Equate Beauty Night-Time Firming Cream

A basic, silicone-based moisturizer that relies on Glycerin and fatty alcohols for hydration, but is compromised by the inclusion of Fragrance and synthetic dyes.

Performance Rating: 3.3

This formulation provides reliable, basic moisturization through a combination of Glycerin (a proven humectant) and fatty alcohols like Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol. The inclusion of silicones, such as Dimethicone and Cyclopentasiloxane, ensures a smooth application and forms a protective occlusive barrier to prevent water loss. However, the product loses points due to the presence of Isopropyl Palmitate, which has a high comedogenic rating and may clog pores, making it risky for acne-prone skin. Additionally, it lacks modern active ingredients (e.g., niacinamide, ceramides, or antioxidants) found in higher-performing moisturizers.

Safety Rating: 3.2

The product utilizes standard, effective preservatives like Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin. However, the safety rating is lowered by the inclusion of Fragrance and Red 4 (a synthetic dye), both of which are common allergens and unnecessary sensitizers for facial skincare, particularly for sensitive skin. The formula also contains PEGs and Polyacrylamide, ingredients that are generally considered safe in cosmetics but are occasionally scrutinized for potential impurities.

Final Rating: 3.2

This is a functional, standard facial moisturizer that will effectively soften skin and retain moisture thanks to its emollient-rich base. It is likely an affordable, mass-market option. However, it is not ideal for all skin types: those with sensitive skin should be wary of the fragrance and dye, while those with acne-prone skin should avoid the potentially pore-clogging Isopropyl Palmitate. It is a ‘middle-of-the-road’ product that prioritizes texture and basic hydration over advanced skin health benefits.

Verdict

This facial moisturizer presents itself as a fairly standard, utilitarian formulation reminiscent of classic drugstore skincare products found on shelves for decades. At its foundation, the product relies on a tried-and-true base of Water combined with Glycerin. As a powerful humectant, Glycerin works to draw moisture from the air and deeper layers of the dermis to the surface, providing essential hydration. To ensure this moisture is retained, the formula employs a robust blend of emollients, specifically Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol. It is important to note that despite the word “alcohol,” these are fatty alcohols derived from oils; they do not dry out the skin but rather provide a rich, creamy texture and help soften rough patches on the face.

The tactile experience of this moisturizer is heavily influenced by silicones, specifically Dimethicone and Cyclopentasiloxane. These ingredients create a breathable, occlusive seal over the skin, preventing transepidermal water loss and giving the product a signature “slip.” This makes the skin feel immediately smoother and can act as a decent primer for makeup. However, the ingredient list reveals significant drawbacks for modern skincare enthusiasts, particularly regarding potential irritants and pore-clogging agents.

The most glaring issue for reactive skin types is the inclusion of Fragrance. Scent is one of the most common causes of contact dermatitis and sensitization, offering no physiological benefit to the complexion other than a sensory experience during application. Furthermore, the inclusion of Red 4, a synthetic dye, serves purely aesthetic purposes to tint the cream pink, adding another unnecessary chemical load that sensitive skin types might wish to avoid.

Another ingredient demanding specific caution is Isopropyl Palmitate. While it is an effective thickening agent and emollient derived from palm oil, it is historically rated very high on the comedogenic scale. This means it has a strong potential to clog pores, making this product a risky choice for anyone struggling with acne, blackheads, or general congestion. The formula also utilizes various PEG compounds and polyacrylamide, which function as texture enhancers and stabilizers. While generally safe, these are often avoided by those seeking “clean” beauty routines due to processing concerns.

Ultimately, this product functions best as a simple, no-frills barrier cream for specific skin types. It lacks high-performance active ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, or peptides that are now standard in many facial moisturizers. If your skin is resilient, strictly dry, and not prone to breakouts, this cream will provide adequate softening and protection.

Who Is This Product For?

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Humectants / 溶剂与保湿剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base for most skincare formulations.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A classic moisturizer that draws moisture into the skin.

📁 Emollients & Occlusives / 润肤剂与封闭剂

🧪 Cetyl Palmitate / 鲸蜡醇棕榈酸酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a smooth feel and conditions the skin.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Fatty Alcohol

Concerns: Low risk of irritation

Notes: Used as an emollient and thickener; helps soften skin.

🧪 Stearyl Alcohol / 硬脂醇

Purpose: Fatty Alcohol

Concerns: None

Notes: Works as an emollient and helps stabilize the formula.

🧪 Cyclopentasiloxane / 环五聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Silicone/Emollient

Concerns: Environmental accumulation

Notes: A volatile silicone that evaporates, leaving a silky, lightweight feel.

🧪 Isopropyl Palmitate / 棕榈酸异丙酯

Purpose: Emollient/Texture Enhancer

Concerns: High comedogenicity

Notes: Can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Silicone/Occlusive

Concerns: Trapped debris

Notes: Forms a breathable barrier on the skin and provides slip.

🧪 Stearic Acid / 硬脂酸

Purpose: Emollient/Emulsifier

Concerns: Low risk

Notes: A fatty acid used to protect the skin’s surface.

🧪 C13-14 Isoparaffin / C13-14 异链烷烃

Purpose: Emollient/Solvent

Concerns: Mineral oil derivative

Notes: Often part of a thickener blend to improve texture.

📁 Emulsifiers & Thickeners / 乳化剂与增稠剂

🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps blend oil and water ingredients.

🧪 Peg-100 Stearate / PEG-100 硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: Contamination risk (if not purified)

Notes: Often paired with Glyceryl Stearate to stabilize creams.

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener/Gel Maker

Concerns: None

Notes: Create the viscosity and flow of the product.

🧪 Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone / PEG/PPG-18/18 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Silicone Emulsifier

Concerns: PEG safety controversy

Notes: Helps silicones mix with water.

🧪 Polyacrylamide / 聚丙烯酰胺

Purpose: Thickener/Film Former

Concerns: Acrylamide impurities

Notes: Creates a gel-like texture.

🧪 Laureth-7 / 月桂醇聚醚-7

Purpose: Surfactant/Emulsifier

Concerns: Ethoxylation byproducts

Notes: Helps disperse ingredients.

📁 Preservatives, Stabilizers & pH Adjusters / 防腐剂、稳定剂与pH调节剂

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritant in high concentrations

Notes: Used in tiny amounts to neutralize thickeners like Carbomer.

🧪 Disodium Edta / EDTA 二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Binds metal ions to prevent spoilage and maintain stability.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative Booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Also acts as a skin-conditioning agent.

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Irritation for sensitive skin

Notes: A very common preservative used to prevent bacterial growth.

📁 Aesthetics (Scent & Color) / 感官修饰(香气与色泽)

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common allergen/Sensitizer

Notes: Added for sensory appeal but can irritate sensitive skin.

🧪 Titanium Dioxide / 二氧化钛

Purpose: Opacifier/Pigment

Concerns: None in cream form

Notes: Makes the formula appear white and opaque.

🧪 Red 4 / CI 14700 (红 4)

Purpose: Colorant

Concerns: Synthetic dye sensitivity

Notes: Provides a pinkish tint to the product.