Aveeno Stress Relief Oat Body Wash, Lavender Scent

A daily body wash formulated with soothing oat flour and hydrating glycerin to cleanse effective without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.4

This formulation offers excellent performance for dry or normal skin. The high position of Glycerin ensures strong hydration, while Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour provides significant soothing and anti-itch benefits. The surfactant blend of Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine creates a rich lather that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin as harshly as SLS alone. Additionally, cationic polymers like Polyquaternium-10 and Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride leave a conditioned, soft feel on the skin after rinsing.

Safety Rating: 4.0

The product is generally safe for most users, but the presence of Fragrance is a notable drawback for those with sensitive skin or eczema, as it is a common allergen. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is considered safe but can be drying for some individuals and carries a low risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination (though usually managed in manufacturing). Tetrasodium EDTA and Sodium Benzoate are standard, safe preservatives and stabilizers in rinse-off applications.

Final Rating: 4.2

This appears to be a high-quality drugstore body wash (likely an Aveeno formulation) that effectively balances cleansing power with skin nourishment. The combination of Oat Flour and Glycerin makes it superior to standard washes for moisture retention. However, it does not achieve a perfect score due to the inclusion of Fragrance and Sulfates, which may not be suitable for the most reactive skin types despite the soothing ingredients.

Verdict

This formulation presents a balanced approach to body cleansing, sitting comfortably between heavy-duty detergents and ultra-gentle, non-foaming creams. The primary cleansing agent is Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). While this is a sulfate, it is significantly milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and is effective at removing dirt and oils. To counteract potential drying effects, it is paired with Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a gentle surfactant that boosts foam and reduces irritation. The star ingredient here is Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour. Colloidal oatmeal is a gold standard in dermatology for its ability to soothe itchy, dry, or irritated skin. It contains lipids and proteins that help replenish the skin barrier. Supporting this is Glycerin, a powerful humectant listed second, indicating a high concentration. This ensures that water is drawn into the skin during the wash, preventing that tight, squeaky-clean feeling often associated with gel cleansers. The inclusion of Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride and Polyquaternium-10 provides conditioning benefits. These cationic polymers deposit onto the skin, leaving a soft, smooth finish that mimics the feel of a moisturizing lotion. However, the inclusion of Fragrance at the end of the list is a double-edged sword. While it enhances the sensory experience, it can be a sensitizer for those with reactive skin conditions like eczema, which is ironic given the presence of soothing oats. Preservatives like Sodium Benzoate and stabilizers like Tetrasodium EDTA are standard and safe for wash-off products, ensuring the formula remains bacteria-free. Overall, this is an excellent choice for general maintenance of normal to dry skin, providing a soothing wash that lathers well, provided the user is not sensitive to added perfume.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent base for the formula.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary component of the body wash.

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

🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Primary cleansing agent and foaming agent.

Concerns: Can be drying to skin; potential for contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing.

Notes: A very common surfactant that creates rich lather.

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Secondary surfactant, foam booster, and thickener.

Concerns: Potential allergen, often due to impurities produced during manufacturing.

Notes: Mild amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil; helps reduce irritation from stronger surfactants.

📁 Moisturizers & Skin Conditioners / 保湿剂与皮肤调理剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant that draws moisture into the skin.

Concerns: None.

Notes: A highly effective and common moisturizing ingredient.

🧪 Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour / 燕麦仁细粉

Purpose: Skin soothing, protectant, and anti-itch agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Also known as colloidal oatmeal; excellent for sensitive or irritated skin.

🧪 Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride / 瓜儿胶羟丙基三甲基氯化铵

Purpose: Conditioning agent and antistatic agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Derived from guar gum; leaves skin feeling soft.

🧪 Polyquaternium-10 / 聚季铵盐-10

Purpose: Conditioning polymer and film former.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Improves the texture of the skin and the product.

📁 pH Adjusters / pH调节剂

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: Adjusts the pH of the product to be skin-friendly.

Concerns: Can cause irritation in very high concentrations (unlikely in body wash).

Notes: Also acts as a weak chelating agent.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: Alkaline agent used to modulate pH.

Concerns: Corrosive in raw form, but safe in the final neutralized product.

Notes: Used in small amounts to balance acidic ingredients.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative to prevent microbial growth.

Concerns: Generally safe; potential for sensitization in rare cases.

Notes: Works best in acidic formulations.

🧪 Tetrasodium EDTA / EDTA 四钠

Purpose: Chelating agent that binds metal ions.

Concerns: Can enhance skin absorption of other ingredients; environmental concerns regarding biodegradability.

Notes: Helps maintain product stability and boosts preservative efficacy.

📁 Fragrance / 香精

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Provides scent to the product.

Concerns: A common cause of skin sensitization and allergic reactions.

Notes: The specific chemical composition is usually undisclosed.