Equate Beauty Advanced Recovery Body Lotion

A robust, occlusion-focused moisturizer combining Glycerin, Petrolatum, and Mineral Oil to effectively seal hydration into dry, compromised skin.

Performance Rating: 4.3

This formulation is designed for high-efficacy hydration. It utilizes Glycerin, a gold-standard humectant, to draw moisture into the skin, paired with powerful occlusives like Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, and Dimethicone to lock it in. This combination is highly effective for repairing the skin barrier and treating dry to very dry skin. Emollients like Isopropyl Palmitate and Cetyl Alcohol ensure the product spreads easily and softens the skin texture significantly.

Safety Rating: 4.0

The ingredients are generally safe and widely used, but there are minor considerations for specific skin types. Petrolatum and Mineral Oil are highly purified and non-irritating (hypoallergenic), making them excellent for sensitive skin barriers. However, Benzyl Alcohol is a preservative that can be a contact allergen for some. Triethanolamine is a pH adjuster that can be irritating to broken skin. Furthermore, Isopropyl Myristate and Isopropyl Palmitate are known to be comedogenic (pore-clogging), so this may cause breakouts if used on acne-prone areas like the chest or back.

Final Rating: 4.1

This is a robust, utilitarian moisturizer that prioritizes function. It features a classic ‘drugstore’ formulation strategy that is extremely effective at preventing water loss due to the synergy of Glycerin and Petroleum-based occlusives. While it lacks ‘luxury’ botanical extracts and contains some ingredients that ‘clean beauty’ advocates avoid (like PEGs and Mineral Oil), its performance-to-cost ratio is likely excellent. It is best suited for dry skin on the limbs, rather than acne-prone areas.

Verdict

This body moisturizer is a classic formulation designed primarily for barrier protection and moisture retention. At its core, the formula relies on the proven humectant power of Glycerin, which draws water into the skin, pairing it immediately with a trio of heavy-hitting occlusives: Mineral Oil, Dimethicone, and Petrolatum. This combination creates a substantial seal over the skin’s surface, preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) which is essential for healing dry, cracked, or flaky skin.

The inclusion of Stearic Acid and Glycol Stearate adds a rich, creamy texture, ensuring the product feels substantial upon application. While Dimethicone provides a degree of slip to prevent the lotion from feeling too sticky, the presence of Petrolatum and Mineral Oil suggests that this product prioritizes efficacy over a lightweight finish. It is likely to leave a protective film that lasts for hours, making it ideal for harsh winters or naturally arid skin types.

However, users should be aware of Isopropyl Palmitate and Isopropyl Myristate. While these ingredients function as emollients to make the skin feel velvety, they are known to be highly comedogenic. This means they have a strong tendency to clog pores. Consequently, this moisturizer should strictly be kept to the body—specifically areas like legs, arms, and elbows—and kept away from the face, chest, or back if you are prone to acne.

The preservation system utilizes Benzyl Alcohol and Chlorphenesin, which are generally well-tolerated, though Benzyl Alcohol can occasionally sensitize very reactive skin. Cedrol is listed at the end, likely acting as a fragrance component or fixative, adding a woody note. Overall, this is a utilitarian workhorse for those suffering from extreme dryness who need a reliable seal against the elements.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The most common base for skincare products.

📁 Moisturizers & Emollients / 保湿剂与润肤剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin.

🧪 Isopropyl Palmitate / 棕榈酸异丙酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: Highly comedogenic (can clog pores)

Notes: Derived from palm oil; makes skin feel silky.

🧪 Mineral Oil / 矿物油

Purpose: Occlusive

Concerns: Petroleum derivative (safe in cosmetics)

Notes: Effective at locking in moisture.

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Silicone Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a smooth slip and forms a protective barrier.

🧪 Petrolatum / 矿脂 / 凡士林

Purpose: Occlusive

Concerns: Greasy texture

Notes: One of the most effective moisturizing ingredients available.

🧪 Isopropyl Myristate / 肉豆蔻酸异丙酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: Highly comedogenic

Notes: Enhances the penetration of other ingredients.

🧪 Cedrol / 雪松醇

Purpose: Fragrance / Skin Conditioning

Concerns: Potential sensitivity

Notes: A component derived from cedarwood oil.

📁 Emulsifiers & Texture Enhancers / 乳化剂与质地改良剂

🧪 Stearic Acid / 硬脂酸

Purpose: Emulsifier / Thickener

Concerns: Mildly comedogenic

Notes: A fatty acid used to stabilize formulations.

🧪 Glycol Stearate / 乙二醇硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier / Opacifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Often gives products a pearlescent appearance.

🧪 PEG-100 Stearate / PEG-100 硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: Contamination concerns (rare in reputable brands)

Notes: Helps mix oil and water.

🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Softens and smooths the skin.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient / Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that is non-drying and conditions the skin.

🧪 Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer / 丙烯酸(酯)类/C10-30 烷醇丙烯酸酯交联聚合物

Purpose: Texture Enhancer / Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates a smooth texture and stabilizes the formula.

🧪 Stearamide AMP / 硬脂酰胺 AMP

Purpose: Emulsifier / Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps control viscosity and foam stability.

📁 Preservatives, Stabilizers & pH Adjusters / 防腐剂、稳定剂与酸碱调节剂

🧪 Benzyl Alcohol / 苯甲醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Potential allergen/irritant for sensitive skin

Notes: Also acts as a fragrance component.

🧪 Chlorphenesin / 氯苯甘醚

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Potential irritant in high concentrations

Notes: Prevents bacterial growth.

🧪 Triethanolamine / 三乙醇胺

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Potential sensitizer / Nitrosamine formation risk

Notes: Used to balance the acidity of the product.

🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Binds metal ions to maintain product stability and shelf life.