A functional hand wash relying on Sodium Laureth Sulfate for cleaning and Polyquaternium-7 for conditioning, but preserved with potentially irritating isothiazolinones.
This formulation relies on a highly effective surfactant system led by Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), supported by Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Decyl Glucoside. This combination ensures excellent foaming, rich lather, and thorough cleaning capability. The inclusion of Polyquaternium-7 serves as a cationic conditioner to leave hands feeling soft, while PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is a premium thickener that reduces surfactant irritation and improves texture.
The rating is lowered primarily due to the preservative system: Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. These are potent sensitizers and known allergens that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Additionally, Sodium Laureth Sulfate is an ethoxylated ingredient (potential for trace 1,4-dioxane) that can be drying, and generic Fragrance is a common irritant. The artificial dyes (Red 33, Blue 1) add no functional benefit and are avoided in clean formulations.
This is a quintessential mass-market hand wash. In terms of utility, it is a strong performer that will clean hands effectively and feel pleasant to use due to its high foam and viscosity. However, the ingredient list is dated by modern ‘clean beauty’ standards. It is suitable for healthy, non-sensitive skin, but those with eczema or sensitivities should avoid it due to the isothiazolinone preservatives and sulfates.
This formulation represents a classic, commercial-grade hand soap. It is designed primarily for efficacy and sensory appeal rather than natural or gentle skincare claims. The backbone of the formula is Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) combined with Cocamidopropyl Betaine. This is a proven, synergistic duo for creating rich lather and removing grease effectively. The addition of Decyl Glucoside adds a touch of mildness to the surfactant system, preventing it from being as harsh as a pure sulfate cleanser.
Unlike basic industrial soaps, this ingredient list includes Polyquaternium-7 and PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate. These are crucial inclusions. They act as conditioning agents and emollients, leaving a “slip” on the skin and helping to mitigate the drying effects of the cleansing agents. This ensures hands do not feel overly stripped or “squeaky” dry after washing, providing a softer after-feel.
However, the most significant drawback here is the preservative system: the combination of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. While highly effective against bacteria and fungi, these are well-known contact allergens, often referred to as the “itchy Ms.” Their presence makes this product less suitable for frequent use by those with eczema, psoriasis, or compromised skin barriers.
From a sensory perspective, the inclusion of Fragrance and synthetic dyes (Red 33, Blue 1) indicates this product aims to provide a pleasant scent and visual appeal (likely a purple hue). While this improves the user experience for the general population, it introduces potential irritants for sensitive individuals. Overall, it is a functional heavy-lifter suitable for general household use by people with resilient skin, but it lacks the gentle touch required for sensitive dermis types.
🧪 water (aqua) / 水
Purpose: Dissolves other ingredients; forms the base of the product.
Concerns: None.
Notes: The primary ingredient in liquid soaps.
🧪 sodium laureth sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠
Purpose: Primary cleansing agent and foaming agent.
Concerns: Can be drying to the skin; potential for 1,4-dioxane contamination (carcinogen) if not purified properly.
Notes: A very common and effective cleanser derived from coconut or palm oil.
🧪 cocamidopropyl betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱
Purpose: Secondary surfactant; boosts foam and reduces irritation from harsh sulfates.
Concerns: Impurities created during manufacturing can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Notes: Derived from coconut oil.
🧪 decyl glucoside / 癸基葡糖苷
Purpose: Mild non-ionic surfactant for gentle cleansing.
Concerns: None generally; considered very safe.
Notes: Often used in products for sensitive skin; derived from plant starch and fatty alcohols.
🧪 sodium chloride / 氯化钠
Purpose: Increases viscosity (thickens the liquid).
Concerns: Can be drying to the skin in high concentrations.
Notes: Common table salt.
🧪 peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate / PEG-120 甲基葡糖二油酸酯
Purpose: Highly effective thickener, especially for surfactant systems.
Concerns: PEG compounds can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.
Notes: Reduces the irritation potential of whole formulas.
🧪 sodium sulfate / 硫酸钠
Purpose: Viscosity control; bulking agent.
Concerns: Generally safe, but can be drying.
Notes: Often present as a byproduct of manufacturing Sodium Laureth Sulfate.
🧪 poloxamer 124 / 泊洛沙姆 124
Purpose: Surfactant and emulsifier used to solubilize fragrances or adjust texture.
Concerns: Low toxicity, generally considered safe.
Notes: Helps mix oil and water-based ingredients.
🧪 peg-7 glyceryl cocoate / PEG-7 甘油椰油酸酯
Purpose: Superfatting agent; restores oils to the skin to prevent dryness.
Concerns: PEG compounds concern (contamination risk).
Notes: Makes the foam feel richer and leaves skin softer.
🧪 polyquaternium-7 / 聚季铵盐-7
Purpose: Antistatic agent and film former; provides a smooth skin feel.
Concerns: Bioaccumulation in the environment is a potential concern for some quaternary ammonium compounds.
Notes: Helps skin feel moisturized after washing.
🧪 tetrasodium edta / EDTA 四钠
Purpose: Chelating agent; binds to metal ions in hard water to improve foaming and stability.
Concerns: Can enhance the skin penetration of other ingredients.
Notes: Prevents the product from degrading.
🧪 citric acid / 柠檬酸
Purpose: Adjusts the pH of the product to be skin-friendly.
Concerns: May cause minor irritation to broken skin (stinging).
Notes: Derived from citrus fruits.
🧪 methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮
Purpose: Prevents bacterial and fungal growth.
Concerns: Strong allergen; frequently causes contact dermatitis.
Notes: Often used in combination with Methylisothiazolinone (Kathon CG).
🧪 methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮
Purpose: Prevents bacterial and fungal growth.
Concerns: High risk of skin sensitization and allergies; banned in leave-on products in many regions.
Notes: Effective in rinse-off products but a known irritant.
🧪 fragrance (parfum) / 香精
Purpose: Provides scent.
Concerns: A leading cause of contact dermatitis; ‘fragrance’ is a catch-all term that can hide phthalates or other allergens.
Notes: Specific components are rarely listed.
🧪 red 33 (ci 17200) / CI 17200 (赤色33号)
Purpose: Synthetic red dye.
Concerns: Generally safe; rare allergic reactions.
Notes: Aesthetic purpose only.
🧪 blue 1 (ci 42090) / CI 42090 (蓝色1号)
Purpose: Synthetic blue dye.
Concerns: Generally safe; rare allergic reactions.
Notes: Mixed with red to create purple shades or used alone for blue.