Gold Bond Ultimate Restoring Lotion Review: A Hidden Gem

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Yeah, it’s a mouthful. We’ll just refer to it as the “gold bond restoring lotion” for short. It’s by far one of the most impressively formulated lotions I’ve come across, especially for how cheap it is!

In my opinion, it’s an absolute steal and I’d like to see it recommended more often in the future. On a side note, despite it being a “body lotion” this can just as easily be used on the face (more about this in a bit). Let’s get into why I find the formula so impressive!

Ingredients And Benefits.

Check out this awesome ingredient list.

Water, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Jojoba Esters, Petrolatum, Glyceryl Stearate, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetearyl Alcohol, Methyl Gluceth 20, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract, Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10), Ceramide 2, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Niacinamide, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Retinyl Palmitate, PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Polysorbate 60, Stearamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Propylene Glycol, Steareth-21, Diazolidinyl Urea, Fragrance, Methylparaben, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, EDTA, Propylparaben, Butylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Tribehenin, Potassium Hydroxide.

I KNOW RIGHT? The first time I saw it I was like, “holy mother of moisture!” Alright, let’s discuss the ingredients of interest.

• Hydroxyethyl Urea

The first time I heard about Urea was from this post. To summarize, the guy that wrote it had severely dehydrated skin with rough granular texture. No matter how often he moisturized or exfoliated, his dead skin cells would never slough off like they normally would in healthy skin. This meant he had a constant layer of thick crusty skin on the surface of his face. This is known as hyper-keratinization.

The dude ended up trying 5% urea cream, and…. Well, I’ll just let what he said speak for itself: “f*** me sideways it’s a magic potion.” LOL. Within 10 days the layer of dead skin dissolved, and his acne vanished. When I first read that post, it got me intrigued so I decided to start researching urea.

That’s actually how I found this lotion! It contains about 10% urea! The first time I tried it, I had a very similar experience — that is, the hyper-keratinized skin on my face literally melted within days.

How does urea work?

No surprise here. Urea is an extremely powerful keratolytic agent, meaning it exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores.(1, 2) It also increase the water content of the stratum corneum (outter most layer of skin), thereby improving dry itchy skin. (3) For this reason, it’s an effective and commonly prescribed treatment for atopic dermatitis (eczema). (4)

In addition, two other very well controlled studies have also shown some promise in urea’s ability to treat seborrheic dermatitis, and it may be a suitable alternative to anti-fungals. (5) Besides preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), it also protects the skin by significantly reducing the irritating effects of harsh cleansing agents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). (6)

Best of all, (like in the case of that guy and myself) it works very quickly. One study found it greatly increased skin moisture and reduced roughness within a week. (7) Yeah, urea is effin’ awesome.

• Glycerin

A humectant that moisturizes the skin by drawing water from the environment.

• Dimethicone

A silicon-based polymer and skin protectant. It has both occlusive and emollient properties, meaning it coats as well as penetrates the skin, filling in fractured protein links making the skin softer and more flexible.

Dimethicone is also one of the most commonly used ingredients in moisturizers because of how well tolerated it is across many skin types including acne-prone.

• Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera)

A natural ingredient as old as your great great grandmother x 10. It’s been used as a multipurpose skin treatment for over 3,500 years. For most people, it’s that thing you gotta slather on after a horrible sunburn.

It’s has naturally occurring antioxidants, is moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, has healing properties, lightens skin, and is an antiseptic.(8))((9))((10))((11))((12)) Clinical studies have also shown it’s an effective psoriasis treatment. (13, 14, 15, 16) I’ve had experience with this in case you don’t know what it looks like. (Yes, it’s painful.)

• Petrolatum

Also known as petroleum jelly, or vaseline. Contrary to popular belief this is noncomedogenic. Its molecules are simply too big to clog pores. That’s actually how it works: it’s an occlusive. In other words, it creates a barrier over the skin that prevents up to 98% of skin’s water content diffusing into the atomosphere (i.e. TEWL).

