Amazon Basics Triple Replenishing Moisturizer Night Cream with Vitamin C, Glycerin, Shea Butter

A radiance-boosting moisturizer combining Vitamin C and Green Tea with light-reflecting Mica for an immediate glow.

Performance Rating: 4.1

This formula offers a robust blend of hydration and skin-conditioning agents. Glycerin and Shea Butter provide excellent moisture retention and barrier repair. The inclusion of Ascorbyl Glucoside (a stable Vitamin C derivative) and Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract adds valuable antioxidant and brightening properties, elevating it beyond a basic moisturizer. Dimethicone and various crosspolymers ensure a silky, non-greasy application that likely leaves a matte or smooth finish.

Safety Rating: 3.8

While most ingredients are generally safe, the presence of added Fragrance deducts points as it is a common cause of contact dermatitis and irritation for sensitive skin. Additionally, Isopropyl Palmitate is high on the ingredient list; it is known to be significantly comedogenic, meaning it may clog pores and cause breakouts in acne-prone individuals.

Final Rating: 4.0

A well-formulated moisturizer that successfully combines essential hydration with active ingredients for radiance. It is particularly well-suited for normal to dry skin types looking to combat dullness. However, due to the inclusion of Fragrance and pore-clogging emollients like Isopropyl Palmitate, it may not be suitable for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Verdict

This facial moisturizer functions as a sophisticated hybrid between a skincare treatment and a cosmetic primer. At its core, the formulation relies heavily on Glycerin and Shea Butter to provide foundational hydration, ensuring the skin barrier remains soft and supple throughout the day. However, the texture profile is significantly influenced by Dimethicone and Dimethicone Crosspolymer, which gives the product a distinctive slip. This creates a velvety, smooth canvas that feels lightweight but forms a semi-occlusive seal over the skin, making it an excellent option for those looking to smooth out uneven texture before applying makeup.

The star active ingredient here is Ascorbyl Glucoside, a stable derivative of Vitamin C. Unlike pure L-Ascorbic Acid, which can be unstable and oxidize quickly, this derivative releases Vitamin C slowly into the skin. It offers robust antioxidant protection and helps to brighten the complexion and fade dark spots over time without causing significant irritation. This brightening effect is further boosted by the inclusion of Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, a potent antioxidant known for its ability to soothe inflammation and protect against environmental stressors.

Beyond the biological effects, this product offers an immediate visual improvement through physical means. The inclusion of Mica and Titanium Dioxide suggests an “instant glow” mechanism. These mineral ingredients reflect light, providing a subtle shimmer that masks dullness and creates an optical illusion of radiance the moment the cream is applied. It acts essentially as a strobe cream or illuminating primer, helping to diffuse light and blur imperfections.

However, potential users should be aware of a few specific ingredients that may not suit everyone. Isopropyl Palmitate is an emollient that, while effective at softening skin, is known to be potentially comedogenic. This means it poses a risk of clogging pores for those prone to congestion or severe acne. Additionally, the presence of added Fragrance acts as a potential irritant. While it enhances the sensory experience of application, it may be problematic for those with hyper-sensitive skin or compromised barriers, as synthetic scents are a common trigger for contact dermatitis.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Humectants / 溶剂与保湿剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A skin-replenishing ingredient that helps maintain hydration.

🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Humectant, Solvent

Concerns: Potential skin irritation

Notes: Enhances absorption of other ingredients; can be irritating to very sensitive skin.

🧪 Xylitol / 木糖醇

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Sugar alcohol that helps skin retain moisture and supports the skin barrier.

📁 Emollients & Occlusives / 润肤剂与封闭剂

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Emollient, Skin Protectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A silicone that forms a breathable barrier and gives a silky feel.

🧪 Isopropyl Palmitate / 棕榈酸异丙酯

Purpose: Emollient, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: Comedogenic

Notes: Can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

🧪 Isononyl Isononanoate / 异壬酸异壬酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a dry, silky feeling without being greasy.

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

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich natural fat suitable for dry skin; excellent moisturizing properties.

🧪 Dimethicone Crosspolymer / 聚二甲基硅氧烷交联聚合物

Purpose: Texture Enhancer, Suspending Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Adds a smooth, powdery feel to the product.

📁 Active Ingredients / 活性成分

🧪 Ascorbyl Glucoside / 抗坏血酸葡糖苷

Purpose: Antioxidant, Skin Brightening

Concerns: None

Notes: A stable form of Vitamin C that brightens skin and fights free radicals.

🧪 Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract / 茶叶提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Green tea extract; protects against environmental stressors.

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

🧪 Steareth-2 / 硬脂醇聚醚-2

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps combine oil and water.

🧪 Steareth-21 / 硬脂醇聚醚-21

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Works with Steareth-2 to stabilize emulsions.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier, Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that is non-drying and conditions the skin.

🧪 Stearyl Alcohol / 硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Fatty alcohol used to soothe skin and thicken the formula.

🧪 Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer / 甲基丙烯酸甲酯交联聚合物

Purpose: Texture Enhancer, Absorbent

Concerns: None

Notes: Absorbs excess oil and provides a matte finish.

🧪 Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer / 丙烯酰二甲基牛磺酸铵/VP 共聚物

Purpose: Viscosity Controlling, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates a light, fresh texture.

🧪 Arachidyl Alcohol / 花生醇

Purpose: Emollient, Viscosity Controlling

Concerns: None

Notes: Fatty alcohol derived from peanut oil (usually non-allergenic in refined form).

🧪 Behenyl Alcohol / 山嵛醇

Purpose: Binder, Emulsion Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Thickening agent used to increase viscosity.

🧪 Arachidyl Glucoside / 花生醇葡糖苷

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Mild emulsifier derived from plants.

🧪 Sclerotium Gum / 小核菌胶

Purpose: Thickener, Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural gum produced by fermentation.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents metals from water affecting the product’s stability.

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Common cosmetic preservative safe in concentrations under 1%.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative Booster, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Boosts efficacy of phenoxyethanol.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritant at high concentrations

Notes: Used in tiny amounts to neutralize the product’s acidity.

📁 Fragrance & Pigments / 香精与色素

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Allergen, Irritant

Notes: Common cause of sensitization for sensitive skin.

🧪 Titanium Dioxide / 二氧化钛

Purpose: Opacifier, UV Filter, Pigment

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides whiteness and opacity.

🧪 Mica / 云母

Purpose: Pigment, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: Ethical sourcing

Notes: Adds shimmer or radiance to the product.