The short answer: If your skin is very dry, reach for an aloe cream rather than a thin aloe gel. A gel is mostly water and feels light. A cream adds oils and humectants that hold moisture on the skin longer. Corium 21 is a rich aloe cream with certified organic aloe vera as its first ingredient. People use it on dry hands, heels, elbows, face and body.
Aloe gel, lotion, cream or ointment: what's the difference?
| Feels | Best when | |
|---|---|---|
| Aloe gel | Light, cooling, mostly water | Skin is only a little dry, or you want something cool after sun |
| Lotion | Thin, absorbs fast | Everyday skin that isn't very dry |
| Cream (Corium 21) | Rich, smooth, non-greasy | Skin is very dry, rough or problem-prone and lotions haven't been enough |
| Ointment | Heavy, greasy | You want a thick seal, often overnight |
The American Academy of Dermatology describes a cream as thicker than a lotion or gel, with more oil, which makes it more hydrating (AAD). For a side-by-side look at the two, see aloe vera cream vs gel.
What's in Corium 21
Corium 21 starts with certified organic aloe vera as its first ingredient. Around it are vitamins, soluble collagen, plant oils and botanical extracts.
- Aloe vera (aloe barbadensis leaf juice), certified organic. It hydrates dry skin and leaves it soft, smooth and comfortable, never greasy.
- Vitamins A, B3 and E, plus vitamins B1, C and D3.
- Soluble collagen, which helps draw in and hold moisture.
- Plant oils: rose hip oil and corn oil, which condition and soften.
- Green tea, chamomile and ginseng extracts, plus fennel, comfrey and yucca.
- Allantoin, found naturally in comfrey. It conditions and softens skin that feels dry and rough.
Every size has the same formula. Full ingredient list.
Classic Fragrance or Fragrance Free
Corium 21 comes in Classic Fragrance and Fragrance Free. Fragrance Free is the same formula as Classic, with the fragrance left out.
Fragrance Free comes in the 8 oz jar, the Essential Duo, Signature Trio and Complete Collection packs, the quart with pump and the gallon.
How to use it on very dry hands, heels and elbows
- Hands: smooth a small amount on after every wash, while skin is still a little damp. A little goes a long way.
- Heels and elbows: at bedtime, apply a thicker layer and pull on cotton socks or gloves.
- Face and body: use it as your daily moisturizer, morning and night.
- Winter: put it on before you head out into cold, dry air.
Sensitive skin? Start with Fragrance Free and try it on a small patch first. For children under 2, check with a doctor before using.
What customers say
"I had very dry skin, especially on my face. I started using this product and my skin is moist and smooth." Harriet G.
Questions people ask
Is aloe vera good for very dry skin?
Aloe hydrates, but on its own as a gel it feels light. For very dry skin, look for aloe in a cream, where oils and humectants help hold the moisture in. In Corium 21 the aloe is the first ingredient.
Is Corium 21 a gel or a cream?
Corium 21 is a cream. It's rich and smooth, goes on easily and leaves a non-greasy finish.
Is the aloe in Corium 21 organic?
Yes. Corium 21 is made with certified organic aloe vera, and it's the first ingredient.
What else is in Corium 21?
Along with certified organic aloe vera, Corium 21 has vitamins A, B3 and E, soluble collagen, plant oils, and green tea, chamomile and ginseng extracts.
Do all sizes of Corium 21 have the same formula?
Yes. Every size of Corium 21 has the same formula.
Is there a fragrance-free version?
Yes. Corium 21 Fragrance Free is the same formula as Classic, with the fragrance left out. It comes in the 8 oz jar, the Duo, Trio and Complete Collection packs, the quart and the gallon.
I've tried a lot of lotions and my skin is still dry. Is this different?
Many of our customers found us after trying other lotions. Corium 21 is a cream, not a lotion, built around aloe vera as the first ingredient. Try a free sample and see how your skin feels.
Who makes Corium 21?
Trusted since 1994. Family-owned in Oregon. Small batch. Call us and you will talk to a real person: (800) 319-5114.