• Shea Butter.

Sometimes referred to as a skin “superfood.” It’s an effective emollient with essential fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s soothing and good for dry skin.

• CoQ10 (Ubiquinone)

An all star ingredient. It’s an antioxidant and fat soluble vitamin-like substance that can be found in in human liver, kidney, and heart cells.(17, 18, 19) Continued use of CoQ10 (5-6 months) has been shown to reduce age related sun damage and deep wrinkling by about 25%.(20, 21)

One study showed a mere 0.3% concentration of CoQ10 increases skin elasticity and hydration by 40% after a month. (22) In vitro studies have also shown it increases collagen production but take that information with a grain of salt. (23, 24)

• Ceramide 2

50% of the outer layer of skin is composed of ceramides. They are crucial components of the skin that keep it healthy and hydrated. In this moisturizer, Ceramide 2 works as a skin-identical ingredient the body metabolizes to help prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and repair barrier damage.

• Palmitoyl Oligopeptide

A peptide derived by synthetically combining palmitic acid with at least two other amino acids (i.e. the building blocks of protein). They have skin restoring abilities, and similar effects to retinoids (e.g. tretinoin), without the side effects or sun sensitivity retinoids produce. (25, 26)

• Niacinamide

This lovely ingredient does a little bit of everything! It’s a water soluble vitamin and part of the B complex. It brightens skin tone, treats hyperpigmentation, and improves the skin barrier. (27, 28) Increases collagen production and skin hydration. Has anti-wrinkle effects comparable to prescription retinoids like tretinoin. (29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35) And performs better than antibiotics in the treatment of acne!(36, 37, 38) Works optimally at a pH of 5-7.

• Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)

A natural antioxidant that provides photoprotection, inhibits tyrosinase (important for treating hyperpigmentation), protects against oxidative stress, and may help wound healing. (39, 40, 41, 42, 43)

• Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

A more stable form of Ascorbic Acid (a.k.a. the holy grail vitamin c derivative everyone loves). Unfortunately, it’s not as bioavailable as as sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) — another vitamin c derivative. (44)

It’s converted into ascorbic acid in the skin, treats sun damage, and helps hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production through suppressing tyrosinase. (45, 46) In combination with CoQ10 (which this gold bond restoring lotion contains), it provides photoprotection (protects from sun damage) by increasing the levels of an antioxidant called glutathione. (47)

• Hydrolyzed Collagen

Before you get excited about seeing “collagen” in a product, understand that it doesn’t function the same topically as the collagen your skin produces naturally.

With that said, it works as an effective humectant (water binding agent) to hydrate the skin, which could theoretically produce a “plumping effect” like that seen with hyaluronic acid. (48)

• Fragrance

Why? WHY? WHY???? Come on, you were doing so well! This lotion could have been close to perfect if it wasn’t for this. As always, fragrances are unnecessarily irritating, though it is in very small quantity here. I’m not gonna lie though, the scent is pretty damn strong (more about this in a bit).

• Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Retinyl Palmitate

These all register as 2 for comedogenicity. As always though, take the comedogenic scale with the grain of salt. The data relies on testing ingredients on bunny ears. Just because a rabbit gets pimples from an ingredient, doesn’t mean you will. Unless…. you’re a rabbit.

However, if you suspect you have a sensitivity to fatty alcohols than perhaps avoiding this lotion is a good idea. For those suffering from malassezia induced skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, proceed with caution. Some ingredients in this gold bond lotion might problematic.

The takeaway here is to patch test. This is the safest way to see if a product will work for your unique skin. Just because this moisturizer worked for me, doesn’t mean it will for you. So be safe, and please patch test. Thank you. 🙂

Can I Use This Gold Bond Lotion on the Face?

Despite the claim that this is a body moisturizer, yes you can use it on the face.

How do I know this?

