A heavy-duty, rich moisturizer formulated with Mineral Oil and Petrolatum to create a strong protective barrier for dry skin.
This formula relies on heavy occlusives like Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, and Ceresin wax. While these are excellent for locking in moisture and treating extremely dry skin, they often result in a greasy, heavy finish that lacks cosmetic elegance. The inclusion of Glycerin provides good hydration. However, the presence of Isopropyl Palmitate significantly impacts the rating; while it is a strong emollient, it is highly comedogenic (pore-clogging), making this product risky for acne-prone facial skin. The formula lacks modern active ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, or peptides.
The base ingredients (Mineral Oil, Petrolatum) are widely considered safe and non-irritating, despite internet myths. However, the safety rating is lowered due to the inclusion of Fragrance and Amyl Cinnamal. Fragrance is a leading cause of contact dermatitis and sensitization in facial skincare. Amyl Cinnamal is a specific fragrance allergen that can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. Users with sensitive skin or compromised barriers should approach with caution.
This is a very traditional, ‘old-school’ moisturizing formulation. It serves as a heavy-duty barrier cream suited for very dry or hardy skin types that need protection from harsh elements. However, for a modern facial moisturizer, it falls short due to the high likelihood of clogging pores (Isopropyl Palmitate) and the potential for irritation (Fragrance). It is likely effective as a cold cream or moisture seal, but suboptimal for daily use on oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin.
This product represents a classic, robust approach to moisturization, leaning heavily on the power of occlusives. The primary ingredients, Mineral Oil and Petrolatum, are the gold standard for preventing transepidermal water loss. They function by creating a hydrophobic seal over the skin’s surface, effectively locking moisture in and keeping external irritants out. This makes the formula exceptionally capable of soothing rough, flaky, or cracked skin that has a compromised barrier. Support comes from Glycerin, a reliable humectant that draws hydration into the stratum corneum, ensuring the skin is hydrated beneath the heavy occlusive layer.
The texture is likely to be quite thick and somewhat waxy, indicated by the inclusion of Ceresin, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, and Cetyl Alcohol. This structure suggests a product that feels substantial on application, potentially leaving a protective film rather than disappearing completely into the skin. It is designed for comfort and protection rather than a lightweight cosmetic elegance.
However, there are significant considerations regarding the ingredient Isopropyl Palmitate. While it is an effective emollient that improves spreadability, it is also known to be highly comedogenic. When combined with the heavy oils and waxes present here, it creates a high risk of clogged pores for anyone susceptible to acne. Consequently, this is not a suitable choice for oily or congestion-prone skin types.
Additionally, the inclusion of Fragrance and Amyl Cinnamal introduces a potential vector for irritation. While the base ingredients are hypoallergenic and soothing, the added scent compounds may trigger reactions in those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies. Overall, this is a utilitarian, heavy-hitting moisturizer best reserved for combating severe dryness or harsh winter climates, provided your skin can tolerate the rich texture and fragrance components.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Solvent
Concerns: None
Notes: The most common base for cosmetic formulations, acts as a carrier for other ingredients.
🧪 Mineral Oil / 矿物油
Purpose: Occlusive
Concerns: Can feel greasy; occlusive nature may trap bacteria if skin is not clean.
Notes: A highly effective, non-irritating moisturizing agent that forms a barrier to prevent water loss.
🧪 Petrolatum / 矿脂 (凡士林)
Purpose: Occlusive
Concerns: Greasy texture; sustainable sourcing debates.
Notes: The gold standard for preventing transepidermal water loss; excellent for dry or damaged skin.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: Attracts moisture from the air into the skin; a skin-identical ingredient.
🧪 Isopropyl Palmitate / 棕榈酸异丙酯
Purpose: Emollient
Concerns: Highly comedogenic (pore-clogging).
Notes: Used to improve the feel of the product and make skin soft, but risky for acne-prone skin.
🧪 Ceresin / 地蜡
Purpose: Thickener/Occlusive
Concerns: None
Notes: A mineral wax used to give stability and texture to the product.
🧪 Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax / 小烛树蜡
Purpose: Emollient/Stabilizer
Concerns: None
Notes: A plant-based wax used to bind oils and water and improve texture.
🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇
Purpose: Emollient/Thickener
Concerns: Can be comedogenic for some very sensitive skin types.
Notes: A fatty alcohol that is not drying; it conditions the skin and stabilizes the emulsion.
🧪 Stearic Acid / 硬脂酸
Purpose: Emulsifier/Thickener
Concerns: Low risk of irritation.
Notes: A fatty acid that helps combine oil and water and hardens the texture.
🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Emulsifier
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps form a stable emulsion and gives the skin a soft, smooth appearance.
🧪 Sorbitan Oleate / 山梨坦油酸酯
Purpose: Emulsifier
Concerns: None
Notes: Primarily used to mix oil and water.
🧪 Laureth-23 / 月桂醇聚醚-23
Purpose: Emulsifier/Surfactant
Concerns: Possible contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing (usually controlled).
Notes: Helps ingredients dissolve and improves spreadability.
🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆
Purpose: Viscosity Controlling
Concerns: None
Notes: A thickening agent that helps create a gel-like consistency.
🧪 Chlorphenesin / 氯苯甘醚
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Can cause contact dermatitis in rare cases.
Notes: Prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi in the product.
🧪 Benzyl Alcohol / 苯甲醇
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Can be a sensitizer for sensitive skin.
Notes: An organic alcohol found naturally in some fruits, used to preserve the formula.
🧪 Fragrance / 香精
Purpose: Scent
Concerns: Common cause of sensitization and allergic reactions.
Notes: An undisclosed mixture of scent chemicals.
🧪 Amyl Cinnamal / 戊基肉桂醛
Purpose: Fragrance Component
Concerns: Known cosmetic allergen.
Notes: Provides a floral, jasmine-like scent.
🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: pH Adjuster
Concerns: Irritating in high concentrations (safe in pH-balanced formulas).
Notes: Used in very small amounts to establish the correct pH level of the product.
🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠
Purpose: Chelating Agent
Concerns: None regarding skin safety; environmental accumulation concerns.
Notes: Binds to metal ions to prevent them from degrading the product formula.