Equate Advanced Firming + Anti-Wrinkle Face and Neck Contour Cream

A peptide-enriched cream formulated with Shea Butter and Retinyl Palmitate to deeply hydrate and target signs of aging.

Performance Rating: 4.3

This moisturizer features a robust blend of humectants (Glycerin, Sodium Lactate), emollients (Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil), and occlusives (Mineral Oil, Beeswax) to effectively lock in moisture. The inclusion of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (known as Matrixyl 3000) provides scientifically backed anti-aging benefits by stimulating collagen production. Additional beneficial ingredients like Panthenol, Allantoin, and Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline offer soothing and skin-firming properties.

Safety Rating: 3.8

The formula contains added Fragrance, which is a common sensitizer and potential irritant for sensitive skin. Ingredients like Triethanolamine can also cause irritation in some individuals. While Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil) and Myristyl Myristate are safe, they can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) for acne-prone skin. The presence of Retinyl Palmitate generally advises use with sun protection during the day.

Final Rating: 4.1

Overall, this is a highly effective moisturizer for dry or mature skin types, offering both deep hydration and anti-aging peptide support. However, the inclusion of Fragrance and potentially heavy occlusives makes it less suitable for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Verdict

This formula presents itself as a robust anti-aging moisturizer designed to tackle hydration and structural skin concerns simultaneously. At its core, the product relies on a blend of Glycerin and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, supplemented by heavy hitters like Shea Butter, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), and Beeswax. This combination creates a significant occlusive barrier, making it excellent for preventing transepidermal water loss. The inclusion of Silicones like Cyclopentasiloxane ensures the product glides on smoothly despite its rich emollient profile. However, the heavy nature of Mineral Oil and Beeswax suggests this cream is weighted towards those who struggle with dryness rather than oiliness. The most impressive aspect of this formulation is its peptide complex. The presence of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 indicates a commitment to stimulating collagen production and repairing skin damage over time. When paired with Retinyl Palmitate, a milder ester of Vitamin A, the formula offers a gentle introduction to retinoids that promotes cell turnover without the aggression associated with pure retinol. Additionally, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline is included to offer firming benefits, further cementing the product’s position in the anti-aging category. To counterbalance potential irritation from the actives, the formulation includes soothing agents like Allantoin and Panthenol, alongside antioxidant protection from Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate). While the ingredient list is strong, there are notable drawbacks for specific skin types. The inclusion of Fragrance is a potential trigger for those with reactive skin or rosacea. Furthermore, ingredients such as Myristyl Myristate and Paraffinum Liquidum have a comedogenic potential that might pose a risk for congestion. Consequently, while this moisturizer is likely a powerhouse for dry, maturing faces, it could lead to breakouts for those prone to acne. In summary, this is a barrier-reinforcing cream that effectively utilizes peptides and mild retinoids to treat signs of aging, best suited for resilient, dry skin types.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Humectants / 溶剂与保湿剂

🧪 Aqua (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.

🧪 Butylene Glycol / 丁二醇

Purpose: Solvent, Humectant

Concerns: Very low risk of irritation

Notes: Helps dissolve other ingredients and hydrates skin.

🧪 Sodium Lactate / 乳酸钠

Purpose: Humectant, pH Buffer

Concerns: None

Notes: Part of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF).

📁 Emollients & Occlusives / 润肤剂与封闭剂

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

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin; lightweight and stable.

🧪 Cyclopentasiloxane / 环五聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Emollient, Solvent

Concerns: Environmental accumulation (wash-off)

Notes: A volatile silicone that provides a silky feel and evaporates eventually.

🧪 Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter / 牛油果树(乳木果)果脂

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: Heavy texture for oily skin

Notes: Rich in fatty acids and vitamins.

🧪 Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil / 向日葵籽油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in linoleic acid, good for barrier repair.

🧪 Isohexadecane / 异十六烷

Purpose: Emollient, Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a non-greasy finish.

🧪 Paraffinum Liquidum / 液体石蜡 (矿物油)

Purpose: Occlusive

Concerns: Perceived pore-clogging potential (though usually non-comedogenic)

Notes: Highly effective at preventing water loss.

