skinbetter science Hydration Boosting Cream

A sophisticated barrier-repair moisturizer packed with 5 Ceramides, Cholesterol, and Niacinamide to deeply hydrate and restore compromised skin.

Performance Rating: 4.8

This moisturizer features an outstanding formulation focused on skin barrier repair and hydration. It contains a robust Ceramide Complex (NP, NS, AP, EOP, EOS) combined with Cholesterol and Fatty Acids (Behenic Acid), mimicking the skin’s natural lipid structure. The inclusion of Niacinamide adds anti-inflammatory and brightening benefits. Hydration is maximized through Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-Glucan, and the Aquaxyl complex (Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol). Additionally, biomimetic emollients like Squalane and Jojoba/Macadamia Esters ensure excellent spreadability and moisture retention without greasiness.

Safety Rating: 4.6

The formula is Fragrance-Free and void of essential oils, significantly reducing the risk of contact dermatitis or irritation for sensitive skin. It uses a blend of standard, well-tolerated preservatives (Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid) and boosters (Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Anisate). While it contains synthetic thickeners (Carbomer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11), these are safe for topical use. It is a highly safe option for comprised barriers.

Final Rating: 4.7

This is a top-tier moisturizer that rivals clinical dermatological brands. The sophisticated blend of 5 Ceramides, Niacinamide, and advanced humectants makes it an exceptional choice for dry, sensitive, or aging skin requiring barrier restoration. The lack of fragrance and irritants cements its status as a high-quality, functional skincare product.

Verdict

This facial moisturizer represents an exceptionally well-rounded formulation designed to prioritize skin barrier health and long-term hydration. The ingredient list reads like a “greatest hits” of restorative skincare, anchored by a robust lipid complex. The inclusion of five different Ceramides (NP, NS, AP, EOP, EOS) alongside Cholesterol and Fatty Acids (via Macadamia and Jojoba derivatives) mimics the skin’s natural lamellar structure. This ratio is crucial for repairing a damaged moisture barrier, making this product highly effective for skin that feels raw, stripped, or flaky.

Beyond lipids, the hydration strategy here is advanced. It moves beyond simple water-binding by incorporating the Aquaxyl complex (Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, and Xylitol) and Beta-Glucan. These ingredients work synergistically to optimize the skin’s water reserves and prevent trans-epidermal water loss more effectively than Hyaluronic Acid alone. The addition of Niacinamide provides a multi-functional benefit, helping to soothe inflammation, brighten the complexion, and further stimulate ceramide production within the skin.

For those with sensitive skin, the formula is notably safe, as it is free from synthetic fragrances, essential oils, and drying alcohols. The presence of Squalane ensures a silky application that provides emollience without feeling suffocatingly heavy. It uses a modern preservative system including Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin, which is standard and generally well-tolerated.

However, there are specific constraints for certain users. The inclusion of Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax renders this product non-vegan. Furthermore, while excellent for dry skin, the rich blend of esters and fatty alcohols—specifically Ceteareth-25 and Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate—might be too occlusive for those prone to severe congestion. Individuals dealing with Fungal Acne (Malassezia folliculitis) should exercise caution, as the combination of oils and fatty acids could potentially trigger a flare-up. Overall, this is a superior choice for anyone needing intensive moisture and repair.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Humectants / 溶剂与保湿剂

🧪 Aqua/Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Base for the formulation.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Classic, effective moisturizer that draws water into the skin.

🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Salt form of hyaluronic acid; holds 1000x its weight in water.

🧪 Xylitylglucoside / 木糖醇基葡糖苷

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Part of a moisturizing complex (Aquaxyl) that optimizes skin 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: Sugar alcohol that hydrates and supports the skin barrier.

🧪 Betaine / 甜菜碱

Purpose: Humectant/Anti-irritant

Concerns: None

Notes: Balances hydration and protects cells from osmotic stress.

🧪 Saccharide Isomerate / 糖类同分异构体

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Long-lasting moisturizer that binds to skin keratin.

🧪 Glucose / 葡萄糖

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Simple sugar with water-binding properties.

📁 Barrier Repair & Emollients / 屏障修复与柔润剂

🧪 Ceramide NP, NS, AP, EOP, EOS / 神经酰胺 NP, NS, AP, EOP, EOS

Purpose: Barrier Repair

Concerns: None

Notes: Essential lipids found naturally in skin; crucial for maintaining a healthy moisture barrier.

