The next holy grail moisturizer might be just around the corner.

Introduction

Discovering your favorite product has been discontinued can be frustrating. This is especially true when it comes to skincare products because caring for our facial skin can sometimes be a complicated and high maintenance process.

That was unfortunately the case for the lovers of the Rosette Aqua Ceramide Gel. Often hailed as a “holy grail moisturizer” and a cult favorite in online communities, it was discontinued in 2018, much to the dismay of dry-skinned folks everywhere.

But the good news is that with enough patience (and extensive internet trawling), it’s possible to find a dupe for any skincare product. The even better news? We’ve already done the work. Let’s dive in, shall we?

The Rosette Aqua Ceramide Gel

A close-up shot of an open Rosette Aqua Ceramide Gel jar (From: Shopee.ph).

First, the basics. The company behind the Aqua Ceramide Gel is Rosette, a Japanese brand with 90 years of beauty expertise. The gel itself is a “one-step” moisturizer that combines all the benefits of a toner, serum or essence, emulsion, and cream in a single product.

What’s in it?

Rosette’s Aqua Ceramide Gel is packed with 7 moisturizing factors: hyaluronic acid, collagen, Imperata Cylindrica root extract, macadamia oil, and ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II.

Collagen, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides are naturally found in the skin and work to maintain our skin’s elasticity, hydration, and integrity. Ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II comprise 50% of the lipids on the outermost layer of the epidermis and are responsible for keeping the skin barrier intact.

 Ceramides increase skin’s impermeability so that irritants stay out and moisture stays in.

 

Furthermore, due to Imperata Cylindrica’s moisture-sustaining properties that keeps skin hydrated for as long as 24 hours, this subtropical plant has been described as a “long-term moisturizer”. It also has osmoprotective compounds that increase water retention inside cells and improves collagen synthesis.

Why is it so beloved?

• Lightweight: The gel is watery when applied, making it easily absorbed by the skin without blocking pores. It’s also light enough to be worn in hot weather or under makeup.

• Intense moisturization: Aside from the 4 moisturizers and 3 ceramides, the Aqua Ceramide Gel also contains vitamin E-rich macadamia oil. Together, they soften and smoothen dry, rough, flaky patches, giving way to more supple, plump, and glowing skin.

• Non-irritating: It contains no alcohol, mineral oils, or fragrances, and has a cool and calming effect when applied on the skin. The gel is also mildly acidic which helps balance our skin’s acid mantle to prevent excessive oiliness and acne-causing bacteria from thriving.

• Multifunctional: Because it functions as a 4-in-1 product, you can skip all other products and just apply the gel right after cleansing. Its occlusive qualities also make it great to use in tandem with other skincare products because it seals in moisture effectively.

Best Dupes for Rosette Aqua Ceramide Gel

If you loved everything you’ve read about Rosette’s Aqua Ceramide Gel and are lamenting its loss, don’t fret — we’ve got the details on some pretty close dupes that can give the same benefits.

Quick comparison chart

We’ve rounded up 4 products that we think could give the Rosette Aqua Ceramide Gel a run for its money. For easy reference, here’s a bird’s eye view of how these dupes compare and differ in 5 different categories.

Meishoku Ceracolla Perfect Gel

A close-up shot of the Meishoku Ceracolla Perfect Gel jar (From: Kremannia.hu).

The Ceracolla Perfect Gel is a product of Meishoku, a veteran skincare brand that has been putting out products since 1885. Like the Aqua Ceramide Gel, the Ceracolla Perfect Gel is also a “one-step” gel-type moisturizer that works as a toner, serum or essence, emulsion, and cream.

The Ceracolla Perfect Gel provides intense moisture for oily, acne-prone skin, without causing breakouts.

 

It’s non-greasy and less sticky than the Rosette Aqua Ceramide gel, making it easy to layer with other products, even sunscreen. It has a brightening effect on the complexion and leaves skin supple and glowing after using it as an overnight mask.

Check price and availability on Amazon.

Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Perfect Gel

A close-up shot of the Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Perfect Gel jar (From: Takaski.com).

The Gokujyun Hyaluronic Perfect Gel is a product of 16-year old Japanese beauty brand Hada Labo (or “Skin Lab”). The gel is a 5-in-1 product that also functions as a toner, serum, emulsion, cream, and mask. It contains squalene, cherry blossom extract, 1 type of ceramide, and 4 kinds of hyaluronic acid.

Its claim to fame is its exceptional hydrating capabilities, due to its use of nanosized hyaluronic acid molecules that penetrate the skin more efficiently. In addition to having anti-inflammatory effects, cherry blossom extract also has water retention properties that make it an excellent moisturizer as well.

Check price and availability on Amazon.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

A close-up shot of the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream jar (From: Cerave.com).

This dermatologist-approved Moisturizing Cream is the brainchild of popular US-based pharmacy brand CeraVe. Just like the Rosette Aqua Ceramide Gel, it contains a rich combination of the 3 essential ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II), fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid.

The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is designed to repair the skin barrier and increase hydration in the driest skin types.

It’s thicker but is non-greasy and easily absorbed, especially when applied on damp skin. It’s hailed for being excellent at soothing itchy, dry skin, and other symptoms of eczema.

Check price and availability on Amazon.

Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel

A close-up shot of the Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel tube (From: Amorepacificmall.com).

The Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel is a product of Amorepacific, an 88-year old Korean cosmetics conglomerate. Their skincare line is made up of soothing, hypoallergenic products that contain vitamin E, squalene, and ceramide 3.

In fact, their formulation is so mild and ideal for sensitive skin that even babies can use it.

 

The Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel is also designed with long-lasting moisture technology which makes sure skin stays hydrated after one application, without needing to follow up with more.

Check price and availability on Amazon.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a fan of the Rosette Aqua Ceramide Gel, or just an observer looking for a solution for dry, sensitive skin, we hope this guide has helped in your search in what could be your next holy grail moisturizer.

Do you know a product that should be on our list, or simply want to talk about your personal faves? Don’t hesitate to share it with us in the comments section!