Softsoap Soothing Clean Aloe Vera Fresh Scent Moisturizing Liquid Hand Soap

A sulfate-based liquid hand wash fortified with Aloe Vera and conditioning polymers to balance deep cleansing with a smooth after-feel.

Performance Rating: 4.3

This formula relies on Sodium C12-13 Alketh Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), which are powerful anionic surfactants known for superior cleansing ability and rich lather. The addition of Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Cocamide MEA further boosts foam production and stabilizes the bubbles, ensuring a satisfying sensory experience. Polyquaternium-7 acts as a conditioning agent to improve skin feel after washing, while Glycol Stearate provides a creamy texture. However, the strong cleaning power may be slightly drying with frequent use.

Safety Rating: 3.3

The product uses standard commercial ingredients that are generally considered safe for rinse-off products but may pose concerns for sensitive users. SLES is ethoxylated and can be drying or irritating to compromised skin barriers. The inclusion of unspecified Fragrance/Parfum creates a risk for contact dermatitis or allergies. Furthermore, synthetic dyes like Yellow 5 and Red 33 are unnecessary additives that can cause reactions in rare cases. Cocamide MEA is generally safe but is often avoided in ‘clean’ formulations due to potential nitrosamine formation concerns.

Final Rating: 3.8

This is a highly functional, standard drugstore hand wash. It excels in the primary function of removing dirt and bacteria thanks to robust sulfate-based surfactants. While it includes Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, it is likely in a low concentration (below salt and preservatives) and may not offset the drying effects of the detergents. It is an effective product for hygiene, but it loses points for relying on potential irritants like fragrance and artificial colors rather than gentler, hypoallergenic alternatives.

Verdict

This formulation represents a quintessential mass-market liquid hand soap designed to balance efficacy with sensory appeal. Its primary engine for cleanliness relies on Sodium C12-13 Alketh Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). These are powerful anionic surfactants known for their ability to cut through grease, grime, and bacteria effectively. While they create a satisfying, rich lather, sulfates are chemically strong and can strip natural oils from the skin if used excessively or by those with compromised skin barriers. To counteract this potential dryness, the formulation includes Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a milder amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil. This ingredient helps to stabilize the foam and significantly reduce the irritation potential of the stronger sulfates, making the wash gentler than old-school industrial soaps. The inclusion of Polyquaternium-7 is a significant functional detail. This cationic polymer acts as a skin-conditioning agent, leaving a subtle, protective film on the hands that makes the skin feel smooth and soft after washing. This helps prevent that uncomfortable “squeaky clean” tight feeling often associated with harsh detergents. Additionally, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is present. Aloe is renowned for its soothing and hydrating properties, making it a key feature for marketing this product as moisturizing. However, its placement lower on the ingredient list suggests it is present in modest quantities, acting as a supplementary skin-soothing agent rather than a primary moisturizer. Aesthetically, the product is designed to look and smell luxurious. Glycol Stearate and Glycol Distearate are used as pearlizing agents, giving the soap an opaque, shimmering appearance in the bottle. The sensory experience is further enhanced by Fragrance, likely a synthetic blend to provide a fresh scent. However, the presence of Parfum alongside artificial colorants like Yellow 5 and Red 33 introduces potential allergens. These synthetic dyes give the product a specific visual appeal, likely an orange or peach hue to match the “moisturizing” branding, but offer no functional benefit to skin health. From a stability standpoint, Tetrasodium EDTA is included to chelate metal ions found in hard water, ensuring the soap foams well regardless of water quality, while Sodium Benzoate acts as a preservative. Overall, this is a highly functional, standard cleanser best suited for general daily use where reliable hygiene is the priority, but it may not be suitable for purists looking to avoid synthetic chemicals.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water/Eau / 水

Purpose: Dissolves other ingredients; forms the base of the liquid hand wash.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary ingredient in most liquid cleansers.

📁 Surfactants & Cleansing Agents / 表面活性剂与清洁剂

🧪 Sodium C12-13 Alketh Sulfate / C12-13 链烷醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Primary surfactant used for cleaning and foaming.

Concerns: Can be drying to the skin; potential for contamination with 1,4-dioxane if not purified properly.

Notes: A variation of alkyl ether sulfates.

🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Primary surfactant ensuring effective cleansing and foam generation.

Concerns: Less irritating than SLS but can still cause drying; potential 1,4-dioxane contamination concerns (usually monitored in manufacturing).

Notes: A very common surfactant in personal care products.

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Secondary surfactant that boosts foam and reduces irritation from harsh sulfates.

Concerns: Generally mild, but impurities formed during manufacturing can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Notes: Derived from coconut oil.

🧪 Cocamide MEA / 椰油酰胺 MEA

Purpose: Thickener and foam booster.

Concerns: Can be irritating in high concentrations; theoretically safer than Cocamide DEA regarding nitrosamine formation.

Notes: Helps stabilize the foam structure.

🧪 Laureth-4 / 月桂醇聚醚-4

Purpose: Emulsifier and surfactant.

Concerns: Low risk; generally safe.

Notes: Helps mix oil and water components.

📁 Texture & Appearance Modifiers / 质地与外观调节剂

🧪 Glycol Stearate / 乙二醇硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Opacifier and pearlizing agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Gives the soap a pearlescent appearance.

🧪 Glycol Distearate / 乙二醇二硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Opacifier and viscosity controlling agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Adds thickness and a pearl-like shine to the formula.

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickening agent.

Concerns: Can be drying if concentration is very high, but usually safe.

Notes: Common table salt, used to adjust viscosity.

📁 Conditioning & Soothing Agents / 调理与舒缓剂

🧪 Polyquaternium-7 / 聚季铵盐-7

Purpose: Antistatic and film-forming agent; leaves skin feeling soft.

Concerns: Low concern; generally considered safe.

Notes: Provides a smooth, conditioned feel after washing.

🧪 Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice / 库拉索芦荟叶汁

Purpose: Skin soothing and moisturizing agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Added to counteract the drying effects of surfactants.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster.

Concerns: Can cause irritation if product pH is too low, but generally safe.

Notes: Ensures the pH of the soap matches the skin’s natural pH.

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative.

Concerns: Generally safe; concern exists if combined with Vitamin C forming benzene, but not applicable here.

Notes: Prevents bacterial and fungal growth.

🧪 Tetrasodium EDTA / EDTA 四钠

Purpose: Chelating agent.

Concerns: Low toxicity to humans but persists in the environment (poor biodegradability).

Notes: Binds to metal ions to prevent spoilage and improve foam performance in hard water.

📁 Fragrance & Colorants / 香精与着色剂

🧪 Fragrance/Parfum / 香精

Purpose: Provides scent.

Concerns: Common cause of contact dermatitis; specific chemical composition is often undisclosed.

Notes: Adds the sensory experience to the product.

🧪 Yellow 5 / CI 19140 (黄 5)

Purpose: Synthetic yellow dye.

Concerns: Potential allergen for people with aspirin sensitivity, though rare in wash-off products.

Notes: Aesthetic ingredient.

🧪 Red 33 / CI 17200 (红 33)

Purpose: Synthetic red dye.

Concerns: Generally safe.

Notes: Aesthetic ingredient.