Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Cream for Normal to Dry, Sensitive Skin

A fragrance-free and soothing hand moisturizer featuring Colloidal Oatmeal and Shea Butter designed to repair dry, cracked, and sensitive skin.

Performance Rating: 4.4

This formula relies on a classic, effective combination of Glycerin (a humectant) and Shea Butter (a rich emollient) to hydrate and soften the skin. The standout ingredient is Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, known as colloidal oatmeal, which provides significant soothing and anti-itch properties, making this excellent for irritated hands. Isopropyl Myristate helps reduce the greasy feel often associated with shea butter, ensuring good absorption. While it lacks heavy-duty occlusives (like petrolatum) for extreme cracking, it is a highly effective daily moisturizer.

Safety Rating: 4.8

The safety profile is excellent. It appears to be fragrance-free, which drastically reduces the risk of contact dermatitis. The preservative system uses gentler alternatives like Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, and p-Anisic Acid rather than parabens or formaldehyde releasers. Oat flour is highly tolerated by sensitive skin types. Sodium Hydroxide is used strictly for pH adjustment and poses no risk in the final formulation.

Final Rating: 4.6

This is a superior product for sensitive or dry hands due to its focus on soothing and barrier-supporting ingredients like Oat and Shea Butter. It avoids unnecessary fillers and potential irritants, offering a formulation that is both safe and functionally effective for maintaining healthy skin hydration.

Verdict

This hand moisturizer presents a highly effective, minimalist formulation designed specifically for those struggling with compromised skin barriers or chronic dryness. At the heart of the formula is Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, commonly known as colloidal oatmeal. This is a gold-standard ingredient in dermatology for its proven ability to soothe itchiness, reduce inflammation, and provide a protective coating over the skin. When applied to the hands, which undergo frequent washing and exposure to harsh elements, this ingredient acts as a shield to lock in moisture and prevent further irritation. Complementing the soothing oat component is Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, a rich emollient that provides deep nourishment. Unlike lighter lotions that evaporate quickly, the inclusion of shea butter ensures that the skin remains soft and pliable for an extended period. This is further reinforced by Glycerin, a powerful humectant that draws water into the outer layer of the skin, ensuring immediate hydration upon application. The combination of these three elements creates a robust system for repairing dry, cracked hands. Texture-wise, the presence of Isopropyl Myristate and Cetyl Alcohol suggests a product that feels substantial yet spreads easily. Isopropyl Myristate is known for reducing the “greasy” feel of heavy oils, helping the shea butter absorb more cosmetically. However, it effectively softens rough patches without feeling too tacky. The preservation system, utilizing Caprylyl Glycol, p-Anisic Acid, and Ethylhexylglycerin, is modern and gentle, avoiding controversial ingredients like parabens or formaldehyde releasers. Notably absent from this list are fragrances and dyes. This exclusion is crucial for a hand cream intended for sensitive skin, as fragrance is one of the most common contact allergens. Consequently, this product is an excellent choice for individuals dealing with hand eczema or dermatitis. It focuses entirely on function and repair rather than sensory experience, making it a reliable staple for daily maintenance of healthy hand skin.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Humectants / 溶剂与保湿剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The main liquid base that dissolves other ingredients.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin to maintain hydration.

📁 Emollients & Soothing Agents / 润肤剂与舒缓成分

🧪 Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter / 牛油果树果脂

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: A rich, nourishing fat that softens skin and forms a protective barrier.

🧪 Isopropyl Myristate / 肉豆蔻酸异丙酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: Can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) for acne-prone skin

Notes: Provides a dry, velvety finish and reduces the greasy feel of oils.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient / Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens the skin and adds body to the cream; distinct from drying alcohols.

🧪 Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour / 燕麦仁细粉

Purpose: Skin Protectant / Soothing Agent

Concerns: Low risk (safe for most gluten-sensitive users unless cross-contaminated)

Notes: Excellent for soothing irritation, itching, and dryness; often used for eczema.

📁 Emulsifiers & Texture Modifiers / 乳化剂与质地调节剂

🧪 Potassium Cetyl Phosphate / 鲸蜡醇磷酸酯钾

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: Low irritation risk

Notes: Helps blend water and oil components to keep the formula stable.

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener / Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates the viscosity and gel-like structure of the moisturizer.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Caustic in raw form; safe in final formulation

Notes: Used in tiny amounts to neutralize carbomer and adjust the pH to a skin-friendly level.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 Caprylyl Glycol / 辛甘醇

Purpose: Humectant / Preservative Booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Conditions the skin while boosting the effectiveness of other preservatives.

🧪 p-Anisic Acid / 对茴香酸

Purpose: Preservative / Masking Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: A plant-derived acid (often from anise) with antifungal properties.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative Booster / Skin Conditioning

Concerns: Very rare risk of contact allergy

Notes: Enhances the efficacy of preservatives and improves skin feel.