Skin1004 has built itself up on different lineages, each designed to address a different skin type to maximize the effect of its products. It’s Hyalu-Cica line is one of the most beloved, due to its combination of soothing centella asciatica extract, blended with plumping and hydrating hyaluronic acid. The Hyalu-Cica line is designed for deep, lightweight and full hydration – making it a big favourite, as not only does it calm dry skin in winter, but it is also lightweight to avoid clogging skin in the summer. 

Their top product is the Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum, which provides ceramides, brightening niacinamide and enriching hyaluronic acid all while providing SPF+50 protection. Another favourite includes their Hyalu-Cica Cloudy Mist, which provides an on-the-go water boost, where users can spray skin whenever dry in a fine mist that refreshes even a full face of make-up. 

But, what of their humble moisturizer? Skin1004 always has a simple cream in their line, which provides a boost of moisture towards the end of a routine to seal in all that came before it to maximize and calm skin. Their Moisture Cream forms the base of the line and should be the clear indication of how moisturizing their line-up is. So, let’s put it to the test! 

Centella asciatica (50%): deep, herbal extract that is taken from growing in the wilds of Madagascar. Is an anti-inflammatory extract that calms wounds, treats scars and reduces dryness, irritation and acne. 

Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate: a glossy emollient, which gives a moisturizer a velvety-soft feel and also makes a cream water-resistant for lasting effect. There’s a variety of other agents in this cream too, designed to keep it light to touch and ensures it absorbs quickly. 

Niacinamide: brightening vitamin B3 that helps lift pigment from skin to even skin tone and also imparts a lasting glow. 

Sedum sarmentosum extract (Sedum): small, colorful flowering plant used in herbal remedies due to its rich antioxidants that stimulate cell repair. Improves skin healing, improves fine lines and provides a deep hydration. 

Banana flower extract: rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, which rapidly reduce melanin content of cells to lift skin tone and even appearance. 

Rosa damascena extract: extracted from rose petals, this refreshes skin barrier, cools irritation and provides plumping antioxidants for cell repair. 

Hyaluronic acid/Sodium hyaluronate: naturally draws water towards it, so if carefully absorbed into skin, holds and maintains water inside skin barrier to plump and maintain a longer moisture.  

Other extracts: Chinaberry (antimicrobial), Pear extract (soothing), Plum flower (protective), Melon extract (hydrating), Ivy extract (cleansing), Eggplant extract (antioxidants), Baobab extract (vitamin-rich), Horsetail plant extract (elasticity), Cranberry extracts (collagen), Olive extract (softening), Turmeric extract (brightening). 

More than half the ingredient list is a variety of extracts from all over the world. As always, with an ingredient list – you never know if there’s enough of something to make a clear difference, but it does have some exciting additions, especially banana flower extract (which provides a natural tone-up effect) and calming sedum extract. 

It is a relatively sensitive-skin safe formula, although there are a few ingredients to be aware of it you already have a relatively intensive skincare routine. If you are already using niacinamide and hyaluronic acid in other products, too much can cause irritation if you have sensitive skin – so be cautious of what you are already using. 

This is a lightweight cream, designed for more oily/acne-prone skin, so although it will absolutely provide a boost to dry skin, it’s not likely to be enough on its own for very dry skin. 

I have combination and acne-prone skin but was having dry flares due to how cold the Melbourne winter has been. I had a lot of background redness, which I was looking to calm and soothe. I added the moisturizer to the end of my evening routine and was delighted by the texture. It comes out very slightly gummy, but immediately blends into skin with a single touch. It’s super lightweight and not at all sticky.  

It had a mild scent to it that was really pleasant and after applying all over and massaging, it was absorbed within a few minutes and my face had no tackiness to it, instead feeling soft and refreshed. I would describe it as the perfect about of hydration for oily/combination skin. It wasn’t overwhelming and had no cloy to it, which would make it suitable even in hotter weather. 

There was no dramatic before and after, but my skin felt so much better. I did notice improved hydration and a solid plumping effect. Having a moisturizer for the end of the day that provided a light boost without creating a barrier was great – and the lightweight formula did not trigger my acne (I have had a breakout to the Skin1004 Centella Cream before, so this was a relief). 

This would be a great moisturizer to consider for oily and acne-prone skin, especially if you are feeling on the dry side. It has a great texture, absorbs in an instant and provides a neat plumping boost. Its mild manner makes it a great addition to a variety of routines – and if you are using more stronger actives and need something to cool everything down – this is a great cream to pick.

Shop Skin1004's iconic Hyalu-Cica range and more of the best in K-beauty at Arktastic!