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- As part of the Insider Reviews team, I often experiment with products to find what works best.
- Trader Joe's Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer has snuck its way into my everyday skincare regimen.
- Its key ingredients, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, make it favorable for sensitive skin like mine.
Trader Joe's Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."People can trust Trader Joe's to deliver on unique food items like Everything But The Bagel seasoning, cookie butter, plant-based options, and stellar customer service that's borderline-flirtatious. And, it often beats out mass-market grocery store prices by foregoing name brands.
It's always great to have tried-and-true products without the high price tag, but that's especially true when it comes to skincare. Enter Trader Joe's best-kept secret: the Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer.
Trader Joe's has built up quite a collection of skincare products, including rose water toners and natural deodorants, but this one's taken rank as one of my desert island beauty products (the ones you absolutely can't live without).
I knew that many of Trader Joe's skincare products are made with natural ingredients, so I put it to the test seven months ago to see if it would work with my sensitive skin, and it's now a staple in my routine. Below, I share my thoughts about what makes it so great, plus a dermatologist's take on the ingredients list.
Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and sodium hyaluronate are some of the key ingredients to look for in a good moisturizer, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jeanine Downie.
All of these ingredients are found in the gel moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate, if not mixed with too many other preservative chemicals, are perfect for sensitive skin thanks to their hydrating qualities, according to Dr. Downie.
The light, aqueous lotion is dermatologist-formulated, meaning it was properly tested by board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Downie told Insider. The water-based formula is vegan and packed with soothing ingredients like aloe and green tea. It's free of parabens and fragrances, which are harsh on sensitive skin.
It absorbs into the skin almost immediately. My face took some time to adjust, but it doesn't irritate the dry or sensitive areas, or my oily T-zone.
I apply it as one of the last steps in my skincare routine after I've cleansed and applied serums. I use it twice a day during the morning and evening, but you can use it anytime as needed. I scoop a quarter-sized amount onto my finger and massage it into my face, ears, and neck. You don't need to apply as much as you would with a cream-texture moisturizer. When my face feels extra dry, I'll apply another thin layer, but a second layer might feel too tacky.
Store it in darker areas or in the fridge for an added cooling effect
Airless pump products are better than jar packaging because the latter exposes ingredients to the air. This can change the pH slightly, but it doesn't happen often, according to Dr. Downie. She also recommends keeping the moisturizer out of direct sunlight. I suggest investing in a mini scoop so you aren't reaching into the jar with your fingers.
Cons to consider
The gel moisturizer is hydrating in all areas except my eyes. This is where I get eczema. My dermatologist said my eye eczema was caused by cosmetic or contact allergies. So although some say it is a myth, I reach for an eye cream as a gentler alternative.
Although I consider this a total win at just $9, it's pricier at online retailers (you'll find it on Amazon for $17) and may be harder to get a hold of if you don't have a Trader Joe's location near you.
Worthy alternatives include the Tatcha Water Cream and La Mer Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream. If you go through moisturizers quickly, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Facial Moisturizer and First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer come close too.
The bottom line
Trader Joe's gel moisturizer can stand up to high-end facial moisturizers. Its soothing, aqueous formula is a relief to my sensitive skin, and I feel great knowing that it's cruelty-free and formulated with natural ingredients. For the tempting $9 price tag and grocery store convenience, I'm happy to repurchase it again and again.
Jacqueline Saguin Style & Beauty Reviews Fellow Jacqueline Saguin is a style & beauty fellow with Insider Reviews, covering everything from the latest TikTok trends to sustainability in the fashion and beauty industries. Before joining Insider, she was a freelance writer at Giggle Magazine and Wellness360 Magazine, where she wrote and edited feature stories, product roundups, and expert reported stories. Her work has appeared in Her Campus, PBS/NPR-affiliate WUFT News, and more. Jacqueline earned her bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication studies from the University of Florida. Although she is focusing on e-commerce and style & beauty, she has a background in entertainment, health, and parenting writing as well as social media management. Say hello at jsaguin@businessinsider.com or @jackiesaguin on Twitter. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Read more Read lessncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnkpqutsDYaKurmZSav262zp6qZp6RmLJuuc6iqq2top7Hpr6Mq5yvoZWs