Amazon Basics Hyaluronic Acid Face Moisturizer

A lightweight, fragrance-free facial moisturizer that utilizes Hydroxyethyl Urea and Sodium Hyaluronate to deliver deep hydration with a non-greasy, velvet finish.

Performance Rating: 4.4

This formula represents a sophisticated approach to hydration. It moves beyond basic moisturizing by incorporating components of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF), specifically Sodium PCA, Hydroxyethyl Urea, and Sodium Hyaluronate. The addition of Erythritol and Homarine HCl suggests the use of osmolyte technology to improve cellular water retention. With Dicaprylyl Carbonate and Cyclopentasiloxane as primary emollients, the texture is engineered to be lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy, making it excellent for layering.

Safety Rating: 4.5

The safety profile is excellent for sensitive skin. The formulation appears to be fragrance-free and lacks volatile drying alcohols, essential oils, or harsh exfoliating acids that could compromise the skin barrier. The preservatives used, Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin, are standard and well-tolerated. The risk of acne is low, though Cetyl Alcohol and Glyceryl Stearate can be mildly comedogenic for a small subset of very acne-prone users.

Final Rating: 4.5

This is a top-tier daily moisturizer that prioritizes barrier health and deep hydration without heaviness. It is scientifically sound, relying on proven humectants and biomimetic ingredients rather than marketing fluff. It is highly versatile, suitable for oily, combination, and dry skin types looking for effective hydration without irritation.

Verdict

This facial moisturizer presents a highly effective, scientifically backed approach to skin hydration, characterized by a clean and focused ingredient list that prioritizes skin compatibility. At its core, the formula relies on a powerful complex of humectants rather than heavy waxes or traditional oils to maintain moisture. Hydroxyethyl Urea acts as a standout star here; it is a derivative of urea that provides excellent moisturization and skin-softening benefits without the stickiness sometimes associated with high concentrations of standard urea. This is complemented by Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, and Sodium PCA, all of which are ‘skin-identical’ ingredients that mimic the skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMF). Together, they create a reservoir of water within the epidermis, tackling dehydration instantly and plumbing the skin surface. The inclusion of Erythritol and Homarine HCl adds a layer of sophistication to the hydrating capabilities, likely functioning as osmoprotectants to manage water balance within skin cells. Regarding texture and cosmetic elegance, the formulation is engineered for a lightweight, breathable user experience. Dicaprylyl Carbonate is a fast-spreading emollient that leaves a ‘dry’ velvety feel, while Cyclopentasiloxane is a volatile silicone that ensures the product glides effortlessly over the skin before evaporating, leaving no greasy residue behind. This combination suggests that the moisturizer will settle to a natural or matte finish, making it an exceptional primer for makeup or sunscreen application. One of the most significant advantages of this product is its rigorous exclusion of common sensitizers. The absence of fragrance, essential oils, and harsh drying alcohols makes it a sanctuary for those with reactive or sensitive skin. It focuses purely on function without unnecessary additives that could compromise the skin barrier or cause contact dermatitis. While the product is a hydration powerhouse, it is important to categorize its occlusion level correctly. It uses lighter emollients like Cetyl Alcohol and Glyceryl Stearate, which smooth the skin but do not form an impenetrable seal like petrolatum might. Consequently, those with extremely dry or alipidic (lacking oil) skin might find this formula too light for night-time use or harsh winters, as it hydrates deeply but seals lightly. However, for the vast majority of users—specifically those with normal, combination, or oily skin types—this balance is perfect, providing necessary moisture without risking congestion.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base carrier for the formulation.

📁 Humectants (Moisturizers) / 保湿剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A highly effective ingredient for replenishing skin hydration.

🧪 Hydroxyethyl Urea / 羟乙基脲

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides excellent moisturization without a sticky feel.

🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: The salt form of hyaluronic acid; holds massive amounts of water.

🧪 Sodium PCA / 吡咯烷酮羧酸钠

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: A component of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF).

🧪 Erythritol / 赤藓醇

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A sugar alcohol that helps improve skin hydration.

🧪 Homarine HCl / 龙虾肌碱 HCl

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: An osmolyte that helps maintain ionic balance and hydration in skin cells.

📁 Emollients / 柔润剂

🧪 Dicaprylyl Carbonate / 碳酸二辛酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a dry, velvety feel and spreads easily.

🧪 Cyclopentasiloxane / 环五聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Silicone Emollient

Concerns: Environmental bioaccumulation

Notes: A volatile silicone that evaporates, leaving a silky, lightweight feel.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Fatty Alcohol

Concerns: Low risk of comedogenicity

Notes: A ‘good’ alcohol that softens skin and adds body to the cream.

📁 Emulsifiers / 乳化剂

🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps mix oil and water phases.

🧪 PEG-100 Stearate / PEG-100 硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: Contamination risk (impurities)

Notes: Often used in combination with Glyceryl Stearate to stabilize the formula.

📁 Texture Enhancers & Thickeners / 质地调节与增稠剂

🧪 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

Concerns: None

Notes: Synthetic polymer that thickens the formula and stabilizes emulsions.

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

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Potential irritant for very sensitive skin

Notes: A common safe alternative to parabens.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative Booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Also functions as a skin-softening agent.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritant in high concentrations

Notes: Used in tiny amounts to neutralize the acidity of thickeners (like Acrylates).