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improve skin barrier hydration with colorescience

Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer

Don't just repair, prepare. A clinically-proven solution to replenish hydration and support skin health and appearance. It goes... Read More

Don't just repair, prepare.

A clinically-proven solution to replenish hydration and support skin health and appearance. It goes beyond hydration to support the skin's microbiome, replenish skin, and prepare it to better defend itself with improved response to environmental aggressors.

Colorescience Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer helps strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and refine texture to reveal a healthy appearance.Our Essential Moisturizer goes beyond hydration and provides complementary barrier health by supporting the skin's microbiome balance, replenishing skin, and preparing it to better defend itself with improved response to environmental aggressors. 

Suitable for all skin types. 

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bring back a better barrier

Maximum Skin Health. Rejuvenated Appearance.

Colorescience Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer begins with barrier strength, and goes beyond moisturization for well-rounded, all-in-one benefits to promote skin health.

replenish icon

replenish

provides intensive, deeply replenishing hydration that permeates into skin to provide multi-layer hydration and help improve skin's ability to attract and retain moisture over time

rebalance icon

rebalance

promotes skin's integrity and quality by supporting good bacteria for a stable, balanced microbiome and improved appearance of smooth and supple skin

renew & respond icon

renew & respond

calming botanicals soothe skin while advanced antioxidants neutralize free radical damage and improve skin's resilience to prepare for exposure to environmental aggressors, including Blue (HEV) light

HOW TO USE COLORESCIENCE BARRIER PRO™ ESSENTIAL MOISTURIZER

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Barrier Health for All Skin Types

Skin starts and ends healthier each day with the Colorescience Barrier Pro™ collection of products.

1-Step Cleanser

1-Step Cleanser

Daily AM + PM usage

+ Lightweight gel texture gently and effectively removes mineral sunscreen, makeup, excess oil, and impurities in 1-step without leaving skin feeling tight or stripped

+ Skin is hydrated, feels soft, and is prepared for application of skincare treatments, serums, makeup, and sunscreen

+ Probiotic-like benefits help promote a balanced skin microbiome to support a healthy skin barrier

+ Suitable for all skin types (including oily or acneic)

Serum Spray

Serum Spray

Daily AM, PM, + throughout the day usage

+ Lightweight serum delivered in a luxurious, fine mist that soothes dull, stressed, and reactive skin 

+ Immediate hydration and luminosity 

+ Shake well before each use. With eyes closed, spritz 3-5 pumps across face, neck, and chest. Allow to dry.

+ Spritz throughout the day for refreshing hydration and to boost skin’s resilience. Spray before reapplication of Colorescience® Total Protection® Brush-on Shield SPF 50.

+ Suitable for all skin types (including oily or acneic)

Essential Moisturizer

Essential Moisturizer

Daily AM + PM usage

+ Emollient cream melts into skin with a lightweight, velvety finish that boosts overall skin health for consistently healthier, more resilient, and smoother skin

+ Proactive barrier support optimizes consistent health and balance

+ Immediately envelops and nourishes skin with soothing, lasting hydration

+ Dispense two pumps to face, neck, and décolleté after treatment products

+ Suitable for all skin types (including oily or acneic)

Immediately upon application of Colorescience Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer

100% AGREED SKIN LOOKED AND FELT MORE PLUMP

Immediately upon application of Colorescience Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer

96% AGREED SKIN LOOKED MORE RADIANT AND HEALTHIER

After 4 weeks of using Colorescience Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer

92% agreed skin was improved, noting smoother, healthier, nourished, and more hydrated

Data on file, Colorescience. *Clinical Study conducted by Essex Testing Clinic, Verona, NJ. N=24

The barrier health dream duo

PROven

Carefully selected ingredients with proven efficacy

Consumer and third-party tested formula

PROactive

Evolve from the reactive cycle of damage and repair to maintain barrier health every day

PROmote

Promotes overall skin health day in and day out for skin that looks and feels healthier, stronger, and at its best

PROtective

Barrier health combines with photo protective benefits to increase skin’s resilience

Thoughtful formulation provides HEV (blue) light defense

Improved skin texture optimizes sunscreen application

PROfessional

Developed in collaboration with skin health professionals

Formulated Beyond Moisturization

More than a moisturizer. Colorescience Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer nurtures healthy, youthful, and resilient skin to support your first line of defense, the barrier.

