A robust, fragrance-free body moisturizer heavily reliant on Petrolatum and Sorbitol to provide intense hydration and barrier protection for compromised skin.
This formula represents a gold standard for sensitive and dry skin. The high concentration of Petrolatum serves as an exceptional occlusive, sealing in moisture and repairing the skin barrier more effectively than almost any other ingredient. Sorbitol and Propylene Glycol act as humectants to attract hydration, while Cetearyl Alcohol provides emollient properties without being greasy. The omission of common irritants (fragrance, botanical extracts, lanolin) makes it highly performant for reactive skin types, eczema, or psoriasis.
The safety profile is generally excellent, particularly due to the absence of fragrance, dyes, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers, making it safe for the most sensitive skin. However, the presence of BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) acts as a preservative/antioxidant which, while safe in cosmetic concentrations, is sometimes flagged in ‘clean beauty’ standards due to potential health concerns at high oral doses. Additionally, PEGs (PEG-30 Stearate) and Ceteareth-20 carry a minimal risk of contamination impurities, though pharmaceutical-grade sourcing usually negates this.
This is a classic, dermatologist-favorite formulation (recognizable as the Vanicream profile). While it lacks trendy ‘active’ ingredients like ceramides or niacinamide, its simplicity is its strength. It is a heavy-duty workhorse for moisture retention and barrier protection. It is highly recommended for those with compromised skin barriers who need a product that simply works without causing irritation.
This formulation represents a strictly utilitarian approach to skincare, prioritizing barrier repair and moisture retention over cosmetic elegance. At the core of this product is Petrolatum, widely regarded as the gold standard of occlusive ingredients. By creating a semi-permeable hydrophobic seal over the epidermis, petrolatum dramatically reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), creating an environment where damaged or cracked skin can heal efficiently. This makes the moisturizer particularly effective for harsh winter conditions or chronically dry areas like elbows and knees.
To complement the occlusive layer, the formula utilizes Sorbitol and Propylene Glycol as humectants. These ingredients work to attract and bind water molecules within the skin layers, ensuring that the skin is actively hydrated rather than just coated. The inclusion of Cetearyl Alcohol, a non-drying fatty alcohol, adds emollient properties that help soften rough texture while stabilizing the emulsion. Simethicone is included to reduce the surface tension and foaming, helping the typically thick mixture spread more easily across the body.
From a safety and sensitivity standpoint, the absence of fragrance and botanical extracts is a significant positive. It minimizes the risk of contact dermatitis, making this suitable for reactive skin types. However, the presence of BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) as an antioxidant preservative might be a point of contention for those who strictly adhere to specific “clean beauty” lists, though it is generally considered safe and effective for preventing product spoilage.
Users should be aware that because of the high Petrolatum content, this product will likely leave a lingering, slightly tacky film on the skin. It is not designed to vanish instantly like a light lotion; rather, it is built to endure. It is an excellent choice for medical-grade dryness but may feel too heavy or greasy for those with normal skin or for use in humid climates.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Solvent
Concerns: None
Notes: The primary base for most lotion formulations.
🧪 Petrolatum / 矿脂 (凡士林)
Purpose: Occlusive
Concerns: Refining purity (PAH contamination risk in low grades, though cosmetic grade is usually safe).
Notes: One of the most effective ingredients for preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
🧪 Sorbitol / 山梨（糖）醇
Purpose: Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: Draws moisture into the skin; similar function to glycerin.
🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇
Purpose: Emollient / Thickener
Concerns: Low risk of irritation.
Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens skin and stabilizes the cream; not drying like ethanol.
🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇
Purpose: Humectant / Solvent
Concerns: Can cause irritation or contact dermatitis in sensitive skin.
Notes: Helps ingredients penetrate the skin.
🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Emollient
Concerns: None
Notes: Softens the skin and helps form a barrier.
🧪 Ceteareth-20 / 鲸蜡硬脂醇聚醚-20
Purpose: Emulsifier
Concerns: Potential for contamination with 1,4-dioxane or ethylene oxide (impurities from manufacturing).
Notes: Helps mix oil and water phases; often used with Cetearyl Alcohol.
🧪 Simethicone / 西甲硅油
Purpose: Anti-foaming Agent / Skin Conditioning
Concerns: None
Notes: A silicone mixture that prevents white soaping effect when rubbing in lotion and improves spreadability.
🧪 PEG-30 Stearate / PEG-30 硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Emulsifier / Surfactant
Concerns: Potential for contamination with 1,4-dioxane or ethylene oxide; not suitable for damaged skin.
Notes: Helps stabilize the formulation.
🧪 Sorbic Acid / 山梨酸
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Rare instances of skin irritation.
Notes: Prevents the growth of mold and fungi.
🧪 BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) / 丁羟甲苯
Purpose: Antioxidant
Concerns: Some controversy regarding potential sensitization and endocrine disruption (mostly related to oral intake).
Notes: Used to prevent oils and fats in the formula from going rancid (oxidizing).