Celebs and Sephora shoppers love this oil-free moisturizer - here's why I'm hooked on it, too
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Ever wonder how Aussies get their glow? The short answer is by using Dr. Dennis Gross's Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion, the no, 1 moisturizer sold in Australia.
The creator of critically acclaimed at-home facial peels now ships to Canada, and if you thought celebrities were crazy about his brand's disposable wipes, get ready to meet their new best friend.
In fact, the doc himself let me in on a not-so-little secret: Lea Michele, Olivia Culpo, and Olivia Palermo are fans of the Oil-Free Moisture Cushion, which continues to grow in popularity among skin care junkies and makeup addicts alike.
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With too many #TextureTuesday awards to count, its unique gel-cream formula quenches the thirst of all skin types without producing sheen. Plus, it provides a smooth, matte canvas for a bit of face paint.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion
SHOP IT: Sephora, $79
Armed with a Clean at Sephora badge and nearly 10,000 "loves," there's no doubt that the Oil-Free Moisture Cushion is on its way to superstar status. Here's why I love it too.
The details
Throughout his 25 years as a board certified dermatologist, Dr. Dennis Gross has been featured as one of New York Magazine’s best for his expertise in skin health. He's also been recognized for his approach to creating and maintaining the most natural-looking skin.
As a result, he's become acutely aware of which clean beauty alternatives people wish they had, like gel-based moisturizers that keep grease at bay.
"At my practice, I often find patients with oily, acne-prone skin shy away from moisturizers because they are worried they’ll clog their pores and cause more breakouts. This is actually a myth," Gross told me.
"The reality is that all skin types need and will benefit from a moisturizer – but you have to pick the right type based on your skin type. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you should be using an oil-free moisturizer – the Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion is perfect."
According to Gross, the combination of antioxidants, aloe, hyaluronic acid and marine algae soothe, hydrate and balance the skin without clogging pores.
Chock-full of essential amino acids and B vitamins from an infusion of Japanese marine algae harvested from the waters of Okinawa, the Oil-Free Moisture Cushion works synergistically with hyaluronic acid to enhance skin’s elasticity and moisture content.
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Basically, it works wonders for dullness, texture, firmness, elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles. Its also vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic.
The experience
This moisturizer is seriously refreshing. While I massage it into my skin, I feel the texture break into a cool, water-like gel.
After a morning cleanse, it'll wake you right up. And after a flare-up, it'll calm you right down.
With a few gentle passes over face, my skin appears plump, radiant and dewy – similar to other Sephora shoppers who use this product.
"This is the best moisturizer I've ever used (I have combination skin)! It absorbs instantly and leaves your skin soft and hydrated," one reviewer proclaimed. "Most moisturizers either break me out or make my T-zone oily later in the day but this does neither."
As someone who develops a slight sheen (depending on which products I use), I'm also a huge fan of the Oil-Free Moisture Cushion's mattifying and blurring effects.
True to the doctor's word, these benefits have converted "oil-free" skeptics to Oil-Free Moisture Cushion devotees.
"I often shy away from most moisturizers because they have oil in them, so they make my face extra greasy. Then the 'oil-free' ones would dry my skin out and I would have to reapply often. Not with this!" another reviewer said.
"The hyaluronic acid is SO good for your skin. My skin is soft, blurred and supple. I swear by this stuff! It has helped me in my quest for better skin. If you are on the fence, TAKE THE PLUNGE!"
The results
Funnily enough, the Oil-Free Moisture Cushion contains a distinctly Canadian ingredient known for its hydrating properties: sugar maple.
Gross says that sugar maple works as a natural hydroxy acid alongside the hyaluronic and glycolic acid found in the Moisture Cushion, helping to exfoliate dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.
In the end, this allows for the moisturizer’s hydrating properties to penetrate deeper and reveal brighter, more even skin.
Accompanied by antioxidants like watermelon and copper, which are known for their ability to smooth and correct hyperpigmentation and sun damage, the Oil-Free Moisture Cushion makes it easier to achieve a balanced, healthy-looking complexion.
In the words of many Sephora shoppers: this one doesn't disappoint.
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
