Dermalogica Active Moist 50ml (travelsize)
Description
Description
Oil-free lightweight day cream for oily and combination skin
Choosing a moisturizer for oily or combination skin is more paradoxical than for any other skin type. Too heavy and the skin becomes overloaded, shines, and pores get clogged. Too light or no moisturizer at all, and the skin compensates by producing extra sebum—the very problem you were trying to avoid. The right texture lies in the middle: a formula that provides enough moisture without leaving oily components on the skin. So oil-free, but still hydrating.
Dermalogica Active Moist in the 50 ml size is exactly that—a light, oil-free day cream that absorbs quickly and gives oily or combination skin hydration without a greasy feeling or shine afterward. The formula combines a Prebiotic Moisture Complex with plant extracts such as burdock root, lemon, cucumber, and watercress that help regulate the skin. The 50 ml size is the most popular standard size—good for about three months with twice-daily use. A thoughtful choice for those who have already found their moisturizer and use it as a fixed part of their morning and evening routine.
Benefits
- Oil-free lightweight formula without greasy feeling or shine afterward
- Fast absorption, ideal as a base under makeup or SPF
- Nourishes the natural skin microbiome with Prebiotic Moisture Complex
- Plant extracts of burdock root, lemon, and watercress regulate sebum production
- Suitable for twice-daily use, also for acne-prone skin
Active Ingredients
Prebiotic Moisture Complex (Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate): The core technological ingredient of Active Moist. This fermented plant complex nourishes the natural skin microbiome—the collection of billions of good bacteria living on healthy skin that keep it balanced. In oily and combination skin, this microbiome often becomes unbalanced due to excessive sebum and harsh cleansers. The complex restores bacterial balance, resulting in skin that becomes less prone to irritation and feels more even.
Saccharide Isomerate: A plant-based humectant derived from sugar beets that binds to the skin and attracts active moisture for up to 72 hours. Especially valuable for oily skin—this ingredient provides hydration without leaving oiliness or greasiness. The skin continuously attracts moisture, even between applications, without needing to produce extra sebum.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and coconut alkanes: Light plant-based fats that nourish the skin without clogging pores. Unlike heavy oils, these ingredients penetrate the skin quickly and do not leave a film on the surface. They provide just the support the skin barrier needs without the dreaded shine or heaviness that oily skin wants to avoid.
Hydrolyzed jojoba esters: An advanced form of jojoba that resembles natural skin lipids more than an external oil. Because of this, the skin recognizes this ingredient and uses it directly instead of leaving it on the surface like thicker oils. An ingredient that specifically does not overload oily skin and helps normalize natural sebum production.
Burdock root extract (Arctium Lappa): A traditional ingredient used for centuries in European herbal medicine for troubled and oily skin. Burdock root contains phyto-active compounds that help regulate and refine the skin. With daily use, it contributes to a smoother, more even skin surface and helps reduce clogged pores.
Lemon extract (Citrus Limon): A mild evening ingredient with natural AHAs that lightly refine skin texture. Combined with the other extracts, lemon contributes to a brighter, more vibrant skin tone—a common desire for those with dull, oil-prone skin with uneven texture.
Cucumber fruit extract: A cooling and soothing ingredient rich in polyphenols and vitamin C. Helps refresh the skin and provides light hydration without burdening the pores. With daily use, cucumber gives the skin a pleasant fresh feeling, a welcome feature for those with quickly shiny skin.
Watercress extract (Nasturtium Officinale): A lesser-known but particularly valuable ingredient for combination skin. Watercress is rich in sulfur-containing compounds that help regulate sebum production. An ingredient specifically selected for this skin type because of its balancing effect on the T-zone.
Plant-based calming complex (ivy, mallow, bergamot, lavender): Four extracts that together soothe the skin and counteract mild irritations. For combination skin, which often has sensitive zones alongside oilier areas, this complex provides the balance this skin type needs.
Allantoin: A soothing ingredient that supports skin healing and calms mild irritations. Especially valuable for acne-prone skin where occasional inflammations occur—allantoin helps these spots heal faster without stressing the skin further.
How to use
- Thoroughly cleanse your face with your regular Dermalogica cleansing routine
- Apply the Multi-Active Toner and optionally your serum of choice
- Dispense a small amount of Active Moist onto your fingertips—a half pea-sized amount is usually enough
- Spread with light upward motions over face and neck on slightly damp skin
- Always finish with sun protection as the last step in the morning. In the evening, use as the last step of your nighttime routine
Suitable for
- Normal, combination, and oily skin needing light hydration
- Acne-prone skin and skin with clogged pores
- Those who experience a quickly shiny T-zone
- Teenagers and young adults with hormonally influenced skin
- Daily use in both morning and evening routines
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose the 50 ml size?
The 50 ml size is the most popular standard size—ideal for those who use Active Moist as their regular moisturizer in their daily routine. With twice-daily use, a tube typically lasts about three months, a good balance between supply and freshness. If you use it longer, the 100 ml or 150 ml sizes are more cost-effective per milliliter.
Is Active Moist really suitable for oily skin?
Yes, it is specifically developed for this skin type. Oily skin needs moisture just as much as any other skin type—just not in the form of a rich, oil-containing cream. Active Moist is formulated oil-free: it provides pure hydration without ingredients that clog pores. Many people with oily skin report that their skin actually shines less with daily use because the skin no longer needs to produce extra sebum to compensate for moisture loss.
What is the difference between Active Moist and Skin Smoothing Cream?
Active Moist is a light, oil-free formula for normal, combination, and oily skin. Skin Smoothing Cream is a medium-weight cream with Active HydraMesh Technology for combination to slightly dry skin. Do you have skin that shines quickly or suffers from clogged pores? Choose Active Moist. Do you have skin that feels drier or shows fine dehydration lines? Then Skin Smoothing Cream is a better fit.
Does Active Moist clog pores?
No, the formula is deliberately developed oil-free and targeted at oil-prone skin. Many acne-prone users report that their skin actually calms down with daily use. For individual sensitivities, we always recommend testing a small amount on the jawline first.
Can I use Active Moist under my makeup?
Yes, and this is one of the nicest features of this formula. The light texture absorbs within minutes without leaving a film on the skin. Wait a few minutes after application before applying your foundation, BB cream, or SPF—this way your makeup stays in place without smudging.
Can teenagers use Active Moist?
Definitely. Active Moist is an excellent choice for teenagers with hormonally influenced oily or combination skin. Many skin therapists and dermatologists recommend oil-free moisturizers for adolescents—they provide hydration without clogging pores during a period when the skin produces extra sebum.
Can I combine Active Moist with a retinol or acid routine?
Absolutely. Active Moist is light enough to apply over active serums without hindering their effect, while providing the hydration the skin needs to tolerate retinol or BHA acids well. Apply the serum first on slightly damp skin and finish with Active Moist.
How long before I see results?
Immediately after the first application, the skin feels softer and better hydrated without a greasy feeling. For visible improvement in sebum production and skin texture, usually four to six weeks of daily use are needed. For the full effect of the Prebiotic Moisture Complex on the skin microbiome, a period of two to three months is realistic—exactly the period a 50 ml tube lasts.