🧪 Beeswax / 蜂蜡

Purpose: Occlusive, Thickener

Concerns: Not vegan

Notes: Forms a protective barrier on the skin.

🧪 Dimethiconol / 聚二甲基硅氧烷醇

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: A silicone gum that provides a velvety feel.

🧪 Myristyl Myristate / 肉豆蔻酸肉豆蔻酯

Purpose: Emollient, Opacifier

Concerns: Comedogenic (may clog pores)

Notes: A waxy ester.

🧪 Zea Mays Germ Oil / 玉米胚芽油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Plant oil rich in linoleic acid.

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

🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Softens skin and helps mix oil and water.

🧪 PEG-100 Stearate / PEG-100 硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: Do not use on broken skin

Notes: Often paired with Glyceryl Stearate.

🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier, Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol, non-drying and good for texture.

🧪 Polyacrylamide / 聚丙烯酰胺

Purpose: Film Former, Thickener

Concerns: None in finished product

Notes: Part of a thickening complex (often with C13-14 Isoalkane and Laureth-7).

🧪 Stearic Acid / 硬脂酸

Purpose: Emulsifier, Thickener

Concerns: May be comedogenic for some

Notes: A fatty acid found naturally in shea butter.

🧪 Potassium Cetyl Phosphate / 鲸蜡醇磷酸酯钾

Purpose: Surfactant, Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps stabilize emulsions.

🧪 C13-14 Isoalkane / C13-14 异链烷烃

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Works with Polyacrylamide to create gel textures.

🧪 Polysorbate 20 / 聚山梨醇酯-20

Purpose: Emulsifier, Solubilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps mix small amounts of oil into water.

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener, Gelling Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates clear gels and stabilizes formulas.

🧪 Laureth-7 / 月桂醇聚醚-7

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Part of the thickener blend.

🧪 Lauroyl Lysine / 月桂酰赖氨酸

Purpose: Skin Conditioning, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: Amino acid derivative that provides a soft touch.

📁 Active Ingredients / 活性成分

🧪 Allantoin / 尿囊素

Purpose: Soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Reduces irritation and promotes skin healing.

🧪 Panthenol / 泛醇 (维生素B5)

Purpose: Soothing, Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Pro-Vitamin B5, excellent for barrier support.

🧪 Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline / 二棕榈酰羟脯氨酸

Purpose: Anti-aging

Concerns: None

Notes: Amino acid derivative, claims to firm skin.

🧪 Tocopheryl Acetate / 生育酚乙酸酯

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Stable form of Vitamin E.

🧪 Retinyl Palmitate / 视黄醇棕榈酸酯

Purpose: Anti-aging, Antioxidant

Concerns: Avoid during pregnancy (general precaution for Vitamin A derivatives)

Notes: A milder ester of retinol/Vitamin A.

🧪 Glycine Soja Protein / 野大豆蛋白

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: Soy allergen risk

Notes: Plant-derived protein source.

🧪 Hydrolyzed Rice Protein / 水解大米蛋白

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in amino acids.

🧪 Tocopherol / 生育酚

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Pure Vitamin E.

🧪 Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 / 棕榈酰三肽-1

Purpose: Anti-aging

Concerns: None

Notes: Part of the Matrixyl 3000 complex, stimulates collagen.

🧪 Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 / 棕榈酰四肽-7

Purpose: Anti-aging, Soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Part of the Matrixyl 3000 complex, reduces inflammation.

📁 Preservatives, Stabilizers & Fragrance / 防腐剂、稳定剂与香精

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Sensitivity in high concentrations

Notes: Widely used safe preservative.

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common sensitizer/Allergen

Notes: Can irritate sensitive skin.

🧪 Triethanolamine / 三乙醇胺

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: None in regulated amounts

Notes: Neutralizes fatty acids and carbomer.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative Booster, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used with Phenoxyethanol.

🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents metals in water from degrading the formula.

🧪 1,2-Hexanediol / 1,2-己二醇

Purpose: Preservative, Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: A gentle preservation booster.

🧪 Hydroxyacetophenone / 对羟基苯乙酮

Purpose: Antioxidant, Preservative Booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Synthetically produced, nature-identical soothing agent.