Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash

A botanical-rich hand wash formulated with gentle surfactants and a complex blend of citrus and woody essential oils for a non-drying cleanse.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formulation features a sophisticated, sulfate-free surfactant system (including Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate) known for providing a gentle yet effective cleanse without stripping the skin’s moisture barrier. The inclusion of Tocopherol (Vitamin E) and Coconut Acid adds moisturizing properties, ensuring the hands feel soft after washing. The blend of essential oils (Mandarin, Cedarwood, Lavender, Rosemary) provides a distinct, premium aromatic experience typically associated with high-end botanical products.

Safety Rating: 4.1

The profile is generally very safe, avoiding harsh irritants like SLS/SLES and controversial preservatives like parabens or isothiazolinones (MIT/CMIT). Instead, it uses milder preservation boosters like Ethylhexylglycerin and Sodium Dehydroacetate. However, the heavy reliance on essential oils introduces natural allergens (Limonene, Linalool) which can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Additionally, the presence of PEGs (PEG-40, PEG-120) might be a concern for users strictly avoiding ethoxylated ingredients, though they are generally safe in rinse-off applications.

Final Rating: 4.3

This is a top-tier hand wash formulation that excels in sensory experience and mildness. It successfully replaces cheap detergents with high-quality, gentle cleansers, making it suitable for frequent use without causing dryness. While it is not strictly hypoallergenic due to the botanical fragrances, it represents a luxurious and well-constructed product that outperforms standard commercial hand soaps in both texture and after-feel.

Verdict

This hand wash represents a sophisticated balance between effective hygiene and sensory indulgence, distinguishing itself primarily through its choice of cleansing agents. Rather than relying on harsh, traditional sulfates like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), the formula utilizes a suite of mild, naturally derived surfactants. Ingredients such as Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate are excellent selections for a hand wash intended for frequent use. These components are capable of lifting dirt and oils without stripping the skin of its natural lipids, ensuring that hands remain soft even after repeated washing.

The aromatic profile is clearly the star of this formulation. The inclusion of Mandarin Orange, Cedarwood, Lavender, and Rosemary leaf oils creates a distinct, herbaceous, and citrusy bouquet. This suggests a product designed to replicate a high-end spa experience, transforming a mundane daily ritual into a moment of aromatherapy. Cedarwood provides a grounding, warm base, while the citrus oils offer an uplifting top note, making the scent universally appealing and refreshing. However, it is important to note that these are potent botanical extracts, which bring with them natural fragrance allergens like Limonene and Linalool.

Technically, the product is well-structured to provide a pleasing texture. PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is used as a thickener; it is highly efficient in mild surfactant systems and helps mitigate any potential irritation, contributing to a luxurious, cushiony feel during the lather. The preservative system, involving 1,2-Hexanediol and Sodium Dehydroacetate, is modern and effective, avoiding controversial ingredients like parabens. The addition of Tocopherol (Vitamin E) serves as an antioxidant, helping to maintain the stability of the oils within the bottle while offering minor soothing benefits to the skin.

In conclusion, this product is an excellent choice for those seeking a luxury hand washing experience. It prioritizes skin health through non-stripping cleansers and offers a rich, natural scent profile. While it is significantly gentler than standard drug-store soaps regarding detergency, the heavy presence of essential oils means it requires a patch test for those with a history of fragrance contact dermatitis. For everyone else, it promises a refreshing cleanse that leaves the skin conditioned and lightly fragranced.

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Ingredient Evaluation

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

🧪 Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer / 羟丙基磺酸钠月桂基葡糖苷交联聚合物

Purpose: Cleaning Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: A gentle, naturally derived polymer surfactant that provides cleansing without stripping moisture.

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine / 椰油酰胺丙基羟基磺基甜菜碱

Purpose: Surfactant, Foam Booster

Concerns: Low risk of irritation

Notes: A mild amphoteric surfactant that helps create foam and conditions the skin.

🧪 Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate / 甲基椰油酰基牛磺酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: A mild, high-foaming surfactant derived from coconut, suitable for sensitive skin.

🧪 Coconut Acid / 椰油酸

Purpose: Emollient, Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: Fatty acids derived from coconut oil used for cleansing and moisturizing properties.

📁 Solvents, Emulsifiers & Texture Enhancers / 溶剂、乳化剂与质地改良剂

🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base carrier for the formula.

🧪 PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil / PEG-40 氢化蓖麻油

Purpose: Emulsifier, Solubilizer

Concerns: Contamination risk (1,4-dioxane)

Notes: Helps mix oil and water; generally safe when purified.

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Viscosity Controlling

Concerns: None

Notes: Common table salt, used to thicken the consistency of the wash.

🧪 1,2-Hexanediol / 1,2-己二醇

Purpose: Solvent, Humectant

Concerns: Low risk of irritation

Notes: Helps retain moisture and boosts preservative efficacy.

🧪 PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate / PEG-120 甲基葡糖二油酸酯

Purpose: Thickener, Surfactant

Concerns: Contamination risk (1,4-dioxane)

Notes: A thickener designed to be non-irritating to eyes.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative Booster, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: Low risk of irritation

Notes: Often used as an alternative to parabens.

🧪 Sodium Dehydroacetate / 脱氢乙酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Restricted in some regions by concentration

Notes: Prevents the growth of microorganisms.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Used to balance the acidity of the product to match the skin.

🧪 Tocopherol / 生育酚 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Protects the formula from oxidation and provides skin benefits.

📁 Essential Oils & Fragrance Components / 精油与香精成分

🧪 Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil / 橘皮油

Purpose: Fragrance, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: Potential allergen, Photosensitivity

Notes: Provides a citrus scent.

🧪 Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Bark Oil / 北非雪松树皮油

Purpose: Fragrance

Concerns: Potential allergen

Notes: Provides a woody aroma.

🧪 Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil / 薰衣草油

Purpose: Fragrance, Soothing Agent

Concerns: Potential allergen (Linalool)

Notes: Known for its calming scent.

🧪 Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil / 甜橙油

Purpose: Fragrance

Concerns: Potential allergen, Photosensitivity

Notes: Provides a sweet citrus scent.

🧪 Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil / 迷迭香叶油

Purpose: Fragrance, Antimicrobial

Concerns: Potential allergen

Notes: Provides an herbaceous scent and has antioxidant properties.

🧪 Limonene / 柠檬烯

Purpose: Fragrance Component

Concerns: Known Allergen

Notes: Naturally occurring chemical found in citrus oils.

🧪 Linalool / 芳樟醇

Purpose: Fragrance Component

Concerns: Known Allergen

Notes: Naturally occurring chemical found in lavender and other oils.