Amazon Basics Moisturizer Cream for Face

A rich, fragrance-free restorative cream designed to repair the skin barrier using Ceramides and Petroaltum.

Performance Rating: 4.7

This formula represents a gold standard in barrier repair and moisturization. It features a sophisticated blend of three essential Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Phytosphingosine, and Cholesterol, which mimic the skin’s natural lipid structure to restore the barrier. The inclusion of Sodium Hyaluronate and Glycerin ensures deep hydration, while Petrolatum and Dimethicone provide significant occlusive properties to lock moisture in without being overly greasy. It is designed to provide long-lasting hydration.

Safety Rating: 4.6

The product is formulated with a high safety profile suitable for sensitive skin. It is fragrance-free and does not contain simple drying alcohols or harsh irritants. The preservative system relies on Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin, which are generally well-tolerated. Petrolatum is a highly purified, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic ingredient, making this safe for eczema-prone skin.

Final Rating: 4.7

This is an exceptional, dermatologist-favorite moisturizer. Its strength lies in the synergy between humectants and skin-identical lipids, making it highly effective for dry, compromised, or sensitive skin. While the presence of Petrolatum might be too heavy for extremely oily skin types, the formulation is chemically elegant, stable, and highly functional for its intended purpose.

Verdict

This formula represents one of the most widely recommended moisturizers in dermatology due to its focus on restoring the skin’s natural protective barrier. At the core of its efficacy is the inclusion of three essential Ceramides (NP, AP, and EOP), Cholesterol, and Phytosphingosine. These ingredients mimic the skin’s natural lipids, making the product exceptionally effective at patching up a compromised skin barrier. By replenishing these lipids, the cream helps lock in moisture and keep out irritants, which is a critical function for those suffering from conditions like eczema or severe dryness.

To provide immediate and long-lasting hydration, the formulation utilizes Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), which act as powerful humectants to draw water into the skin. To ensure this hydration is not lost to evaporation, the product employs robust occlusives, specifically Petrolatum and Dimethicone. While Petrolatum is the gold standard for occlusion, it is often avoided due to greasiness; however, this formula uses Behentrimonium Methosulfate and Cetearyl Alcohol to create an elegant texture that absorbs well without leaving a sticky residue. This delivery system suggests the use of time-release technology, ensuring hydration is sustained over a long period.

From a safety standpoint, the ingredient list is minimal and functional. It is fragrance-free and utilizes gentle preservatives like Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin, reducing the risk of contact dermatitis. It is highly suitable for reactive skin. However, users with oily or congestion-prone skin should be cautious. The combination of Ceteareth-20 and Cetearyl Alcohol, while moisturizing, has a higher potential to be comedogenic and may clog pores in acne-prone individuals. Overall, this is a staple product for dry to very dry skin, offering pharmaceutical-grade barrier repair at an accessible price point.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Humectants / 溶剂和保湿剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the product.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin.

🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Salt form of Hyaluronic Acid; holds significant amount of water.

📁 Emollients & Occlusives / 润肤剂和封闭剂

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

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin; smoothens skin.

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Silicone/Emollient

Concerns: Environmental accumulation (biodegradability)

Notes: Provides a silky slip and forms a protective barrier.

🧪 Petrolatum / 矿脂

Purpose: Occlusive

Concerns: Greasy texture for some

Notes: Highly effective at preventing water loss (TEWL).

📁 Skin Barrier Repair Agents / 屏障修复成分

🧪 Ceramide NP / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps restore the protective skin barrier.

🧪 Ceramide AP / 神经酰胺 AP

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Part of the multi-ceramide complex for barrier support.

🧪 Ceramide EOP / 神经酰胺 EOP

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Works with other ceramides to protect the skin.

🧪 Phytosphingosine / 植物鞘氨醇

Purpose: Skin-Conditioning Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: A lipid that is part of the skin’s natural defense system; precursor to ceramides.

🧪 Cholesterol / 胆固醇

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Essential lipid for maintaining skin barrier function.

📁 Emulsifiers & Texture Modifiers / 乳化剂和质地调节剂

🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient/Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens skin and stabilizes emulsions; not drying like simple alcohols.

🧪 Ceteareth-20 / 鲸蜡硬脂醇聚醚-20

Purpose: Emulsifier/Surfactant

Concerns: Potential for contamination (1,4-dioxane) if not purified properly

Notes: Helps mix oil and water.

🧪 Behentrimonium Methosulfate / 山嵛基三甲基硫酸甲酯铵

Purpose: Emulsifier/Conditioning Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Very mild detangling and thickening agent.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient/Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Fatty alcohol derived from vegetable oils.

🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate / 月桂酰乳酰乳酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier/Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps ceramides penetrate the skin.

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Controls the viscosity of the product.

🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural polysaccharide used to thicken the formulation.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂和稳定剂

🧪 Disodium EDTA / EDTA 二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None in cosmetics usage

Notes: Prevents metals from water affecting product stability.

🧪 Potassium Phosphate / 磷酸钾

Purpose: pH Buffer

Concerns: None

Notes: Maintains product pH.

🧪 Dipotassium Phosphate / 磷酸氢二钾

Purpose: pH Buffer

Concerns: None

Notes: Adjusts and buffers pH.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritant in high concentrations

Notes: Used in tiny amounts to balance pH; neutralized in final product.

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Irritation for sensitive skin at high concentration

Notes: Common alternative to parabens.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative Booster/Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Improves the efficacy of phenoxyethanol.