Amazon Basics Oil-free Facial Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin, Fragrance Free

A classic, fragrance-free fluid moisturizer utilizing glycerin, petrolatum, and soybean sterols to restore hydration in a gentle, non-irritating formula.

Performance Rating: 4.2

This formulation relies on a robust combination of classic, proven moisturizers. Glycerin acts as a powerful humectant to draw water into the skin, while Petrolatum (the gold standard for occlusion) and Dimethicone seal that moisture in to prevent transepidermal water loss. The addition of Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols provides skin-replenishing lipids. While it lacks modern “trendy” actives like niacinamide or ceramides, the core moisturizing engine is highly effective, particularly for dry to normal skin types.

Safety Rating: 3.6

The product is notably fragrance-free, which significantly lowers the risk of irritation. However, the preservation system is somewhat dated. It contains Diazolidinyl Urea, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative that can be a sensitizer for those with reactive skin. It also utilizes Parabens (Ethyl, Methyl, Propyl); while deemed safe by scientific consensus, they are often avoided by consumers due to perceived health concerns. Sodium Hydroxide is present merely for pH adjustment and is safe in this context.

Final Rating: 3.9

This is a solid, no-nonsense moisturizer that excels at its primary job: hydration. The inclusion of Petrolatum and Silicones makes it excellent for barrier repair and softening rough texture. However, the use of Diazolidinyl Urea prevents a higher safety score due to potential sensitivity issues. It is an effective choice for those who need heavy-duty moisture and are not sensitive to urea-based preservatives.

Verdict

This formulation represents a classic approach to skincare, prioritizing function and tolerance over trendiness. It is essentially a stripped-back vehicle for delivering moisture, making it a staple for those with sensitive or compromised skin. The ingredient list begins with a robust hydration system: Water and Glycerin provide immediate moisture to the thirsty outer layers of the skin, while a blend of occlusives like Petrolatum, Dimethicone, and Cyclomethicone works to seal that moisture in. This combination is highly effective at preventing Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL), which is the primary cause of dry skin. The inclusion of Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols is a nice touch, offering emollient properties that mimic the skin’s natural lipid barrier, helping to smooth rough texture. Because the formula relies on Petrolatum and Ethylhexyl Palmitate, it provides a substantial protective layer, though this heavy emollience might be too rich for those prone to congestion. One notable aspect of this product is its preservation system. It uses Diazolidinyl Urea alongside a mix of Parabens. While these ingredients have been the subject of fear-mongering in ‘clean beauty’ marketing, they are among the most researched and effective preservatives available, ensuring the product remains free of harmful bacteria and mold, which is far more dangerous to the skin than the preservatives themselves. Overall, this is a no-nonsense workhorse. It lacks modern actives like Niacinamide or Ceramides, but its simplicity is its strength. It serves as a perfect neutral buffer to layer over strong actives like Retinoids or Acids, reducing the risk of irritation without interfering with their efficacy.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

📁 Moisturizers & Emollients / 保湿剂与柔润剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin.

🧪 Ethylhexyl Palmitate / 棕榈酸乙基己酯

Purpose: Emollient, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: Comedogenic (can clog pores)

Notes: Provides a dry-slip feel similar to silicone.

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Emollient, Skin Protectant

Concerns: Biodegradability concerns

Notes: A silicone that forms a protective barrier and improves texture.

🧪 Petrolatum / 矿脂

Purpose: Occlusive

Concerns: Greasy texture

Notes: One of the most effective moisturizing ingredients available; locks in moisture.

🧪 Cyclomethicone / 环聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Emollient, Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: A volatile silicone that evaporates, leaving a silky feel without greasiness.

🧪 Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols / 野大豆甾醇类

Purpose: Skin-Conditioning Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps replenish the skin barrier.

🧪 Isopropyl Isostearate / 异硬脂酸异丙酯

Purpose: Emollient, Binder

Concerns: Potential comedogenicity

Notes: Helps to soften and smooth the skin.

🧪 C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate / C12-15 醇苯甲酸酯

Purpose: Emollient, Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a light conditioning feel.

📁 Emulsifiers & Thickeners / 乳化剂与增稠剂

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier, Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that is non-drying and stabilizes the product.

🧪 PEG-10 Soy Sterol / PEG-10 大豆甾醇

Purpose: Surfactant, Emulsifier

Concerns: PEG contamination risks (impurities)

Notes: Helps mix oil and water.

🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Softens and smooths the skin.

🧪 PEG-100 Stearate / PEG-100 硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: PEG contamination risks (impurities)

Notes: Often used in combination with Glyceryl Stearate.

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Viscosity Controlling, Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates a gel-like consistency.

📁 Stabilizers & pH Adjusters / 稳定剂与pH调节剂

🧪 Tetrasodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸四钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Binds metal ions to prevent spoilage and maintain stability.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritant in high concentrations

Notes: Used in very small amounts to neutralize carbomers and adjust pH.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Diazolidinyl Urea / 双(羟甲基)咪唑烷基脲

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Formaldehyde releaser; potential allergen

Notes: Antimicrobial agent.

🧪 Ethylparaben / 羟苯乙酯

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Endocrine disruption debates

Notes: Part of the paraben family, effective against fungi and bacteria.

🧪 Methylparaben / 羟苯甲酯

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Endocrine disruption debates

Notes: One of the most common preservatives; prevents microbial growth.

🧪 Propylparaben / 羟苯丙酯

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Endocrine disruption debates

Notes: Often used with other parabens for broad-spectrum protection.