Honest Deep Hydration Face Cream

A richly hydrating moisturizer featuring Shea Butter, Jojoba Esters, and Hyaluronic Acid, balanced with a complex blend of soothing botanicals and aromatic essential oils.

Performance Rating: 4.3

This moisturizer boasts a highly effective hydrating system combining humectants like Glycerin and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid with rich emollients such as Shea Butter, Jojoba Esters, and Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil. This ensures both immediate moisture and long-term barrier support. The addition of Dimethicone provides a smooth, non-greasy finish and occlusive protection. Beneficial botanicals like Acerola Fruit Extract (rich in Vitamin C) and Alaria Esculenta provide antioxidant and anti-aging benefits, while Calendula and Chamomile help soothe the skin.

Safety Rating: 3.5

While the base ingredients are safe and nourishing, the safety score is impacted by the extensive use of Essential Oils (Lavender, Geranium, Patchouli, etc.). These oils act as fragrance and introduce volatile allergens like Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, and Citronellol, which are frequent triggers for contact dermatitis and irritation, particularly on sensitive facial skin. The formula also contains Alcohol and Benzyl Alcohol, which can be drying or sensitizing for some users.

Final Rating: 3.9

This is a well-formulated, luxurious moisturizer for normal to dry skin that isn’t prone to sensitivity. It excels in providing hydration and antioxidant protection through a rich blend of natural oils and extracts. However, it is not recommended for sensitive skin or those with a compromised skin barrier due to the high load of potentially irritating fragrant essential oils. It is a great product for those who prioritize ‘natural’ ingredients and sensory experience over clinical gentleness.

Verdict

This formulation presents itself as a deeply nourishing option for those struggling with dehydration and dryness. At its core, the product relies on a robust combination of Glycerin, Shea Butter, and Jojoba Esters. These ingredients are gold standards for reinforcing the skin’s moisture barrier, ensuring that hydration is not only delivered but also retained. The addition of Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid further boosts the water content in the skin, plumping fine lines and creating a supple texture. We also see Dimethicone, a silicon-based occlusive, which helps to lock in these beneficial oils without leaving a greasy residue, providing that coveted silky slip upon application. Beyond the moisture base, the ingredient list is teeming with botanical extracts. Acerola Fruit Extract serves as a potent source of Vitamin C, offering antioxidant protection against environmental stressors. Meanwhile, Calendula and Chamomile extracts are included for their well-known anti-inflammatory properties, theoretically intended to calm the skin. The inclusion of Prickly Pear (Opuntia Ficus-Indica) and Algae Extract adds a layer of sophistication, targeting skin firmness and elasticity. However, users must exercise caution regarding the sensory components of this formula. The product contains a significant cocktail of essential oils, including Lavender, Fir Needle, Patchouli, Geranium, and Palmarosa. While these provide a luxurious, spa-like olfactory experience and may offer some antibacterial benefits, they are potent potential irritants. The presence of fragrance allergens like Limonene, Linalool, and Citronellol confirms this risk. Consequently, while the Beeswax and Shea Butter create a comforting blanket for dry skin, the volatile oils make this a risky choice for those with compromised skin barriers or a history of contact dermatitis. Ideally, this is suited for someone with resilient, dry skin who enjoys a botanical sensory experience.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water (Aqua/Eau) / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary base for most cosmetic formulations.

🧪 Alcohol / 乙醇

Purpose: Solvent, Astringent, Antimicrobial

Concerns: Can be drying or irritating to sensitive skin in high concentrations.

Notes: Often used to thin texture or help ingredients penetrate; position in list suggests it might be a solvent for extracts rather than a main base.

📁 Emollients & Occlusives / 润肤剂与封闭剂

🧪 Ethylhexyl Stearate / 硬脂酸乙基己酯

Purpose: Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a smooth feel to the skin.

🧪 Jojoba Esters / 霍霍巴酯类

Purpose: Emollient, Moisturizing

Concerns: None

Notes: Very similar to human skin sebum; provides non-greasy moisture.

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

Purpose: Emollient, Viscosity Controlling

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich moisturizer high in fatty acids and vitamins.

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Emollient, Occlusive

Concerns: Silicones are sometimes avoided by those preferring all-natural routines; can be occlusive.

Notes: Provides ‘slip’ and a silky texture; forms a barrier to prevent moisture loss.

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

Purpose: Emollient, Dispersing Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin; excellent stability.

🧪 Beeswax (Cera Alba) / 蜂蜡

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier, Thickener

Concerns: Not vegan.

Notes: Forms a protective barrier on the skin.

🧪 Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil / 猴面包树籽油

Purpose: Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and F.

🧪 Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil / 向日葵籽油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Lightweight oil rich in linoleic acid, good for barrier repair.

