Hi girls:) I wanted to share my thoughts on the Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel because it's been a surprising standout in my routine and honestly, when I first searched for reviews, opinions seemed pretty split. Some people absolutely loved it, others really didn’t vibe with the texture or finish. So if you're wondering which camp you might fall into, here’s my experience.

I have acne-prone, oily, but dehydrated skin. I've been on Accutane once though my acne eventually returned, and my skin barrier is incredibly vulnerable as dryness and dehydration are constant concerns. I’ve tried several thicker, barrier-repairing products like Aestura Atobarrier 365 and La Roche-Posay Cicaplast, but for some reason, they always left me itchy, tingly, and weirdly oilier. It felt like they just sat on top of my skin without really sinking in, which made me suspect I might be sensitive to something in those richer formulas.

Given that Illiyoon is known for its occlusive, moisture-locking products, I was a bit skeptical about trying the gel. Some of the negative reviews mentioned it left a tacky, shiny finish, didn’t absorb well, or caused breakouts. Still, curiosity got the better of me and I’m so glad I gave it a shot.

The first thing I noticed no strong scent, which is always a win for my easily-irritated skin. It has a smooth, gel texture that absorbs surprisingly well and leaves a soft, healthy-looking glow, not a greasy shine. Yes, the finish is slightly tacky, but I actually don’t mind it. If anything, it gives a nice grip under makeup. Best of all, I’ve had no breakouts, no itchiness, no tingling, just calm, hydrated skin.

Before 

After

It’s been especially helpful while I’m using Taz, which can seriously compromise my moisture barrier. I pair this gel with a beta-glucan serum, and the combo has been working beautifully for my skin. No extra oiliness, and my skin feels balanced and comfortable throughout the day.

If you’ve struggled with heavier creams not absorbing or causing irritation, and you're looking for something gentle yet effective to help support a damaged barrier, this might be worth a try. It’s not your typical gel as it’s much more nourishing than I expected, without crossing the line into suffocating. I'm genuinely impressed, and it’s earned a solid place in my routine.