What are Dr. Grandel SOS Ampoules?
Dr. Grandel SOS Ampoules are single-dose calming concentrates from Dr. Grandel, the German professional skincare house based in Augsburg. The brand formulated them for skin that’s susceptible to redness or irritation. They also belong to the brand’s Professional Collection.
Each sealed glass ampoule holds 3 ml of a light gel-serum, formulated for the visible signs of stressed skin. It is built to alleviate the look of redness while supporting the appearance of damaged or irritated skin.
Key benefits of SOS Ampoules
- Calms the look of redness: ammonium glycyrrhizate, from licorice root, is included for its long-standing reputation for soothing reactive-looking skin.
- Supports stressed-looking skin: horse chestnut seed extract and a carboxymethyl beta-glucan are formulated to support the skin’s visible resilience.
- Balances without heaviness: the light, water-based gel absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel occlusive on reactive skin.
- Fits a professional protocol: Dr. Grandel notes the formula also works well with ultrasound or iontophoresis treatments in a spa setting.
Key ingredients
Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, derived from licorice root, is a classic calming ingredient in skincare formulated to help soothe the look of redness. Aesculus Hippocastanum (horse chestnut) Seed Extract and sodium carboxymethyl betaglucan are also included to support skin’s visible resilience under stress.
Caffeine and zinc gluconate round out the concentrate, while mannitol adds a light humectant effect. Note that the formula contains fragrance.
How to use SOS Ampoules
- Cleanse the skin thoroughly.
- Tap the ampoule so no liquid remains in the head. Wrap it in a tissue (or use an ampoule opener). Then break it away from you at the marked dot.
- After that, distribute the full contents evenly across the face, neck and décolleté, focusing on areas of visible redness.
- Massage in gently for full absorption, then follow with your usual moisturizer.
- Use two to three times a week for a 1 to 4 week course. You can also use it as needed after sun exposure or shaving to help calm the look of irritation.
Use the contents of an ampoule immediately after opening. For external use only; avoid the eye area and keep out of reach of children.
Who SOS Ampoules are for
SOS Ampoules target skin that reddens or reacts easily, including after sun exposure, shaving or general environmental stress. Dr. Grandel also recommends the formula for combination, normal, dry and oily skin. In fact, the brand describes it as suitable for every skin type.
Retail size vs. professional size
This listing is the 3-ampoule retail box (3 x 3 ml). It is a good size for a first course or an occasional calming treatment. Altogether, the box holds enough for a one-week calming course or three targeted treatments.
Dr. Grandel also offers SOS in a 12-ampoule professional box for estheticians. The larger box therefore lowers the cost per ampoule for a full back-bar rotation.
Full ingredient list (INCI)
Aqua (Water), Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Mannitol, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trideceth-9, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Carboxymethyl Betaglucan, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl p-Cresol, Caffeine, Sodium Hydroxide, Propylene Glycol, Zinc Gluconate, Alcohol, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, Tris (Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) Citrate, Parfum (Fragrance), CI 42090 (Blue 1), CI 19140 (Yellow 5)
Ingredient list per Dr. Grandel (grandel.com). Formulas can change; always check the list on the package you receive.





