Trader Joe’s Night Cream

A deeply nourishing moisturizer packed with fermented mushroom extracts, peptides, and a luxurious blend of plant oils designed to repair the barrier and combat signs of aging.

Performance Rating: 4.8

This is an exceptionally well-formulated moisturizer that combines proven emollients with advanced bio-actives. The base of Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, and Squalane-rich plant oils provides immediate and lasting occlusion for dry skin. The formula excels in barrier repair and anti-aging through the inclusion of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (stable Vitamin C), and Sphingolipids/Phospholipids (barrier components). Furthermore, the extensive list of Ferment Filtrates (Mushroom, Rice, Centella Asiatica) offers probiotic benefits to support the skin microbiome, while the Aquaxyl complex (Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol) ensures deep hydration dynamics alongside Sodium Hyaluronate.

Safety Rating: 4.3

The formulation is free from parabens, formaldehyde releasers, and drying alcohols. It uses Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin as a standard, reliable preservative system. However, the inclusion of Vetiver Root Oil (an essential oil) may pose a sensitization risk for hyper-reactive skin types. Additionally, the sheer number of botanical extracts increases the statistical probability of a specific allergic reaction for sensitive individuals. PEG-100 Stearate is included, which is generally safe but discouraged by some strict ‘clean beauty’ standards due to manufacturing processes. The high concentration of Shea Butter may be comedogenic for acne-prone skin.

Final Rating: 4.6

This is a powerhouse moisturizer suited best for dry, mature, or compromised skin barriers. It bridges the gap between natural botanical care and clinical efficacy by combining nourishing oils with Peptides, Vitamins, and Ferments. While it offers immense value in terms of active ingredients, those with oily skin or known sensitivities to essential oils should patch test first. Overall, it is a highly effective, luxury-grade product.

Verdict

This formulation represents a heavy-hitting approach to moisture retention and barrier repair, built upon a substantial base of Shea Butter. As the second ingredient, Shea Butter ensures this product will have a thick, creamy consistency that provides an immediate occlusive shield, locking in hydration for hours. This creates an ideal environment for dry, dehydrated, or mature skin types that struggle to produce enough of their own natural oils. The lipid profile is further boosted by a luxurious cocktail of plant oils, including Jojoba, Argan, Macadamia, Olive, and Marula Oil, mimicking the skin’s natural lipid barrier to improve elasticity and softness.

What truly sets this moisturizer apart, however, is its complex array of bio-fermented ingredients. The formula boasts a sophisticated blend of fermented mushrooms (Cordyceps, Reishi, Chaga, Shiitake) alongside Lactobacillus and Rice ferments. These ingredients break down nutrients into smaller molecules for better absorption while supporting the skin’s microbiome and reducing inflammation. This ferment complex is excellent for soothing stressed skin and strengthening the skin’s natural defenses against environmental aggressors.

On the anti-aging front, the inclusion of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, often referred to as “Botox in a jar,” works to relax facial tension and smooth fine lines. This is complemented by Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, a stable and oil-soluble form of Vitamin C that provides brightening and antioxidant protection without the irritation often associated with pure L-Ascorbic Acid. Additionally, the presence of Caffeine helps to depuff and energize the skin, making this a good option for morning use if the texture isn’t too heavy for your preference.

To ensure hydration penetrates deep within the layers, the formula utilizes a hydration complex involving Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, and Xylitol alongside Sodium Hyaluronate. These humectants optimize water circulation within the skin. While the formula includes soothing agents like Bisabolol and Chamomile, users with reactive skin should note the presence of Vetiver Root Oil. While this essential oil provides an earthy, grounding aroma, it can be a potential allergen for those with hypersensitive skin. Furthermore, the richness of the oils and butters might be too occlusive for acne-prone individuals, potentially leading to congestion.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Base & Solvents / 基质与溶剂

🧪 WATER / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary base of the formulation.

📁 Humectants (Hydration) / 保湿剂

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Draws moisture into the skin.

🧪 XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE / 木糖醇基葡糖苷

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Part of a moisturizing complex (Aquaxyl) that optimizes water reserves.

🧪 ANHYDROXYLITOL / 脱水木糖醇

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Works synergistically with Xylitylglucoside and Xylitol.

🧪 XYLITOL / 木糖醇

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier.

🧪 PENTYLENE GLYCOL / 戊二醇

Purpose: Humectant / Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Also has antimicrobial properties.

🧪 BUTYLENE GLYCOL / 丁二醇

Purpose: Humectant / Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps dissolve other ingredients.

🧪 SODIUM HYALURONATE / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

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

📁 Emollients, Oils & Butters / 润肤剂、油脂与脂类

🧪 BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER / 牛油果树果脂

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich moisturizing butter.

🧪 CETYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient / Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Fatty alcohol that softens skin and stabilizes emulsions.

🧪 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE / 辛酸/癸酸甘油三酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Lightweight oil derived from coconut oil.

🧪 DICAPRYLYL CARBONATE / 碳酸二辛酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a velvet-soft dry finish.

🧪 SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL / 霍霍巴籽油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: A wax ester chemically similar to human sebum.

🧪 ARGANIA SPINOSA (ARGAN) KERNEL OIL / 刺阿干树仁油

Purpose: Emollient / Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E.

🧪 HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL / 向日葵籽油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Good for barrier repair.

