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Barrier Balancing Water Cream

Refreshingly weightless barrier care, made for combination to oily skin. This water cream is proven to deliver fast-absorbing 72-hour hydration, visibly minimize pores, and keep shine under control—formulated with microbiome-friendly ingredients that support the barrier without feeling greasy.

Benefits

  • Hydrates
  • Smooths
  • Clarifies
Size
Size

Get 2 free samples with all orders

Free shipping on orders over $50

Barrier Balancing Water Cream

Skinfix Barrier Balancing Water Cream Hero Image

Full 1.7 oz

Weightless hydration that lasts three days straight—even after cleansing

Weightless hydration that lasts three days straight—even after cleansing

Close-up of a woman's face with a dollop of light pink cream foundation being blended onto her cheek by her fingers.
  • Details
    Details
    • Suitable for Sensitive Skin
    • Clinically Tested
    • Dermatologist Tested
    • Non-Comedogenic
    • Non-Acnegenic + Fungal Acne-Safe
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-Free
  • Details
    Details
    • Suitable for Sensitive Skin
    • Clinically Tested
    • Dermatologist Tested
    • Non-Comedogenic
    • Non-Acnegenic + Fungal Acne-Safe
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-Free
  • Ingredients
  • Ingredients
  • How to Use
    Day + Night
    • Use every day, twice a day—in the morning and at night
    • Apply 1-2 pumps to clean, dry skin after serum and eye cream
    Lock It In

    Allow Water Cream to sink in completely before makeup for a more matte look, or apply makeup while moisturizer still feels wet for a boost of dewiness

    Good To Know

    Plays well with actives—like exfoliating acids, retinoids, and brighteners

  • How to Use
    Day + Night
    • Use every day, twice a day—in the morning and at night
    • Apply 1-2 pumps to clean, dry skin after serum and eye cream
    Lock It In

    Allow Water Cream to sink in completely before makeup for a more matte look, or apply makeup while moisturizer still feels wet for a boost of dewiness

    Good To Know

    Plays well with actives—like exfoliating acids, retinoids, and brighteners

  • Awards
    2026

    Cosmopolitan Holy Grail Beauty Award – Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin

    2025

    Marie Claire Skin & Hair Award Winner - Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin

    2025

    Oprah Beauty O-Wards Winner - Best Lightweight Moisturizer

  • Awards
    2026

    Cosmopolitan Holy Grail Beauty Award – Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin

    2025

    Marie Claire Skin & Hair Award Winner - Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin

    2025

    Oprah Beauty O-Wards Winner - Best Lightweight Moisturizer

See in Action
  • Before
    After
  • Before
    After
  • Before
    After

Clinical Results

Clinically proven to boost hydration while significantly improving the look of pores
Results of a 4-week clinical trial on 32 subjects, analyzed with a corneometer and expert clinical grading, after 1 week and 4 weeks
  • 97% agreed that this moisturizer felt refreshing

    Results of a 7-day consumer perception study on 32 subjects with oily or combination skin, after 1 week
  • 97% said it layered into their routine without pilling

    Results of a 7-day consumer perception study on 32 subjects with oily or combination skin, after 1 week
  • 95% said it felt lightweight on skin

    Results of a 4-week consumer perception study on 32 subjects with oily or combination skin, immediately
  • 91% noticed their skin was less oily at the end of the day, and still hydrated

    Results of a 7-day consumer perception study on 32 subjects with oily or combination skin, after 1 week

Environmental

  • Pump

    Save the pump and reuse it with the refill, or place it in the Pact Collective bin for recycling - locations here

    Packaging Facts

    26% PCR mixed material

  • Cap

    Place in the recycle bin

    Packaging Facts

    1.7 oz: 70% PCR 0.5 oz: 50% PCR PP

  • Jar

    Unscrew the regular size 1.7 oz base, remove the pump and replace the cap on the base, then place it in the recycle bin. 

    Packaging Facts

    1.7 oz: 70% PCR PP outer Jar. 44% PCR PP by weight inner pod.
    0.5 oz: 50% PCR PP Jar

  • Box

    Place in recycle bin

    Packaging Facts

    100% FSC certified paper made with 30% recycled fibres and plant-based inks

1 of 3
A light blue plastic jar of skinfix Barrier Balancing Water Cream, shown at an angle against a white background.

FAQ

  • Is this safe to use if I have fungal acne?

    Yes, Barrier Balancing Water Cream is fungal acne safe—it was formulated without ingredients that are known to feed yeast and aggravate malassezia folliculitis (aka fungal acne).

