Hello! Welcome to my Honest Amazon Basics Skincare Review.
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Amazon Basics Moisturizing Cream for Face and Body
If you have dry, sensitive skin, you know the struggle of finding a moisturizer that deeply hydrates without emptying your wallet.If you have dry, sensitive skin, you know the struggle of finding a moisturizer that deeply hydrates without emptying your wallet. Dry, flaky skin is one of those problems that never really goes away — it just shows up in different forms depending on the season.
Amazon Basics markets this cream as a daily face-and-body moisturizer for normal to dry skin, positioning it as a more affordable alternative to cult-favorite ceramide creams. It comes in a rich, thick, jar-packed formula rather than a thin lotion, which is usually a good sign for anyone dealing with genuinely dry or sensitive skin.
Ingredients
What makes this cream stand out is its straightforward ingredient list.
Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ceteareth-20, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Petrolatum, Carbomer, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, and preservatives.
- Three ceramides (NP, AP, EOP) – the same ceramide “trio” found in CeraVe products, which help rebuild the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
- Cholesterol and Phytosphingosine – work alongside the ceramides to mimic the skin’s own lipid structure.
- Glycerin – a humectant that pulls moisture into the skin.
- Petrolatum and Dimethicone – occlusive agents that lock hydration in and reduce water loss.
- No fragrance, no dyes – a big plus for sensitive or reactive skin.
Chemically, it’s built almost identically to other ceramide-based creams on the market, which is why so many reviewers compare it directly to CeraVe.
Honest Amazon Basics Skincare Review
Key Features: Amazon Basics Skin Care Essential
- 16 oz jar – a large size that lasts a long time, especially if you’re only using it on your face.
- Fragrance-free formula – suitable for sensitive skin types and those avoiding added scents.
- Dermatologist tested – tested for safety on skin, though this doesn’t mean it’s hypoallergenic.
- Multi-use – works as both a face and body moisturizer.
- Rich, thick texture – sits more like a balm than a runny lotion.
Honest Amazon Basics Skincare Review
How to Use It
- Cleanse your face or shower first so skin is clean and slightly damp.
- Scoop a small amount out of the jar using clean fingers (or a spatula, to avoid contaminating the product).
- Warm it slightly between your fingers, then apply liberally to your face, hands, or body.
- Use daily, or as often as needed — it’s gentle enough for both morning and night application.
- For extra-dry patches (elbows, knees, heels), apply a slightly thicker layer and let it absorb before dressing.
Because it’s a jar rather than a pump, a little hygiene care goes a long way — using clean hands or a small spatula prevents bacteria from getting into the product over repeated use.
Honest Amazon Basics Skincare Review
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Contains a legitimate ceramide complex, not just a marketing buzzword
- Fragrance-free and gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Thick, rich texture that feels genuinely moisturizing
- Large 16 oz size offers excellent value for money
- Works for both face and body, cutting down on needing separate products
- Non-greasy after full absorption for most users
Cons:
- Jar packaging isn’t the most hygienic or travel-friendly compared to pump bottles
- Contains petrolatum and dimethicone, which some clean-beauty shoppers prefer to avoid
- Texture may feel heavy for those with oily or acne-prone skin
- Not marketed as non-comedogenic, so it may not suit breakout-prone facial skin
- Absorption can take a bit longer than lighter lotions
Individual results may vary depending on skin type.
Amazon Basics Oil-free Facial Moisturizer
Finding a gentle, daily face moisturizer that doesn’t trigger breakouts or cost a fortune can feel impossible. The Amazon Basics Oil-free Facial Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin steps up as a highly affordable alternative to pricier drugstore brands. Housed in a convenient 4-fluid ounce pump bottle, this lotion aims to provide lightweight hydration without clogging your pores. Here is my honest breakdown of whether it is worth adding to your skincare routine.
Ingredients
The formula includes: Water, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Petrolatum, Cyclomethicone, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Isopropyl Isostearate, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-10 Soy Sterol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Carbomer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, and preservatives.
A few things worth knowing:
- Glycerin – the main hydrator, drawing moisture into the skin without adding oil.
- Dimethicone and Cyclomethicone – silicone-based ingredients that create a smooth, non-greasy finish and help the product glide on easily.
- Soybean sterols – plant-derived compounds often used in “oil-free” moisturizers to mimic skin conditioning without heavy oils.
- Petrolatum – included in small amounts to help seal in hydration, despite the “oil-free” labeling (this refers to the absence of botanical/mineral oils, not all occlusives).
- No added fragrance – a key feature for anyone with reactive or easily inflamed skin.
Key Features
- Oil-free formula – designed to hydrate without adding shine or heaviness.
- Non-comedogenic – formulated not to clog pores, based on both the label and multiple buyer confirmations.
- Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free – a clean profile for sensitive or acne-prone users.
- Lightweight texture – absorbs quickly without a greasy after-feel.
