The Laneige Water Bank Hyaluronic Cream is a trio of barrier-boosting moisturisers that promise deep, long-lasting hydration for plumper, supple skin.
A cornerstone of the cult Water Bank collection (which we’ve previously reviewed here!), it’s recently undergone upgrades to its packaging and ingredients, and now includes a new Intensive version for extra-thirsty skin (enter, my piqued interest).
According to the K-beauty brand, it targets three key indicators of a strong skin barrier (density, elasticity and firmness), delivering a surge of hydration that lasts anywhere from 48 to 120 hours, depending on your cream of choice.
But before we dive into the deets, let’s get a little sciency for a sec:
Despite slight variations in the ingredients used across the Laneige Water Bank trio, the central ingredient in all the formulas remains Blue Hyaluronic Acid, or Blue HA for short.
What is Blue HA and how does it differ from regular HA?
I’m so glad you asked.
Think of Blue HA as the refined, amplified version of regular HA.
Exclusive to Laneige, Blue HA has been double fermented with deep sea algae – known for its hydrating and revitalising properties – and a 10-step microfiltration process to create micro-sized molecules that can absorb into the skin faster and more effectively.
Translation: it's really, really, really hydrating.
Now that the chemistry is behind us, let’s dig into the different moisturisers on offer.
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream 50ml
Best for: normal to dry skin types.
Has a dewy and lush cream texture.
Clinically proven to deliver deep, long-lasting hydration for up to 100 hours*.
Enhanced with twice the amount of ceramides than the original formula and a Pepta-panthenol Complex to soothe, firm and hydrate the skin.
*Tested on forearm. Based on a 4-week clinical study on 32 women ages 20 to 45.
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturiser 50ml
Best for: combination to oily skin types.
Has a lightweight, cooling texture with tiny “cream beads” that melt on contact.
Clinically proven 48-hour* barrier-boosting hydration plus skin-firming and softening benefits.
Infused with mint leaf extract to soothe skin and help control sebum production for breakout-prone skin.
*Based on a 48-hour clinical study on 32 women ages 21 to 35.
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Intensive Cream 50ml
Best for: very dry and sensitive skin types.
Has a richer, balm-like formula that melts into the skin.
Clinically proven to provide deep, long-lasting hydration for up to 120 hours*.
Made with omega peptides, cica and squalane to deeply replenish and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier.
*Tested on forearm. Based on a 4-week clinical study on 32 women ages 20-49.
To get a real feel of the Water Bank trio, I assembled a couple of my colleagues to road-test them on our different skin types.
Below, you’ll find our honest thoughts.
