Equate Extreme Relief Hand Cream

A lightweight, functional hand cream formulated with Glycerin and Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate to provide moisture with a distinctly non-greasy finish.

Performance Rating: 4.2

This formula is anchored by Glycerin (the second ingredient), a premier humectant that draws moisture into the skin effectively. The lipid blend includes Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, and Cetearyl Alcohol, which soften the skin, while Dimethicone and Ozokerite provide a protective occlusive barrier to lock that moisture in. A standout feature is the inclusion of Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, which helps absorb stickiness, resulting in a non-greasy, fast-absorbing finish. While excellent for daily maintenance, it lacks heavy-duty repair agents like Urea or Ceramides for severely cracked skin.

Safety Rating: 4.4

The formulation appears to be fragrance-free, which is a significant advantage for safety, drastically reducing the risk of allergic reactions and irritation. It utilizes Benzyl Alcohol and Ethylhexylglycerin as preservatives; while Benzyl Alcohol is generally safe, it acts as a potential allergen for a very small subset of people with hypersensitive skin. Tocopherol (Vitamin E) adds a layer of antioxidant protection. Overall, the profile is clean and low-risk.

Final Rating: 4.3

This product is a highly effective daily hand cream that solves the common complaint of greasiness through smart formulation (using starch and silicone). Its fragrance-free composition makes it a versatile choice suitable for sensitive skin and office environments. It balances practical hydration with a pleasant user experience.

Verdict

This formulation represents a classic approach to hand care, prioritizing usability over heavy occlusion. At its core, the product relies on the proven efficacy of Glycerin, a humectant that draws moisture into the skin, serving as the primary hydration engine. This is supported immediately by Stearic Acid and Isopropyl Myristate, which act as emollients to soften the skin’s surface and improve texture. However, the standout ingredient in this ingredient deck is undoubtedly Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate. This component is included specifically to modify the tactile experience of the product; it absorbs excess oil and reduces tackiness, ensuring the moisturizer dries down to a matte, velvety finish rather than leaving a slippery residue. This makes the product exceptionally well-suited for daytime use.

To lock in the moisture provided by the glycerin and water, the formula utilizes Dimethicone and Ozokerite. Dimethicone is a silicone that forms a breathable barrier on the skin, preventing transepidermal water loss without feeling heavy, while Ozokerite is a mineral wax that adds structure and stability to the cream. The inclusion of Cetyl Alcohol and Cetearyl Alcohol further enhances the barrier function and provides a pleasant slip during application, yet these fatty alcohols are generally non-irritating and lighter than heavy vegetable oils or petrolatum.

The preservation system relies on Benzyl Alcohol and Ethylhexylglycerin. While effective, it is worth noting that Benzyl Alcohol can occasionally cause contact dermatitis in those with highly reactive skin, though it is a standard preservative in many cosmetics. Finally, the addition of Tocopherol (Vitamin E) provides a small boost of antioxidant protection to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier. Overall, this is a utilitarian product designed for functionality. It avoids the pitfall of being too watery while successfully circumventing the greasiness associated with intensive repair balms. It is an excellent choice for a desk-side companion or a purse essential, allowing users to moisturize and immediately return to handling paper, phones, or keyboards without leaving smudges.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水

Purpose: Solvent base

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary liquid carrier for the other ingredients.

📁 Humectants & Emollients / 保湿剂与润肤剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts water from the air to hydrate the skin.

🧪 Isopropyl Myristate / 肉豆蔻酸异丙酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: Can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) for facial skin, though less concern for hands.

Notes: Enhances absorption and reduces the greasy feel of oils.

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Occlusive/Emollient

Concerns: Silicone-based; generally safe for skin but some prefer silicone-free for environmental reasons.

Notes: Forms a protective barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss.

📁 Texture Enhancers, Thickeners & Emulsifiers / 质地改良剂、增稠剂与乳化剂

🧪 Stearic Acid / 硬脂酸

Purpose: Emollient and thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty acid that gives the cream structure.

🧪 Ceteareth-20 / 鲸蜡硬脂醇聚醚-20

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: Risk of contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, though usually purified.

Notes: Helps mix oil and water phases.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient and thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol (non-drying) that softens skin.

🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient and stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: A mixture of fatty alcohols used to stabilize the emulsion.

🧪 Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate / 淀粉辛烯基琥珀酸铝

Purpose: Absorbent and anti-caking

Concerns: Contains aluminum, but generally considered safe in cosmetics.

Notes: Reduces greasiness and provides a dry, velvety feel.

🧪 Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer / 丙烯酸(酯)类/C10-30 烷醇丙烯酸酯交联聚合物

Purpose: Texture enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: A film-forming agent that improves spreadability.

🧪 Ozokerite / 地蜡

Purpose: Stabilizer and binder

Concerns: None

Notes: A mineral wax that creates a stable structure and raises melting point.

📁 Preservatives, Antioxidants & pH Adjusters / 防腐剂、抗氧化剂与pH调节剂

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritating in high concentrations, but safe in small amounts used to neutralize pH.

Notes: Used to optimize the acidity of the product.

🧪 Benzyl Alcohol / 苯甲醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Known allergen for some sensitive skin types.

Notes: Prevents bacterial growth.

🧪 Ethlyhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative booster and skin conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Often paired with other preservatives to improve efficacy.

🧪 Tocopherol / 生育酚 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Protects the oils in the formula from oxidizing and provides skin benefits.