Today, I’m reviewing the Antipodes H20 Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel, and let me tell you, this review is long overdue! I’ve had this in my collection since April and I’ve only just added it to my rotation of products.
A pet peeve of mine is having too many products on rotation, especially moisturisers. How can I know if one works if I’m using three or four on rotation? I always try and stick to two moisturisers. One in the morning, and one in the evening!
However, the exception would be if I open a moisturiser and it’s too light/heavy for my skin, it gets moved into the ‘body lotion’ routine. Or reserved for when the seasons change.
Anyways, Antipodes kindly sent me this in PR, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Antipodes Baptise H2O Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel uses New Zealand Manuka honey and naturally sourced hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin. And according to Antipodes, this Water Gel is clinically shown to increase skin hydration by 52% after 24 hours – I like the sound of that!
I’ve been using this as my daily moisturiser for a few weeks now, and I’ve got some thoughts:
Firstly, it’s incredibly lightweight. Sometimes it can even feel too lightweight. If you’re more on the drier side, this would be great as a pre-moisturiser moisturiser. However, if you’re like me and you can get quite oily, layering a super moisturising SPF can be a great balance.
It’s worth noting that when I first introduced this into my routine, I noticed there was something that irritated my skin. I am still not too sure what it is. But when I applied this on mornings post-tret, my face turned the brightest shade of red. Perhaps it’s the Hibiscus Flower? I am not sure! However, on days when I don’t use tret, there’s no irritation and it’s lovely on the skin.
The Water Gel feels quite similar to the Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Moisturiser, but only lighter. So, if you’re a fan of that and are looking for a lighter summer alternative, I would recommend this.
So, to conclude, is this my all-time favourite moisturiser? No. But it’s still a great product and I’m happy to continue using it. Would I purchase this with my own money? Probably not.
I know this review sounds a little contradictory in places, but hey! Skin’s complicated.