🧪 Lecithin / 卵磷脂

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Skin-restoring ingredient.

📁 Humectants / 保湿剂 (吸湿)

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin; standard and effective.

🧪 Sorbitol / 山梨(糖)醇

Purpose: Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Sugar alcohol derived from fruits.

🧪 Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid / 水解透明质酸

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid for deeper penetration.

📁 Emulsifiers & Texture Enhancers / 乳化剂与质地改良剂

🧪 Glyceryl Stearate SE / 甘油硬脂酸酯 SE

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: ‘SE’ stands for Self-Emulsifying.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsion Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol, not drying like ethanol.

🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps blend oil and water.

🧪 Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters / 小烛树/霍霍巴/米糠聚甘油-3 酯类

Purpose: Emulsifier, Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Improves texture and sensory feel.

🧪 Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate / 硬脂酰乳酰乳酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used in food and cosmetics.

🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: Fatty alcohol mixture.

🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener, Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural polysaccharide.

🧪 Maltodextrin / 麦芽糊精

Purpose: Binder, Film Former

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used as a carrier for plant extracts.

📁 Botanicals & Antioxidants / 植物提取物与抗氧化剂

🧪 Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Seed Extract / 萝卜籽提取物

Purpose: Skin Conditioning, Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Contains antioxidants.

🧪 Malpighia Glabra (Acerola) Fruit Extract / 凹缘金虎尾果提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Very rich source of Vitamin C.

🧪 Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract / 金盏花提取物

Purpose: Soothing, Anti-inflammatory

Concerns: None

Notes: Great for sensitive skin.

🧪 Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract / 母菊(洋甘菊)花提取物

Purpose: Soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Calming agent.

🧪 Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract / 迷迭香叶提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Preservative Booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps protect oils from oxidation.

🧪 Tocopherol / 生育酚 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Protects skin and product stability.

🧪 Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract / 欧洲山毛榉芽提取物

Purpose: Skin Conditioning, Anti-aging

Concerns: None

Notes: Known as ‘Gemma’ therapy ingredients; boosts cell oxygenation.

🧪 Alaria Esculenta Extract / 翅藻提取物

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: A type of brown algae; supports collagen.

🧪 Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract / 仙人掌提取物

Purpose: Soothing, Hydrating

Concerns: None

Notes: Prickly pear cactus extract.

📁 Essential Oils & Fragrance Components / 精油与香精成分

🧪 Lavandula Hybrida Oil / 杂薰衣草油

Purpose: Fragrance

Concerns: Sensitizing

Notes: Contains potential allergens.

🧪 Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil / 薰衣草油

Purpose: Fragrance, Soothing

Concerns: Sensitizing

Notes: Classic calming scent.

🧪 Abies Sibirica Oil / 西伯利亚冷杉油

Purpose: Fragrance

Concerns: Sensitizing

Notes: Pine/Fir scent.

🧪 Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil / 广藿香叶油

Purpose: Fragrance

Concerns: Sensitizing

Notes: Earthy scent.

🧪 Cymbopogon Martini Oil / 玫瑰草油

Purpose: Fragrance

Concerns: Sensitizing

Notes: Rose-like scent.

🧪 Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil / 香叶天竺葵花油

Purpose: Fragrance

Concerns: Sensitizing

Notes: Geranium oil.

🧪 Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil / 白花春黄菊(罗马洋甘菊)花油

Purpose: Fragrance, Soothing

Concerns: Sensitizing

Notes: Roman Chamomile.

🧪 Citronellol / 香茅醇

Purpose: Fragrance Component

Concerns: Allergen

Notes: Naturally occurring in essential oils.

🧪 Geraniol / 香叶醇

Purpose: Fragrance Component

Concerns: Allergen

Notes: Naturally occurring in essential oils.

🧪 Limonene / 柠檬烯

Purpose: Fragrance Component

Concerns: Allergen

Notes: Naturally occurring in citrus/pine oils.

🧪 Linalool / 芳樟醇

Purpose: Fragrance Component

Concerns: Allergen

Notes: Naturally occurring in lavender and many other oils.

📁 Preservatives, pH Adjusters & Stabilizers / 防腐剂、pH调节剂与稳定剂

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster, Chelator

Concerns: None

Notes: Adjusts acidity to be skin-compatible.

🧪 Sodium Phytate / 植酸钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Boosts preservative efficacy and stabilizes formula.

🧪 Benzyl Alcohol / 苯甲醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Potential Allergen

Notes: A bacteriostatic preservative.

🧪 Potassium Sorbate / 山梨酸钾

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Food-grade preservative.

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Effective against fungi.

🧪 Benzoic Acid / 苯甲酸

Purpose: Preservative, pH Adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Antifungal properties.