A rich, restorative moisturizer formulated with Squalane, Avocado Oil, and Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract to provide deep hydration and barrier support without added fragrance.
This is an exceptionally well-formulated moisturizer designed for robust hydration and barrier repair. It features high concentrations of Squalane and Glycerin, providing immediate skin-identical moisture. The formula is enriched with a diverse blend of plant oils—Apricot Kernel, Avocado, Rice Bran, Olive, Sweet Almond, and Soybean—which offer deep emollience without feeling overly heavy. The inclusion of Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract (a glycoprotein) and Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine (a ceramide mimic) significantly boosts its ability to protect the skin barrier and retain water in harsh conditions. Dimethicone and Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane ensure a smooth, cosmetically elegant texture that spreads easily.
The safety profile is excellent, particularly for sensitive skin types, as it is completely fragrance-free and devoid of volatile essential oils. The preservation system relies on standard, reliable ingredients like Phenoxyethanol and Chlorphenesin. However, users with very acne-prone skin should note the presence of Myristyl Myristate and Glyceryl Stearate SE, which can be potentially comedogenic (pore-clogging) for some individuals. The inclusion of Salicylic Acid is likely in minute amounts for preservation or pH adjustment rather than exfoliation, posing minimal risk of irritation.
This product represents a gold standard for a daily facial moisturizer (likely the formula for the popular Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream). It strikes a difficult balance between being rich enough for dry climates—thanks to the Squalane and botanical oils—and light enough for daily wear. By avoiding common irritants like fragrance while packing the formula with skin-repairing ingredients, it earns a top-tier rating.
This formulation presents itself as a highly restorative facial cream designed to tackle dehydration and compromised skin barriers. At the heart of the ingredients list, we find a powerful trio of Glycerin, Dimethicone, and Squalane. This combination ensures that water is drawn into the skin while a protective, breathable seal is formed on the surface to prevent transepidermal water loss. The high ranking of Squalane is particularly noteworthy, as it is a bio-identical emollient that integrates seamlessly with human skin oils without feeling overly greasy. Supporting this hydration core is a diverse bouquet of plant-derived oils, including Apricot Kernel, Avocado, Rice Bran, Olive, and Sweet Almond Oil. These ingredients characterize the product as a rich emollient, making it capable of softening rough patches and providing deep nourishment. Consequently, the texture is likely to be substantial and creamy, suitable for those who prefer a moisturizer that feels protective rather than weightless. The inclusion of Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract adds a sophisticated touch, offering potential benefits for skin regeneration and hydration in cold weather conditions. Furthermore, the formula addresses barrier health through Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, a lipid that mimics the function of ceramides. This inclusion helps to reinforce the skin’s structural integrity, making it less susceptible to irritation. It is also important to note what is missing; the product appears to be fragrance-free, relying on Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract for antioxidant protection rather than scent. This makes it a safer choice for those with reactive skin or fragrance allergies. However, users with congestion-prone skin should approach with awareness. While the formula is nourishing, heavy oils like Avocado and Soybean Oil, combined with Stearic and Palmitic Acids, could potentially trigger breakouts in those prone to comedones. Although Salicylic Acid is listed, its position at the very bottom suggests it functions more as a preservative or pH adjuster than an active exfoliant to clear pores. Overall, this is an excellent barrier-repairing moisturizer for dry, thirsty complexions.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Solvent
Concerns: None
Notes: The base of the formulation.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: A classic moisturizer that attracts water to the skin.
🧪 Squalane / 角鲨烷
Purpose: Emollient
Concerns: None
Notes: Skin-identical ingredient, highly moisturizing and non-comedogenic.
🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷
Purpose: Emollient/Occlusive
Concerns: Silicone based (some prefer natural alternatives)
Notes: Provides a silky slip and forms a protective barrier.
🧪 Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil / 杏核油
Purpose: Emollient
Concerns: Potential comedogenic rating (2)
Notes: Nourishing plant oil.
🧪 Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil / 鳄梨油
Purpose: Emollient
Concerns: Potential comedogenic rating (3)
Notes: Rich oil, good for dry skin.
🧪 Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil / 稻糠油
Purpose: Emollient
Concerns: None
Notes: Contains antioxidants and vitamins.
🧪 Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil / 橄榄果油
Purpose: Emollient
Concerns: Potential comedogenic rating (2)
Notes: Rich in oleic acid.
