Equate Beauty Moisturizing Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid

A barrier-repairing hand cream featuring three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone to soothe and protect dry skin.

Performance Rating: 4.7

This formula features an excellent profile for hydration and skin barrier repair. It contains the ‘golden ratio’ of lipids: a blend of Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Cholesterol, and Phytosphingosine, which are critical for restoring the skin’s natural protective barrier. Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate provide deep hydration, while Dimethicone and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride offer occlusive properties to lock moisture in without a greasy feel.

Safety Rating: 4.0

The product is generally safe but relies on Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate as a preservative, which can be an allergen or irritant for some individuals and is restricted in leave-on products in certain regions (like the EU). It also contains Benzyl Alcohol, a known contact allergen, and ethoxylated ingredients (Ceteareth-20, Polysorbate 20) which have a low risk of contamination if not purified correctly. However, it is notable for being fragrance-free, which reduces the risk of irritation significantly.

Final Rating: 4.5

This is a highly effective hand moisturizer. The inclusion of multiple ceramides and hyaluronic acid makes it a top-tier choice for healing dry, cracked hands or maintaining a healthy skin barrier. While the preservative system is slightly less gentle than modern clean beauty standards, the performance benefits for dry skin are exceptional.

Verdict

This product represents a dermatologist-favorite approach to hand care, prioritizing the restoration of the skin’s protective barrier over superficial moisturizing. The formulation is anchored by a complex of Ceramides (NP, AP, and EOP), Phytosphingosine, and Cholesterol. These are skin-identical lipids that function like mortar between skin cells, actively repairing cracks and strengthening the stratum corneum against environmental stress. This makes the cream particularly valuable for individuals whose hands are damaged by cold weather or frequent washing. To address immediate hydration, the formula utilizes Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate, powerful humectants that draw moisture from the environment into the skin. Unlike traditional heavy balms, this product employs Dimethicone, a silicone that forms a breathable, water-resistant seal on the surface. This occlusive layer locks in the moisture provided by the humectants and protects the skin from irritants without leaving a greasy or sticky residue, allowing for immediate use of hands after application. The texture is further refined by Behentrimonium Methosulfate and Cetearyl Alcohol, which provide a soft, powdery after-feel rather than an oily slip. However, consumers should be aware of the preservative system. The inclusion of Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate is effective against microbes but serves as a known contact allergen for a small percentage of the population. Additionally, Benzyl Alcohol is used as a preservative and solvent, which can sometimes sting on broken skin. Despite these minor cautions, the product is a powerhouse for structural skin repair. It avoids unnecessary fragrances and fluff, focusing entirely on efficacy. It is an excellent choice for anyone suffering from chronic dryness, eczema, or rough texture, offering a sophisticated blend of hydration, lipid replacement, and surface protection.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Humectants / 溶剂和保湿剂

🧪 WATER (AQUA) / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Draws moisture into the skin; very common and effective.

🧪 SODIUM HYALURONATE / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: The salt form of hyaluronic acid; holds 1000x its weight in water.

📁 Emollients & Occlusives / 润肤剂和封闭剂

🧪 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE / 辛酸/癸酸甘油三酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin; leaves a non-greasy feel.

🧪 DIMETHICONE / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Occlusive/Emollient

Concerns: Silicone buildup (rare on skin)

Notes: Forms a protective barrier and provides a silky slip.

🧪 CETEARYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient/Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol, not drying; improves texture.

🧪 CETYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient/Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Another fatty alcohol used to stabilize and thicken the cream.

📁 Skin Barrier Repair Agents / 皮肤屏障修复成分

🧪 CERAMIDE NP / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Reinforces the natural lipid barrier.

🧪 CERAMIDE AP / 神经酰胺 AP

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Works synergistically with other ceramides to repair skin.

🧪 CERAMIDE EOP / 神经酰胺 EOP

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Crucial for long-term hydration and barrier function.

🧪 PHYTOSPHINGOSINE / 植物鞘氨醇

Purpose: Skin-Conditioning Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: A precursor to ceramides; has antimicrobial properties.

🧪 CHOLESTEROL / 胆固醇

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Essential lipid that works with ceramides to maintain barrier health.

📁 Emulsifiers & Texture Enhancers / 乳化剂和质地以此调节剂

🧪 BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE / 山嵛基三甲基硫酸甲酯铵

Purpose: Emulsifier/Conditioner

Concerns: None

Notes: A gentle cationic surfactant that provides a soft, powdery after-feel.

🧪 CETEARETH-20 / 鲸蜡硬脂醇聚醚-20

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: Contamination risk (low)

Notes: Helps mix oil and water phases.

🧪 POLYSORBATE 20 / 聚山梨醇酯-20

Purpose: Emulsifier/Solubilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps disperse ingredients.

🧪 POLYGLYCERYL-3 DIISOSTEARATE / 聚甘油-3 二异硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier/Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from plants; good for sensitive skin.

🧪 SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE / 月桂酰乳酰乳酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used to help penetrate ceramides into the skin.

🧪 CARBOMER / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates a gel-like consistency.

🧪 XANTHAN GUM / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural polysaccharide used for stability.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂和稳定剂

🧪 POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE / 磷酸钾

Purpose: Buffering Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Adjusts and stabilizes pH.

🧪 DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE / 磷酸氢二钾

Purpose: Buffering Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Adjusts and stabilizes pH.

🧪 DISODIUM EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Binds metal ions to prevent spoilage.

🧪 IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE / 碘丙炔醇丁基氨甲酸酯

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Sensitization/Allergy

Notes: Can be irritating to some skin types; restricted concentrations.

🧪 BENZYL ALCOHOL / 苯甲醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Fragrance allergen (potential)

Notes: Also acts as a solvent.