%Proven
A classic humectant duo. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid's salt form both pull water into the upper layers of skin, plumping and reinforcing surface hydration.
- Source: A 2016 study found glycerin more effective as a humectant than AHAs or hyaluronic acid alone.
- Synergy: Paired with occlusive emollients to attract and then seal moisture in.
Grape-Seed Polyphenols & Vitamin E AntioxidantPromising
Caudalie's patented grape-seed polyphenols team up with tocopherol/tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E) to defend skin against free-radical and environmental damage.
- Source: Grape polyphenols are potent antioxidants; Vitamin E strengthens the lipid barrier and adds free-radical protection.
- Bonus: Samphire (Crithmum Maritimum) extract adds a smoothing, fine-line softening benefit.
33 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Cocoate, Squalane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Water, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Palmitoyl Grape Seed Extract, Cetearyl Wheat Straw Glycosides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oleyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera Juice, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Benzoate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Parfum.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and evening as your moisturizing step. For very dry skin, layer a few drops of facial oil on top or pair with the Vinosource Overnight Recovery Oil at night.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse
Start with a gentle cleanser on damp skin and pat lightly dry.
Treat
Apply your serum first — Caudalie suggests the Vinosource-Hydra Serum for an extra hydration boost.
Moisturize
Warm a pea-sized amount between fingertips and massage over face and neck, morning and night.
Boost (Optional)
For very dry or winter-stressed skin, mix in a few drops of a facial oil before applying.
Protect
In the morning, always finish with a broad-spectrum SPF as your final step.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry, dehydrated or "tight"-feeling skin
- Your barrier is compromised from acids, retinoids or winter weather
- You have sensitive, redness-prone skin needing soothing comfort
- You prefer clean, vegan, high natural-origin formulas
- You want a rich cream that isn't heavy or greasy
Consider alternatives if:
- You're prone to fungal acne / malassezia folliculitis
- You have very oily, easily-congested skin
- You need a strictly fragrance-free formula
- You want a large jar for the price (this is 40ml)
- You live in an extreme climate and need a heavier balm alone
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIts core purpose — rich, comforting hydration that relieves tightness and flaking fast.
91% allergen-free and soothing, but it does contain a light parfum — patch test if very reactive.
A comfortable daily moisturizer that hydrates without feeling heavy.
Great on dry zones; apply more sparingly on the T-zone if you tend to get shiny.
Rich and contains several emollient esters — a few users report congestion. Not malassezia-safe.
Results timeline
4+ WEEKSInstant Comfort
Tightness and that "about to crack" feeling ease within minutes of application.
88% felt soothed+90% Hydration
Caudalie's clinical data shows skin hydration is boosted by 90% and stays comfortable through the day.
90% hydration boostCalmer, Smoother Skin
Redness settles and flaking lifts as the barrier starts to recover with twice-daily use.
79% noticed calmer skinStronger Barrier
Skin feels more resilient, supple and able to hold onto moisture between applications.
74% reported lasting reliefRatings by platform
440+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Fast, lasting relief for very dry, tight skin
- Rich yet absorbs without a greasy finish
- Soothes redness and calms reactive skin
- Clean, vegan, 97% natural-origin formula
- Pleasant light scent and luxe texture
- Reasonably priced for the Caudalie range
Criticized
- Contains fragrance — not for fragrance-free seekers
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- 40ml jar is small for twice-daily use
- A few users report clogged pores or welts
- May not be rich enough alone in extreme cold
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Ceramide-and-hyaluronic barrier cream instead of grape actives. Fragrance-free and far cheaper per gram, but lacks the antioxidant polyphenols and luxe feel.
French-pharmacy barrier cream with ceramides and niacinamide. Lighter, fragrance-free and great for sensitive skin, but less rich and nourishing for very dry skin.
Cult French multitasking cream with shea and aloe. Comforting and rich like Caudalie, but no grape antioxidant story and a heavier, more occlusive finish.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDECaudalie Vinosource-Hydra S.O.S. (Featured)
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; close tightly after use.
Recyclable jar/tube using recycled plastic and glass.
Yes — 40ml is well under the 100ml carry-on limit.
Frequently asked questions
FAQIt's generally considered pregnancy- and breastfeeding-friendly. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters — the actives most often flagged during pregnancy. It does include a light plant-based fragrance, so if you're avoiding fragrance or have heightened sensitivity, confirm with your OB-GYN or dermatologist first.
No. The formula contains several fatty-acid esters, plant oils and fatty alcohols (such as ethylhexyl palmitate, coco-caprylate/caprate, oleyl alcohol, sunflower and borage oils) that can feed malassezia yeast. If you're managing fungal acne, choose a stripped-back, ester-free moisturizer instead.
Yes. Because it's a soothing, fragrance-light barrier cream, it actually pairs nicely with actives. Apply your retinol, vitamin C or acid serum first, let it absorb, then seal with this moisturizer as your final step. It can also "buffer" retinol for sensitive skin and helps offset the dryness those actives can cause.
It's designed for dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin, and excels on barriers compromised by weather, acids or retinoids. Normal and combination skin can use it comfortably too. Very oily or acne-prone skin may find it too rich and should apply sparingly or look at a lighter option.
Comfort is immediate — tightness eases within minutes. Caudalie's testing shows a 90% hydration boost after 8 hours. With twice-daily use, most people notice calmer redness and less flaking within 1–2 weeks, and a stronger, more resilient barrier after about 4 weeks.
It's your moisturizing step — apply after cleansing, toning and any serums, morning and night. In the AM, follow with sunscreen as the final step. For very dry skin, you can mix in a few drops of facial oil or layer it under the Vinosource Overnight Recovery Oil at night.
We rate it around 2/5 — low-to-moderate. Most users don't break out, but it does contain a few higher-comedogenic emollients (like ethylhexyl palmitate and oleyl alcohol), and a minority of reviewers report congestion. If you're acne-prone, patch test on the jaw for a week before applying all over.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months — look for the small open-jar symbol marked "12M" on the packaging. Store it in a cool, dry place, close it tightly, and use clean hands or a spatula to keep the formula fresh.
Verdict: The Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra S.O.S. Intense Moisturizer is a quietly excellent rescue cream for dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin. Borage oil, olive squalane and prebiotic grape water deliver fast, lasting comfort and a clinically-backed 90% hydration boost, all in a clean, vegan, 97% natural-origin formula. It loses points for the light fragrance, the small 40ml jar and the fact that it isn't fungal-acne safe — but for compromised winter barriers and reactive dry skin, it's one of the most well-rounded choices in the French-skincare aisle.
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 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 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 |
Ethylhexyl Cocoate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Refatting
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasingagent - Aqueous, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
|
|