Level Up Balancing Gel Moisturizer
Oil Control MVP
Verified reviewer
Pros & cons.
- +Niacinamide and zinc PCA provide clinically-supported oil control and antimicrobial benefits
- +Linoleic acid-rich oils rebalance oily skin rather than stripping it
- +Ultra-lightweight gel absorbs in seconds with a natural matte finish
- +Fragrance-free and silicone-free with very low irritation potential
- +Pump packaging prevents bacterial contamination — smart for acne-prone users
- +Squalane provides non-comedogenic moisture that won't trigger additional oiliness
- −Insufficient moisture for dry or dehydrated skin types
- −Oil-control effect may fade by afternoon for very oily skin in hot climates
- −1.7 oz size is adequate but not generous for the $16 price
- −Contains oleyl erucate which has some comedogenic potential
- −Limited to oily and combination skin — narrow audience compared to universal moisturizers
The full review.
Skincare often treats oily skin with force—alcohol toners, harsh clay masks, or thick mattifiers. Bubble’s Level Up uses a different approach. This gel moisturizer treats oily skin as unbalanced rather than something to dry out.
The formulation is clear. Niacinamide and zinc PCA are the two active stars, a pair used often in clinical research on sebum regulation. Niacinamide works at the cellular level to normalize sebum production over time; it teaches the skin to produce less oil instead of just mattifying the surface. Zinc PCA adds antimicrobial properties to discourage Cutibacterium acnes (the bacterium behind inflammatory acne) and provides the humectant properties of PCA, a component of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor. Together, they address oiliness and breakout potential.
The oil choices show sophistication. Hemp seed oil and evening primrose oil are both high in linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid that oily and acne-prone skin often lacks. Research shows the sebum of acne-prone individuals has less linoleic acid and more oleic acid than clear skin. Topically supplying linoleic acid with these oils helps normalize sebum composition, which can reduce the thick, sticky sebum that clogs pores. This choice shows Bubble follows dermatology literature.
Squalane completes the emollient base, providing lightweight moisture that mimics natural squalene. It is a universally tolerated moisturizing ingredient—non-comedogenic, stable, and compatible with almost every skin type. In this formula, it ensures the gel delivers hydration rather than just sitting on the skin.
The texture meets all expectations for an oily-skin gel moisturizer. It is transparent, cool, and weightless. It spreads like water, absorbs quickly, and leaves a natural matte finish without looking chalky. There is no tackiness, film, or shine—only hydrated, balanced skin. It is invisible under makeup and does not pill under sunscreen. At night, it provides enough moisture to skip an extra cream without staining pillowcases.
The pump packaging matters. For acne-prone users, hygiene is vital because fingers introduce bacteria into jars that can cause breakouts. The pump delivers a controlled amount of product without contamination. This practical choice shows Bubble prioritizes user experience over aesthetics.
In use, most users notice the oil-control effect within the first week. Skin feels less oily by midday, and the overall oil balance shifts perceptibly over two to three weeks. The antimicrobial zinc may also lead to fewer small breakouts, but this is not an acne treatment and does not replace dedicated spot treatments or BHA exfoliants.
The limitations are expected. This is not a moisturizer for dry skin; it lacks the richness to fix lipid deficiency or winter dehydration. Combination-skin users may find it works for the T-zone but not for drier cheeks, requiring another product. While the oil control is real, very oily skin in hot, humid weather may still need midday blotting.
At $16 for 1.7 oz, Level Up costs the same as Cloud Surf. The value is comparable, offering solid ingredient quality in an adequate size. The pump packaging also helps users avoid wasting product.
Level Up fits into Bubble’s lineup by being specific and realistic. It is a gel moisturizer for oily and combination skin that controls shine through biochemistry instead of brute-force mattifying. For teenage or young-adult users starting a skincare routine, it is a good choice—effective, gentle, affordable, and based on science that holds up to scrutiny.
Formula
### Texture
The texture meets all expectations for an oily-skin gel moisturizer. It is transparent, cool, and weightless. It spreads like water, absorbs quickly, and leaves a natural matte finish without looking chalky. There is no tackiness, film, or shine—only hydrated, balanced skin. It is invisible under makeup and does not pill under sunscreen. At night, it provides enough moisture to skip an extra cream without staining pillowcases.
