Dr. Squatch Wood Barrel Bourbon Lotion

A nourishing yet fast-absorbing hand cream featuring Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and soothing Beta-Glucan to repair and hydrate without a greasy residue.

Performance Rating: 4.4

This formula features a solid foundation of emollients, primarily Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii) and Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera), which are excellent for softening rough hands and preventing water loss. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride ensures the product spreads easily without feeling overly heavy, while Propanediol serves as an effective humectant to draw moisture into the skin. The inclusion of Beta-Glucan is a premium addition known for its soothing and skin-repairing properties, though its low concentration (last on the list) limits its impact. The texture relies on cellulose-based thickeners rather than silicones, which suggests a non-greasy, matte finish.

Safety Rating: 4.1

The ingredient list is notably clean, avoiding controversial preservatives like parabens or phenoxyethanol in favor of gentle alternatives like Glyceryl Caprylate and Glyceryl Undecylenate. It is also free from mineral oil and silicones. However, the presence of Naturally Derived Fragrance prevents a higher safety score; while natural, fragrance components are common allergens and can cause contact dermatitis, particularly on hands which are prone to eczema.

Final Rating: 4.3

This is a high-quality, natural-leaning hand moisturizer that balances cosmetic elegance with effective hydration. It utilizes robust plant-based fats (Shea and Coconut) for moisturizing rather than cheap fillers. It is an excellent choice for general daily use, though individuals with hypersensitive skin or fragrance allergies should proceed with caution due to the added scent.

Verdict

This hand moisturizer presents a sophisticated balance between deep hydration and daily usability. The formula starts with a base of Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, and Propanediol. This combination ensures the product feels lightweight and spreads easily across the skin, avoiding the heavy, waxy drag found in some intensive balms. Propanediol acts as a humectant to draw water into the skin, while the triglycerides provide a silky slip.

The heavy lifting for moisture is done by a classic duo: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter and Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil. Shea butter is rich in fatty acids and vitamins, making it exceptional for softening rough cuticles and conditioning dry skin. While Coconut Oil is a fantastic occlusive that locks in moisture, it can sometimes feel greasy. However, this formulation intelligently counters that oiliness with Microcrystalline Cellulose and Cellulose Gum. These ingredients act as texturizers that absorb excess oil, likely giving the cream a matte, velvety, or “dry-touch” finish that is essential for a hand product used throughout the day.

A standout addition to this ingredient list is Beta-Glucan. Often considered superior to hyaluronic acid for its soothing properties, Beta-Glucan helps calm redness and accelerate the repair of the skin barrier. This makes the cream particularly well-suited for hands that are chapped from frequent washing or cold weather. The inclusion of Tocopherol (Vitamin E) adds a layer of antioxidant protection against environmental stressors.

The preservation system relies on Glyceryl Caprylate and Glyceryl Undecylenate, which are gentle, multifunctional alternatives to harsh parabens or formaldehyde releasers. These ingredients also possess emollient properties, contributing to the overall softness of the skin.

The only potential downside for sensitive users is the inclusion of Naturally Derived Fragrance. While “natural” implies a botanical origin, fragrance compounds can still be sensitizing to compromised skin barriers. If your hands are suffering from eczema flare-ups, the fragrance component might cause irritation. Overall, this is a robustly formulated moisturizer that successfully combines emollients, humectants, and soothers into a texture designed for frequent use.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Humectants / 溶剂与保湿剂

🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水

Purpose: Solvent base for the formula.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The most common ingredient in skincare.

🧪 Propanediol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Humectant (hydrator) and solvent.

Concerns: Generally safe; often used as a natural alternative to propylene glycol.

Notes: Improves absorption of ingredients.

🧪 Butylene Glycol / 丁二醇

Purpose: Solvent and humectant.

Concerns: None significant.

Notes: Helps dissolve other ingredients and prevents the product from drying out.

🧪 Beta-Glucan / β-葡聚糖

Purpose: Soothing agent and humectant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Excellent for calming skin and reducing redness; derived from oats or yeast.

📁 Emollients & Oils / 润肤剂与油类

🧪 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride / 辛酸/癸酸甘油三酯

Purpose: Emollient and skin-replenishing.

Concerns: None.

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

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

Purpose: Deep moisturizing emollient.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Rich in fatty acids and vitamins.

🧪 Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil / 椰子油

Purpose: Moisturizing oil.

Concerns: Can be comedogenic (clog pores) on the face, but excellent for hands/body.

Notes: Provides a smooth feel and helps barrier repair.

🧪 Glyceryl Caprylate / 甘油辛酸酯

Purpose: Emollient and co-emulsifier.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Also has antimicrobial properties, helping to stabilize the formula.

🧪 Glyceryl Undecylenate / 十一碳烯酸单甘油酯

Purpose: Emollient and skin-conditioning agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Often works in tandem with Glyceryl Caprylate as part of a preservative system.

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

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener.

Concerns: None; unlike simple alcohols, it is not drying.

Notes: Helps soften the skin.

🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emulsifier and thickener.

Concerns: None.

Notes: A mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols.

🧪 Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate / 聚甘油-3 甲基葡糖二硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Plant-based emulsifier.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps mix oil and water.

🧪 Microcrystalline Cellulose / 微晶纤维素

Purpose: Texturizer and bulking agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Plant-derived; helps with the spreadability of the cream.

🧪 Potassium Cetyl Phosphate / 鲸蜡醇磷酸酯钾

Purpose: Surfactant and emulsifier.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Standard emulsifying agent.

🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener and stabilizer.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Natural sugar derivative.

🧪 Cellulose Gum / 纤维素胶

Purpose: Thickener.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Modified cellulose.

📁 Fragrance & Antioxidants / 香精与抗氧化剂

🧪 Naturally Derived Fragrance / 天然香精

Purpose: Scent.

Concerns: Potential for irritation in sensitive skin.

Notes: Source is not specified, but labeled as naturally derived.

🧪 Tocopherol / 生育酚 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Protects the formula from oxidation and provides skin benefits.