Face Reality Develops Barrier Hydrating Gel Backed by Plants for Acne-Prone Skin

Face Reality, an acne skin care brand, has created a lightweight gel for acne-prone skin, the HydraRemedy Gel Serum, which focuses on hydration to strengthen its barrier and support the skin microbiome. The solution, crafted for all skin types, contains hyaluronic acid, a “tri- recovery complex” and “phyto-ceutical blend,” according to a Nov. 18 press release.Courtesy of Face Reality

Stephanie Criscione, licensed esthetician and director of education and acne clinic at Face Reality, says the Tri-Recovery Complex, first used in Face Reality’s Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser, includes beta glucan, ceramides and prebiotics. 

Beta glucan acts like a shield, she says, locking in moisture and protecting against environmental irritants while ceramides restore the lipid barrier, preventing water loss and reducing sensitivity. Prebiotics balance the skin’s ecosystem and defend against harmful bacteria to support the skin microbiome, Criscione says. 

“By nourishing and protecting the skin, this formula helps calm irritation and makes acne treatments more effective while setting the stage for long-term skin health benefits,” she adds. 

The phyto-ceutical blend integrates plant-based ingredients that soothes irritation, reduces redness and restores balance, Criscione says. The bisabolol, extracted from chamomile, calms the skin, while arnica montana and gardenia flower extracts provide antioxidants to protect against stressors.

The blend also contains asiatic acid, madecassoside and asiaticoside, she says, derived from the centella asiatica plant to boost hydration and enhance overall skin health.

“This blend brings harmony to acne-prone skin, leaving it calm, nourished, and more resilient; ready to tackle whatever comes its way,” Criscione says.

Face Reality built a gel to support the skin barrier specifically because managing acne starts with supporting the skin’s protective shield that keeps irritants out, locks moisture in and helps prevent inflammation that can worsen acne severity, Criscione says. 

Acne treatments can sometimes dry the skin out in an attempt to diminish acne, however, it often compromises the barrier, Criscione says, leading to irritation and sensitivity. In the effort to dry out blemishes, the barrier weakens, causing the skin to produce excess oil to compensate, in turn clogging pores, she adds. 

“Keeping the skin hydrated balances oil production, supports better absorption of active ingredients and reduces irritation,” Criscione says. “Prioritizing barrier repair doesn’t just help clear acne faster–it also protects the skin from long-term issues like pigmentary irregularities and sensitivity.”

Face Reality was founded in 2005 as a small, local clinic offering customized clearing solutions that address the root causes of acne, not just the breakouts, Criscione says. In 2010, after co-founder Laura Cooksey began providing comprehensive training to licensed skin care professionals nationwide, it allowed Face Reality to reach more people, she adds.

Criscione adds, “Face reality was founded…with a singular mission: to make clear skin a reality for as many people as possible.”