🧪 MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA (MACADAMIA) SEED OIL / 澳洲坚果籽油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich and nourishing oil.

🧪 OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL / 油橄榄果油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Heavy moisturizing oil.

🧪 SCLEROCARYA BIRREA (MARULA) SEED OIL / 伯尔硬胡桃籽油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil.

🧪 GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) STEROLS / 野大豆甾醇类

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Plant-derived sterols that mimic skin cholesterol.

🧪 SPHINGOLIPIDS / 鞘脂类

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Precursors to ceramides; supports skin barrier.

🧪 LINOLEIC ACID / 亚油酸

Purpose: Skin Restoring

Concerns: None

Notes: Essential fatty acid for barrier repair.

🧪 PHOSPHOLIPIDS / 磷脂

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Skin-identical ingredient used for delivery and barrier support.

📁 Ferments & Probiotics / 发酵产物与益生菌

🧪 BACILLUS/CORDYCEPS SINENSIS/GANODERMA LUCIDUM/INONOTUS OBLIQUUS/LENTINUS EDODES/PHELLINUS LINTEUS/SCHIZOPHYLLUM COMMUNE/TRICHOLOMA MATSUTAKE EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE / 芽孢杆菌/冬虫夏草/赤芝/纤孔菌/香菇/裂蹄木层孔菌/裂褶菌/松口蘑提取物发酵产物滤液

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Complex medicinal mushroom ferment used for adaptogenic and anti-aging properties.

🧪 LACTOBACILLUS FERMENT / 乳酸杆菌发酵产物

Purpose: Skin Conditioning / Preservative Booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Probiotic ingredient that soothes skin.

🧪 LACTOBACILLUS/CENTELLA ASIATICA/GLEDITSIA SINENSIS THORN/HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA EXTRACT/PHELLODENDRON AMURENSE BARK/POLYGONUM CUSPIDATUM ROOT/PRUNELLA VULGARIS/TORILIS JAPONICA EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE / 乳酸杆菌/积雪草/皂荚刺/鱼腥草提取物/黄檗树皮/虎杖根/夏枯草/小窃衣提取物发酵产物滤液

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Complex herbal ferment including Centella Asiatica for soothing.

🧪 LACTOBACILLUS/RICE FERMENT FILTRATE / 乳酸杆菌/大米发酵产物滤液

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used for brightening and hydration.

🧪 SACCHAROMYCES/CAMELLIA SINENSIS EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE / 酵母菌/茶叶提取物发酵产物滤液

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Fermented Green Tea extract.

📁 Botanical Extracts & Actives / 植物提取物与活性成分

🧪 CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER EXTRACT / 母菊(洋甘菊)花提取物

Purpose: Soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Calms irritated skin.

🧪 CHONDRUS CRISPUS (IRISH SEA MOSS) EXTRACT / 皱波角叉菜提取物

Purpose: Hydration / Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Algae extract rich in minerals.

🧪 HELICHRYSUM ITALICUM EXTRACT / 意大利腊菊提取物

Purpose: Soothing / Reparative

Concerns: None

Notes: Known as Immortelle.

🧪 PHASEOLUS ANGULARIS SEED EXTRACT / 赤小豆籽提取物

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Adzuki bean extract.

🧪 BISABOLOL / 红没药醇

Purpose: Soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Active component of Chamomile.

🧪 CAFFEINE / 咖啡因

Purpose: Antioxidant / Soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Can help reduce puffiness.

🧪 DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE / 甘草酸二钾

Purpose: Soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Licorice root derivative; reduces redness.

📁 Anti-Aging & Vitamins / 抗衰老与维生素

🧪 TOCOPHERYL ACETATE / 生育酚乙酸酯

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Vitamin E.

🧪 TETRAHEXYLDECYL ASCORBATE / 抗坏血酸四异棕榈酸酯

Purpose: Antioxidant / Brightening

Concerns: None

Notes: Oil-soluble, stable form of Vitamin C.

🧪 ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-8 / 乙酰基六肽-8

Purpose: Anti-Aging

Concerns: None

Notes: Peptide marketed as ‘Botox-like’ for reducing expression lines.

📁 Emulsifiers, Thickeners & Texture / 乳化剂、增稠剂与质地调节剂

🧪 GLYCERYL STEARATE / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps mix oil and water.

🧪 PEG-100 STEARATE / PEG-100 硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: Contamination (Ethylene Oxide/1,4-Dioxane)

Notes: Safe as used in cosmetics when purified.

🧪 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 / Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Stabilizes the emulsion.

🧪 XANTHAN GUM / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural thickener.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 PHENOXYETHANOL / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Irritation

Notes: Common preservative; safe in low concentrations.

🧪 ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative Booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Also acts as a skin conditioning agent.

🧪 SODIUM HYDROXIDE / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritation (if high conc.)

Notes: Used in tiny amounts to neutralize the formula.

🧪 DISODIUM EDTA / EDTA 二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents product deterioration from metal ions.

🧪 ACETIC ACID / 乙酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Vinegar acid.

🧪 POTASSIUM SORBATE / 山梨酸钾

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Food-grade preservative.

📁 Fragrance / 香精香料

🧪 VETIVERIA ZIZANIOIDES ROOT OIL / 岩兰草根油

Purpose: Fragrance / Essential Oil

Concerns: Sensitization

Notes: Vetiver oil; adds scent and has antiseptic properties.