- Compact 4 oz size – ideal for travel or trying out before committing to a larger bottle.
- No SPF included – best used as a nighttime moisturizer or paired with a separate sunscreen during the day.
Honest Amazon Basics Skincare Review
How to Use It
- Cleanse your face and pat it dry.
- Dispense a small, dime-sized amount onto your fingertips.
- Apply evenly across the face and neck using gentle upward strokes.
- Allow it to absorb fully before applying makeup or sunscreen.
- Since it doesn’t contain SPF, layer a separate sunscreen on top if you’re using it in the morning; it works especially well as a nightly moisturizer.
A little goes a long way with this formula, so start light and add more if your skin still feels dry after a minute or two.
Honest Amazon Basics Skincare Review
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Genuinely lightweight, non-greasy feel
- Confirmed non-comedogenic by both the brand and buyers
- Fragrance-free and gentle enough for reactive skin
- Very affordable compared to name-brand equivalents
- Absorbs quickly, layers well under makeup
Cons:
- Does not contain any sun protection, requiring an extra SPF step in your morning routine.
- It may not be heavy or rich enough for extremely dry skin types.
- A few users mentioned it left a slightly sticky feeling on the skin before fully drying down.
Honest Amazon Basics Skincare Review
Individual results may vary depending on skin type.
Honest Amazon Basics Skincare Review
Amazon Basics Ultra Moisturizing Skin Cream for Dry & Sensitive Skin
Looking for a heavy-duty moisturizer that won’t break the bank? If you have dry, sensitive skin, you’ve likely spent a fortune on high-end creams.
The Amazon Basics Ultra Moisturizing Skin Cream for Dry & Sensitive Skin (4-Pack, 16 oz each) — formerly sold under the Solimo brand — falls firmly into the second category. It’s marketed as a direct alternative to Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, and buying it in a 4-pack suggests Amazon knows people burn through this stuff fast. Here’s what’s actually in it and whether it lives up to the comparison.
Honest Amazon Basics Skincare Review
Ingredients
The full ingredient list: Water, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Dicaprylyl Ether, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, PEG-30 Glyceryl Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, and Sodium Hydroxide.
What stands out:
- Glycerin – a humectant that pulls water into the skin and is considered one of the most effective hydrating ingredients available.
- Petrolatum – an occlusive that forms a barrier over the skin to lock moisture in, the same key ingredient found in Vaseline and Aquaphor.
- Dicaprylyl Ether and Dimethicone – emollients that smooth the skin and give the cream its silky, easy-to-spread texture.
- Sweet Almond Oil – a nourishing plant oil rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, added for extra softening.
- Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) – an antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress.
- Glyceryl Stearate & PEG-30 Glyceryl Stearate – emulsifiers that keep the water and oil components blended and stable.
With only 17 ingredients total, the formula is fairly streamlined compared to many other moisturizers on the market, which typically pack in more additives.
Key Features: Amazon Basics Skin Care Essential
- 4-pack of 16 oz jars – 64 ounces total, built for long-term use or multiple bathrooms/family members.
- Fragrance-free – no added scent, reducing the risk of irritation for sensitive skin.
- Dermatologist tested – tested for skin safety and tolerance.
- Not tested on animals – a cruelty-free claim on the label.
- Made in the USA – manufactured domestically with U.S. and foreign components.
- Thick, rich cream texture – designed to sit on the skin and provide a protective, moisture-locking barrier.
- Compact by Design packaging – less air/water in the formula for a smaller shipping footprint.
Honest Amazon Basics Skincare Review
How to Use It
- Apply to clean, dry skin — hands, arms, legs, or anywhere experiencing dryness.
- Scoop out a small amount and rub between palms to soften it slightly before applying.
- Massage into the skin using circular motions until mostly absorbed.
- Reapply as often as needed, or as directed by a physician — this cream is rich enough that a little goes a long way.
- Because of its thick, occlusive texture, it works especially well as a nighttime treatment on rough spots like feet, elbows, and knees, ideally applied before bed and covered with socks or sleepwear to avoid transferring residue onto sheets.
Honest Amazon Basics Skincare Review
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely rich and effective for very dry, flaky, or rough skin
- Fragrance-free and dermatologist tested for sensitive skin types
- Great value in the 4-pack format for long-term or family use
- Simple, relatively short ingredient list without unnecessary additives
- Comparable in feel and function to pricier brands like Cetaphil
Cons:
- Thick texture takes time to fully absorb and can feel greasy right after application
- Contains petrolatum and mineral-derived occlusives, which some shoppers prefer to avoid
- Not ideal for oily or acne-prone skin due to its heavy, barrier-forming formula
- Jar packaging (rather than a pump) makes application slightly less convenient
- Best suited to body use rather than daily facial application for most skin types
Honest Amazon Basics Skincare Review
Individual results may vary depending on skin type.