🧪 Cholesterol / 胆固醇

Purpose: Barrier Repair

Concerns: None

Notes: Works with ceramides and fatty acids to restore the skin barrier.

🧪 Squalane / 角鲨烷

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Stable, non-comedogenic oil that mimics skin’s natural sebum.

🧪 Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters / 荷荷巴油/澳洲坚果籽油酯类

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Part of a lipid complex mimicking healthy skin surface lipids.

🧪 Isosorbide Dicaprylate / 异山梨醇二辛酸酯

Purpose: Skin Hydration Promoter

Concerns: None

Notes: Encourages long-term hydration by regulating Aquaporin-3.

🧪 Phytosteryl Macadamiate / 澳洲坚果油酸植物甾醇酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Improves skin barrier function.

🧪 Phytosterols / 植物甾醇

Purpose: Emollient/Soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Plant-derived lipids that mimic cholesterol.

🧪 Squalene / 角鲨烯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: Stability issues

Notes: Natural component of sebum, but oxidizes faster than Squalane.

🧪 Caprooyl Phytosphingosine / 己酰基植物鞘氨醇

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: A sphingoid base that acts as a precursor to ceramides.

🧪 Caprooyl Sphingosine / 己酰基鞘氨醇

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Supports the skin’s natural barrier function.

🧪 Behenic Acid / 山嵛酸

Purpose: Emollient/Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty acid often used to support ceramide efficacy.

📁 Active Ingredients & Antioxidants / 活性成分与抗氧化剂

🧪 Niacinamide / 烟酰胺

Purpose: Brightening/Barrier Support

Concerns: May cause flushing in sensitive skin at high concentrations

Notes: Vitamin B3; multi-functional active for texture, pores, and barrier.

🧪 Beta-Glucan / β-葡聚糖

Purpose: Soothing/Hydrating

Concerns: None

Notes: Excellent soothing agent with wound-healing properties.

🧪 Tocopheryl Acetate / 生育酚乙酸酯

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Stable form of Vitamin E.

🧪 Tocopherol / 生育酚

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Pure Vitamin E.

🧪 Ascorbyl Palmitate / 抗坏血酸棕榈酸酯

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Oil-soluble Vitamin C derivative, less potent than pure L-Ascorbic Acid but more stable.

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

🧪 Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate / 聚甘油-6 二硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Plant-derived emulsifier.

🧪 Jojoba Esters / Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters / 荷荷巴酯 / 水解荷荷巴酯

Purpose: Emollient/Texture

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a smooth finish and improves barrier function.

🧪 Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax / 聚甘油-3 蜂蜡

Purpose: Emulsifier/Texture

Concerns: Not vegan

Notes: Modified beeswax for stabilization.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient/Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Fatty alcohol, good for texture.

🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural thickener.

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener/Gel former

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates a gel-like texture.

🧪 Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11 / 聚丙烯酸酯交联聚合物-11

Purpose: Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: Stabilizes the formula and improves feel.

🧪 Ceteareth-25 / 鲸蜡硬脂醇聚醚-25

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps mix oil and water.

🧪 Sodium Carrageenan / 皱波角叉菜

Purpose: Thickener/Film Former

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from seaweed.

🧪 Algin / 海藻酸钠

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from brown algae.

🧪 Sea Salt / 海盐

Purpose: Thickener/Mineral Source

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used with carrageenan to form gels.

📁 Preservatives & pH Adjusters / 防腐剂与pH调节剂

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Low risk of irritation

Notes: Common broad-spectrum preservative.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative Booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Also acts as a skin conditioning agent.

🧪 Sodium Anisate / 茴香酸钠

Purpose: Preservative/Fungicide

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from fennel/anise.

🧪 Glyceryl Caprylate / 甘油辛酸酯

Purpose: Co-emulsifier/Preservative booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps stabilize formula.

🧪 Benzoic Acid / 苯甲酸

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Effective against fungi and bacteria.

🧪 Sorbic Acid / 山梨酸

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural organic acid preservative.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Used to ensure the product pH is skin-friendly.

🧪 Sodium Citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: pH Buffer

Concerns: None

Notes: Maintains pH stability.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: None

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