Equate Beauty Moisturizing Cream with Hyaluronic Acid

A robust, fragrance-free cream packed with three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and petrolatum to repair the skin barrier and provide long-lasting hydration for dry skin.

Performance Rating: 4.8

This formula represents a gold standard for barrier repair and moisturization. It features a robust multi-ceramide complex (NP, AP, EOP) combined with Cholesterol and Phytosphingosine, ingredients that mimic the skin’s natural lipid barrier to repair compromised skin. The hydration system is excellent, utilizing Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate to draw moisture in, while Petrolatum and Dimethicone act as powerful occlusives to lock that moisture away. The addition of Behentrimonium Methosulfate provides a sophisticated, non-greasy slip, making it highly effective for dry to very dry skin types.

Safety Rating: 4.6

The product has an exceptional safety profile, particularly for sensitive or reactive skin. It is fragrance-free and devoid of drying alcohols or harsh essential oils. The preservative system (Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin) is gentle and standard. The only minor caution is that the combination of Cetearyl Alcohol and Ceteareth-20 can be potentially comedogenic (pore-clogging) for those with severe acne, but this is generally a low risk for a body moisturizer.

Final Rating: 4.7

This is a top-tier dermatological formula. It prioritizes function and skin health by combining biomimetic lipids with proven hydrators. It is highly recommended for maintaining a healthy skin barrier and treating conditions like eczema or chronic dryness without the risk of irritation from unnecessary additives.

Verdict

This moisturizer is widely regarded as a benchmark for effective, no-nonsense skincare, particularly for those battling a compromised skin barrier. The ingredient list reveals a sophisticated understanding of skin biology, centering on a complex of Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP. These are skin-identical lipids that function like the mortar between skin cells. When the skin is dry or damaged, this mortar cracks; this formula effectively repoints those cracks to restore structural integrity.

Complementing the ceramides are Phytosphingosine and Cholesterol. These additions are not random; they work synergistically with ceramides to optimize the barrier repair process. This lipid triad is essential for preventing Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL), which is the primary cause of dry, flaky skin. To provide immediate relief, the formula utilizes Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate. These humectants act like water magnets, instantly plumping the skin with hydration drawn from the environment.

However, hydration is useless if it evaporates. This is where the occlusive agents come into play. The inclusion of Petrolatum provides the heavy lifting regarding moisture retention, forming a hydrophobic seal over the skin. Unlike pure petroleum jelly, however, this product avoids a sticky mess by blending it with Dimethicone, a silicone that provides slip and a velvety finish. The fatty alcohols, Cetearyl Alcohol and Cetyl Alcohol, further enhance the texture, making the cream feel rich and emollient without being stiflingly heavy.

For those with sensitive skin, the absence of volatile alcohols and fragrance is a significant benefit. The preservation system, relying on Phenoxyethanol, is gentle and standard for modern formulations. The presence of Behentrimonium Methosulfate suggests a focus on conditioning the skin, leaving it soft to the touch. This makes the product highly suitable for conditions like eczema or psoriasis, where the skin barrier is fundamentally broken and reactive to potential irritants found in luxury-scented products.

While it is non-comedogenic, the richness provided by Petrolatum and Ceteareth-20 might be too heavy for those prone to body acne or those living in extremely humid climates who prefer a gel texture. Nevertheless, as a restorative treatment, this formulation is technically elegant, prioritizing physiological repair over sensory luxury. It transforms rough, desiccated skin into a smooth, resilient surface through a scientifically sound combination of humectants, occlusives, and barrier-repairing lipids.

Who Is This Product For?

People with Dry to Very Dry Skin.
Individuals suffering from Eczema or Psoriasis.
Those with a compromised skin barrier.
Sensitive skin types requiring fragrance-free options.

Who Should Avoid This Product?

People with extremely oily skin who may find the texture too heavy.
Those with a known sensitivity to fatty alcohols (like Cetearyl Alcohol) or Ceteareth-20, which can occasionally trigger congestion in acne-prone individuals.

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Base & Solvents / 溶剂/基质

🧪 WATER / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

📁 Humectants (Hydration) / 保湿剂 (吸湿)

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A superstar ingredient that draws moisture into the skin.

🧪 SODIUM HYALURONATE / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: The salt form of Hyaluronic Acid; holds significant water content.

📁 Emollients & Occlusives / 柔润剂 & 封闭剂

🧪 CETEARYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient/Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens skin; not drying like rubbing alcohol.

🧪 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE / 辛酸/癸酸甘油三酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin; light and stable.

🧪 CETYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient/Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Another fatty alcohol used to soften skin and stabilize the cream.

🧪 DIMETHICONE / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Occlusive/Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: A silicone that provides a silky feel and forms a protective barrier.

🧪 PETROLATUM / 矿脂 (凡士林)

Purpose: Occlusive

Concerns: Greasy feel for some

Notes: The most effective ingredient for preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).