A basic, widely available moisturizer that combines Glycerin and Mineral Oil for hydration, but relies on Alcohol Denat. for texture and contains potentially irritating Fragrance.
This formulation relies on a classic, robust combination of Glycerin (a humectant) and Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil) to provide hydration and occlusion. This creates a strong barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss. However, the presence of Alcohol Denat. as the fourth ingredient is a significant performance drawback; while it helps the heavy mineral oil absorb faster and feel less greasy, it can be drying and potentially disruptive to the skin barrier. The addition of Dimethicone and fatty alcohols (Cetyl/Stearyl) ensures the product spreads easily and feels smooth.
While the ingredients are regulatory compliant, there are several triggers for sensitive skin. Alcohol Denat. is a potential irritant and can cause stinging on broken skin. Fragrance (Parfum) is a known sensitizer and common allergen. The product preserves with Methylparaben and BHT; while deemed safe by major health organizations in these concentrations, these ingredients are frequently scrutinized in the ‘clean beauty’ community due to concerns over endocrine disruption (Parabens) and toxicity (BHT).
This is a standard, mass-market utilitarian moisturizer. It is effective at locking in moisture for normal skin types due to the mineral oil content, but it is not elegant. The formula is somewhat dated, relying on Alcohol Denat. to offset the heaviness of the waxes and oils. It is not recommended for sensitive or reactive skin due to the combination of fragrance and drying alcohol, but it serves as a functional, low-cost barrier cream for resilient skin types.
This facial moisturizer presents a formulation that feels somewhat traditional, balancing heavy occlusives with penetration enhancers to create a product that is rich yet absorbable. At its core, the product relies on a robust blend of Glycerin and Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil). This combination is a classic for a reason; glycerin acts as a humectant to draw moisture into the skin, while mineral oil sits on top to lock it in, effectively preventing transepidermal water loss. The addition of fatty alcohols like Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol, along with Glyceryl Stearate, creates a creamy consistency that feels comforting upon application.
However, the inclusion of Alcohol Denat. as the fourth ingredient is a significant point of contention. High concentrations of denatured alcohol are often used to make heavy creams feel lighter and absorb faster, cutting through the greasiness of the mineral oil. While this ensures the product doesn’t feel sticky, it carries a risk of disrupting the skin barrier and causing dryness over time, potentially counteracting the moisturizing benefits for some users. This makes the product a polarizing choice; it offers immediate softening but might be too harsh for compromised skin barriers.
Furthermore, the presence of Fragrance (Parfum) introduces a potential trigger for irritation. Scented skincare is often pleasant to use but serves no therapeutic function and is a leading cause of contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. The formulation also uses Methylparaben and Phenoxyethanol for preservation. While parabens are widely considered safe by toxicologists, some consumers prefer to avoid them due to personal preference. On a positive note, the inclusion of Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) adds a touch of antioxidant protection.
Ultimately, this moisturizer is likely best suited for individuals with hardy, non-sensitive skin who need an affordable, basic occlusive cream and do not mind the presence of drying alcohol or fragrance. It serves as a utilitarian barrier cream but lacks the sophistication of modern formulations that utilize biomimetic ingredients without the need for harsh solvents.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Solvent
Concerns: None
Notes: The base of the formulation.
🧪 Alcohol Denat. / 变性乙醇
Purpose: Solvent, Astringent, Penetration Enhancer
Concerns: Can be drying and sensitizing for some skin types; may compromise the skin barrier if used in high concentrations.
Notes: Used to give the product a lighter texture and help ingredients penetrate.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin; a gold standard moisturizer.
🧪 Paraffinum Liquidum / 液体石蜡 (矿物油)
Purpose: Occlusive Emollient
Concerns: Can feel heavy or greasy; comedogenic for some oily skin types.
Notes: Highly effective at sealing in moisture.
🧪 Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides / 氢化椰油甘油酯类
Purpose: Emollient
Concerns: None
Notes: Derived from coconut oil; skin-conditioning agent.
🧪 Cera Microcristallina / 微晶蜡
Purpose: Binder, Emollient, Viscosity Controller
Concerns: None
Notes: A type of wax derived from petroleum; helps texture and stability.
🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷
Purpose: Silicone Emollient
Concerns: Some users prefer silicone-free products due to perceived ‘film’ feel.
Notes: Provides a silky slip and forms a protective barrier.
🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇
Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier, Thickener
Concerns: None
Notes: A fatty alcohol that is non-drying and softens skin.
🧪 Stearyl Alcohol / 硬脂醇
Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier, Thickener
Concerns: None
Notes: A fatty alcohol often used with Cetyl Alcohol to form Cetearyl Alcohol.
🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Emulsifier
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps oil and water mix; gives the cream a soft feel.
🧪 Palmitic Acid / 棕榈酸
Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier
Concerns: None
Notes: A saturated fatty acid found naturally in skin.
🧪 Stearic Acid / 硬脂酸
Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier
Concerns: None
Notes: Common fatty acid used to harden the texture of creams.
🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆
Purpose: Thickener, Texture Enhancer
Concerns: None
Notes: Creates a gel-like consistency.
🧪 Myristic Acid / 肉豆蔻酸
Purpose: Emulsifier, Cleansing Agent
Concerns: Can be potentially comedogenic (pore-clogging) for acne-prone skin.
Notes: A fatty acid.
🧪 Arachidic Acid / 花生酸
Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier
Concerns: None
Notes: A saturated fatty acid.
🧪 Oleic Acid / 油酸
Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier
Concerns: Can disrupt the skin barrier in high concentrations; potentially comedogenic.
Notes: A monounsaturated fatty acid usually derived from olive oil.
🧪 Tocopheryl Acetate / 生育酚乙酸酯
Purpose: Antioxidant
Concerns: None
Notes: A stable form of Vitamin E; protects skin from free radical damage.
🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Can be irritating to eyes; safe in low concentrations.
Notes: Common alternative to parabens.
🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: pH Adjuster
Concerns: Corrosive in raw form, but safe when neutralized in the final product.
Notes: Used to balance the acidity of the product.
🧪 Methylparaben / 羟苯甲酯
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Controversial due to potential endocrine disruption (though deemed safe by regulators in cosmetics); some consumers avoid it.
Notes: Prevents mold and bacteria growth.
🧪 BHT / 丁羟甲苯
Purpose: Antioxidant (Preservative)
Concerns: Some controversy regarding toxicity when ingested; low risk in topical application.
Notes: Prevents oils in the formula from oxidizing (going rancid).
🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精
Purpose: Scent
Concerns: Common sensitizer; can cause irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive skin.
Notes: Adds a pleasant smell to the product.