Curel Body Wash

A medicated body wash featuring anti-inflammatory Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate and Eucalyptus Extract designed to cleanse and soothe prone-to-irritation skin while maintaining a balanced pH.

Performance Rating: 4.3

This body wash features a robust surfactant system led by Ammonium Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether Sulfate (ALES), ensuring excellent foaming and cleansing power. The inclusion of milder co-surfactants like Alkyl Glycoside and Lauryl Hydroxysultaine helps stabilize the foam and mitigate harshness. Notably, the formula includes Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, a potent anti-inflammatory agent often used to soothe irritated skin. The presence of multiple cationic polymers (such as Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-39, and Polyquaternium-6) indicates a strong conditioning effect, leaving the skin feeling smooth rather than stripped after washing. Eucalyptus Extract provides a refreshing sensory experience.

Safety Rating: 3.8

The formula is generally safe for rinse-off use but contains ingredients that may trigger sensitivities in some users. Ammonium Laureth Sulfate is a sulfate-based surfactant that, while effective, can be drying compared to sulfate-free alternatives. The product contains Ethanol, which can be drying or irritating to broken skin, though its impact is lessened in a wash-off format. Eucalyptus Extract is a natural fragrance component that can act as a sensitizer or allergen. Several ingredients are ethoxylated (indicated by ‘POE’), which raises minor concerns regarding manufacturing byproducts, though standard regulation usually mitigates this.

Final Rating: 4.0

This is a well-engineered body wash, likely formulated (possibly a Japanese ‘Quasi-drug’ formulation given the listing of Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate first) to balance deep cleansing with skin soothing properties. It excels in lather quality and skin conditioning thanks to a complex blend of polymers. However, it relies on traditional sulfate chemistry and alcohol, preventing it from being classified as a gentle, non-stripping option for the most sensitive skin types. It is an excellent choice for normal to oily skin types seeking a refreshing, ‘squeaky clean’ feel with added soothing benefits.

Verdict

This body wash formulation presents itself as a medicated cleanser specifically engineered to tackle skin issues such as roughness and inflammation. At the heart of this product is Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, a potent anti-inflammatory agent derived from licorice root. This active ingredient is widely respected in dermatology for its ability to soothe redness and irritation, suggesting the product is aimed at preventing skin trouble like acne or razor burn rather than just simple hygiene. The cleansing system is built upon a foundation of Ammonium Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether Sulfate, a sulfate-based surfactant. While sulfates are often criticized for being stripping, they are exceptionally effective at breaking down oils and creating a rich, satisfying foam. To make this gentler, the chemists have included Alkyl Glycoside and Lauryl Hydroxysultaine Solution, mild amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants that act as buffers to reduce the irritation potential of the primary sulfate. The formulation also features DL-Malic Acid, a fruit acid that serves a dual purpose. Primarily, it likely acts as a pH adjuster to keep the product within a skin-compatible range, but it also offers mild exfoliating properties. This helps in shedding dead skin cells, which, when combined with the soothing licorice extract, creates a synergistic effect for smoothing out bumpy textures. The addition of Eucalyptus Extract provides a cooling, antiseptic quality that reinforces the clean feeling, although it creates a specific herbal scent profile that may not appeal to everyone. However, consumers should note the presence of Ethanol. Alcohol is often used to solubilize ingredients or provide a quick-drying, tightening sensation, but it can be drying for those with already dehydrated skin. Furthermore, the inclusion of polymers helps leave a conditioned feel on the skin after rinsing, preventing that overly squeaky sensation that leads to tightness. Ultimately, this is a functional body wash best suited for normal to oily skin types dealing with texture issues. It offers a sophisticated blend of soothing actives and effective cleansers, provided your moisture barrier can tolerate the alcohol and sulfates.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Active Ingredients / 有效成分

🧪 Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate / 甘草酸二钾

Purpose: Anti-inflammatory agent, soothing agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from licorice root; often used to reduce flaking and restore suppleness.

📁 Surfactants / Cleansing Agents / 表面活性剂 / 清洁成分

🧪 Ammonium Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether Sulfate (1 E.O.) Solution / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯铵溶液

Purpose: Primary surfactant, foaming, cleansing

Concerns: Can be drying or irritating to sensitive skin; potential for ethoxylation byproducts.

Notes: Also known as Ammonium Laureth Sulfate.

🧪 Alkyl Glycoside / 烷基糖苷

Purpose: Mild surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from sugars and fatty alcohols; gentle on the skin.

🧪 Lauryl Hydroxysultaine Solution / 月桂基羟基磺基甜菜碱溶液

Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant, foam booster, antistatic

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps stabilize foam and improve skin feel.

🧪 POE Lauryl Ether Acetic Acid / 聚氧乙烯月桂醚乙酸

Purpose: Mild surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: Anionic surfactant that is gentle and functions in a wide pH range.

🧪 POE (16) Lauryl Ether / 聚氧乙烯(16)月桂醚

Purpose: Emulsifier, surfactant

Concerns: Potential for ethoxylation byproducts.

Notes: Helps mix oil and water.

📁 Conditioning Agents & Moisturizers / 调理与保湿成分

🧪 Dimethyldiallylammonium Chloride/Acrylic Acid Copolymer Solution / 二甲基二烯丙基氯化铵/丙烯酸共聚物溶液

Purpose: Antistatic, film forming, hair/skin conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Commonly known as Polyquaternium-7; provides a smooth feel.

🧪 Acrylamide/Acrylic Acid/Dimethyldiallylammonium Chloride Copolymer Solution / 丙烯酰胺/丙烯酸/二甲基二烯丙基氯化铵共聚物溶液

Purpose: Antistatic, conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Commonly known as Polyquaternium-39; improves moisturizing feel.

🧪 Polydimethyldimethylenepyrrolidinium Chloride Solution / 聚二甲基二烯丙基氯化铵溶液

Purpose: Antistatic, conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Commonly known as Polyquaternium-6.

🧪 POE Methyl Glucoside / 聚氧乙烯甲基葡糖苷

Purpose: Humectant, skin conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps retain moisture.

🧪 Glyceryl Ethylhexyl Ether / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Skin conditioning, deodorant

Concerns: None

Notes: Also acts as a preservative booster; known as Ethylhexylglycerin.

🧪 Butylene Glycol / 丁二醇

Purpose: Humectant, solvent

Concerns: Low risk of irritation.

Notes: Helps dissolve other ingredients and hydrates skin.

🧪 Eucalyptus Extract / 桉树提取物

Purpose: Skin conditioning, fragrance

Concerns: Potential allergen (essential oils).

Notes: Provides a refreshing scent and has antiseptic properties.

📁 Solvents, pH Adjusters & Stabilizers / 溶剂、酸碱调节剂与稳定剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

🧪 Ethanol / 乙醇

Purpose: Solvent, astringent, antimicrobial

Concerns: Can be drying.

Notes: Helps texture and drying time.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide Solution / 氢氧化钠溶液

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Corrosive in pure form; safe in neutralized product.

Notes: Used to establish the correct pH balance.

🧪 DL-Malic Acid / DL-苹果酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster, buffering

Concerns: Can cause irritation if pH is too low.

Notes: An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) found in apples.

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Viscosity increasing

Concerns: None

Notes: Common salt; thickens the body wash.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Benzoate / 苯甲酸盐

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents microbial growth (e.g., Sodium Benzoate).