"The microbiome in normal skin is composed of several strains of 'healthy' bacteria that prevent the growth and infection of harmful bacteria/yeasts/viruses, an important function of the skin barrier-preventing infection," says Dr. S. Manjula Jegasothy, a Miami-based dermatologist. "Including prebiotics in skin care serves to help the skin barrier with this task." This whipped gel-to-cream formula taps probiotics to help boost the microbiome and skin barrier function, along with lactic acid to exfoliate.
"Antioxidants help calm skin to speed recovery," notes Palm — and his weightless cream-gel formula, which instantly sinks into skin, is chock full of them: vitamins A and C and anti-inflammatory niacinamide, along with microbiome-boosting peptides.
In the jar, this tansy-blue gel cream looks more like a fun science experiment than skin care: take a swipe of the pudding-like gel onto your finger and watch the remaining contents of the jar magically meld back together. But what's more important is how it affects skin: though light in texture, the cream boasts 20 percent humectants to hydrate like crazy, along with a proprietary blend of ingredients to help protect skin from blue light.
This vegan gel not only strengthens the skin barrier with prebiotics, it also contains cica, a calming ingredient that neutralizes redness and is kind to sensitive skin. The fluid formula (75 percent of which is made of aloe and cucumber extract) is also our new go-to for sticky summer months: it smells like fresh celery juice and delivers a cooling sensation, which leaves skin feeling stimulated and awake, but not tingly.
Looking for a summer moisturizer that delivers moisture and a glassy skin finish? This fragrance and oil-free gel packs hyaluronic acid to water deliver hydration and glycerin to lock it in — all at a price that won't break the bank.
