Equate Beauty Intense Therapy Lotion

A rich, fragrance-free water-in-oil emulsion featuring Urea and Lanolin to intensively repair and soften extremely dry, rough skin.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formula is a powerhouse for dry and rough skin. The inclusion of Urea is significant as it acts as both a humectant and a keratolytic, helping to bind moisture and smooth skin texture. Combined with Glycerin, Sodium Lactate, and Panthenol, it effectively mimics the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factors. The lipid phase, consisting of Mineral Oil, Microcrystalline Wax, and Lanolin Alcohol, provides an excellent occlusive barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss, while Bisabolol adds soothing anti-inflammatory properties.

Safety Rating: 4.1

The product is fragrance-free, which drastically reduces the risk of sensitization for reactive skin. However, Lanolin Alcohol is a known allergen for individuals sensitive to wool wax. While Mineral Oil is safe and non-comedogenic for most, Isopropyl Palmitate has a high comedogenic rating and could cause breakouts on acne-prone areas of the body (like the back). The formula uses standard, safe preservatives like Phenoxyethanol.

Final Rating: 4.3

This is an excellent, utilitarian moisturizer designed for high efficacy. It balances strong occlusion with advanced hydration via Urea and soothing agents. It is particularly well-suited for barrier repair on very dry skin. While the texture may be heavier due to the Mineral Oil and wax content, and Lanolin poses a specific allergy risk, the overall formulation is robust, effective, and free of unnecessary irritants like fragrance.

Verdict

This body moisturizer represents a classic, dermatological approach to skin hydration, functioning primarily as a “water-in-oil” emulsion. Unlike lighter lotions where water dominates, the high concentration of Mineral Oil, Isohexadecane, and Microcrystalline Wax indicates a formulation designed to create a substantial, semi-permeable seal over the epidermis. This occlusive barrier is crucial for preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), making it a heavy-hitter for compromised skin barriers that cannot retain moisture on their own.

The hero ingredient in this formulation is undoubtedly Urea. As a natural component of the skin’s own moisturizing factor, Urea is unique because it serves a dual purpose. At the concentrations likely present here, it acts as a profound humectant, drawing moisture deep into the stratum corneum. Simultaneously, it possesses mild keratolytic properties, meaning it gently dissolves the “glue” holding dead skin cells together. This makes the lotion exceptionally capable of smoothing out rough texture and bumps associated with conditions like keratosis pilaris, often called “chicken skin.”

Supporting this hydration system are Glycerin and Sodium Lactate, which further boost the skin’s water-holding capacity. To counteract potential irritation or redness often found in dry skin, the formula includes Bisabolol (a soothing compound found in chamomile) and Panthenol (Vitamin B5). These agents help to calm inflammation and promote healing.

However, the texture profile is distinct. Due to the Mineral Oil and Lanolin Alcohol, users should expect a rich, potentially greasy feel that takes time to absorb. Lanolin is a gold-standard moisturizer derived from sheep’s wool, offering unparalleled softening, but it is a known allergen; those with wool sensitivities must avoid this. Additionally, the presence of Isopropyl Palmitate assists in spreadability but is rated highly on the comedogenic scale. Consequently, this product is potentially pore-clogging and should not be used on areas prone to acne, such as the face, chest, or upper back.

In summary, this is not a luxury beauty product; it is a clinical tool. It is free from fragrance, minimizing the risk of contact dermatitis, and focuses entirely on efficacy. It is ideally suited for repairing severely dry, cracked, or scaly skin where lighter, water-based lotions fail to make a difference.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水

Purpose: Base solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The most common base for cosmetic formulations.

📁 Moisturizers & Humectants / 保湿剂与吸湿剂

🧪 Urea / 尿素

Purpose: Humectant, Exfoliant

Concerns: Can cause stinging on broken skin at high concentrations.

Notes: Excellent for treating very dry or rough skin; part of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF).

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A highly effective ingredient that draws moisture into the skin.

🧪 Sodium Lactate / 乳酸钠

Purpose: Humectant, pH Adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Part of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF); holds water well.

🧪 Panthenol / 泛醇

Purpose: Soothing agent, Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Pro-Vitamin B5; helps support the skin barrier and soothes irritation.

📁 Emollients & Occlusives / 柔润剂与封闭剂

🧪 Mineral Oil / 矿油

Purpose: Occlusive, Emollient

Concerns: Derived from petroleum; occlusion can be too heavy for acne-prone skin.

Notes: Highly effective at preventing water loss (TEWL); safe and non-irritating.

🧪 Isohexadecane / 异十六烷

Purpose: Emollient, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a silky, dry finish without a greasy residue.

🧪 Isopropyl Palmitate / 棕榈酸异丙酯

Purpose: Emollient, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: High comedogenic rating (can clog pores).

Notes: Makes skin feel soft but prone to causing breakouts in susceptible individuals.

🧪 Microcrystalline Wax / 微晶蜡

Purpose: Thickener, Binding Agent

Concerns: Petroleum-derived.

Notes: Adds stability and structure to the cream.

🧪 Lanolin Alcohol / 羊毛脂醇

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier

Concerns: Potential allergen for those allergic to wool/lanolin; animal-derived.

Notes: A fatty alcohol derived from lanolin; very moisturizing.

📁 Emulsifiers & Stabilizers / 乳化剂与稳定剂

🧪 PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil / PEG-7 氢化蓖麻油

Purpose: Emulsifier, Surfactant

Concerns: PEG compounds can carry impurity risks if not purified properly.

Notes: Helps mix oil and water phases.

🧪 Magnesium Sulfate / 硫酸镁

Purpose: Bulking Agent, Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Commonly known as Epsom salt; often used to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions.

📁 Soothing Agents / 舒缓成分

🧪 Bisabolol / 红没药醇

Purpose: Soothing, Anti-inflammatory

Concerns: None

Notes: Active component derived from Chamomile; reduces redness and irritation.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative booster, Skin conditioning

Concerns: Low risk of irritation.

Notes: Often works synergistically with Phenoxyethanol.

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Can be irritating to some in high concentrations.

Notes: Common broad-spectrum preservative used as a paraben alternative.