Equate Beauty Anti-Aging Complete Effects Daily Moisturizer

A silicone-based daily moisturizer featuring Niacinamide and Vitamin C derivatives to brighten skin tone while providing a smooth, velvety finish.

Performance Rating: 4.2

This moisturizer contains a robust profile of proven actives. High concentrations of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) work well with Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (a stable Vitamin C derivative) to brighten skin and repair the moisture barrier. The base of Glycerin and Dimethicone provides excellent hydration and a smooth, non-greasy finish. It is highly effective for general anti-aging and moisturizing, though the Fragrance and dyes add no functional performance benefit.

Safety Rating: 3.1

The product includes several ingredients often flagged for sensitive skin. Fragrance is a leading cause of contact dermatitis. The formulation also uses Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, a preservative that can be sensitizing and is often restricted in leave-on products. Furthermore, it contains BHT and artificial dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5), which are unnecessary chemical loads that some users may wish to avoid due to potential irritation or toxicity concerns.

Final Rating: 3.7

This is a solid mass-market formulation that delivers a powerful ‘cocktail’ of vitamins (B3, C, E) known to improve skin texture and tone. However, the score is lowered because the formulation feels slightly dated regarding its safety profile; the inclusion of Fragrance, dyes, and controversial preservatives like IPBC makes it less suitable for sensitive skin compared to cleaner, modern alternatives.

Verdict

This formulation offers a sophisticated blend of hydration and active treatment, positioning itself as a multitasking staple for daily skincare routines. The star of the formulation is undoubtedly Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3. This versatile ingredient is celebrated for its ability to improve skin elasticity, enhance barrier function, and even out skin tone. For users struggling with dullness or mild hyperpigmentation, the combination of Niacinamide with Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate—a stable, water-soluble form of Vitamin C—provides a gentle brightening effect. These actives are supported by Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) and Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, forming an antioxidant complex that helps neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollution. This makes the product a proactive choice for preventing early signs of environmental aging. In terms of hydration and feel, the product employs a significant amount of Glycerin and Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5). These humectants draw moisture into the skin, helping to alleviate dryness and maintain softness. The vehicle for these ingredients is largely silicone-based, featuring Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, and Cyclopentasiloxane. This choice of emollients imparts a distinctively velvety texture that glides effortlessly over the skin, filling in fine lines and creating a smooth, primed canvas. This makes the product particularly effective for morning use under makeup, as it lacks the greasy residue often associated with heavier oil-based creams. Isohexadecane further contributes to a dry-touch finish, ensuring the product absorbs quickly without stickiness. Despite these benefits, the formulation choices regarding sensory attributes may limit its suitability for everyone. The inclusion of Fragrance is a notable potential irritant. While it enhances the application experience for many, it is a common allergen that can cause redness or stinging in those with sensitive skin. Similarly, the presence of synthetic dyes, specifically Red 40 and Yellow 5, serves purely aesthetic purposes to tint the cream but adds an unnecessary chemical load that reactive skin types might find aggravating. Furthermore, the preservative system utilizes Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate. While effective at preventing microbial growth, it has restricted usage rates in some regions due to sensitization potential. Therefore, while this moisturizer is a powerful option for resilient, normal, or combination skin seeking radiance, it requires caution for those with a history of contact dermatitis or a compromised skin barrier.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Key Active Ingredients / 主要活性成分

🧪 Niacinamide / 烟酰胺

Purpose: Brightening, anti-aging, barrier repair

Concerns: Generally safe, high concentrations may cause flushing in sensitive skin

Notes: A form of Vitamin B3 that is excellent for skin restoration.

🧪 Panthenol / 泛醇

Purpose: Soothing, moisturizing

Concerns: None

Notes: Pro-Vitamin B5; attracts and holds moisture.

🧪 Tocopheryl Acetate / 生育酚乙酸酯

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: A stable form of Vitamin E.

🧪 Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate / 抗坏血酸磷酸酯钠

Purpose: Antioxidant, brightening

Concerns: None

Notes: A stable, water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C.

🧪 Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract / 茶叶提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Green tea extract.

📁 Moisturizers & Emollients / 保湿剂与润肤剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A very common and effective ingredient for hydration.

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Emollient, occlusive

Concerns: Silicone texture preference vary among users

Notes: Provides a silky feel and forms a protective barrier.

🧪 Isohexadecane / 异十六烷

Purpose: Emollient, solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a dry, non-greasy finish.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient, thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens the skin.

🧪 Behenyl Alcohol / 山嵛醇

Purpose: Emollient, thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol used to adjust viscosity.

🧪 C13-14 Isoparaffin / C13-14 异链烷烃

Purpose: Emollient, solvent

Concerns: Mineral oil derivative

Notes: Often used in gel-cream formulations.

🧪 Dimethiconol / 聚二甲基硅氧烷醇

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: A silicone gum that improves texture.

🧪 Stearic Acid / 硬脂酸

Purpose: Emollient, emulsifier

Concerns: Comedogenicity (low risk in formulations)

Notes: A fatty acid.

🧪 Cyclopentasiloxane / 环五聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Solvent, emollient

Concerns: Environmental concerns (bioaccumulation)

Notes: A volatile silicone that evaporates, leaving a silky feel.

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

Purpose: Texture enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a powdery, velvety feel.

📁 Solvents, Emulsifiers & Texture Enhancers / 溶剂、乳化剂与质地调节剂

🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

🧪 Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer / 丙烯酸(酯)类/C10-30 烷醇丙烯酸酯交联聚合物

Purpose: Thickener, stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates a gel-like texture.

🧪 Laureth-7 / 月桂醇聚醚-7

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: Ethoxylated ingredient (potential contamination)

Notes: Helps mix oil and water.

🧪 PEG-100 Stearate / PEG-100 硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: Do not use on broken skin

Notes: Stabilizes the emulsion.

🧪 Titanium Dioxide / 二氧化钛

Purpose: Opacifier, UV filter

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used to whiten the product appearance or provide sun protection.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 Benzyl Alcohol / 苯甲醇

Purpose: Preservative, solvent

Concerns: Potential allergen

Notes: Naturally occurring in some essential oils.

🧪 Hydroxyacetophenone / 对羟基苯乙酮

Purpose: Preservative booster, antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: SymSave H, soothes skin.

🧪 Disodium EDTA / EDTA 二钠

Purpose: Chelating agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps prevent product deterioration by binding metal ions.

🧪 Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate / 碘丙炔醇丁基氨甲酸酯

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Contact allergen, restricted concentrations

Notes: Prevents mold and bacteria.

🧪 BHT / 丁羟甲苯

Purpose: Antioxidant (product stabilizer)

Concerns: Controversial (health concerns at high oral doses)

Notes: Prevents fats and oils from going rancid.

📁 Fragrance & Colorants / 香精与色素

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common cause of sensitization/irritation

Notes: Adds a pleasant smell.

🧪 Red 40 (CI 16035) / CI 16035 (红 40)

Purpose: Colorant

Concerns: None

Notes: Synthetic dye.

🧪 Yellow 5 (CI 19140) / CI 19140 (黄 5)

Purpose: Colorant

Concerns: Potential allergen for some

Notes: Synthetic dye.