A protective hand cream utilizing Mineral Oil and Glycerin for deep moisture, enhanced with Ginseng and Superoxide Dismutase for antioxidant support.
This formula utilizes a classic and highly effective combination of Glycerin (humectant), Mineral Oil (occlusive), and Dimethicone (protective barrier) to ensure deep hydration and moisture retention. The inclusion of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Panax Ginseng, and Astragalus Extract elevates the product beyond basic moisturizing, offering significant anti-aging and antioxidant benefits that can help repair damaged skin.
The safety rating is impacted by the presence of Methylparaben and Propylparaben; while deemed safe by regulators in low concentrations, they are controversial preservatives often avoided by modern consumers due to potential endocrine disruption concerns. Additionally, Fragrance is a common allergen that may irritate sensitive skin. However, the fatty alcohols (Stearyl, Cetyl, Behenyl) are safe and non-irritating.
This is a heavy-duty, high-performance hand moisturizer capable of tackling severe dryness and offering anti-aging properties thanks to its botanical and enzymatic additives. However, the formulation feels somewhat dated due to its reliance on a paraben-based preservative system and synthetic fragrance, which prevents it from achieving a higher score in the current ‘clean beauty’ market landscape.
This hand moisturizer presents itself as a robust, barrier-repairing formulation designed to tackle the rigors of daily life. At its core, the formula relies on a classic, highly effective duo: Mineral Oil and Glycerin. While some skincare enthusiasts shy away from mineral oil, it remains one of the most effective occlusive agents available. It forms a hydrophobic seal over the skin, drastically reducing transepidermal water loss. This is particularly beneficial for hands, which are subjected to frequent washing and environmental exposure that strip away natural lipids. The Glycerin complements this by acting as a humectant, drawing necessary hydration into the upper layers of the dermis from the environment or the product itself. To ensure the product feels elegant rather than greasy, the inclusion of Dimethicone is key. This silicone ingredient provides a “slip” to the texture, allowing the cream to spread easily and leaving behind a smooth, velvety finish. It also acts as a secondary protective barrier, shielding the skin from wind and cold without feeling heavy. The structure of the cream is supported by a blend of fatty alcohols—specifically Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, and Behenyl Alcohol. Unlike drying alcohols, these are emollients that soften the skin and give the product a rich, luxurious body. What elevates this product beyond a basic drugstore staple is the inclusion of sophisticated botanical extracts and enzymes. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is a potent enzymatic antioxidant that helps break down potentially harmful oxygen molecules in cells, which may prevent damage to tissues. Combined with Panax Ginseng Root Extract and Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, the formula offers significant anti-aging potential. Ginseng is known for its stimulating properties and ability to boost circulation, while Astragalus is a staple in traditional medicine known for its skin-conditioning and restorative capabilities. This suggests the cream is not just for hydration, but also for maintaining the youthful appearance of the hands. However, potential users should note the preservation system and sensory additives. The product utilizes Methylparaben and Propylparaben. While these are rigorously tested and safe preservatives that prevent microbial growth effectively, they are often avoided by those seeking “clean beauty” alternatives. Additionally, the presence of Fragrance enhances the sensory experience but poses a risk of irritation for those with compromised skin barriers or specific scent sensitivities.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Solvent
Concerns: None
Notes: The base of the formulation.
🧪 Mineral Oil / 矿油
Purpose: Occlusive Emollient
Concerns: Can feel heavy or greasy; comedogenic for some facial skin types (less concern for hands).
Notes: Excellent for trapping moisture in the skin, making it ideal for hand creams.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: Attracts moisture from the air into the skin.
🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷
Purpose: Emollient/Skin Protectant
Concerns: None
Notes: A silicone that gives a silky texture and forms a protective barrier.
🧪 Stearyl Alcohol / 硬脂醇
Purpose: Emollient/Thickener
Concerns: Low risk of irritation.
Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens skin and thickens the cream.
🧪 Potassium Lauryl Phosphate / 月桂醇磷酸酯钾
Purpose: Emulsifier/Surfactant
Concerns: Generally safe; can be drying in high concentrations but acts as an emulsifier here.
Notes: Helps combine oil and water phases.
🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇
Purpose: Emollient/Thickener
Concerns: Low risk of irritation.
Notes: A fatty alcohol derived from oils, helps stabilize the emulsion.
🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Emulsifier
Concerns: None
Notes: Softens and smooths the skin.
🧪 Behenyl Alcohol / 山嵛醇
Purpose: Thickener/Emulsifier
Concerns: None
Notes: A long-chain fatty alcohol that adds viscosity.
🧪 Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) / 超氧化物歧化酶
Purpose: Antioxidant
Concerns: None
Notes: An enzyme that reduces free radical damage to the skin.
🧪 Panax Ginseng Root Extract / 人参根提取物
Purpose: Antioxidant/Skin Conditioning
Concerns: None
Notes: Traditional herbal ingredient believed to revitalize skin.
🧪 Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract / 膜荚黄芪根提取物
Purpose: Skin Conditioning
Concerns: None
Notes: Used in traditional medicine; has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Can cause irritation in high concentrations or on sensitive skin.
Notes: Common alternative to parabens.
🧪 Methylparaben / 羟苯甲酯
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Parabens are controversial due to potential endocrine disruption concerns, though generally deemed safe in cosmetics by regulators.
Notes: Prevents fungal and bacterial growth.
🧪 Propylparaben / 羟苯丙酯
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: See Methylparaben concerns.
Notes: Often used in conjunction with other parabens for broad-spectrum protection.
🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠
Purpose: Chelating Agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Binds to metal ions to maintain stability and boost preservative efficacy.
🧪 Fragrance (Daily Use) / 香精
Purpose: Scent
Concerns: Common sensitizer; can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Notes: Adds a pleasant smell to the product.