Amazon Basics Hyaluronic Acid Face Lotion

A fragrance-free, lightweight moisturizer formulated with urea and hyaluronic acid to provide deep hydration without a greasy finish.

Performance Rating: 4.4

This formula features an excellent hydration system combining standard humectants (Glycerin) with Natural Moisturizing Factors (Sodium PCA), Sodium Hyaluronate, and Hydroxyethyl Urea. The addition of Erythritol and Homarine HCl serves as an osmoprotectant complex to improve cellular water retention. The use of Dicaprylyl Carbonate and Cyclopentasiloxane ensures the texture is lightweight, non-greasy, and cosmetically elegant, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types.

Safety Rating: 4.6

The formulation is exceptionally clean regarding common irritants. It is fragrance-free, free from drying alcohols, and excludes essential oils, making it highly suitable for sensitive skin. The preservatives used (Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin) are standard and generally well-tolerated. Sodium Hydroxide is present merely as a pH adjuster in negligible amounts.

Final Rating: 4.5

This is a superior facial moisturizer that prioritizes deep hydration without heavy occlusion. Its inclusion of sophisticated hydrating agents like Sodium PCA and Hydroxyethyl Urea, combined with a safe, fragrance-free profile, makes it a top-tier choice for those seeking effective moisture and barrier support without irritation.

Verdict

This facial moisturizer presents itself as a meticulously engineered solution for those seeking hydration without the heavy weight often associated with traditional creams. At its core, the formulation prioritizes water retention and skin barrier support through a blend of highly effective humectants. The inclusion of Hydroxyethyl Urea and Glycerin establishes a strong foundation for drawing moisture into the stratum corneum, ensuring that the skin remains plump and resilient against environmental stressors.

Complementing these classic hydrators are Sodium Hyaluronate and Sodium PCA. Sodium PCA is particularly noteworthy as a naturally occurring component of human skin, functioning as part of the Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF). Its presence here suggests a product designed to mimic and support the skin’s biological hydration mechanisms rather than simply coating it in oil. This makes the product exceptionally well-suited for addressing dehydrated skin conditions where the skin specifically lacks water rather than oil.

The texture profile is largely dictated by Dicaprylyl Carbonate and Cyclopentasiloxane. These ingredients are known as “dry emollients,” meaning they provide a soft, velvety finish that spreads easily and absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky or greasy residue. This specific characteristic makes the moisturizer an excellent candidate for daytime use or for layering under makeup, as it is unlikely to cause foundation to slide or pill. However, the formulation avoids heavy occlusives like petrolatum or thick plant butters. While this keeps the pores clear, it might prove insufficient for extremely dry or cracking skin types that require a thicker protective seal to prevent moisture loss.

A significant advantage of this formula is its minimalist approach to irritants. It is entirely free from fragrances, essential oils, and drying alcohols, significantly reducing the risk of contact dermatitis or sensitization. This “clean” profile makes it a safe harbor for those with sensitive or reactive skin. The preservation system is standard and generally well-tolerated.

In summary, this is a sophisticated, lightweight moisturizer that excels at replenishing water content. It strikes a balance between scientific efficacy and cosmetic elegance. While it may not provide the heavy-duty occlusion needed for a bitter winter climate or severely dry skin, it is a champion for oily, combination, and normal skin types looking to boost hydration levels without the fear of congestion.

Who Is This Product For?

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Dissolves other ingredients.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The most common base for skincare products.

📁 Moisturizers & Humectants / 保湿剂与吸湿剂

🧪 Hydroxyethyl Urea / 羟乙基脲

Purpose: Strong moisturizer and humectant.

Concerns: Generally safe, but can be sensitizing for very sensitive skin in high concentrations.

Notes: Provides excellent hydration without a sticky feel.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Attracts moisture to the skin.

Concerns: None.

Notes: A benchmark humectant found in most moisturizers.

🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Hydrates skin and retains moisture.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The salt form of hyaluronic acid; penetrates skin better than HA.

🧪 Sodium PCA / 吡咯烷酮羧酸钠

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient that binds moisture.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Naturally occurring component of human skin.

🧪 Erythritol / 赤藓醇

Purpose: Humectant and skin conditioning agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Often works synergistically with Homarine HCl.

🧪 Homarine HCl / 高麦芽酸

Purpose: Skin conditioning.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Often paired with Erythritol to improve hydration modulation.

📁 Emollients & Texture Enhancers / 柔润剂与质地调节剂

🧪 Dicaprylyl Carbonate / 碳酸二辛酯

Purpose: Emollient that makes skin feel soft.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Spreads easily and leaves a dry, velvety finish.

🧪 Cyclopentasiloxane / 环五聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Silicone that gives a silky texture.

Concerns: Environmental accumulation concerns; generally safe for topical use.

Notes: Evaporates quickly, leaving a non-greasy feel.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener.

Concerns: Can be comedogenic for some oily skin types.

Notes: Not a drying alcohol; it helps soften the skin.

🧪 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: Thickener and texture enhancer.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps to stabilize the formula and adjust viscosity.

📁 Emulsifiers / 乳化剂

🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Helps mix oil and water.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Also acts as a skin lubricant.

🧪 PEG-100 Stearate / PEG-100 硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier and cleansing agent.

Concerns: PEG compounds should not be used on broken skin.

Notes: Often paired with Glyceryl Stearate.

📁 Preservatives & pH Adjusters / 防腐剂与酸碱调节剂

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: Adjusts the pH of the product.

Concerns: Corrosive in pure form, but safe in small amounts used to balance pH.

Notes: Used to ensure the product is not too acidic.

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Prevents bacterial growth.

Concerns: Can cause irritation in high concentrations or for sensitive skin.

Notes: A very common alternative to parabens.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative booster and skin conditioning agent.

Concerns: Rarely causes allergic reactions.

Notes: Works well with Phenoxyethanol.