  • Can I layer this with acne treatments/acids?

    Barrier Balancing Water Cream is dermatologist-approved, acne-safe, and designed to support your skin barrier with essential, soothing hydration. In other words: it's the perfect complement to acne treatments or acids.

  • I have oily/acne-prone skin—can I use this?

    Barrier Balancing Water Cream was clinically proven to be non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic, and is even safe for fungal acne. When tested on a panel of 32 people with oily skin, after 1 week, 91% said their skin was still hydrated and less oily at the end of the day.

  • Is this safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

    Barrier Balancing Water Cream has been reviewed and tested for safety on a panel of people who aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding. It does not include any ingredients known to be unsafe while pregnant or breastfeeding, but as with any new product, we recommend checking with your healthcare provider if you're concerned.

Overall rating: 4.773994 / 5 from 323 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The Barrier Balancing Water Cream is praised for its fast-absorbing hydration, lightweight texture, and ability to keep skin soft, refreshed, and free from shine. Customers appreciate its non-clogging properties and the way it enhances skin's youthful appearance. The sleek packaging is also noted for its ease of use.

Summary topics

  • Sensitive Skin Safety (11%): It was observed by customers that Skinfix Barrier Balancing Water Cream is safe for sensitive skin.
  • Skin Softness and Refreshment (52%): A substantial number of customers pointed out that this water barrier cream leaves their skin soft and refreshed.
  • Lightweight and Airy Texture (15%): A significant number of customers appreciated the lightweight and airy texture of the cream, finding it perfect for their skincare routine.
  • Hydration Effectiveness (20%): Many customers expressed satisfaction with the hydration provided by the Skinfix Barrier balancing water cream.
  • Skin Feeling (32%): A substantial number of customers stated that the product leaves their skin feeling soft, plump, and refreshed.

Review topics: ["size","weight","feels","scent","quality","improvement","results","issues","looks","packaging","texture","price","skin","amount","hydration","cream","absorbs","pores","formula","moisturizer","face","residue","breakouts","works","ingredients","consistency","fragrance","pump","container","glow"].

Review highlights

  • "This cream absorbs into my skin quickly and I can feel the hydration right away." — cassmariexox
  • "The difference is noticeable, and my skin feels calmer and less inflamed." — heyitsalyssad
  • "My skin looks glowy and healthy with minimized pores, I am obsessed!" — cindy333

Reviews

So far its doing well,

"So far its doing well, I have been breaking out a lot recently due to pregnancy and can update later on when I have been using longer than a month but so far it hasn't caused any ADDITIONAL greasiness or breakouts compared to my previous moisturizer. It has definitely helped hydrate because I used to have some dry flaky patches on my cheeks and nose."

— Eliana B. (3/5)

i can finally say i found a reliable moisturizer!

"I have struggled with severe acne on my forehead for over 3 years now off and on, and last winter it came back worse than ever before. I struggled to find a moisturizer that didn't have pore-clogging ingredients and almost gave up, until I tried this one. I legit could not clear up my acne because I had no reliable moisturizer that wouldn't clog my pores, and any treatment I used would dry my skin up more and cause more damage as well. If I could give anyone ANY advice for acne, find a good moisturizer like this one!! This is the first moisturizer I have found that was specifically made to not clog your pores which is super rare to find sadly!!"

— Khloe B. (5/5)

This is a beautiful cream

"This is a beautiful cream but I accidentally ordered it instead of the whipped new version. But this was nice as well if you have oily skin, this would be perfect for it. My skin drinks this up and my rosacea prone skin has improved and has not reacted negatively to this product so it is excellent for sensitive skin as I also have allergic reactions to some skincare and none of Skinfixs products bother me at all. My skin loves this!"

— Allison L. (5/5)

New favourite moisturizer! It feels

"New favourite moisturizer! It feels almost weightless after applying, but still provides great hydration. A regular sized jar lasted me just under three months."

— Fiona S. (5/5)

I really like the packaging

"I really like the packaging design, especially how it helps keep the moisturizer hygienic and prevents contamination. After using this moisturizer, my face feels less oily, but I’m still experiencing breakouts. I hope to see more acne-fighting benefits."

— Yining L. (4/5)

I suffer from hormonal acne

"I suffer from hormonal acne (PCOS) and absolutely love this product! Combats acne and keeps my skin nourished and moisturized!"

— Kirsten S. (5/5)

Recommended!

"I think it's important to point out that this is not just for oily skin. I have drier skin but perioral dermatitis. This came highly recommended and for good reason. My skin has never reacted to it and it works well."

