Dr. Squatch Wood Barrel Bourbon Lotion

A nourishing body moisturizer blending Shea Butter and Coconut Oil for deep hydration, enhanced by the soothing properties of Beta-Glucan.

Performance Rating: 4.4

This moisturizer features a robust foundation of effective emollients, specifically Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, which are excellent for softening rough skin and locking in moisture. The formula is elevated by the inclusion of Beta-Glucan, a high-performance soothing agent that aids skin repair, and Propanediol, which improves hydration without a sticky finish. The lipid balance provided by Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride suggests a texture that spreads easily and absorbs well.

Safety Rating: 4.1

The formulation avoids controversial ingredients such as parabens, silicones, sulfates, and mineral oil, utilizing a gentle preservation system based on Glyceryl Caprylate and Glyceryl Undecylenate. However, the inclusion of Naturally Derived Fragrance is a potential allergen risk for those with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivities. Additionally, Coconut Oil is fairly comedogenic, which could pose a risk for body acne (bacne) in prone individuals.

Final Rating: 4.3

This is a well-formulated body moisturizer that strikes a great balance between natural sourcing and efficacy. The combination of Shea Butter and Beta-Glucan makes it highly nutritive and soothing. It is an excellent choice for daily maintenance of dry skin, though individuals with highly reactive skin or body acne should be mindful of the Fragrance and Coconut Oil content.

Verdict

This body moisturizer presents a robust formulation designed to tackle dryness through a multi-layered approach. At its core, the formula relies on Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter. These key ingredients act as powerful emollients that soften the skin’s surface and create a protective barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss. The addition of Propanediol, a corn-derived humectant, ensures that hydration is drawn into the skin, improving absorption without the sticky residue often associated with synthetic glycols. A notable inclusion is Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil. While this ingredient is a superstar for deep nourishment and lipid replenishment, it carries a higher comedogenic rating. This makes the lotion fantastic for dry limbs, elbows, and knees, but potentially problematic for areas prone to breakouts, such as the upper back or chest. To balance the richness of the oils, the formula utilizes Microcrystalline Cellulose and Xanthan Gum, which likely give the product a velvety, non-greasy finish that dries down comfortably for daily wear. Perhaps the most intriguing component is Beta-Glucan. Often overshadowed by Hyaluronic Acid, Beta-Glucan is a soothing powerhouse that not only hydrates but also helps calm redness and irritation, making this moisturizer a comforting choice for stressed skin. However, users should be aware of the Naturally Derived Fragrance. While “natural” implies a plant origin, fragrance compounds can still be sensitizing for those with reactive skin or conditions like eczema. In summary, this is a well-balanced moisturizer that effectively combines the occlusive power of shea butter with the soothing nature of beta-glucan. It is an ideal candidate for anyone seeking to maintain soft, supple skin, provided they do not have a specific sensitivity to coconut oil or fragrance.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Humectants / 溶剂和保湿剂

🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formula, acts as a carrier for other ingredients.

🧪 Propanediol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent, Humectant

Concerns: Generally safe, less irritating than Propylene Glycol

Notes: Improves absorption and skin feel.

🧪 Butylene Glycol / 丁二醇

Purpose: Solvent, Humectant

Concerns: Very low risk of irritation

Notes: Helps dissolve ingredients and maintain product texture.

📁 Emollients & Moisturizers / 润肤剂和保湿成分

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

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin; provides a silky feel without greasiness.

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

Purpose: Emollient, Occlusive

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich moisturizing butter known for its soothing properties.

🧪 Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil / 椰子油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: Comedogenic (can clog pores)

Notes: Great for dry body skin, but may cause breakouts on acne-prone skin.

🧪 Beta-Glucan / β-葡聚糖

Purpose: Soothing agent, Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Excellent for calming sensitive skin and retaining moisture.

📁 Emulsifiers & Texture Enhancers / 乳化剂和质地调节剂

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient, Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens the skin and stabilizes the emulsion; not drying like simple alcohols.

🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier, Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A mixture of fatty alcohols used to give the cream body.

🧪 Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate / 聚甘油-3 甲基葡糖二硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Plant-derived emulsifier that helps mix oil and water.

🧪 Microcrystalline Cellulose / 微晶纤维素

Purpose: Texturizer, Absorbent

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from wood pulp; helps matte the finish.

🧪 Potassium Cetyl Phosphate / 鲸蜡醇磷酸酯钾

Purpose: Surfactant, Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps stabilize the formula.

🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural sugar-derived thickener.

🧪 Cellulose Gum / 纤维素胶

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Works with Microcrystalline Cellulose to stabilize the emulsion.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂和稳定剂

🧪 Glyceryl Caprylate / 甘油辛酸酯

Purpose: Emollient, Preservative booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Plant-derived ester with antimicrobial properties.

🧪 Glyceryl Undecylenate / 甘油十一碳烯酸酯

Purpose: Emollient, Preservative booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used in combination with Glyceryl Caprylate for broad-spectrum protection.

🧪 Tocopherol / 生育酚 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Protects the oils in the formula from going rancid and provides benefits to the skin.

📁 Fragrance / 香精

🧪 Naturally Derived Fragrance / 天然来源香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Potential allergen

Notes: Even natural fragrances can irritate sensitive skin.