Honest Sensitive Skin Daily Calm Moisturizer

A fragrance-free, barrier-supportive moisturizer formulated with Phytosterols, Phospholipids, and Linoleic Acid to replenish skin lipids, enhanced by Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate for deep hydration.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This moisturizer features an excellent blend of skin-identical ingredients and barrier-repairing agents. Key performers include Phytosterols, Phospholipids, and Linoleic Acid, which work together to restore the skin barrier. The inclusion of Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate allows for deeper hydration compared to standard hyaluronic acid, while Glycerin and Jojoba Esters provide reliable surface moisture. Allantoin and Hydroxyacetophenone offer soothing benefits, making this highly effective for hydration and calmness.

Safety Rating: 4.9

The safety profile of this product is outstanding. It is fragrance-free and devoid of drying alcohols or harsh essential oils, significantly reducing the risk of contact dermatitis. The preservative system relies on modern, gentle options like 1,2-Hexanediol and Caprylyl Glycol rather than parabens or formaldehyde releasers. It is highly suitable for sensitive skin.

Final Rating: 4.7

This is a top-tier daily moisturizer focused on barrier health. While it lacks aggressive ‘actives’ (like retinol or acids), it executes the primary function of a moisturizer—hydration and protection—near perfectly. The combination of humectants, emollients, and lipids mimics the skin’s natural structure, making it a safe and effective choice for almost all skin types, particularly those needing repair.

Verdict

This formulation represents a sophisticated yet gentle approach to daily moisturizing, focusing heavily on barrier repair and skin-identical ingredients. The base structure relies on Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and Glycerin, providing a reliable, non-greasy foundation that balances hydration with emollience. Unlike heavy occlusives, the use of Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate ensures the product has a lightweight slip and absorbs efficiently, making it cosmetically elegant.

The star components here are the lipid-replenishing agents: Phytosterols, Phospholipids, and Linoleic Acid. These are vital for maintaining a healthy stratum corneum. Linoleic Acid is particularly beneficial as it is an essential fatty acid often deficient in the sebum of acne-prone individuals; restoring it can help regulate oil quality and reduce breakouts. Furthermore, the inclusion of Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate indicates a focus on deep hydration. Because this form of Hyaluronic Acid has a lower molecular weight, it can penetrate deeper than standard HA, helping to plump the skin from within.

Sensitive skin is clearly the target demographic. The formula is notably free from fragrance, essential oils, and drying alcohols, which are common triggers for irritation and contact dermatitis. Instead, it utilizes Allantoin and Jojoba Esters to soothe and soften the skin surface. The preservative system, utilizing 1,2-Hexanediol and Hydroxyacetophenone, is modern and generally well-tolerated compared to older paraben or formaldehyde-releasing systems.

Overall, this is a highly versatile product. It functions excellently as a “safety” moisturizer for those using strong actives like retinoids or chemical exfoliants, as it will nurture the barrier without interfering with other ingredients. While it is rich in lipids, the texture engineering suggests it will not be suffocating, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types looking for restorative care.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 Water (Aqua/Eau) / 水

Purpose: Dissolves other ingredients.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The base of the formulation.

📁 Emollients & Barrier Repair / 润肤剂与屏障修复

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

Purpose: Emollient that replenishes skin surface.

Concerns: Low risk; generally non-comedogenic.

Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin.

🧪 Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate / 新戊二醇二乙基己酸酯

Purpose: Emollient and texture enhancer.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Provides a light, non-greasy feel.

🧪 Phytosterols / 植物甾醇

Purpose: Soothes skin and reinforces the barrier.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Plant-derived sterols similar to cholesterol found in skin.

🧪 Phospholipids / 磷脂

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient for hydration and barrier repair.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Key component of cell membranes; acts as a delivery system.

🧪 Linoleic Acid / 亚油酸

Purpose: Restorative fatty acid.

Concerns: None.

Notes: An omega-6 fatty acid essential for ceramide synthesis.

🧪 Jojoba Esters / 霍霍巴酯类

Purpose: Emollient.

Concerns: None.

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

📁 Humectants / 保湿剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Attracts moisture to the skin.

Concerns: None.

Notes: A gold-standard humectant.

🧪 Propanediol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Hydrates and enhances absorption.

Concerns: Low risk; usually well-tolerated.

Notes: Often derived from corn sugar; less irritating than propylene glycol.

🧪 Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate / 水解透明质酸钠

Purpose: Deep hydration.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper than standard HA.

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

🧪 Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate / 聚甘油-2 硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps mix oil and water.

🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Fatty alcohol that thickens and softens.

Concerns: Generally safe, though rare sensitivity exists.

Notes: Not a drying alcohol; good for texture.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Provides a smooth glide.

🧪 Sclerotium Gum / 小核菌胶

Purpose: Thickener and stabilizer.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Natural gum produced by fermentation.

🧪 Cetearyl Phosphate / 鲸蜡硬脂基磷酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps stabilize the formulation.

📁 Soothing Agents & Antioxidants / 舒缓剂与抗氧化剂

🧪 Allantoin / 尿囊素

Purpose: Soothes and protects skin.

Concerns: None.

Notes: By-product of uric acid oxidation, very effective for irritation.

🧪 Tocopherol / 生育酚 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Pure Vitamin E; protects product and skin from oxidation.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate / 乙二胺二琥珀酸三钠

Purpose: Chelating agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Biodegradable alternative to EDTA; prevents metals from destabilizing the formula.

🧪 Hydroxyacetophenone / 对羟基苯乙酮

Purpose: Antioxidant and preservative booster.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Synthetic antioxidant that also soothes skin.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster.

Concerns: Irritating in high concentrations, but safe as used to balance pH.

Notes: Used in tiny amounts to neutralize acidity.

🧪 1,2-Hexanediol / 1,2-己二醇

Purpose: Preservative and humectant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Provides a soft finish while preventing bacterial growth.

🧪 Caprylyl Glycol / 辛甘醇

Purpose: Skin conditioning and preservative booster.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Works well with 1,2-Hexanediol.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster.

Concerns: None in this context.

Notes: Used to ensure the product pH matches the skin.