Equate Beauty Ultra-Hydrating Beauty Lotion

A rich, traditional moisturizer that utilizes Mineral Oil and Petrolatum for deep occlusion, though it contains potentially irritating Fragrance and Dyes.

Performance Rating: 3.7

This formula relies on a classic, heavy-hitting combination of Glycerin (humectant), Mineral Oil, and Petrolatum (occlusives). These ingredients are highly effective at trapping moisture and preventing transepidermal water loss, making this product very capable for dry to very dry skin. Dimethicone is included to improve slip and texture. However, the formula lacks modern skin-repairing ingredients (like ceramides, peptides, or niacinamide) and relies on older technology, meaning it may feel heavier or greasier than contemporary moisturizers.

Safety Rating: 2.5

The safety profile is significantly compromised by the choice of preservatives and additives. It contains DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, and Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, which is a known allergen and restricted in some regions. Additionally, the inclusion of Fragrance and Red 4 (a synthetic dye) increases the risk of irritation and contact dermatitis, making this formula generally unsuitable for sensitive skin despite the inert nature of the base oils.

Final Rating: 3.1

This is a functional but dated formulation. While it excels at basic occlusion and hydration thanks to Petrolatum and Mineral Oil, it represents an older generation of skincare. The presence of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, fragrance, and dyes makes it less desirable than modern alternatives that offer similar hydration without the unnecessary irritation risks. It is best reserved for those with non-sensitive, very dry skin who do not mind heavier textures.

Verdict

This facial moisturizer features a formulation that is undeniably classic, relying on a time-tested blend of humectants and strong occlusives to combat dryness. The primary engine of hydration here is Glycerin, a superstar ingredient that attracts water to the skin’s surface. However, the real heavy lifting is performed by Mineral Oil and Petrolatum. These are widely recognized as some of the most effective occlusive agents in dermatology; they form a hydrophobic barrier over the epidermis to physically prevent water from evaporating. This makes the product exceptionally capable of softening rough patches and soothing very dry skin that typically feels tight or flaky. The texture is likely rich and substantial, bolstered by Cetyl Alcohol and Cetyl Palmitate, giving it a luxurious, creamy slip that many users associate with deep nourishment. Despite its moisturizing prowess, the ingredient list reveals a somewhat dated approach to skincare, particularly regarding potential irritants. The inclusion of Fragrance is the most immediate concern for those with reactive skin. While scent can make the application process feel like a spa ritual, fragrance mixes are the number one cause of allergic contact dermatitis in cosmetic products. This risk is compounded by the addition of Red 4, a synthetic dye added purely for visual appeal, which offers no physiological benefit and simply increases the chemical load on the skin. For individuals attempting to manage conditions like eczema or rosacea, these additives are generally considered ingredients to avoid. Furthermore, the preservation system utilizes DMDM Hydantoin and Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate. DMDM Hydantoin is a formaldehyde-releaser; while safe in regulated amounts, it has fallen out of favor in modern formulations due to sensitization concerns. Similarly, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate is effective against fungi but can be irritating in leave-on products if the concentration is too high. From a texture and usability standpoint, the heavy reliance on mineral-based oils means this product acts like a protective seal. While Dimethicone is included to provide a smoother, less greasy finish, the overall weight of the cream is likely too much for those with oily or acne-prone skin. The occlusive layer that heals dry skin can easily trap sebum and bacteria, leading to congestion and breakouts in oilier skin types. In summary, this is a robust, heavy-duty moisturizer perfect for resilient, dry skin that needs serious barrier protection, but it lacks the elegance and hypoallergenic profile expected of modern, sensitive-skin formulations.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formula, acts as a carrier for other ingredients.

📁 Moisturizers & Emollients / 保湿剂和润肤剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin; a skin-identical ingredient.

🧪 Mineral Oil / 矿物油

Purpose: Occlusive Emollient

Concerns: Can be comedogenic for some oily skin types

Notes: A highly effective moisturizer that prevents water loss; cosmetic grade is safe.

🧪 Petrolatum / 矿脂

Purpose: Occlusive Skin Protectant

Concerns: Heavy texture; potential comedogenicity

Notes: Also known as petroleum jelly; the gold standard for preventing transepidermal water loss.

🧪 Cetyl Palmitate / 棕榈酸鲸蜡酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a smooth, conditioned feel to the skin.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Fatty Alcohol/Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens skin and stabilizes emulsions; non-drying.

🧪 Glyceryl Hydroxystearate / 羟基硬脂酸甘油酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps skin feel soft and smooth.

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Silicone Emollient

Concerns: Biodegradability issues

Notes: Provides a silky slip and forms a protective barrier on the skin.

🧪 Octyldodecyl Myristate / 肉豆蔻酸辛十二酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a soft finish.

📁 Emulsifiers & Texture Enhancers / 乳化剂和质地以此剂

🧪 Stearic Acid / 硬脂酸

Purpose: Emulsifier/Thickener

Concerns: Low risk

Notes: A fatty acid used to keep oil and water mixed.

🧪 Steareth-100 / 硬脂醇聚醚-100

Purpose: Surfactant/Emulsifier

Concerns: Ethoxylated ingredient (trace contaminant risk)

Notes: Helps stabilize the formulation.

🧪 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: Texture Enhancer/Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: A synthetic polymer that creates a smooth texture.

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener/Gel Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Controls the viscosity of the product.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 DMDM Hydantoin / DMDM 乙内酰脲

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Formaldehyde releaser; Potential allergen

Notes: Prevents bacterial growth; sensitive skin may react to formaldehyde release.

🧪 Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate / 碘丙炔醇丁基氨甲酸酯

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Potential allergen; Usage restricted in some regions

Notes: Effective against fungi and yeast; often paired with DMDM Hydantoin.

📁 Additives & Adjusters / 添加剂和调节剂

🧪 Potassium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钾

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritating in raw form (safe in final product)

Notes: Used to neutralize fatty acids (like Stearic Acid) or adjust pH.

🧪 Tetrasodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸四钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Binds to metal ions to prevent spoilage and boost preservative efficacy.

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: High risk of irritation/allergy for sensitive skin

Notes: Adds a pleasant smell but offers no skincare benefit.

🧪 Red 4 / CI 14700 (红 4)

Purpose: Colorant

Concerns: None

Notes: Synthetic dye used to give the product a specific color.