Dermalogica Cooling Aqua Jelly 59ml

Cooling gel moisturizer with hyaluronic acid for oily skin

Oily skin that still experiences dehydration — it seems contradictory, but is a common situation among teenagers and young adults. The more sebum the skin produces, the more many people reflexively cleanse aggressively. And the more aggressive the cleansing, the more the skin dries out and produces even more sebum to compensate. A vicious cycle that can only be broken with the right form of hydration.

The Cooling Aqua Jelly is deliberately developed for exactly this situation. A watery gel texture that cools the skin almost instantly and dries within seconds — without leaving an oily layer behind. Hyaluronic acid binds moisture in the upper skin layers, while a plant-based "retinol-like" bioflavonoid complex simultaneously works to refine skin texture and regulate sebum production. It’s the right hydration for those who always found moisturizing creams too heavy.

Advantages

• Hydrates oily skin without clogging pores
• Cooling effect immediately after application for a refreshing feeling
• Regulates sebum production and refines visible pores
• Gives the skin a natural, dewy glow without oily shine
• Suitable for a combination of dehydration and oily areas on the same skin

Active ingredients

Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate): Binds multiple times its own weight in moisture in the upper skin layers. Unlike oily moisturizing oils, hyaluronic acid works on a molecular level — it attracts and retains water, hydrating the skin from within rather than leaving a layer on the surface. Hence the typical dewy finish that doesn’t feel like an ordinary cream.

Retinol-like Bioflavonoid Complex (Maclura Cochinchinensis): A plant-based complex derived from the Cockspur Thorn tree, offering similar effects to retinol — refining skin texture, regulating sebum production, and promoting cell renewal — but without the irritation that retinol can sometimes cause. Especially suitable for young skin not yet ready for classic retinol.

Moroccan Blue Chamomile (Blue Tansy) & Aloe Vera: Two powerful calming ingredients. Blue chamomile (Tanacetum Annuum) naturally contains azulene, a molecule with deep anti-inflammatory properties that soothes the skin after a pimple or irritation. Aloe vera supports the skin barrier and enhances the moisturizing effect of hyaluronic acid.

Blueberry & Turmeric: Two plant-based antioxidants that protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by air pollution and screen time. Blueberry also provides a slight brightening effect, while turmeric soothes inflammation and restores the natural glow — especially valuable for those who notice their skin feels dull alongside oily.

Basil, Clove & Cinnamon: Three aromatic extracts that balance the skin and enhance the characteristic light, cooling effect of the Aqua Jelly. They also give the product a subtle, fresh plant-based scent without the need for synthetic fragrance.

How to use it

1. Cleanse your face and optionally apply a toner or serum
2. Press a pea-sized amount onto your fingertips
3. Distribute with light tapping motions over the face and neck, including around the eye and mouth area
4. Allow to absorb completely for 30 seconds — you will immediately feel it cool and dry
5. Use morning and evening as the last moisturizing step; during the day, optionally followed by an SPF

Suitable for

• Teenagers and young adults with oily or combination skin
• Preteens from about 10 years old who are ready for their first moisturizer
• Adults with oily skin who cannot tolerate heavier creams
• Dehydrated skin that also feels oily
• Suitable for sensitive skin provided it is first tested with a patch test

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this moisturizer hydrating enough for winter?

For oily to combination skin, the Cooling Aqua Jelly is usually sufficient even in winter. If you temporarily have drier skin in cold months, you can use it as a base layer under a richer cream or the SPF from Clear Start. For distinctly dry winter skin, a richer product is better suited.

Can I use this product after a retinol serum?

Yes, that is possible without any problems. The Cooling Aqua Jelly even works soothingly after applying retinol, as the hyaluronic acid and calming botanicals soothe the skin against possible irritation. Apply the retinol first, let it absorb for a minute, and finish with the Aqua Jelly.

Can this moisturizer be worn under makeup?

Yes, and that is one of the most praised uses. Due to its watery texture, it absorbs completely without leaving a layer, allowing foundation to apply evenly over the skin without turning into a greasy shine. Give the product a minute to fully dry before continuing with makeup.

What is the difference with the Skin Soothing Hydrating Lotion from the same line?

The Cooling Aqua Jelly is specifically targeted at oily or combination skin that also needs hydration, with a retinol-like complex that regulates sebum production. The Skin Soothing Hydrating Lotion is slightly richer and focuses more on calming sensitive, irritated skin. If you suffer from both, you can try the Aqua Jelly first due to its broader applicability.