### Packaging
The pump packaging matters. For acne-prone users, hygiene is vital because fingers introduce bacteria into jars that can cause breakouts. The pump delivers a controlled amount of product without contamination. This practical choice shows Bubble prioritizes user experience over aesthetics.
### Works for
In use, most users notice the oil-control effect within the first week. Skin feels less oily by midday, and the overall oil balance shifts perceptibly over two to three weeks. The antimicrobial zinc may also lead to fewer small breakouts, but this is not an acne treatment and does not replace dedicated spot treatments or BHA exfoliants.
### Not ideal for
The limitations are expected. This is not a moisturizer for dry skin; it lacks the richness to fix lipid deficiency or winter dehydration. Combination-skin users may find it works for the T-zone but not for drier cheeks, requiring another product. While the oil control is real, very oily skin in hot, humid weather may still need midday blotting.
### Best for
Level Up fits into Bubble's lineup by being specific and realistic. It is a gel moisturizer for oily and combination skin that controls shine through biochemistry instead of brute-force mattifying. For teenage or young-adult users starting a skincare routine, it is a good choice—effective, gentle, affordable, and based on science that holds up to scrutiny.
Ingredient analysis.
Full INCI list
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Oleyl Erucate, Niacinamide, Zinc PCA, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Glucose, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Succinate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Squalane, Achillea Millefolium Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Hydroxide
Skin match.
The science.
The Science
The niacinamide-zinc combination in Level Up uses clinical research on sebum regulation. A study by Draelos et al. (Cutis, 2006) shows 2% niacinamide reduces sebum excretion rate and improves skin texture in subjects with oily skin. Zinc PCA has dual sebostatic and antimicrobial properties: the zinc component inhibits 5-alpha reductase activity to reduce sebum production, while PCA works as a humectant.
The linoleic acid-rich oils reflect research by Downing et al. (Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 1986). That study shows acne-prone skin has an altered fatty acid profile in sebum, with lower linoleic acid and higher oleic acid concentrations than clear skin. Later research suggests topical linoleic acid application helps normalize this ratio and reduces comedone formation. Hemp seed oil has a linoleic acid content of ~55-60%, making it one of the most concentrated plant-based sources.
Evening primrose oil provides gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which the body converts to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)—a precursor to anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1. This anti-inflammatory pathway matters for acne-prone skin where subclinical inflammation drives lesion development.
Squalane, the stable hydrogenated form of squalene, integrates into the skin's lipid matrix without disrupting sebum production. It is one of the few oils rated non-comedogenic across all skin types.
Dermatologist Perspective
Dermatologists prefer the rebalancing approach to oily skin management in Level Up over stripping methods. Board-certified dermatologists note that aggressive drying of oily skin often triggers compensatory sebum overproduction, creating a counterproductive cycle. The niacinamide-zinc pairing is a frequent recommendation in dermatological practice for mild-to-moderate oil control, and the linoleic acid-rich oil choices match current understanding of acne-prone skin's altered lipid profile. Dermatologists would likely recommend Level Up as a supportive moisturizer alongside dedicated acne treatments rather than as a standalone solution for active acne.
Where it fits in your routine.
Apply one pump to fingertips and spread onto clean, dry skin. Use light, upward strokes across the face. The gel absorbs fast; wait 30 seconds before you apply sunscreen or makeup. Use morning and evening. If you use active treatments (BHA, retinol), apply those first and let them absorb before applying Level Up.
At $16 for 1.7 oz, Level Up matches the price of similar niacinamide-zinc gel moisturizers. The ingredient list — including squalane, hemp seed oil, evening primrose oil, and hydrolyzed pea protein — offers effective actives for less than many competitors. The pump packaging reduces product waste compared to jar formats. For oily-skin users who spend $25-40 on similar gel moisturizers from COSRX or Paula's Choice, Level Up works similarly at a lower price.
Oily and combination skin types want a lightweight gel moisturizer that controls shine without drying. It works for teens and young adults with excess oil and early acne. It also suits anyone wanting a silicone-free, fragrance-free gel that layers well under makeup and sunscreen.
Dry skin types lack adequate hydration here. For a thick, nourishing moisturizer for winter or harsh climates, use Bubble's Slam Dunk or a ceramide cream. This moisturizer alone does not treat active inflammatory acne; pair it with a dedicated acne treatment.
