Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream Normal and Combo Skin 1.7 oz
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This moisturizer contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, ascorbyl glucoside, and panthenol, which provide hydration and antioxidant benefits. However, the presence of denatured alcohol as a top ingredient can be drying and potentially damaging to the skin barrier, and the inclusion of synthetic fragrance may cause irritation for sensitive skin types. The product's formulation is a mix of beneficial and potentially harmful components, leading to a moderate processing level.
Key ingredients 22
Ascorbyl GlucosideVery Good
Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C used for its antioxidant properties. It helps in brightening the skin and reducing signs of aging. It is well-tolerated by most skin types.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Helps in reducing pigmentation and improving skin radiance.
PanthenolVery Good
Panthenol, also known as pro-vitamin B5, is a moisturizing and soothing agent. It helps in improving skin hydration and reducing inflammation. It is well-tolerated by most skin types and considered beneficial.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with panthenol.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and promotes healing.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is considered safe and beneficial for most skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with glycerin, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Glycerin helps maintain skin hydration and improves skin barrier function.
Biosaccharide Gum-1Good
Biosaccharide Gum-1 is a moisturizing and soothing agent derived from plants. It provides long-lasting hydration and a silky feel to the skin. It is considered safe and beneficial for most skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and provides a soothing effect.
Nymphaea Alba Extract/Nymphaea Alba Flower ExtractGood
Nymphaea Alba Extract is derived from the white water lily and is known for its soothing and antioxidant properties. It helps in calming the skin and reducing redness. It is considered safe and beneficial for most skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this botanical extract.
Benefits
Provides soothing and antioxidant benefits to the skin.
Pyrus Malus Water/Apple Fruit WaterGood
Apple Fruit Water is used for its hydrating and antioxidant properties. It helps in refreshing the skin and providing a natural fragrance. It is considered safe and beneficial for most skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
Provides hydration and antioxidant benefits to the skin.
Tocopheryl AcetateGood
Tocopheryl Acetate is a form of Vitamin E used for its antioxidant properties. It helps in protecting the skin from free radical damage and improving skin health. It is considered safe and beneficial for most skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and improves skin health.
Aqua/WaterNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in the application and absorption of the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in skincare.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in skincare products.
Benefits
Water helps in hydrating the skin by acting as a vehicle for other moisturizing ingredients.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl Glycol is used as a skin conditioning agent and preservative booster. It helps in improving the texture and feel of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Rarely, it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves skin hydration and enhances the efficacy of preservatives.
CarbomerNeutral
Carbomer is a thickening agent used to stabilize and control the viscosity of cosmetic products. It is inert and does not penetrate the skin. It is considered safe for use in skincare formulations.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with carbomer.
Benefits
Helps in achieving the desired consistency and stability of the product.
ChlorphenesinNeutral
Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective in low concentrations and generally considered safe. However, it may cause irritation in some individuals.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Helps in maintaining product safety by preventing microbial contamination.
Ci 14700 / Red 4Neutral
Red 4 is a synthetic dye used to impart color to cosmetic products. It is approved for use in cosmetics and considered safe in regulated amounts. It does not provide any skincare benefits.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides aesthetic appeal by adding color to the product.
DimethiconolNeutral
Dimethiconol is a silicone-based polymer used for its conditioning properties. It provides a smooth application and forms a protective barrier on the skin. It is non-comedogenic and generally considered safe.
Risks
May cause breakouts in very sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Benefits
Enhances skin smoothness and helps in moisture retention.
MenthoxypropanediolNeutral
Menthoxypropanediol is a cooling agent derived from menthol. It provides a refreshing sensation on the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin due to its cooling effect.
Benefits
Provides a cooling and refreshing sensation on the skin.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is used in very low concentrations and is considered safe for use. It does not provide any direct skincare benefits.
Risks
In high concentrations, it can be irritating, but it is used in safe amounts in cosmetics.
Benefits
Helps in maintaining the stability and efficacy of the product by adjusting pH.
Sodium Palmitoyl ProlineNeutral
Sodium Palmitoyl Proline is a skin conditioning agent used to improve skin texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not have significant risks or benefits associated with its use.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
Improves skin texture and feel.
Tetrasodium EDTANeutral
Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent used to improve the stability and efficacy of cosmetic formulations. It binds to metal ions, preventing them from affecting the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
Enhances product stability and prevents degradation.
Xanthan GumNeutral
Xanthan Gum is a thickening agent used to stabilize and improve the texture of cosmetic products. It is derived from natural sources and considered safe for use. It does not provide any direct skincare benefits.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with xanthan gum.
Benefits
Helps in achieving the desired consistency and stability of the product.
DimethiconeBad
Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.
Risks
May cause breakouts in very sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Benefits
Provides a silky texture and helps in retaining moisture by forming a barrier on the skin.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Helps in maintaining product safety by preventing microbial contamination.
Alcohol DenatVery Bad
Denatured alcohol is used as a solvent and astringent in cosmetics. It can be drying and irritating to the skin, especially in high concentrations. It may disrupt the skin's natural barrier over time.
Risks
Prolonged use can lead to dryness, irritation, and disruption of the skin barrier.
Benefits
It helps in quick drying of the product and can provide a refreshing feel.
Parfum/FragranceVery Bad
Fragrance is used to impart a pleasant scent to cosmetic products. It can be irritating to the skin, especially for sensitive individuals. It is often associated with allergic reactions and skin sensitivity.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions and skin irritation.
Benefits
Provides a pleasant scent to the product.
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