Dial Aloe Scent Body Wash

A gel-based body wash that utilizes Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate for a deep clean, balanced with Glycerin and conditioning agents to maintain skin softness.

Performance Rating: 4.3

This formula features a strong yet balanced surfactant system. The combination of Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate provides excellent foaming and cleansing capabilities without the extreme stripping often associated with traditional sulfates. The inclusion of Glycerin (a humectant), PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate (an emollient), and Polyquaternium-7 (a conditioning polymer) ensures that the skin feels soft, hydrated, and smooth after rinsing, rather than dry or tight.

Safety Rating: 3.9

The product is Sulfate-Free (no SLS or SLES) and Paraben-Free, utilizing Sodium Benzoate as a mild, food-grade preservative. It also uses Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, a biodegradable and safer alternative to the common chelator EDTA. However, the rating is capped because it contains generic Parfum (Fragrance), which is a potential allergen for sensitive skin. Additionally, the presence of ethoxylated ingredients (PEGs and PPGs) may be a concern for strict clean-beauty advocates, though they are generally considered safe in rinse-off formulations.

Final Rating: 4.1

This is a solid, modern body wash formulation. It effectively balances performance and gentleness by using a sulfate-free cleansing base bolstered by skin-conditioning agents. While the inclusion of fragrance makes it less suitable for hypersensitive skin, the choice of eco-friendlier chelators and mild preservatives makes it a high-quality choice for daily use on normal to dry skin.

Verdict

This body wash is a classic example of a modern synthetic detergent (syndet) cleanser designed to offer superior foaming and cleaning capabilities without the alkaline harshness of traditional bar soap. The primary engine of this formula is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, an anionic surfactant. While it is technically sulfate-free, it is a potent cleanser that excels at removing oil, sweat, and environmental pollutants. This makes the product particularly effective for those who feel grime accumulation at the end of the day or post-workout. However, strong cleansers can sometimes strip the skin’s natural lipid barrier if used alone.

To counteract potential dryness, the formulation wisely pairs the sulfonate with Cocamidopropyl Betaine. This amphoteric surfactant is derived from coconut oil and acts as a secondary surfactant, stabilizing the foam and significantly reducing the irritation potential of the primary detergent. This combination creates a luxurious lather that cleanses thoroughly without being overly aggressive.

Beyond mere cleansing, the ingredient list reveals a concerted effort to maintain skin hydration. Glycerin, a powerhouse humectant, appears early in the list. Glycerin is essential in wash-off products as it helps to attract water to the outer layer of the skin, preventing that tight, “squeaky” feeling often associated with gel cleansers. The moisturizing profile is further enhanced by PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate and Polyquaternium-7. The former is a superfatting agent that helps replenish lipids, while the latter is a cationic polymer that deposits a thin, protective film on the skin, leaving it feeling conditioned and soft to the touch after the towel dry.

The inclusion of Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) adds a narrative of antioxidant care, although its practical effect in a cleanser is limited compared to leave-on serums. Functional ingredients like Citric Acid ensure the product remains pH-balanced with the skin, which is crucial for maintaining the acid mantle. Additionally, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate serves as a biodegradable chelating agent, ensuring the product lathers effectively even in hard water environments by neutralizing mineral ions.

Despite its balanced formulation, the presence of Parfum (Fragrance) is a significant factor for potential users to consider. While fragrance elevates the showering experience by providing a pleasant scent, it remains one of the leading causes of contact dermatitis. Therefore, while this body wash is a robust and well-engineered daily cleanser for those with resilient, normal, or oily skin types, it may pose risks for individuals with sensitive skin. For the majority of users, however, it offers a refreshing and thoroughly cleansing experience.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Aqua (Water, Eau) / 水

Purpose: Solvent base

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary component of the formula.

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

🧪 Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate / C14-16 烯烃磺酸钠

Purpose: Primary surfactant, cleansing agent

Concerns: Can be drying to the skin if not well formulated.

Notes: A sulfate-free anionic surfactant providing strong foaming and cleaning.

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Secondary surfactant, foam booster

Concerns: Potential for impurities causing irritation in rare cases.

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

🧪 PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate / PEG-7 甘油椰油酸酯

Purpose: Emollient surfactant, superfatting agent

Concerns: PEG compounds can carry contamination risks (1,4-dioxane) depending on manufacturing purity.

Notes: Helps restore oils to the skin to prevent drying.

📁 Moisturizers & Conditioners / 保湿与调理剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin.

🧪 Polyquaternium-7 / 聚季铵盐-7

Purpose: Antistatic, film-forming, conditioning

Concerns: Low risk of acrylamide contamination.

Notes: Leaves a smooth feel on the skin.

🧪 Tocopheryl Acetate / 生育酚乙酸酯

Purpose: Antioxidant, Skin conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: A form of Vitamin E.

📁 Thickeners & Texture Enhancers / 增稠剂与质地改良剂

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Viscosity increasing

Concerns: None

Notes: Common table salt, used to thicken the formula.

🧪 PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate / PEG-150 季戊四醇四硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Thickener, emulsifier

Concerns: PEG compounds contamination risk.

Notes: High molecular weight thickener often used in clear cleansing systems.

🧪 PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide / PPG-2 羟乙基椰油酰胺

Purpose: Thickener, foam stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Works synergistically with other surfactants to build viscosity.

📁 Preservatives, pH Adjusters & Stabilizers / 防腐剂、pH调节剂与稳定剂

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Generally safe, but can form benzene if combined with Vitamin C under specific conditions (unlikely here).

Notes: Prevents bacterial and fungal growth.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: May cause irritation in high concentrations (unlikely here).

Notes: Used to ensure the product pH is skin-friendly.

🧪 Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate / 乙二胺二琥珀酸三钠

Purpose: Chelating agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Biodegradable alternative to EDTA; improves preservative efficacy and stability.

📁 Fragrance / 香精

🧪 Parfum (Fragrance) / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common cause of contact dermatitis or sensitivity.

Notes: Adds pleasant smell to the product.