up&up Deep Moisturizing Body Lotion - Ocean Water

A robust, barrier-repairing body cream featuring ceramides, petrolatum, and shea butter to lock in moisture and restore dry skin.

Performance Rating: 4.6

This formula represents a gold standard for body moisturization. It utilizes a powerful combination of Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate (humectants) to hydrate, alongside Petrolatum, Dimethicone, and Shea Butter (occlusives/emollients) to lock moisture in. Crucially, it includes a robust barrier-repair complex featuring Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Phytosphingosine, and Cholesterol, which mimics the skin’s natural lipid structure. The addition of Tapioca Starch helps mitigate the greasy feel often associated with petrolatum-based lotions.

Safety Rating: 4.0

The ingredients are well-studied and safe for the vast majority of users. However, the inclusion of Fragrance prevents a perfect safety score, as it is a common trigger for contact dermatitis and allergies in sensitive skin. Isopropyl Palmitate is considered safe but can be comedogenic (pore-clogging), which might cause breakouts on acne-prone body areas (like the back or chest). Petrolatum is chemically inert and safe, despite some consumer misconceptions.

Final Rating: 4.4

This is an exceptional moisturizer for dry to compromised skin barriers. It successfully combines immediate hydration with long-term barrier support via Ceramides. While the presence of Fragrance makes it slightly less suitable for hyper-sensitive or eczema-flare-prone skin compared to fragrance-free alternatives, the formulation mechanics are otherwise top-tier.

Verdict

This body moisturizer offers a sophisticated blend of ingredients designed to tackle dehydration and compromised skin barriers effectively. At its core, the formula relies on the proven combination of Glycerin and Petrolatum. Glycerin acts as a powerful humectant to attract water to the skin, while Petrolatum provides an occlusive seal, significantly reducing transepidermal water loss. This makes the product an excellent choice for harsh climates or chronically dry skin that struggles to retain moisture.

A standout feature of this formulation is the inclusion of skin-identical lipids, specifically a complex of Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Phytosphingosine, and Cholesterol. These ingredients work synergistically to mimic the skin’s natural structure, filling in the gaps between skin cells to create a smoother, more resilient surface. This approach goes beyond temporary hydration, aiming to actually repair the skin’s protective function over time.

To further boost hydration, the product incorporates Sodium Hyaluronate and components of the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) such as Sodium Lactate and Hydroxyethyl Urea. These ingredients help maintain elasticity and softness. Despite the richness of the formula, the addition of Tapioca Starch and Dimethicone suggests a thoughtful approach to texture. These agents help reduce the heavy, greasy feeling often associated with petrolatum-based products, leaving a silky, powdery finish instead.

However, potential users should be aware of the Fragrance added to the formula. While it enhances the sensory experience, fragrance is a common allergen and may irritate very sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Additionally, Isopropyl Palmitate is a rich emollient that can be comedogenic; those prone to body acne (such as ‘bacne’) might find this ingredient slightly clogging.

In summary, this is a high-performance moisturizer for those needing intense hydration and barrier support. It bridges the gap between a heavy ointment and a cosmetic lotion, making it ideal for daily use on the body, provided you do not have a sensitivity to scent.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Humectants / 溶剂与保湿剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base for most lotions.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin.

🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Humectant/Solvent

Concerns: Possible skin irritation in sensitive individuals

Notes: Helps ingredients penetrate the skin.

🧪 Sodium Lactate / 乳酸钠

Purpose: Humectant/pH Adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Part of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF).

🧪 Hydroxyethyl Urea / 羟乙基脲

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides strong hydration and elasticity.

🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Salt form of Hyaluronic Acid; holds significant water.

📁 Emollients & Occlusives / 柔润剂与封闭剂

🧪 Petrolatum / 矿脂 (凡士林)

Purpose: Occlusive

Concerns: Greasy texture

Notes: Highly effective at preventing water loss.

🧪 Isopropyl Palmitate / 棕榈酸异丙酯

Purpose: Emollient/Thickener

Concerns: High comedogenic rating (pore-clogging)

Notes: Derived from palm oil.

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Silicone/Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a silky slip and forms a breathable barrier.

🧪 Coco-Caprylate/Caprate / 辛酸/癸酸椰油烷基酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: A silicone alternative derived from coconut oil.

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

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

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

🧪 Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter / 牛油果树果脂

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids.

📁 Skin Barrier Repair & Actives / 屏障修复与活性成分

🧪 Ceramide NP / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin Restoring

Concerns: None

Notes: Essential for healthy skin barrier.

🧪 Ceramide AP / 神经酰胺 AP

Purpose: Skin Restoring

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps retain moisture and repair barrier.

🧪 Ceramide EOP / 神经酰胺 EOP

Purpose: Skin Restoring

Concerns: None

Notes: Works with other ceramides to protect skin.

🧪 Phytosphingosine / 植物鞘氨醇

Purpose: Skin Restoring

Concerns: None

Notes: Precursor to ceramides; has antimicrobial properties.

🧪 Cholesterol / 胆甾醇

Purpose: Skin Restoring

Concerns: None

Notes: Critical component of skin barrier lipids.

🧪 Tocopheryl Acetate / 生育酚乙酸酯 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Protects skin from free radical damage.

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

🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps mix oil and water.

🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Fatty Alcohol/Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Non-drying alcohol that softens skin.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Fatty Alcohol/Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Stabilizes the emulsion.

🧪 Ceteareth-20 / 鲸蜡硬脂醇聚醚-20

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: May be comedogenic for some

Notes: Works well with fatty alcohols.

🧪 Tapioca Starch / 木薯淀粉

Purpose: Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: Reduces greasiness and gives a matte finish.

🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate / 月桂酰乳酰乳酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier/Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used to help deliver ceramides into the skin.

🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener/Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural sugar-based thickener.

📁 Preservatives & Fragrance / 防腐剂与香精

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None in low concentrations

Notes: Widely used safe preservative.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative Booster/Conditioner

Concerns: None

Notes: Boosts the efficacy of Phenoxyethanol.

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common sensitizer/Allergen

Notes: Can cause irritation for sensitive skin.