A combination of three different molecular weight fractions of natural hyaluronic acid produced through fermentation. Multiple molecule weights enable penetration at various layers of the skin, providing hydration on the surface and into the layers of the epidermis.

Rich in antioxidants (flavonoids), polysaccharides, vitamins and minerals which help to soothe, hydrate and protect sensitive skin.

A humectant that provides emollient moisturization to soften skin and hydrate to support skin barrier health.

Also known also as Silver Ear Mushroom Extract.
Significantly more hydrating than hyaluronic acid. Proven to provide immediate hydration and improve skin’s ability to retain moisture. Also provides antioxidant support to defend against premature skin aging.

Powerful antioxidant rich in phytonutrients, vitamins & trace minerals and composed of complex peptidoglycans (PGNs) that acts as a prebiotic by feeding the good bacteria.

Probiotic-like ferment created from probiotic bacteria, lactobacillus plantarum. Favors the beneficial bacteria while discouraging harmful bacteria. Under patented technology, rich in peptidoglycans (PGNs) and lipotechoic acid (LTA) which induce beta-defensins.

High purity sugarcane-derived emollient helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles & fine lines while promoting skin brightness, moisturizing and barrier health. Provides postbiotic benefits to the skin’s microflora by creating an environment to promote diversity.

Time-release bio-harmonical peptide that utilizes lipid carrier technology to exert holistic and optimized activity within the layers of skin to the surface. Increases moisturization and harmonizes skin's maturation and renewal process to smooth and even the skin's surface.
Crystalide™ is a trademark of Sederma.

This bio-available form of vitamin E, combining tocopherol phosphate with disodium lauryliminodipropianate, provides antioxidant support while helping to calm skin both prior to and following UV exposure.
Vital ET™ Trademark, Ashland or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries.

Improves skin's adaptive responses to increase protection from indoor and outdoor light damage.


Net Wt. 1.7 fl. oz. / 50 mL
60-day supply based on 2x daily use

+ Emollient cream melts into skin and immediately envelops and nourishes with soothing moisture
+ Light, velvety finish without the heavy weight
+ Tri-molecular hyaluronic acid provides multi-layer hydration
+ Improves skin’s ability to attract and retain hydration
+ Nourishes dry, patchy, or flaky skin with soothing moisture
+ Prepares skin to respond to exposure to indoor and outdoor light, including UV and HEV (blue) light, and continues to improve resilience and adaptive response over time
+ Prepares skin for optimal sunscreen application
+ Supports good bacteria for a stable, balanced microbiome to promote skin integrity and quality, resulting in improved appearance of smooth and supple skin
+ Soothes skin with calming botanicals
+ Advanced antioxidants neutralize free radicals to prevent from visible skin damage
+ Layers well over treatment products and under sunscreen and makeup
+ Oil-free, non-comedogenic, non-greasy, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, vegan

AM and PM

+ Apply after treatment products, including Even Up® Multi-Correction Serum, All Calm® Multi-Correction Serum, and Pep Up® Collagen Boost Face & Neck Serum.
+ Apply 1-2 pumps to face, neck, and décolleté prior to application of sunscreen. (Don’t forget 1 pump for the back of hands!)

Vegan: Yes
Paraben-free: Yes
Fragrance-free: Yes

Ingredients:

Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Tribehenin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates, Squalane, Lactobacillus Ferment, Silica, Propanediol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lycium Barbarum (Gogi) Fruit Extract, Betaine, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Stearate, Polysorbate 80, Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Cactus) Stem Extract, Calcium Gluconate, Gluconolactone, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp (Mushroom) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glucose, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Tocopherol, Sodium Chloride, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-10, Sodium Succinate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid.

New Beauty 2025 - Best Barrier Cream

Cosmopolitan Holy Grail Beauty Award 2024 - Best Day Cream

FAQs

Essential Moisturizer was formulated to be fragrance free, meaning no added natural or synthetic fragrances were added. Therefore, any scent noted is inherently part of the raw materials, specifically the lactobacillus ferment and hydrolyzed pea protein. Most users note that this “base” scent dissipates upon application. This product has been tested for safety, stability and efficacy and is safe for use on the skin. For external use only -- keep out of eyes, nose and mouth.

