A heavy, highly occlusive moisturizer formulated with mineral oil and milk proteins, but severely compromised by the inclusion of harsh surfactants and sensitizing preservatives.
While this formula contains decent hydrating and emollient ingredients such as Glycerin, Mineral Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, and Dimethicone to provide basic surface moisture, its performance is severely compromised. The most glaring issue is the inclusion of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a harsh surfactant typically found in cleansers. In a leave-on facial moisturizer, SLS can disrupt the skin barrier, strip natural lipids, and lead to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), effectively neutralizing the hydrating benefits of the other ingredients.
The safety rating of 2.6/10 is exceptionally low due to a highly problematic preservation and surfactant system. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a well-documented skin irritant when left on the skin. Furthermore, the formula utilizes 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol (Bronopol), a formaldehyde-releasing preservative that carries significant sensitization and allergen risks. Other concerning ingredients include Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, a contact allergen restricted in many leave-on applications, synthetic Fragrance (Parfum), and BHT, which is linked to potential endocrine and environmental concerns.
With an overall rating of 3.2/10, this facial moisturizer is difficult to recommend. Although basic moisturizing agents are present, they are overshadowed by the inclusion of harsh, irritating surfactants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and highly sensitizing preservatives like 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol and Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate. The formulation poses a high risk of contact dermatitis, skin barrier disruption, and irritation, making it unsuitable for facial skincare, particularly for those with sensitive or compromised skin.
This facial moisturizer is a highly problematic formulation that is difficult to recommend for almost any skin type, as its potential risks far outweigh its hydrating benefits. On a positive note, the formula does contain reliable, classic humectants and emollients such as glycerin, mineral oil, and dimethicone. These ingredients are known to form a physical barrier on the skin’s surface, effectively locking in moisture and preventing transepidermal water loss. The addition of milk also offers mild conditioning properties, which theoretically could help soften and soothe the skin’s surface. However, these basic moisturizing agents are completely overshadowed by several severe formulation issues that make this product highly risky for facial application. The most alarming concern is the inclusion of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). While SLS is a common foaming agent used in rinse-off cleansers, its presence in a leave-on facial cream is highly inappropriate. SLS is a harsh surfactant known to strip the skin’s natural lipids. Leaving it on the face can severely disrupt the skin barrier, leading to chronic dryness, redness, and irritation, which completely contradicts the fundamental purpose of a moisturizer. Furthermore, the product relies on an aggressive and highly sensitizing preservative system. It includes 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol (Bronopol), which acts as a formaldehyde-releasing agent. This ingredient is notorious for triggering contact dermatitis and skin irritation. The formulation also utilizes Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, another preservative that is heavily restricted in many jurisdictions for leave-on cosmetic products due to its high sensitization potential. When these preservatives are combined with added fragrance (Parfum), the resulting mixture becomes a chemical minefield for anyone prone to allergies or skin sensitivity. Additionally, the combination of heavy, occlusive mineral oil and milk proteins can easily clog pores, making this cream a recipe for stubborn acne breakouts and congestion. In an era where skincare science focuses on gentle, barrier-supporting, and biocompatible ingredients, this outdated and harsh formulation is best avoided in favor of modern alternatives that respect and protect the delicate facial skin barrier.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Solvent
Concerns: None
Notes: The primary base ingredient used to dissolve and blend other cosmetic components.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: A highly effective, skin-identical humectant that attracts and retains moisture.
🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇
Purpose: Humectant and solvent
Concerns: May cause irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with extremely sensitive skin.
Notes: Helps active ingredients penetrate the skin better and prevents the product from freezing or drying out.
🧪 Mineral Oil / 矿物油
Purpose: Emollient and occlusive
Concerns: Can feel heavy or greasy; might clog pores for highly acne-prone individuals, though cosmetic-grade mineral oil is generally non-comedogenic.
Notes: Forms a barrier on the skin’s surface to lock in moisture and protect dry skin.
🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇
Purpose: Emollient and emulsion stabilizer
Concerns: Low risk of being comedogenic for acne-prone skin.
Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens the skin and prevents the emulsion from separating; it does not dry the skin like simple alcohols.
🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷
Purpose: Emollient and skin protectant
Concerns: Can trap sweat or dead skin cells if not properly cleansed, though generally safe.
Notes: A silicone-based polymer that provides a silky, smooth application glide and fills in fine lines temporarily.
🧪 Milk / 乳
Purpose: Skin conditioning agent
Concerns: Potential allergen for those with dairy allergies; requires robust preservation.
Notes: Contains proteins, lipids, and lactic acid to nourish, soothe, and gently condition the skin.
🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Emulsifier
Concerns: May be slightly comedogenic for oily or acne-prone skin.
Notes: Helps to blend oil and water components together while giving the product a smooth, creamy texture.
🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 月桂醇硫酸酯钠
Purpose: Surfactant and emulsifier
Concerns: Known to be highly irritating and stripping, especially in leave-on facial products.
Notes: Its inclusion in a leave-on facial moisturizer is unusual and might compromise the skin barrier over time.
🧪 Ceteareth-25 / 鲸蜡硬脂醇聚醚-25
Purpose: Emulsifier and surfactant
Concerns: Should not be used on damaged or broken skin due to risk of contamination with manufacturing by-products (ethylene oxide/1,4-dioxane), though purified cosmetic-grade is generally safe.
Notes: Functions to stabilize emulsions, ensuring the oils and liquids stay well-mixed.
🧪 Hydroxyethylcellulose / 羟乙基纤维素
Purpose: Thickener and binder
Concerns: None
Notes: A plant-derived compound that improves the viscosity, consistency, and spreadability of cosmetics.
🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆
Purpose: Thickening agent and stabilizer
Concerns: Can feel slightly sticky or pilling if used in high amounts.
Notes: A synthetic polymer used to create lightweight gel-cream textures and maintain emulsion stability.
🧪 Methylparaben / 羟苯甲酯
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Subject to public controversy, though scientific bodies consider it safe in standard cosmetic concentrations.
Notes: Prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and mold, ensuring product shelf-life.
🧪 Chlorhexidine Diacetate / 醋酸氯己定
Purpose: Antimicrobial preservative
Concerns: Can trigger skin sensitivity or contact dermatitis in some individuals.
Notes: Typically used as an antibacterial agent to prevent product spoilage.
🧪 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol / 2-溴-2-硝基丙烷-1,3-二醇
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: A formaldehyde-releasing preservative; known to cause contact allergy and skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Notes: Commonly known as Bronopol; strictly regulated in concentration limits due to potential nitrosamine formation risks.
🧪 Benzoic Acid / 苯甲酸
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Can cause temporary itching or mild burning sensation in sensitive individuals.
Notes: Used primarily to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast in cosmetics.
🧪 BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) / 丁羟甲苯
Purpose: Antioxidant
Concerns: Some consumer groups raise concerns regarding systemic toxicity, but it is considered safe in the low concentrations used in skincare.
Notes: Prevents the degradation and oxidation of organic compounds and oils in the formulation.
🧪 Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate / 碘代丙炔基丁基甲氨酸酯
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: A known contact allergen; restricted or banned in certain regions for leave-on products applied to large body areas.
Notes: Highly effective fungicide used to control yeast and mold growth.
🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: pH Adjuster
Concerns: Highly corrosive in raw form, but safe in finished products where it is fully reacted.
Notes: Used in very small amounts to balance and raise the pH of the formulation, frequently used to neutralize Carbomer.
🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精
Purpose: Perfuming agent
Concerns: A frequent source of skin irritation, sensitizing reactions, and contact dermatitis.
Notes: Added to give the product a pleasant scent or mask the chemical odor of other ingredients.