111 Skin’s Cryo Revitalizing Cream Is an Ice Bath in a Bottle

As a beauty editor, I constantly have to rotate products in and out of my routine (that’s how we can determine the best of the best). But at all times, there’s always at least one 111 Skin product in my routine. It’s one of my favorite skincare collections on the market—I love that it’s rooted in efficacy, research, and clinical testing, but doesn’t sacrifice on a luxury feel or sensorial experience. Fortunately, the brand’s latest launch—a cryotherapy-inspired moisturizer—is no exception. The launch—aptly named the Cryo Revitalising Moisturiser—has been in my morning routine since July. And after months of testing, the results are officially in: This one’s a keeper. Ahead, discover everything you need to know about the new 111 Skin Cryo Revitalising Moisturiser, including my full review.

What Is the 111 Skin Cryo Revitalising Moisturiser?

111 Skin is co-founded by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides, who owns an eponymous practice at 111 Harley Street in London, England (hence the brand name) alongside partner Eva Alexandridis. A footprint throughout the brand is to couple well-studied, efficacious ingredients from Dr. Alexandrides’ surgical background with more holistic, spa-like treatments such as cryotherapy. The Cryo Revitalising Moisturiser seeks to do exactly that, bottling up the same oxygenating, circulation-boosting benefits of cryotherapy chambers in a lightweight gel cream.

The Ingredients

• Hyaluronic Acid: You’ll find eight different forms of hyaluronic acid in this moisturizer, making it an incredibly hydrating formula—especially when applied to slightly damp skin.
• NAC Y2: Fans of 111 Skin’s NAC Y2 Eye Lift Gel (hi, it’s me) will be delighted to know that the brand’s proprietary NAC Y2 complex can also be found in this moisturizer. For those unfamiliar, NAC Y2 is a healing complex that supports collagen and, subsequently, can make a dramatic difference in skin elasticity.
• Ginseng Complex: The final key ingredient in the formulation, ginseng complex, is the hero when it comes to improving circulation within the skin—which means more oxygen availability and less puffiness.

The Feel + Texture

The Cryo Revitalising Moisturiser is a true gel cream. It’s featherlight and absorbs into the skin immediately (like a gel), but still features some bouncy, milky hydration (like a cream). It’s definitely not greasy, but leaves the skin with a subtle sheen and a plump, hydrated feel. It also lays beautifully under both SPF and makeup—I experienced zero pilling, and found that it doubled as an effective primer to help my makeup go on more smoothly.

This is an entirely unique formula—but to compare the texture to something you might already be familiar with, I’d say it feels like a true middle point between Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost and La Roche Posay’s Double-Repair Moisturizer. (Again, all completely different moisturizers with different ingredients and benefits, but this will give you an idea of what the consistency feels like.)

One thing worth noting: Just because this moisturizer has “cryo” in the name, don’t expect it to feel freezing cold out of the pump. The temperature feels like any moisturizer stored at room temperature. The cryo-like benefits are all in the ingredients and formulation, not in the temperature of the product.

How to Use It

111 Skin’s Cryo Revitalising Moisturiser can be used as a morning or evening moisturizer—but the lightweight texture and de-puffing benefits make it particularly suited for daytime. As with any moisturizer, it should be applied after any serums in your routine (such as vitamin C), and followed up with SPF during the daytime. The brand recommends using a pea-sized amount of product (one pump ought to do you nicely) and massaging into the skin using gentle, circular motions to really get the circulation going. For extra de-puffing and a true cryo feeling, you can definitely store this one in the fridge.

The Results

As someone with combination skin, I’m extremely picky when it comes to moisturizer. A true millennial, I typically go for a dewy, natural look in the daytime. But depending on the moisturizer, things can start to border on greasy real quick. I absolutely love the way the 111 Skin Cryo Revitalising Moisturiser feels and looks on my skin—it gives me that bouncy, airy, luminescent look without making my skin look soaking wet (or sweaty).

The cryo effect is also very real. While the moisturizer is not necessarily cold to the touch, it definitely has an energizing effect on the skin. My cheeks look more full of life (and color) throughout the day thanks to the improved circulation, and puffiness is noticeably diminished around my eyes and chin. Overall my skin feels plump, energized, and very much awake. This is a winner that will most definitely remain a staple in my morning routine.