Description
What it is
Water Bank is Laneige’s hydration line, and the Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer is its version for normal to dry skin. It is a soft, creamy moisturizer that sits between a gel and a rich night cream, so it can be used morning and evening. The brand’s headline ingredient is what it calls Blue Hyaluronic Acid, which it describes as a hyaluronic acid derived from Korean sea kelp; on the label this appears as hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid alongside a seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida) extract.
Beyond hyaluronic acid, the formula includes ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids, the kinds of lipids skin uses to build its barrier, as well as panthenol and allantoin for comfort. There are also gel and intensive versions in the same line for oilier and very dry skin.
Key ingredients
- Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid: a smaller form of hyaluronic acid that helps hold water in the upper skin layers.
- Ceramide AP, ceramide NP and cholesterol: barrier lipids that help reduce moisture loss.
- Panthenol: provitamin B5, which softens and soothes.
- Glycerin: a classic humectant high in the list.
- Lactobacillus ferment lysate: a postbiotic ferment for skin comfort.
- Acetyl tetrapeptide-11: a peptide included for the look of more resilient skin.
Product details
| Brand | Laneige (Amorepacific), South Korea |
|---|---|
| Line | Water Bank |
| Size | 50 ml (1.6 fl oz); refill, mini and jumbo sizes also exist |
| Format | Cream in a jar |
| Main concerns | Dryness, dehydration, weakened barrier |
| Skin types | Normal to dry |
| When to use | Morning and evening |
| Fragrance | Yes (parfum) |
How to use
- Cleanse, tone and apply any serum first.
- Take a pea to almond-sized amount and warm it between your fingertips.
- Smooth it evenly over the face and neck.
- In the morning, finish with sunscreen.
Tip: on very dry nights, add an extra thin layer on cheeks and around the nose, where flaking tends to start.
Who it suits
This cream suits normal and dry skin that wants steady hydration without a greasy finish, and works well under makeup. It is a sensible winter upgrade for anyone in Canada whose summer gel stops being enough. For a full dry-skin routine, see our guide to Korean skincare for dry skin.
Who should be careful
It contains fragrance, so people with fragrance sensitivity, eczema or rosacea should test it carefully. Oily or acne-prone skin may prefer the gel version in the same line. Cetyl alcohol in the list is a fatty alcohol, not a drying one.
Patch test first. Apply a small amount to the inner forearm or behind the ear and wait 24 to 48 hours before using it on the face.
Full ingredient list
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, PPG-6 Caprylyl Ether, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Methyl Trimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Ceramide AP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Stearyl Dimethicone, Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Panthenol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Propanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Dextrin, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitan Isostearate, Allantoin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide NP, Parfum, Beta-Glucan, Cholesterol, Mannitol, Tocopherol, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract.
Notes: contains fragrance (parfum). No drying alcohol; cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol. No nut oils are listed. Contains a seaweed extract.
Frequently asked questions
What is Blue Hyaluronic Acid?
It is Laneige’s name for the hyaluronic acid in this line, which the brand says is derived from Korean sea kelp. On the label it appears as hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid.
Cream or gel: which Water Bank should I choose?
The cream is made for normal to dry skin. The gel version is lighter and aimed at combination to oily skin.
Can I use it in the morning under makeup?
Yes. Let it settle for a minute, then apply sunscreen and makeup.
Is it fragrance-free?
No, parfum is listed in the ingredients.
Learn more
Compare it with other picks in our list of the best Korean skincare products in Canada.
Ingredient lists can change between batches and markets. Always check the box you receive. This page is an independent guide; melaxin.ca does not sell products directly.
