ILIA The Base Face Milk

A milky, barrier-supporting facial essence featuring Squalane, Argan Oil, and Triple Hyaluronic Acid to deeply hydrate and restore the skin.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This essence offers an impressive blend of ingredients designed for both deep hydration and barrier repair. It features a multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid complex (Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate) ensuring moisture penetrates different skin layers. Uniquely for an essence, it includes substantial lipid support via Squalane, Argan Oil, Phospholipids, Linoleic Acid, and Phytosterols, mimicking the skin’s natural barrier. Chlorella Vulgaris and Opuntia Ficus-Indica extracts add antioxidant and revitalizing properties.

Safety Rating: 4.7

The formula is exceptionally clean and suitable for sensitive skin. It is free from fragrance, essential oils, and drying alcohols. The preservation system utilizes gentle alternatives like 1,2-Hexanediol and Hydroxyacetophenone rather than harsh parabens or formaldehyde releasers. It also includes Allantoin, a well-known soothing agent that mitigates potential irritation.

Final Rating: 4.6

This product is a highly sophisticated facial essence that outperforms standard water-based toners. By combining powerful humectants with biomimetic lipids, it effectively treats dehydration while strengthening the skin barrier. Its formulation is elegant and prioritizes skin health without unnecessary fillers or irritants, making it an excellent choice for dry, sensitive, or compromised skin types.

Verdict

This facial essence presents itself as a sophisticated hybrid between a hydrating toner and a lightweight moisturizer. Unlike watery essences that can evaporate quickly, this formula utilizes a milky emulsion texture driven by the inclusion of Squalane and Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil. These ingredients provide immediate emollient benefits, softening the skin’s surface while helping to lock in moisture. The presence of Caprylic/Capric Glycerides further enhances this silky feel without adding excessive weight, making it a versatile step in a skincare routine.

At the heart of the formula is a robust hydration system. It employs a multi-molecular approach with Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, and Sodium Hyaluronate. This trio ensures that hydration targets different layers of the epidermis, plumping the skin from within while hydrating the surface. To support this moisture influx, the inclusion of Glycerin and Propanediol acts as a powerful humectant base, drawing water into the skin cells.

Beyond simple hydration, the ingredient list is impressive for its specific focus on barrier repair. The combination of Linoleic Acid, Phospholipids, and Phytosterols mimics the skin’s natural lipid structure. This is particularly beneficial for those with a compromised barrier, as these components help to patch up micro-tears in the skin’s defense system. Additionally, Allantoin is included to soothe irritation and reduce redness, working synergistically with the nourishing oils to calm reactive skin.

For those concerned about dullness, the Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract and Chlorella Vulgaris Extract provide antioxidant protection and mild brightening effects. While Lactic Acid is present, its position at the very end of the list suggests it is likely used as a pH adjuster or a very mild humectant rather than a potent exfoliant, making the product safe for daily use without risk of over-exfoliation.

Formulated without drying alcohols or synthetic fragrances, this essence is highly compatible with sensitive skin types. However, because it contains oils and emulsifiers like Polysorbate 60, it offers a richer finish than traditional water-based essences. It serves excellently as a standalone hydrating step for oily skin or a nourishing layer for dry skin types needing extra comfort.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Hydrators & Solvents / 保湿剂与溶剂

🧪 Aqua/Water/Eau / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

🧪 Propanediol / 1,3-丙二醇

Purpose: Humectant, Solvent, Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: A corn-derived alternative to propylene glycol that hydrates skin.

🧪 Butylene Glycol / 丁二醇

Purpose: Humectant, Solvent, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: Very low risk of irritation

Notes: Helps ingredients penetrate the skin.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A gold-standard ingredient for drawing moisture into the skin.

🧪 Hyaluronic Acid / 透明质酸

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Potent hydrator capable of holding 1000x its weight in water.

🧪 Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid / 水解透明质酸

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper.

🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Salt form of hyaluronic acid, very stable and hydrating.

📁 Emollients & Barrier Repair / 润肤剂与屏障修复

🧪 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides / 辛酸/癸酸甘油三酯类

Purpose: Emollient, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin; leaves skin feeling soft.

🧪 Squalane / 角鲨烷

Purpose: Emollient, Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Biocompatible oil that prevents moisture loss without being heavy.

🧪 Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil / 刺阿干树仁油 (摩洛哥坚果油)

Purpose: Emollient, Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E.

🧪 Linoleic Acid / 亚油酸

Purpose: Skin-Restoring, Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: An omega-6 fatty acid essential for lipid barrier repair.

🧪 Phospholipids / 磷脂

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient, Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Major component of cell membranes; helps repair skin barrier.

🧪 Phytosterols / 植物甾醇

Purpose: Skin-Soothing, Replenishing

Concerns: None

Notes: Plant-derived cholesterol-like molecules that strengthen the skin barrier.

📁 Active Ingredients & Extracts / 活性成分与提取物

🧪 Allantoin / 尿囊素

Purpose: Soothing Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Calms irritated skin and promotes healing.

🧪 Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract / 水解梨果仙人掌花提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Exfoliant helper

Concerns: None

Notes: Cactus flower extract that boosts skin renewal and hydration.

🧪 Chlorella Vulgaris Extract / 小球藻提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Algae extract rich in amino acids and oligopeptides.

🧪 Lactic Acid / 乳酸

Purpose: Exfoliant (AHA), pH Adjuster, Humectant

Concerns: Sun sensitivity (if used in high %)

Notes: Likely used here for pH balance or mild hydration rather than strong exfoliation due to position.

📁 Texture Enhancers, Emulsifiers & Preservatives / 质地调节剂、乳化剂与防腐剂

🧪 1,2-Hexanediol / 1,2-己二醇

Purpose: Preservative Booster, Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps stabilize the formula.

🧪 Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer / 羟乙基丙烯酸酯/丙烯酰二甲基牛磺酸钠共聚物

Purpose: Texture Enhancer, Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a gel-cream texture and stabilizes oils.

🧪 Hydroxyacetophenone / 对羟基苯乙酮

Purpose: Antioxidant, Preservative Booster

Concerns: None

Notes: A synthetic antioxidant that also soothes skin.

🧪 Isohexadecane / 异十六烷

Purpose: Texture Enhancer, Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a dry, non-greasy finish.

🧪 Caprylyl Glycol / 辛甘醇

Purpose: Humectant, Preservative Booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Conditioning agent with antimicrobial properties.

🧪 Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate / 聚甘油-10 硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps mix oil and water phases.

🧪 Polysorbate 60 / 聚山梨醇酯-60

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Common solubilizer.

🧪 Sorbitan Isostearate / 异硬脂酸山梨坦

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used in conjunction with Polysorbates.