Use Essential Moisturizer twice daily in the AM and PM. Start with 1-2 pumps for face. Apply 1-2 pumps to face, neck, and décolleté prior to application of sunscreen. (Don’t forget 1 pump for the back of hands!)

AM and PM routine:
1. Cleanse with Colorescience Barrier Pro™ 1-Step Cleanser
2. Prescription Products (Consult with your skin health professional if you have any questions)
3. Treatment Products

  • Total Eye®: Concentrate + Firm & Repair Cream
  • Even Up® Multi-Correction Serum or All Calm® Multi-Correction Serum
  • Pep Up® Collagen Boost Face & Neck Serum

4. Colorescience Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer

Continue with the following for your AM routine:
5. Sunscreen:

  • Even Up® Clinical Pigment Perfector SPF 50 or All Calm® Clinical Redness Corrector SPF 50, any Total Protection® Face Shield SPF 50 or No-Show™ Mineral SPF 50
  • Total Eye® 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35

6. Colored products, if desired (i.e. Color Balm SPF 50, makeup)
7. Reapply! Sunforgettable® Brush-On Shield SPF 50

Complementary to prescription or other topical treatments.

Improved moisture on the skin will be felt immediately upon application. Other results will vary based on individual skin concerns (acne, rough texture, sensitivity, etc.).


In our clinical study, immediately upon application:
 • 100% of all participants agreed skin looks and feels more plump
 • 95% of participants with sensitive skin felt itchiness was relieved and skin felt more comfortable upon application
 • 92% of participants agreed skin felt firmer, and rough, dry skin was smoothed
 • 90% of participants agreed the appearance of pores was smoothed or minimized


After 4 weeks of use, 92% agreed their skin was more hydrated, felt smoother, healthier, and more nourished.

Yes, Essential Moisturizer can be used wherever you would like to improve moisturization, hydration, and skin barrier health. Keep out of eyes, nose, and mouth.

There are no ingredients that are contraindicated for use in pregnant/nursing women. However, please consult your physician before starting any new treatment.

Yes, Essential Moisturizer is designed to be used for all skin types, including men.

Yes, Essential Moisturizer has been tested and is shown to be non-comedogenic.

Yes, Essential Moisturizer is gluten free.

Yes, Essential Moisturizer is formulated without parabens. In addition, all Colorescience® products are also 100% free from phthalates, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, talc, dyes, mineral oils, drying alcohols & chemical sunscreen.

Yes, Essential Moisturizer is sulfate free. In addition, all Colorescience® products are 100% free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, talc, dyes, mineral oils, drying alcohols & chemical sunscreen.

Yes, Essential Moisturizer is phthalate free. In addition, all Colorescience® products are 100% free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, talc, dyes, mineral oils, drying alcohols & chemical sunscreen.

Yes, Essential Moisturizer is oil free. In addition, all Colorescience® products are 100% free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, talc, dyes, mineral oils, drying alcohols & chemical sunscreen.

Yes, there are no animal products or derivatives in Essential Moisturizer. All Colorescience® products are 100% free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, talc, dyes, mineral oils, drying alcohols & chemical sunscreen.

There are no known allergens in Essential Moisturizer which has been tested and is confirmed to be hypoallergenic. Please note, however, that this product is not allergy-proof and in rare instances cause reaction in select individuals with history of allergies. In very small number of cases (less than one in one thousand), allergic reactions may be significant. If you experience such reaction, please discontinue product use and contact your physician.

Yes, Essential Moisturizer is PEG free. All Colorescience® products are 100% free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, talc, dyes, mineral oils, drying alcohols & chemical sunscreen.

Colorescience® does not conduct any animal testing and we are committed to the highest standards when choosing raw materials for our product formulations. We require non-animal testing statements on all raw materials before final formula approval.

