This was supposed to be a review of the new Garnier Aqua Defense Essence Moisturizer but in the process of test running it, I realised it was a passable dupe of H20+ Face Oasis for me! I’ll run this first as a review then to compare it with Face Oasis.
Garnier Aqua Defense
ReviewThe Garnier Aqua Defense Essence comes in a light green gel form in a tub. There is a light fresh smell that brings to mind fruits, in particular green apples.
The Aqua Defense Essence contains grape water to protect skin from free radicals, apple water for anti-oxidant action and vitamin E to smooth and protect skin from cellular damage.
What it is is a very light gel that absorbs quickly into the skin. I like how it feels as it feels cool going on the skin. If you have oily skin then this would be perfect for you. It adds moisture without feeling thick and sticky and despite what many people think, oily skin can be dehydrated too! So this is what the Garnier Aqua Defense Essnce is targeted at.
If you have combination or drier skin, the Aqua Defense Essence can be used like an essence / serum. In the day, I use this on its own under my sunscreen. At night, I use it under my usual night cream or the new Garner Aqua Defense Non Stop Moisturizing Gel Cream. The Gel Cream has a slightly creamier thicker texture to suit those with drier skin. If you are oily this essence might suffice.
I’ve even used this as a mask. I scoop out a fair amount and slather it thickly on my face then leave it for about 10-15 minutes. There is a slight tingly feel on the skin but after about 10 minutes, its nearly all absorbed. If there is any excess, I slowly massage it until it is absorbed into my skin and there’s no need for another cream at night. Works pretty well and my skin feels tight and bouncy. 😛
Here’s the best part – a 50ml tub of Garnier Aqua Defense Essence retails at a mere RM19.90!! Does it get better than that?! Available now at a pharmacy near you.
Garnier Aqua Defense Essence vs H20+ Face Oasis
This isn’t a head to head combat but a quick comparison. Just a small disclaimer – the products and ingredients are not identical nor similar. It just felt similar on my skin and gave similar results. That’s my basis for calling it a dupe.
I did think the Garnier Essence might be a fair dupe for the H20+ Face Oasis so I spent a few days with the Garnier Essence on half my face and the H20+ Face Oasis on the other half.
Both sides of my face felt cool and non sticky (except when I slathered it on) and were kept fairly hydrated. I do have drier cheeks so I apply another moisturizer on top of the gel essence at night.
Both were gels with rather sharp smells but I find the Garnier Aqua Defense smells just a tad better. Both come in a tub. One is blue and another is light green.
H20+ Face Oasis costs RM159 for 50ml whilst Garnier Aqua Defense Essence is RM19.90 for 50ml. No prizes for guessing which I believe may be better value! 😉
Pros : Light, Good for oily skin, Moisturising, Very affordable
Cons: Smell can be a little strong
The Garnier Aqua Defense line is available at local pharmacies. It has already been available in Singapore for a spell, so if any Singapore readers have had experiences with this line, do share in a comment below! We’d love to know which items you recommend 🙂
Stay beautiful,
Paris B
solsekuin44 says
aNNe, 23+ is the promo pack for Garnier Aqua Defense. It comes with a tube of Essence Gel Moisturizer and a small body lotion from the same range =)
coco says
i think this product is my destiny, finally i found you.
Lea says
I cant find Garnier Aqua Defense here in Alberta Canada, I usually use it when I was still Taiwan and I can say that it is really good on my face..
Do you know where I can buy it ?
owly says
hi paris,
was it good for oily skin too?
🙂
ParisB says
I don’t have oily skin, but those who do have said it works. It should because its a very light gel texture but you’d have to try it for yourself.
kancho says
HELLO
i am using the biotherm aquasource in the green gel moisterizer. have u used that product?
would you say that is a dupe for that product as well?
ParisB says
Yes I’ve used it before. My review is here : https://www.mywomenstuff.com/2011/02/14/biotherm-aquasource-gel-moisturizer-for-normal-combination-skins-just-right/
I haven’t used the Garnier gel in a very long time so I’m afraid I cannot compare anymore. Off hand from memory, it feels similar on the skin but the Biotherm one may be a little more moisturizing. But as I’ve said, its been a while.
noobiequeen says
you totally had me wanting this product!… and (i must admit) out of impulse, i purchased it from Watsons in China (but i’m Singaporean!). it’s about 3 MYR more than in malaysia but I hope that this cream might work as a good moisturising mask for me :3
I have a question to ask! When I was alternating between Shisedo White Lucent Moisturiser (at night) and Neutrogena Water Gel (in the day), I had a MASSIVE breakout that lasted for months!
What is your view about alternating skincare products? 🙂
ParisB says
I actually don’t use products that are all from the same brand so I mix and match a lot. Sometimes, it might just be that the product you were using did not suit your skin hence the breakouts. I don’t know when its been that I’ve ever used a whole line of skincare – probably years! 😛
rachell anne bernabe says
i just want to know is this safe for pregnant women like me??
kahling says
Is the Garnier Aqua Defence Essence suitable to apply on the neck area?
Precious says
I admire Garnier skin products
Are this products available in Tanzania…..?
Prisci says
Hey Paris
Greetings & Good Day
Let me share something .Im not into H2o but im definitely going to sweet speak about my lovely product Garnier which always loves my skin and makes me to fall in with it in return. I do use Garnier but not the Aqua Defense either i do use the Lemon extract it goes really well on my skin makes my skin soft n supple and that what the skin i desire. Once i bought Garnier Aqua Defense but havent give a try and the same point i do read this article all of sudden then it makes me motivated and more brave to give a try .My skin is too sensitive to product even though with the same brand ex:Garnier Sakura extract it does not friendly to my skin too allergic to me so im quiet afraid but i do bought Aqua Defense just because i contact thinner extract and not thick and heavy on face and finally gave a try and it goes well on my skin makes my skin thight and bouncy the same as yoyrs Paris .
Thank you very much for this article as it helped much in the knowledge of the particular products..and yeahh saved my money from throwing the product.
Sincerely
Loves lotzz