I Tried Alpha-H’s New Water Cream to See if It Could Hydrate My Oily, Sensitised Skin

Updated:

9 Oct 2023

Maddy is Adore Beauty's Brand Partnerships Coordinator. She spends most of her spare time listening to podcasts and searching for her next almond latte.

Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream Maddy selfie hero

In partnership with Alpha-H.

When I first started at Adore Beauty, waaaaay back in 2021, one of the questions I would ask in my meet and greets was “What’s a product that I should add to my first staff order?”

It was a great, easy way to start a convo with my new colleagues, and I was able to get up to speed on all things Adore Beauty. Talk about a win-win.

From those convos, one of the most mentioned brands was Alpha-H.

The praises of Alpha-H skincare were chanted back at me as I dipped my toe into the Adore Beauty world, and so I popped the iconic Midnight Reboot Serum into my first staff order and never looked back.

I’ve been an Alpha-H lover ever since.

And while Midnight Reboot is brilliant, that’s not why I’m here.

I’m here to tell you all about the exciting, buzzy new release from the iconic Aussie brand, the Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream with Australian River Mint and how it fits into my current Alpha-H routine.

What Is The Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream?

Alpha-H High Tide Cream hero 2

Before I get too deep into the ins and outs of my routine and the snazzy new moisturiser, let me give you a crash course on Alpha-H.

Alpha-H is an Australian skincare brand that focuses on exfoliating acids and the benefits they can deliver to your skin.

That sounds scary, but I promise it’s not - these acids are great at clearing your complexion and leaving you with bright and even skin.

As the brand grew, it added more products to its comprehensive repertoire, the most recent being the Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream with Australian River Mint.

Other than being my new fave Alpha-H product, it’s a light, water cream moisturiser that includes hyaluronic acid, panthenol, vegan squalane and native river mint.

Think of a light but hydrating, watery texture that glides on and sinks into the skin immediately. Perfect for every skin type, but especially those with oily complexions.

This mix of ingredients works to immediately hydrate your skin and leave it looking plump and juicy.

And fun fact: this moisturiser is actually clinically proven to keep working to build water reserves in the skin.

What does that even mean, you may ask? In short, it locks in moisture so your skin feels hydrated for longer.

Shop Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream

My Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream Review.

Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream in-article

So what do I actually think of this snazzy new product?

In short - I was immediately obsessed. Still am, in fact.

For context, I’ve got oily, acne-prone skin so I always lean towards using products of a lighter texture that sink into the skin easily.

When I opened this jar of goodness and tested a bit of the product on the back of my hand, I actually gasped at how gorgeous the formula was.

It was super light, instantly cooling and felt incredibly hydrating. I was also surprised to notice that the cream had a light, refreshing scent that I really liked.

I was immediately counting down until I could use it on my face.

The next morning when it came time to slot this new moisturiser into an Alpha-H routine, it blew me away. Want a squiz into that morning routine? See below!

Maddy Alpha-H routine hero

1. Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser.

What: Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser

For me, first up is a really gentle cleanse. This cleanser doesn’t foam up but still helps to balance my skin in the morning.

Pro tip - wipe away the product with a clean face cloth rather than saturating your face to really ensure you’re being gentle with your skin and getting all of the residue off.

2. Alpha-H Clear Skin Tonic.

What: Alpha-H Clear Skin Tonic

Next up is a silent achiever - the Clear Skin Tonic.

As advised by the brand, I use this as more of a spot treatment for places where spots pop up (hello, hormonal zones), so I pop a few drops on a cotton pad and swipe where needed.

3. Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum with 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid.

What: Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum with 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid 25ml

Then we have my favourite ingredient ever, vitamin C!

It wouldn’t be my morning routine if there wasn’t a vitamin C serum involved.

4. Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream with Australian River Mint.

What: Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream with Australian River Mint

Next, we have my new favourite over-achieving moisturiser.

I haven’t experienced pilling, it’s not angered my sensitised skin, and it’s also not made me oily.

It plays nicely with my existing SPF and makeup products, and it looks mighty nice on my bathroom shelf.

5. Alpha-H Dawn To Dusk SPF 50+ Serum with Niacinamide.

What: Alpha-H Dawn To Dusk SPF 50+ Serum with Niacinamide

Finally, to round out my routine is Alpha-H's brand-new broad-spectrum SPF.

Dawn to Dusk is enriched with skin-loving ingredients including niacinamide, antioxidant-rich vitamin E and aloe vera to nourish the skin while assisting in regulating excess oil.

**ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.

Final Thoughts.

With all the above considered, I will say it again, I am obsessed.

This is perfect for anyone wanting to amp up the hydration levels of their skin without feeling like they’re drowning under a thick layer of moisturiser.

This is an instant Alpha-H classic for sure.