4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
Based on 363 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 269 Total 4 star reviews: 48 Total 3 star reviews: 23 Total 2 star reviews: 6 Total 1 star reviews: 17
Reviews Summary
Customers say this moisturizer feels lightweight and smooth on their skin. Many reviews highlight its non-greasy texture and quick absorption. Common feedback includes its effectiveness for both oily and combination skin types. While most users praise its hydrating properties, some with very dry skin mention wanting more moisture. The product works well under makeup and other skincare products. Several note concerns about the scent, though most are satisfied with the overall performance.
363 reviews
  • Karen F.
    Verified Buyer
    Age 51-60
    Skin Concerns Hyperpigmentation / Brown Spots
    Skin Tone Medium
    22 seconds ago
    Age 51-60
    Skin Concerns Hyperpigmentation / Brown Spots
    Skin Tone Medium
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Lightweight moisturizer.

    This goes on seamlessly and does not feel heavy at all. Moisturizing is like the last thing I tend to remember to do.

  • Sallie P.
    Verified Buyer
    Age 70+
    Skin Concerns Hyperpigmentation / Brown Spots
    Skin Tone Deep
    1 hour ago
    Age 70+
    Skin Concerns Hyperpigmentation / Brown Spots
    Skin Tone Deep
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    Moisturizes Well

    My skin is sensitive and mostly dry. This one feels very nice on my face and seems to hydrate well.

  • Lisa L.
    Verified Buyer
    Age 41-50
    Skin Concerns Acne, Fine Lines / Wrinkles, Rosacea / Redness
    Skin Tone Medium
    2 days ago
    Age 41-50
    Skin Concerns Acne, Fine Lines / Wrinkles, Rosacea / Redness
    Skin Tone Medium
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Good Moisturizer!

    This is a nice moisturizer. It makes my skin feel moisturized without feeling heavy. I will say the smell is not the greatest as it has no fragrance but isn't super bothersome.

  • Ruth C.
    Verified Buyer
    Age 51-60
    Skin Tone Medium
    2 days ago
    Age 51-60
    Skin Tone Medium
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Perfect texture

    I love this moisturizer! Perfect weight and texture for my combo skin.

  • Olena
    Verified Buyer
    Age 41-50
    Skin Concerns Rosacea / Redness, Sensitive
    Skin Tone Medium
    1 week ago
    Age 41-50
    Skin Concerns Rosacea / Redness, Sensitive
    Skin Tone Medium
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Great moisturizer

    I really liked this cream, I'm ordering it for the second time, it fits perfectly on the skin, leaves no traces of greasy, soothes my skin, I definitely recommend you to try it

  • TAMARA B.
    Verified Buyer
    Age 61-70
    Skin Concerns Fine Lines / Wrinkles, Rosacea / Redness
    Skin Tone Medium
    2 weeks ago
    Age 61-70
    Skin Concerns Fine Lines / Wrinkles, Rosacea / Redness
    Skin Tone Medium
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Barrier Pro Essential Moisture

    I absolutely love this moisturizer! It goes on smoothly and penetrates so well. It's helped tons with the fine lines around my eyes and lips. The quality is wonderful and I compare it to a way higher priced product I used to use (HA5) ... this Color Science moisturizer is worth every penny!

  • Rowena D.
    Verified Buyer
    Age 51-60
    Skin Concerns Acne, Dry, Dull, Fine Lines / Wrinkles, Hyperpigmentation / Brown Spots
    Skin Tone Medium
    2 weeks ago
    Age 51-60
    Skin Concerns Acne, Dry, Dull, Fine Lines / Wrinkles, Hyperpigmentation / Brown Spots
    Skin Tone Medium
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Great for sensitive skin

    Definitely moisturizing.

    I like the fragrant-free..

  • Cate H. R.
    Verified Buyer
    Age 51-60
    Skin Concerns Acne, Dull, Fine Lines / Wrinkles, Sensitive, Dark Circles
    Skin Tone Fair
    3 weeks ago
    Age 51-60
    Skin Concerns Acne, Dull, Fine Lines / Wrinkles, Sensitive, Dark Circles
    Skin Tone Fair
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Love it!

    I love this product! The moisturizer is wonderful face though decollage! I am really happy that I added it to my morning skincare routine…light weight and good to use all year. Use it all year on my neck/decollage, late fall/winter on my face over PepUp.

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