365 by Whole Foods Market Bergamot Rain Hand Lotion

A nourishing blend of Avocado Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Shea Butter designed to hydrate and repair dry hands without a greasy residue.

Performance Rating: 4.2

This formula offers a strong blend of nourishing lipids high in the ingredient list, specifically Avocado Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, and Safflower Seed Oil. These are excellent for replenishing the skin barrier. Glycerin provides essential hydration, while Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride ensures the product spreads easily without feeling too heavy. The emulsifiers used (Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside) typically result in a light, non-greasy finish, making it practical for hand application. However, Shea Butter and Aloe Vera appear quite low on the list (after the preservative Phenoxyethanol), implying low concentrations. This suggests the cream is better suited for daily maintenance rather than repairing severely cracked or damaged skin.

Safety Rating: 4.1

The formulation uses a standard, safe preservative system involving Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, and Sodium Benzoate. The primary safety concern for sensitive skin is the inclusion of Fragrance (Natural). Even when natural, fragrance compounds are common allergens and can be irritating to those with eczema or compromised skin barriers. The remaining ingredients, such as Acrylates Crosspolymer and Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster), are widely considered safe in cosmetic applications.

Final Rating: 4.1

This is a high-quality daily hand moisturizer that strikes a good balance between hydration and wearability. It features a commendable trio of plant oils (Avocado, Sunflower, Safflower) that will keep hands soft without leaving a greasy residue. While it loses points for the low concentration of rich occlusives like Shea Butter and the inclusion of potential allergens in the Fragrance, it is an effective choice for general skin conditioning.

Verdict

This hand moisturizer presents a well-rounded formula designed to tackle dryness through a multi-faceted approach. At its core, the formulation relies heavily on Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil. The former is an excellent emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin, known for leaving a silky, non-greasy finish, while the latter is a rich source of fatty acids that deeply penetrates the skin to soften rough patches. This suggests the cream will feel substantial upon application but will absorb relatively quickly.

Complementing these primary emollients are Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil and Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil. These ingredients are particularly beneficial for compromised skin barriers because they are high in linoleic acid, which helps to maintain the skin’s structural integrity. The inclusion of Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter further cements this product as a heavy-hitter for hydration, providing an occlusive layer that locks moisture in without feeling overly heavy or sticky.

On the hydration front, Glycerin acts as the primary humectant, drawing water into the outer layer of the skin, supported by the soothing properties of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice. The texture is managed by a combination of fatty alcohols like Arachidyl Alcohol and Behenyl Alcohol, which give the cream a luxurious body and help it spread evenly across the hands. The presence of Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate indicates a focus on skin-friendly emulsification, often leaving a smooth, soft after-feel.

However, users should be aware of the inclusion of Fragrance (Natural). While the specification of “natural” implies a derivation from plant sources rather than synthetic chemicals, fragrance remains a leading cause of contact dermatitis. Even natural scents can contain volatile compounds that may irritate sensitive or eczema-prone skin. The preservative system, utilizing Phenoxyethanol and Sodium Benzoate, is robust and ensures the product remains safe from microbial growth, though some “clean beauty” advocates prefer to avoid phenoxyethanol.

Overall, this is a sophisticated blend that marries the botanical power of Avocado and Shea Butter with effective synthetic stabilizers like Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer. It is likely to provide immediate relief for dry hands while improving skin texture over time.

Who Is This Product For?

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Base Solvents / 基础溶剂

🧪 WATER / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base carrier for the formula.

📁 Moisturizers & Emollients / 保湿剂与柔润剂

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

Purpose: Emollient, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin; light, non-greasy feel.

🧪 PERSEA GRATISSIMA (AVOCADO) OIL / 鳄梨油

Purpose: Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in vitamins A, D, and E; highly moisturizing.

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin.

🧪 HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL / 向日葵籽油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: High in linoleic acid; helps repair skin barrier.

🧪 CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS (SAFFLOWER) SEED OIL / 红花籽油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Lightweight oil beneficial for dry skin.

🧪 BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER / 乳木果油

Purpose: Occlusive, Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Excellent for sealing in moisture and soothing skin.

🧪 ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF JUICE / 库拉索芦荟叶汁

Purpose: Soothing agent, Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Calms irritation and provides hydration.

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

🧪 ARACHIDYL ALCOHOL / 花生醇

Purpose: Emollient, Thickener

Concerns: None

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

🧪 BEHENYL ALCOHOL / 山嵛醇

Purpose: Thickener, Emulsifier stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol used to increase viscosity.

🧪 ARACHIDYL GLUCOSIDE / 花生醇葡糖苷

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Often paired with Arachidyl Alcohol for mild emulsification.

🧪 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, Stabilizer

Concerns: Low risk of sensitization

Notes: Synthetic polymer used to thicken and stabilize the formula.

🧪 SODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE / 硬脂酰谷氨酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Amino acid-derived emulsifier.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 PHENOXYETHANOL / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Potential irritant for very sensitive skin at high concentrations

Notes: Widely used safe alternative to parabens.

🧪 CAPRYLYL GLYCOL / 辛甘醇

Purpose: Humectant, Preservative booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Improves skin feel and antimicrobial efficacy.

🧪 SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE / 脱氢乙酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Restricted dosage in some regions

Notes: Prevents fungal and bacterial growth.

🧪 ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative booster, Skin conditioning

Concerns: Rare contact allergy

Notes: Often paired with phenoxyethanol.

🧪 HEXYLENE GLYCOL / 己二醇

Purpose: Solvent, Viscosity agent

Concerns: Potential irritant to eyes

Notes: Helps thin out heavy formulas.

🧪 SODIUM BENZOATE / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None when used correctly

Notes: Food-grade preservative, effective in acidic environments.

📁 pH Adjusters / pH调节剂

🧪 SODIUM HYDROXIDE / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritant in raw form; safe when neutralized

Notes: Used to neutralize thickeners like Acrylates.

🧪 CITRIC ACID / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster, Chelator

Concerns: None in small amounts

Notes: Balances the acidity of the product.

📁 Fragrance / 香精

🧪 FRAGRANCE (NATURAL) / 香精 (天然)

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common allergen/sensitizer

Notes: Even natural fragrances can irritate sensitive skin.