Amazon Basics Ultra Moisturizing Skin Cream for Dry & Sensitive Skin

This is a fragrance-free, dermatologist-recommended body moisturizer formulated with petrolatum, glycerin, and sweet almond oil to provide intense hydration for dry to very dry skin.

Performance Rating: 4.4

This formula features a powerful combination of Glycerin as a humectant and Petrolatum as a high-performance occlusive, which is excellent for long-lasting hydration and repairing the skin barrier. The inclusion of Sweet Almond Oil and Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) adds emollient and antioxidant properties, while Dimethicone ensures a smooth, spreadable texture that reduces the greasiness typically associated with petrolatum-based products.

Safety Rating: 4.5

The ingredient list is exceptionally clean for sensitive skin, as it is fragrance-free and avoids common botanical irritants or harsh essential oils. The preservatives Phenoxyethanol and Benzyl Alcohol are industry standards used in safe concentrations, and the inclusion of Disodium EDTA helps maintain product stability by chelating metal ions.

Final Rating: 4.4

Overall, this is a highly effective and safe body moisturizer particularly suited for dry to very dry skin types. It focuses on barrier protection and moisture retention without unnecessary additives, making it a reliable choice for daily dermatological care.

Verdict

This body moisturizer is a masterclass in barrier repair and long-lasting hydration. By utilizing a high concentration of glycerin, it effectively draws moisture into the skin, while petrolatum acts as a powerful occlusive agent to prevent transepidermal water loss. The inclusion of sweet almond oil adds a layer of natural lipids that help soften the skin and improve overall texture. Because it is fragrance-free and formulated without common irritants, it is an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin or those prone to conditions like eczema or psoriasis. The formula is non-greasy despite its rich profile, thanks to the use of silicones like dimethicone, which provide a smooth, protective finish without a heavy residue. It is a reliable, no-frills staple for anyone needing serious moisture restoration. The presence of Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) provides mild antioxidant protection, helping to shield the skin from environmental stressors. While it is thick and emollient, the blend of dicaprylyl ether ensures it spreads easily across large surface areas of the body. Users will find that it absorbs relatively quickly for such a rich cream, leaving the skin feeling supple rather than tacky. This is a dermatological favorite because it sticks to proven, science-backed ingredients that prioritize skin barrier health over marketing gimmicks. It is particularly effective when applied to damp skin immediately after bathing to lock in maximum hydration. Overall, it is a highly recommended product for maintaining a healthy, resilient skin barrier year-round.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents and Humectants / 溶剂与保湿剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of most skincare products.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A skin-identical ingredient that helps maintain moisture.

📁 Emollients and Occlusives / 润肤剂与封闭剂

🧪 Petrolatum / 凡士林

Purpose: Occlusive

Concerns: Can feel heavy or greasy

Notes: Considered one of the most effective ingredients for preventing water loss.

🧪 Dicaprylyl Ether / 二辛基醚

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: A plant-derived or synthetic oil that provides a non-greasy, skin-softening effect.

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Silicone Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a smooth, silky feel and forms a protective barrier.

🧪 Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil / 甜杏仁油

Purpose: Plant Oil Emollient

Concerns: Potential allergen for nut allergy sufferers

Notes: Rich in fatty acids and skin-soothing properties.

🧪 Dimethiconol / 聚二甲基硅氧烷醇

Purpose: Emollient/Film Former

Concerns: None

Notes: A silicone derivative that adds a silky finish to the product.

📁 Emulsifiers and Stabilizers / 乳化剂与稳定剂

🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 硬脂酸甘油酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps water and oil ingredients blend together.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Thickener/Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that is non-irritating and helps stabilize emulsions.

🧪 PEG-30 Glyceryl Stearate / PEG-30 硬脂酸甘油酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: May contain trace impurities from manufacturing

Notes: Commonly used to create stable lotions and creams.

📁 Texture and Viscosity Modifiers / 质地与粘度调节剂

🧪 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: Thickener/Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates a pleasing gel-like texture.

🧪 Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer / 甘油丙烯酸酯/丙烯酸共聚物

Purpose: Humectant/Viscosity Controller

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps deliver moisture and improve product feel.

📁 Preservatives and Chelating Agents / 防腐剂与螯合剂

🧪 Benzyl Alcohol / 苯甲醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Potential skin sensitizer

Notes: Used to prevent microbial growth.

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None when used in standard concentrations

Notes: A widely used, safe preservative.

🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents minerals in water from affecting the product’s stability.

📁 Active Ingredients and pH Adjusters / 活性成分与pH调节剂

🧪 Tocopheryl Acetate / 生育酚乙酸酯

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: A stable form of Vitamin E that protects skin from oxidative stress.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Corrosive in high concentrations

Notes: Used in very small amounts to balance the pH of the formula.