Name: Water Lock
Brand: Protocol Skincare
Price: 27.0 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (32 reviews)

Rated 5.0 out of 5

Based on 32 reviews

#860009344785

$36.00 $27.00

60ml/2oz

The world's first light, matte slugging membrane.

A completely waterproof protective barrier that’s also breathable and light, with a soft velvety finish, Water Lock provides otherworldly moisture retention when used with water (sold separately).

Perfect as both a light daily moisturizer or as a robust, top-layer night cream.

Lab Sale Offers

– 25% off one-time purchase.
– 35% off first product with subscription. (10% off after that!)

Lab-made batch, ready to ship

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Hydration is the holy grail of skincare but there's a dirty little secret skincare companies like to deny:

No skincare product can hydrate your skin. Only water can.

Keeping water from escaping the skin once the skin is hydrated is the real challenge. Water Lock is the ultimate solution to this problem.

To create this profound, unearthly texture the Lab Team mixed a hand-picked selection of occlusive (i.e., water-sealing) molecules of various weights and shapes. These hydrophobic ingredients chain together in a complex, beautiful mesh, allowing airflow but not water escape.

This formula locks water into place and creates a dome-like barrier over the skin for better performance from your favorite anti-aging or rejuvenating skincare ingredients.

It’s a totally different experience than the common “slugging” occlusive ingredients like petrolatum or lanolin, which are so heavy and thick that they can actually encourage bacteria proliferation underneath their greasy shield.

Purified Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Squalane, Synthetic Beeswax, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate, Sodium Hydroxide

For light moisturization, apply a thin layer of Water Lock to damp skin after cleansing and applying serums or actives.

For optimal hydration, apply a generous amount of Water Lock immediately after saturating your skin with water through repeated splashing or taking a shower.

Hot take: No skincare product can hydrate your skin.

Only water can.

Despite what the skincare industry would like us to believe, splashing your face with water for a few minutes or taking a shower are the best and only ways to actually rehydrate your skin once it's dry. The hard part is keeping this hydration sealed in before it evaporates (within minutes!) and preventing what is known in skincare science as transepidermal water loss or TEWL.

Seamless hero videos

What is "Slugging"?

"Slugging" means to apply a thick layer of occlusive (water proof) moisturizer, usually as the last step in your nighttime, routine to seal in moisture and actives. Traditionally, slugging requires the use of thick ointments like petroleum that are heavy, greasy-feeling and difficult to spread. Water Lock is a totally new slugging experience.

An otherworldly texture, made from a precise tangle of hand-picked molecules

To create this unique, semi-permeable but water-tight texture, Protocol's Lab Team meticulously combined a hand-picked selection of partially occlusive (moisture blocking) molecules that, when combined, chain together to form a complex, beautiful mesh that allows airflow but not water to escape.

Simply by helping your skin to flawlessly retain water will help it to look plump, youthful, glowy and be more resilient against irritation.

Light and thick. Day or night.

This unique gel-balm formula is light and easy to spread for daytime and nighttime use. Unlike traditional slugging ingredients (like petrolatum that can encourage bacterial proliferation) this formula offers immense occlusion with a light, breathable shield. It’s non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types including acne-prone and sensitive skin. Water Lock is designed to seal water in place and is reinforced by glycerin, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid to introduce even more moisture into your skin. These perfect humectants absorb and hold water, creating plump, healthy skin and diminishing the appearance of dullness or fine lines.

Water Lock helps maximize absorption of your actives

Designed to pair with Protocol’s radically effective renewing line of products, Water Lock creates a bio-seal when applied over your go-to actives. In addition to promoting water retention, this gel-cream helps boost your skin’s absorption of active ingredients, optimizing the effects of retinoids and vitamin C.

What is this?

Purchasing obscure moisturizers in hopes of finding one that's just a little bit better than the next has been a little monthly dose of excitement in my life the last few years. I still might do this just for fun but I feel that my search for the perfect moisturizer is over: It's Water Lock. It has everything: A thick feel that spreads easily and sits super light and non-shiny but also still feels like it's keeping your skin hydrated seriously 24 hours later. I'm happy using this as much as for a daytime moisturizer as for a heavy night cream. I got to preview the product this summer but it seems like it would be the perfect winter moisturizer too. I may use other moisturizers just cuz it's fun but I will always have a tube of Water Lock within reach moving forward.

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Reviewed by Anette

I recommend this product

Rated 5 out of 5

Review posted

Must have

Living in Colorado, I've struggled with keeping my skin hydrated in this dry climate. Water Lock has been a game changer, it's so lightweight and not greasy at all. It has transformed my nighttime routine, leaving my skin plump and thoroughly moisturized by morning.

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Reviewed by Justin

I recommend this product

Rated 5 out of 5

Review posted

Easy

Water Lock is a game changer. As a guy who's always on the move, its non-greasy, breathable formula keeps my skin fresh and hydrated without any fuss or a million steps. Highly recommend

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Reviewed by Lisa

I recommend this product

Rated 5 out of 5

Review posted

This works

Water Lock has been a real lifesaver for me. I've been dealing with sensitive skin issues, and this product has made a significant difference. I've been a fan of Protocol's products, but this one might just top my list.

After applying Water Lock my skin feels beautifully hydrated. The gel balm is super light, non-oily, and won't leave your face looking shiny. You don't need to use much – a little goes a long way, and it instantly soothes my skin, no redness or burning. So far, it's been amazing!

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Reviewed by Nicole

I recommend this product

Rated 5 out of 5

Review posted

Dry skin staple

I was lucky enough to receive this product early through PR gifting. It smooths down little rough patches and fine lines and looks great as a base under makeup. I have even used it over the original Protocol moisturizer at night to "slug" and seal in all the nourishing ingredients and it's the only thing that has really helped my SUPER dry skin. Will be purchasing again soon.

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