Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Moisturizer

A lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer fortified with Niacinamide, Panthenol, and Centella Asiatica to soothe irritation and strengthen the skin barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This is an excellent formulation focused on barrier repair and soothing. Key active ingredients include Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) for texture refinement and barrier support, Centella Asiatica Extract (Cica) for calming inflammation, and Panthenol (Vitamin B5) for deep hydration. The base uses Glycerin and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride to moisturize effectively without feeling heavy, while Dimethicone adds an occlusive layer to lock in moisture. The inclusion of Dicaprylyl Ether suggests a lightweight, non-greasy finish.

Safety Rating: 4.6

The safety profile is outstanding, particularly for sensitive skin. It is Fragrance-Free and contains no essential oils or drying alcohols, minimizing the risk of irritation. The preservative system uses Phenoxyethanol and Chlorphenesin, which are standard and generally well-tolerated alternatives to parabens. While Ceteareth-20 combined with fatty alcohols can be slightly comedogenic for very acne-prone skin, the overall formulation is gentle and non-toxic.

Final Rating: 4.5

This moisturizer is a top-tier choice for daily maintenance, specifically for those with sensitive, combination, or redness-prone skin. The synergy between Niacinamide, Cica, and Panthenol transforms it from a simple hydrator into a therapeutic product that actively calms and repairs the skin barrier. It offers high efficacy with a clean, low-risk ingredient list.

Verdict

This facial moisturizer presents a robust, no-nonsense approach to skincare, prioritizing barrier health and soothing hydration over flashy marketing trends. The formula is anchored by a solid base of Glycerin and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, ensuring that moisture is drawn into the skin and locked in without feeling heavy or greasy. The inclusion of Dicaprylyl Ether suggests a fast-spreading, velvety finish, making it an excellent option for morning application under sunscreen or makeup. At the heart of this formulation lies a trio of skin-soothing powerhouses. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) features prominently, offering a multitude of benefits ranging from brightening dull skin and regulating oil production to strengthening the lipid barrier. This is perfectly complemented by Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and Centella Asiatica Extract, both renowned for their ability to calm redness and accelerate the healing of irritated or compromised skin. This combination makes the product particularly appealing for those dealing with environmental stressors or active breakouts that need gentle care. The emollient profile includes fatty alcohols like Cetyl Alcohol and Cetearyl Alcohol, alongside Stearic Acid. While these provide a nourishing texture, the presence of Ceteareth-20 mixed with fatty alcohols can occasionally trigger congestion in those with highly reactive, acne-prone skin, although it is generally well-tolerated. Dimethicone adds a layer of occlusive protection, preventing transepidermal water loss without the stickiness associated with heavier oils. Crucially, the absence of fragrance, essential oils, and harsh alcohols makes this moisturizer a safe haven for sensitive skin. It relies on safe synthetics like Phenoxyethanol and Chlorphenesin for preservation, minimizing the risk of contact dermatitis. Overall, this is a versatile, dependable moisturizer that excels at maintaining skin equilibrium. It is rich enough to comfort dry patches yet light enough not to suffocate oily zones, making it a standout choice for combination skin types seeking a reliable daily staple.

Who Is This Product For?

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Active Ingredients / 活性成分

🧪 Niacinamide / 烟酰胺

Purpose: Brightening, Anti-aging, Skin Barrier Repair

Concerns: May cause irritation or flushing in high concentrations

Notes: Also known as Vitamin B3, effective for pore reduction and uneven skin tone.

🧪 Centella Asiatica Extract / 积雪草提取物

Purpose: Soothing, Antioxidant

Concerns: None identified

Notes: Often referred to as Cica; helps calm inflammation and supports wound healing.

🧪 Panthenol / 泛醇

Purpose: Soothing, Humectant

Concerns: None identified

Notes: Pro-Vitamin B5; attracts moisture and strengthens the skin barrier.

🧪 Tocopheryl Acetate / 生育酚乙酸酯

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None identified

Notes: A stable form of Vitamin E that protects skin from free radical damage.

📁 Moisturizers & Emollients / 保湿剂与柔润剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None identified

Notes: A gold-standard moisturizer that draws water into the skin.

🧪 Dicaprylyl Ether / 二辛基醚

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None identified

Notes: Provides a dry, non-greasy skin feel and spreads easily.

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

Purpose: Emollient, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: May be comedogenic for very acne-prone skin

Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin; excellent for replenishing skin.

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Occlusive, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: Can trap impurities if not washed off properly

Notes: A silicone that forms a protective barrier and gives a silky slip.

🧪 Butylene Glycol / 丁二醇

Purpose: Humectant, Solvent

Concerns: Very low risk of irritation

Notes: Helps other ingredients dissolve and penetrate the skin.

🧪 Caprylyl Glycol / 辛甘醇

Purpose: Humectant, Preservative Booster

Concerns: None identified

Notes: Conditions the skin while boosting antimicrobial efficacy.

📁 Texture Enhancers & Emulsifiers / 质地调节剂与乳化剂

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient, Thickener

Concerns: Low comedogenic risk

Notes: A fatty alcohol (good alcohol) that softens skin and stabilizes the formula.

🧪 Stearic Acid / 硬脂酸

Purpose: Emulsifier, Emollient

Concerns: Can be comedogenic

Notes: A fatty acid used to harden texture and mix oil and water.

🧪 Palmitic Acid / 棕榈酸

Purpose: Emollient, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: Can be comedogenic

Notes: Naturally found in skin; helps restore the barrier function.

🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier

Concerns: Low comedogenic risk

Notes: A blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols used to thicken creams.

🧪 Ceteareth-20 / 鲸蜡硬脂醇聚醚-20

Purpose: Emulsifier, Surfactant

Concerns: Safe as used, but historically associated with impurity concerns (1,4-dioxane) if not purified

Notes: Helps ingredients dissolve and mix together.

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None identified

Notes: Creates a gel-like consistency and stabilizes the emulsion.

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None identified

Notes: The primary liquid base for most skincare products.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Can be irritating to sensitive skin

Notes: Widely used safe alternative to parabens to prevent bacterial growth.

🧪 Chlorphenesin / 氯苯甘醚

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Can cause dermatitis in rare cases

Notes: Antimicrobial agent often paired with phenoxyethanol.

📁 pH Adjusters & Buffers / pH调节剂与缓冲剂

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Highly corrosive in raw form, but safe in reacted final product

Notes: Used in tiny amounts to neutralize acidity.

🧪 Sodium Citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Buffer, pH Adjuster

Concerns: None identified

Notes: Helps maintain the pH level of the product.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Potential irritation if concentration is high (unlikely here)

Notes: Used to lower the pH to match the skin’s natural acidity.