Product details.
This translucent, lightweight gel spreads easily and absorbs within seconds. The formula feels cool on application and turns from a gel to a matte finish.
Completely fragrance-free. No detectable scent from any ingredients.
Bubble's signature colorful branding covers this pump dispenser bottle. The pump gives controlled, hygienic amounts of product without jar-dipping. This design helps acne-prone users avoid bacterial contamination.
The first application feels cool and absorbs in under 30 seconds. The matte finish is noticeable but not drying. It causes no tingling, stinging, or adjustment period. Skin feels hydrated but oil-free on the surface.
2-3 months with once or twice daily facial application
12 months
spring summer
The backstory.
Level Up was designed as Bubble's lightest moisturizer for the oiliest skin in its target demographic. Rather than following the traditional approach of drying out oily skin with alcohol and astringents, the formula takes a rebalancing approach — using zinc for sebum regulation and linoleic acid-rich oils to normalize the fatty acid profile of oily skin. It's the kind of nuanced formulation thinking that reflects the brand's stated mission of giving young skin what it actually needs.
About Bubble Skincare
Emerging Brand (2–5 years)Shai Eisenman founded Bubble Skincare in 2020 as the first modern skincare brand for Gen Z. TikTok, Walmart, and Target distribution drove rapid brand growth. Bubble Skincare uses well-studied ingredients at accessible prices, but the brand is still building its independent clinical track record.
Common myths.
Oily skin doesn't need moisturizer.
Oily skin produces excess sebum but can still be dehydrated by lacking water instead of oil. Skipping moisturizer signals the skin to produce more oil to compensate. Level Up's gel format and oil-balancing ingredients provide hydration that normalizes sebum output instead of driving it higher.
Hemp seed oil will get you high or show up on a drug test.
Hemp seed oil (Cannabis sativa) has no THC or CBD. It is a nutritional oil with linoleic acid and omega fatty acids. This formula uses Hemp seed oil (Cannabis sativa) for its fatty acid profile, specifically the linoleic acid that rebalances oily skin.
FAQ.
Is Bubble Level Up good for acne-prone skin?
The niacinamide and zinc PCA combination works for acne-prone skin — niacinamide regulates oil and zinc provides antimicrobial activity against acne-causing bacteria. Hemp seed and evening primrose oils contain linoleic acid to address fatty acid deficiencies common in acne-prone skin. This is a moisturizer, not an acne treatment — use it with a dedicated BHA or benzoyl peroxide product for active breakouts.
Can I use Bubble Level Up under makeup?
Yes — the fast-absorbing gel texture works well as a makeup base. The matte finish means light-coverage looks may not need a separate primer. Wait about a minute for full absorption before applying foundation or concealer to prevent interference.
Is Bubble Level Up moisturizer enough for winter?
For oily skin in winter, this provides enough hydration if you layer it over a hydrating serum. Combination skin needs extra moisture on dry areas during cold, dry months. Layer a hyaluronic acid serum underneath or apply a thicker cream to dry patches only.
What does zinc PCA do in skincare?
Zinc PCA is a zinc salt that joins zinc's sebum-regulating properties with the humectant properties of PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor). It controls oil production, has mild antimicrobial activity, and adds hydration. This makes Zinc PCA an ideal active for oily and acne-prone skin formulations.
How is Level Up different from Cloud Surf?
Level Up is Bubble's lightest moisturizer — a transparent gel designed specifically for oily skin with active niacinamide and zinc PCA for oil control. Cloud Surf is a slightly richer water cream for normal-to-combination skin, using celery extract for mattifying and a more emollient base. Choose Level Up for oily skin, Cloud Surf for combination skin.
Community
What the community says.
"Ultra-lightweight gel absorbs instantly with zero greasiness"
"Effective at controlling shine throughout the day"
"Fragrance-free and non-irritating"
"Innovative pump packaging is hygienic and easy to use"
"Affordable price for the ingredient quality"
"Not moisturizing enough for dry or very dehydrated skin"
"Contains hemp seed oil which concerns some users despite being non-psychoactive"
"Gel texture can feel slightly tacky if over-applied"
"Some users find oil control effect fades by afternoon"