— Slee (5/5)

Please change the container!!!

"LOVE the product but hate that the XL container eventually stops pumping after a while. I hate it so much - gotta open it an stick my fingers in for every use. Every single time (I’ve repurchased like 5 times- its just a problem w the big one from my experience)"

— Jamie G. (3/5)

My new favorite daily moisturizer.

"My new favorite daily moisturizer. I have very dry skin + I live in a hot/dry climate + I use Tretinoin every night, so my skin is prone to peeling, and this moisturizer genuinely helps so much. It’s lightweight, which makes it perfect for daily use, but still keeps my skin hydrated all day. Will be repurchasing."

— Carla B. (5/5)

Love this light, creamy moisturizer.

"Love this light, creamy moisturizer. Easily absorbed and creates a nice base for makeup."

— Mary C. (5/5)

Q&A

Can I use this on normal skin .. I am using the triple lipid cream.. just wondering if I would get the same results from this cream
Hi Krista, Thank you for reaching out. When it comes to skin types, we all know that everyone's skin is different and may require specific formulations. Support your skin barrier with dermatologist-recommended face moisturizers that deliver deep hydration without irritation. Whether you're dealing with dry, dehydrated skin or simply want to maintain a healthy glow, our clinically active cream moisturizer formulas are designed to nourish and repair. Skinfix face moisturizers are packed with proven actives and emollients to visibly plump and protect. They're formulated with sensitive skin in mind, free from fragrance, sulfates, and parabens. Listed below are the formulation functions and who it is best suited for: Ceramide Prime Whipped Cream is best for normal to combination skin. It delivers lightweight, just-right hydration that won’t feel heavy or greasy—great for skin that fluctuates with stress or weather. It focuses on ceramides, which make up 50% of your barrier, to replenish without overloading. It also layers smoothly under SPF and makeup without pilling or altering the finish of your foundation. Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream is richer and more nourishing—ideal for dry to normal skin, or any time your skin feels extra sensitive. It helps strengthen the skin barrier to improve moisture retention over time, so skin can actually stay hydrated. It features all three essential barrier lipids: ceramides, sterols, and fatty acids, plus our highest concentration of humectants for deep, lasting moisture. Barrier Balancing Water Cream is made for combination to oily, acne-prone skin. It has a weightless texture that still delivers lasting hydration. Since oily skin is naturally lipid-rich, this formula skips the barrier lipids and strengthens the barrier with lightweight prebiotic peptides instead. A gentle Balancing Complex helps control oil and reduce shine throughout the day without overdrying. Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream has a silky, fast-absorbing gel texture that leaves a fresh, slightly dewy finish. It provides light but lasting hydration and is clinically proven to refine the look of pores while it moisturizes. Instead of ceramides, it strengthens the barrier with the other two essential lipids: sterols and fatty acids. This is similar to the water cream for who it is created for, but it also has our B-L3 complex. We hope this helps! You can also take our skin quiz to see which product is right for you. Thanks!
Out of curiosity, will this eventually become refillable?
Hi Ash, Thank you for reaching out. While we’re actively exploring refill options across our product lines, we don’t currently have a refill planned this. We truly appreciate your interest—and your support of our planet-aware packaging efforts. It’s feedback like yours that helps shape our future offerings.
Will there be a refill for this in the near future?
Thank you for reaching out. While we’re actively exploring refill options across our product lines, we don’t currently have a refill planned this. We truly appreciate your interest—and your support of our planet-aware packaging efforts. It’s feedback like yours that helps shape our future offerings.
How does the hydration level of this moisturizer compare to the old version of your Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream? That was my holy grail moisturizer until the formula changed and it was no longer fungal acne safe. Wondering if this one would be as hydrating as that old version? Excited that it’s FA safe!
Hi Em, We think you will LOVE the barrier+ Barrier Balancing Water Cream. Yes, because it is Fungal Acne Safe, but also because of it's lightweight texture with fast-absorbing hydration.
Hi! Is the squalane in this product derived from olives or sugarcane?
Hi Kendra, Thanks for your question. The squalane used in this formulation is sugarcane. We hope this helps!
Hi! Can this be used with tretinoin 0.025 ?
Hi Falyn, Great question! Barrier Balancing Water Cream is dermatologist-approved, acne-safe, and designed to support your skin barrier with essential, soothing hydration. In other words: it's the perfect complement to acne treatments or acids. Please do not hesitate to reach out to info@skinfix.com