🧪 Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil / 甜扁桃油
Purpose: Emollient
Concerns: Potential comedogenic rating (2)
Notes: Gentle oil suitable for sensitive skin.
🧪 Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil / 野大豆油
Purpose: Emollient
Concerns: Potential comedogenic rating (3)
Notes: Smoothing carrier oil.
🧪 Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil / 向日葵籽油
Purpose: Emollient
Concerns: None
Notes: Rich in linoleic acid, helps repair barrier.
🧪 Myristyl Myristate / 肉豆蔻酸肉豆蔻酯
Purpose: Emollient/Texture Enhancer
Concerns: High comedogenic rating (5)
Notes: Provides a soft, waxy feel but can clog pores in prone skin.
🧪 Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane / 双-PEG-18 甲基醚二甲基硅烷
Purpose: Humectant/Texture Enhancer
Concerns: Ethoxylated ingredient
Notes: Water-soluble silicone wax that provides a silky finish.
🧪 Stearyl Alcohol / 硬脂醇
Purpose: Fatty Alcohol/Emollient
Concerns: Potential mild comedogenicity (2)
Notes: Thickens the formula and softens skin.
🧪 Glyceryl Stearate SE / 甘油硬脂酸酯 SE
Purpose: Emulsifier
Concerns: None
Notes: Self-emulsifying form of glyceryl stearate.
🧪 PEG-8 Stearate / PEG-8 硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Emulsifier
Concerns: Ethoxylated ingredient
Notes: Helps mix oil and water.
🧪 Sucrose Stearate / 蔗糖硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Emulsifier/Emollient
Concerns: None
Notes: Sugar-based emulsifier, generally gentle.
🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Emulsifier/Emollient
Concerns: None
Notes: Standard emulsifier derived from palm kernel, vegetable or soy oil.
🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇
Purpose: Fatty Alcohol/Thickener
Concerns: Potential mild comedogenicity (2)
Notes: Common thickener that improves texture.
🧪 Stearic Acid / 硬脂酸
Purpose: Fatty Acid/Thickener
Concerns: Potential mild comedogenicity (2-3)
Notes: Adds creaminess to the formula.
🧪 Palmitic Acid / 棕榈酸
Purpose: Fatty Acid/Emollient
Concerns: Potential mild comedogenicity (2)
Notes: Fatty acid found naturally in skin.
🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆
Purpose: Thickener/Gel Maker
Concerns: None
Notes: Controls viscosity.
🧪 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/Stabilizer
Concerns: None
Notes: Synthentic polymer for texture control.
🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶
Purpose: Thickener
Concerns: None
Notes: Natural sugar-derived thickener.
🧪 Myristic Acid / 肉豆蔻酸
Purpose: Fatty Acid/Texture
Concerns: High comedogenic rating (3)
Notes: Used for texture, though often used in cleansers.
🧪 Tocopherol (Vitamin E) / 生育酚（维生素E）
Purpose: Antioxidant
Concerns: None
Notes: Protects skin and formula from oxidation.
🧪 Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract / 假交替单胞菌发酵产物提取物
Purpose: Active (Hydration/Anti-aging)
Concerns: None
Notes: Also known as Antarcticine, protects against cold and stimulates regeneration.
🧪 Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine / 羟棕榈酰二氢鞘氨醇
Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient
Concerns: None
Notes: A pseudoceramide that mimics natural ceramides to support the skin barrier.
🧪 Salicylic Acid / 水杨酸
Purpose: BHA Exfoliant/Active
Concerns: May dry out skin; sensitivity
Notes: Pore-clearing ingredient, though likely in low concentration here.
🧪 Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract / 迷迭香叶提取物
Purpose: Antioxidant/Extract
Concerns: Sensitizing for very reactive skin
Notes: Plant extract with antioxidant properties.
🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Can be irritating to some sensitive skin
Notes: Common safe synthetic preservative.
🧪 Chlorphenesin / 氯苯甘醚
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: None
Notes: Antimicrobial and antifungal.
🧪 Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate / 乙二胺二琥珀酸三钠
Purpose: Chelating Agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Biodegradable alternative to EDTA, stabilizes formula.
🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油
Purpose: Preservative Booster
Concerns: None
Notes: Also functions as a skin conditioning agent.
🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: pH Adjuster
Concerns: Irritant in high concentration
Notes: Used in tiny amounts to neutralize pH.
🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸
Purpose: pH Adjuster
Concerns: None
Notes: Used to optimize the acidity of the product.