A robust, fragrance-free moisturizer designed to restore the skin barrier using a complex of essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and protective petrolatum.
This formula represents a gold standard for barrier repair and hydration. It features a powerful trio of Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP) combined with Cholesterol and Phytosphingosine, mimicking the skin’s natural lipids to restore the protective barrier. Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate act as potent humectants to draw water into the skin, while Petrolatum and Dimethicone provide a necessary occlusive layer to prevent transepidermal water loss—a critical feature for hand creams. The presence of Behentrimonium Methosulfate suggests a silky, non-greasy application despite the rich ingredients.
The profile is excellent for sensitive skin. It is Fragrance-Free, which significantly reduces the risk of contact dermatitis. The preservation system uses Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin, avoiding parabens and formaldehyde donors. While Petrolatum is sometimes debated in ‘clean beauty’ circles, it is chemically inert, non-comedogenic, and widely considered one of the safest and most effective skin protectants by dermatologists. The formula is free from drying alcohols and harsh irritants.
This is a highly recommended product (identifiable as the classic CeraVe Moisturizing Cream formula). It offers a sophisticated balance of hydration, restoration, and protection. It is versatile enough for daily maintenance yet effective enough for dry, cracked, or eczema-prone hands. The combination of scientifically backed ingredients ensures long-lasting moisture without a heavy, sticky residue.
This formulation represents a gold standard in barrier repair, specifically targeting the needs of chronically dry or compromised skin. At its core, the inclusion of Glycerin ensures immediate and deep hydration, pulling moisture into the outer layers of the epidermis. However, hydration without retention is often futile for damaged hands; this is where the product’s sophisticated lipid blend shines. The formulation boasts a trio of essential ceramides (NP, AP, EOP) alongside Cholesterol and Phytosphingosine. These ingredients are bio-identical to the lipids naturally found in the stratum corneum, allowing them to effectively patch up microscopic cracks in the skin barrier caused by dryness or over-washing.
For hand care specifically, protection is paramount. The presence of Petrolatum and Dimethicone creates a breathable but effective seal over the skin. Petrolatum is widely recognized as one of the most effective occlusives available, preventing transepidermal water loss with high efficiency. Meanwhile, Dimethicone adds a cosmetic elegance, providing a silky slip that helps mitigate the heavy, sticky feeling often associated with intense moisturizers. This combination ensures that the hands remain protected against environmental stressors without feeling overly greasy.
The inclusion of Sodium Hyaluronate provides an extra boost of moisture retention, helping to plump the skin and smooth fine lines associated with dehydration. Furthermore, the specific arrangement of Behentrimonium Methosulfate and emulsifiers suggests a delivery system designed to release moisturizing ingredients slowly over time, providing prolonged relief rather than a temporary fix.
Crucially, this product is devoid of fragrance and drying alcohols, making it exceptionally safe for sensitive skin and conditions like eczema. It avoids common irritants, focusing entirely on functional efficacy and restoration. While the texture is rich due to the high content of Cetearyl and Cetyl Alcohols, it absorbs well, leaving a protective film that feels restorative. It is a highly reliable, dermatologist-favored choice for maintaining hand health.
🧪 AQUA / WATER / EAU / 水
Purpose: Solvent
Concerns: None
Notes: The base of the formula.
🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin.
🧪 SODIUM HYALURONATE / 透明质酸钠
Purpose: Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: Salt form of Hyaluronic Acid; holds massive amounts of water.
🧪 CERAMIDE NP / 神经酰胺 NP
Purpose: Skin restoring
Concerns: None
Notes: Reinforces the skin’s natural barrier.
🧪 CERAMIDE AP / 神经酰胺 AP
Purpose: Skin restoring
Concerns: None
Notes: Reinforces the skin’s natural barrier.
🧪 CERAMIDE EOP / 神经酰胺 EOP
Purpose: Skin restoring
Concerns: None
Notes: Reinforces the skin’s natural barrier.
🧪 PHYTOSPHINGOSINE / 植物鞘氨醇
Purpose: Skin conditioning
Concerns: None
Notes: A lipid that is part of the skin’s natural defense system; precursor to ceramides.
🧪 PETROLATUM / 矿脂 (凡士林)
Purpose: Occlusive
Concerns: Greasy texture for some
Notes: Highly effective at sealing in moisture and protecting cracked skin.
🧪 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE / 辛酸/癸酸甘油三酯
Purpose: Emollient
Concerns: None
Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin; light texture.
🧪 DIMETHICONE / 聚二甲基硅氧烷
Purpose: Emollient / Occlusive
Concerns: Silicone buildup (rare in skin)
Notes: Provides a silky feel and forms a protective barrier.
🧪 CETEARYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡硬脂醇
Purpose: Emollient / Texture enhancer
Concerns: None
Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens skin, not a drying alcohol.
🧪 CETYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡醇
Purpose: Emollient / Thickener
Concerns: None
Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens skin.
🧪 CHOLESTEROL / 胆甾醇
Purpose: Skin conditioning
Concerns: None
Notes: Essential lipid for maintaining skin barrier function.
🧪 TOCOPHEROL / 生育酚 (维生素E)
Purpose: Antioxidant
Concerns: None
Notes: Protects skin from free radical damage.
🧪 BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE / 山嵛基三甲基硫酸甲酯铵
Purpose: Emulsifier / Conditioning
Concerns: None
Notes: An exceptionally mild cationic emulsifier, often used in sensitive skin products.
🧪 CETEARETH-20 / 鲸蜡硬脂醇聚醚-20
Purpose: Emulsifier
Concerns: Contamination risk (low in reputable brands)
Notes: Helps mix oil and water.
🧪 SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE / 月桂酰乳酰乳酸钠
Purpose: Emulsifier
Concerns: None
Notes: Often used to help deliver ceramides into the skin.
🧪 CARBOMER / 卡波姆
Purpose: Thickener
Concerns: None
Notes: Controls viscosity.
🧪 XANTHAN GUM / 黄原胶
Purpose: Thickener
Concerns: None
Notes: Natural sugar-derived thickener.
🧪 PHENOXYETHANOL / 苯氧乙醇
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Irritation (rare at low concentrations)
Notes: Common alternative to parabens.
🧪 ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN / 乙基己基甘油
Purpose: Preservative booster / Skin conditioning
Concerns: None
Notes: Often paired with Phenoxyethanol.
🧪 DISODIUM EDTA / EDTA 二钠
Purpose: Chelating agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Prevents metals in water from destabilizing the formula.
🧪 POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE / 磷酸钾
Purpose: pH Buffer
Concerns: None
Notes: Maintains product pH.
🧪 DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE / 磷酸氢二钾
Purpose: pH Buffer
Concerns: None
Notes: Maintains product pH.