A sulfate-free antibacterial hand wash utilizing Benzalkonium Chloride for germ protection, balanced with Aloe and Glycerin for moisture.
This product is formulated as an antibacterial hand wash, utilizing Benzalkonium Chloride (0.13%) as the active ingredient, which is effective at eliminating bacteria. The surfactant system relies on Amine Oxides (e.g., Lauramidopropylamine Oxide) and Cetrimonium Chloride rather than standard anionic surfactants (like sulfates) to maintain the efficacy of the cationic active ingredient; this system typically produces a dense, stable foam. The inclusion of Glycerin and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice helps to offset potential drying effects, while PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate acts as an effective thickener to ensure a pleasant texture.
The safety rating is impacted primarily by Benzalkonium Chloride, which, while effective, is a known skin irritant, a potential sensitizer for some individuals, and toxic to aquatic life. Additionally, Cetrimonium Chloride can be irritating to the skin in higher concentrations. However, the formulation includes Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, a biodegradable chelating agent that is safer than standard EDTA. The absence of listed Fragrance or Parfum in the provided ingredients reduces the risk of allergic contact dermatitis significantly. Sodium Benzoate is generally considered a mild preservative.
This is a highly functional antibacterial soap that avoids common sulfates and harsh preservatives like parabens. It receives high marks for performance due to its effective germ-killing active and moisturizing agents. However, the safety score is moderate because the active ingredient (Benzalkonium Chloride) and the cationic surfactant base can be harsher on the skin and the environment compared to simple soap-and-water formulations. It is an excellent choice when sanitization is required but may be less suitable for those with very sensitive skin or for general daily use where plain soap suffices.
This hand wash is formulated as a dedicated antibacterial cleanser, anchoring its efficacy on Benzalkonium Chloride at a concentration of 0.13%. This quaternary ammonium compound is a widely used antiseptic agent capable of disrupting bacterial cell membranes, providing a level of germ protection that exceeds standard cosmetic soaps. This makes the product particularly suitable for high-traffic environments where hygiene and the reduction of cross-contamination are top priorities, such as kitchens or shared bathrooms. Unlike alcohol-based sanitizers, this formula is designed to be rinsed off, helping to wash away pathogens physically.
In terms of cleansing agents, the formula notably avoids common harsh sulfates like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). Instead, it relies on a complex blend of amine oxides, specifically Lauramidopropylamine Oxide, Lauramine Oxide, and Myristamidopropylamine Oxide. These surfactants are effective at cutting through grease and generating foam, yet they are generally considered to be milder than sulfates. However, because they are still efficient degreasers, they can strip natural oils from the skin with frequent use, necessitating the inclusion of conditioning agents to maintain balance.
To counteract the potential drying effects of the antiseptic and surfactants, the product includes Glycerin and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice. Glycerin acts as a humectant to draw moisture into the skin, while Aloe is renowned for its soothing properties, which may help mitigate redness or irritation. The addition of Zinc Sulfate is a beneficial touch, often used to support skin health, while PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate serves as a thickener to provide a more luxurious texture. However, the presence of Alcohol and Cetrimonium Chloride adds to the chemical load, reinforcing that this is a clinical-style product rather than a purely gentle skincare item.
Consumers should be aware that Benzalkonium Chloride is a known sensitizer for some individuals and can cause contact dermatitis, especially on compromised skin. While this hand wash offers robust germ-killing efficacy, it may be too harsh for those with eczema or highly sensitive skin. It is best suited for those who require a strong, sulfate-free hygiene solution.
🧪 Benzalkonium Chloride 0.13% / 苯扎氯铵 0.13%
Purpose: Antimicrobial agent used to kill bacteria on hands.
Concerns: Can be a skin irritant for sensitive skin; potential allergen with repeated exposure.
Notes: A quaternary ammonium compound commonly used in alcohol-free hand sanitizers and soaps.
🧪 Aqua (Water, Eau) / 水
Purpose: The liquid base and solvent for the other ingredients.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Universal solvent.
🧪 Alcohol / 乙醇
Purpose: Solvent, viscosity decrease, and antimicrobial properties.
Concerns: Can be drying to the skin in high concentrations.
Notes: Likely present in small amounts or as a carrier for other ingredients.
🧪 Lauramidopropylamine Oxide / 月桂酰胺丙基氧化胺
Purpose: Surfactant, foam booster, and cleaning agent.
Concerns: Generally mild, but can cause irritation if not formulated correctly.
Notes: Amphoteric surfactant.
🧪 Lauramine Oxide / 月桂胺氧化物
Purpose: Foam booster and stabilizer.
Concerns: Can be a skin irritant.
Notes: Helps create lather.
🧪 Cetrimonium Chloride / 鲸蜡三甲基氯化铵
Purpose: Surfactant, conditioning agent, and preservative.
Concerns: Can be irritating or sensitizing in high concentrations.
Notes: Quaternary ammonium salt that prevents static and conditions skin.
🧪 Myristamidopropylamine Oxide / 肉豆蔻酰胺丙基氧化胺
Purpose: Surfactant and foam booster.
Concerns: Low concern; generally considered safe in rinse-off products.
Notes: Similar function to Lauramidopropylamine Oxide.
🧪 Dimethyl Lauramine / 二甲基月桂胺
Purpose: Antistatic agent; often a manufacturing intermediate/impurity of amine oxides.
Concerns: Can be a skin irritant and toxic to aquatic life.
Notes: Likely a residual component associated with the other surfactants.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant that attracts moisture to the skin.
Concerns: None; very safe.
Notes: Helps prevent the soap from drying out the skin.
🧪 Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice / 库拉索芦荟叶汁
Purpose: Soothing and moisturizing agent.
Concerns: None generally.
Notes: Natural plant extract known for healing properties.
🧪 Zinc Sulfate / 硫酸锌
Purpose: Astringent and skin conditioning; antimicrobial support.
Concerns: Can be irritating to eyes.
Notes: Helps soothe inflammation and control bacterial growth.
🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠
Purpose: Thickens the formula.
Concerns: Can be drying if concentration is very high.
Notes: Common table salt.
🧪 PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate / PEG-120 甲基葡糖二油酸酯
Purpose: Thickening agent and emulsifier.
Concerns: As a PEG derivative, there is a low risk of contamination with 1,4-dioxane if not purified properly.
Notes: Derived from corn sugar; very effective thickener.
🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸
Purpose: Adjusts the pH of the product to match the skin.
Concerns: May cause irritation to broken skin.
Notes: Derived from citrus fruits.
🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠
Purpose: Preservative preventing fungal and bacterial growth.
Concerns: Generally safe, though some concerns exist regarding benzene formation if combined with Vitamin C (not present here).
Notes: Food-grade preservative.
🧪 Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate / 三钠乙二胺二琥珀酸
Purpose: Chelating agent; binds metal ions to improve stability and preservative efficacy.
Concerns: None; considered a safer, biodegradable alternative to EDTA.
Notes: Improves hard water performance.