Because the Gold Bond Men’s Essential Lotion, a.k.a Everyday Moisture is marketed for face use, and also contains 10% urea and is almost the same formula without the addition of Ubiquinone (CoQ10). In case you didn’t know, sex has no bearing on the way skin responds to a moisturizer.

Guys don’t need to use different products than women. Skin is skin. Saying a lotion is for “men” or “women” is simply a matter of marketing. Why do companies do this? Because some dudes might feel uncomfortable about buying moisturizers targeted for a lady, so seeing the macho modifier “men” in front of if eases their reservations. To which I say — to hell with.

If you’re a guy and want to buy a “woman’s” lotion, than so be it. Cosmetically speaking, there is no difference. And whether you’re a woman or man you’ll still reap the benefits. Besides, your girlfriend or wife will appreciate your new super soft silky skin. 😉

One final note on their other products: I was actually a little confused when I saw there was a “Gold Bond Healing Lotion” because the formula isn’t as impressive as the one we’re reviewing (Gold Bond Restoring Lotion). The healing lotion doesn’t include nearly as many moisturizing and skin-repairing ingredients, yet despite this it seems to be one of their most popular products. Beats me.

Application, Feel, and Scent.

As you can see, a little goes a looooong way.

It has a nice emollient feel to it. You can feel it smooth out the gaps of dry skin while it’s sinking in. Much like CeraVe Baby, this lotion had a very cosmetically elegant finish — just look at the first and second photo. You can’t even tell I applied anything but my hand clearly looks visibly smoother! Once it dries, it has a sort of candle wax-like feel on the skin.

It smells like a mix of the green dove bar soap, old lady perfume, and urine. I know that sounds absolutely disgusting. I”m sorry. But it’s not bad! I promise. Yeah… just took another whiff. It smells like a clean refreshing bar soap. I have to admit, it’s quite strong. Especially if you use it on your face.

The first few times I tried it I actually got a headache (I’m sensitive to fragrances). It’s one of the only downsides about this moisturizer. Sigh….Why? Just why? I’d rather smell like cat piss than beautiful flowers if it meant my moisturizer wouldn’t be potentially irritating. Okay, maybe that’s a little extreme… but you get the point.

How to Use.

Apply like you would an ordinary lotion. Despite the fact that urea exfoliates, no wait times are required like with other chemical exfoliates (e.g. salicylic acid). This should go on as the last step in your routine before occlusives (if you fancy them).

Because this does have 10% urea, it’s probably best practice to not use it more than once a day on the face. You obviously know your skin better than anyone else, so use as tolerated and watch for any signs of irritation.

The Takeaway.

• Ingredients: 5/5

Packed with a bunch of amazing ingredients like 10% urea, glycerin, dimethicone, petrolatum, aloe vera, Shea Butter, CoQ10, Ceramide 2, palmitoyl oligopeptide, niacinamide, vitamin E, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (vitamin C), and Hydrolyzed Collagen.

Just look at that list! Impressive indeed.

• Benefits: 5/5

Exfoliates, dissolves excess keratin, extremely hydrating, and repairs damaged skin.

• Application: 4/5

It spreads easily, and a little goes a long way. It has a very cosmetically elegant finish. Contains fragrance, which sucks. Hence the 4 star rating. But the smell is nice (may be too strong for some).

• Packaging: 5/5

I got no complaints. The bottle has a pump dispenser that locks, so we don’t gotta worry about infesting it with our dirty little hands or accidentally spillage.

• Value: 10/5! Okay, fine 5/5.

Absolutely brilliantly priced for the incredible ingredient list and amount of product you get.

Overall: 4.8/5 (Highly Recommend)

The Gold Bond Restoring Lotion is a great great great moisturizer, that I’d love to see more commonly recommended in skincare circles.

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Well, that does it for this review ladies and gents. Hope you’ve enjoyed it! Warmly, —f.c. Tell your friends about this amazing soapy-grandma-urine smelling lotion! Share this!