Equate Beauty Sensitive Skin Body Wash

A sulfate-free and lipid-rich body wash formulated with soybean oil for moisture, though the inclusion of strong preservatives may pose risks for sensitive skin types.

Performance Rating: 4.4

This body wash formulation excels in providing a gentle cleanse combined with significant moisturizing properties. It utilizes mild, sulfate-free surfactants like Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate and Sodium Lauroyl Glycinate to clean without stripping natural oils. The inclusion of Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Glycerin, and Stearic Acid creates a creamy texture that replenishes skin hydration, while Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride adds a conditioning feel to the skin after rinsing.

Safety Rating: 3.0

While the surfactants are mild, the preservation system relies on Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. These ingredients, often called the ‘Itchy Ms’, are known skin sensitizers and common allergens, even in rinse-off products. Additionally, the presence of generic Fragrance (Parfum) introduces potential for irritation in sensitive individuals. The formula is generally safe for non-sensitive skin but poses risks for those prone to contact dermatitis.

Final Rating: 3.7

This is a high-performance moisturizing body wash ideal for dry skin types, thanks to its blend of oils and gentle cleansers. However, the use of isothiazolinone preservatives prevents a higher score, as safer and less sensitizing alternatives exist in the market. It is a great product for efficacy, but those with sensitive skin or known allergies to preservatives should proceed with caution.

Verdict

This body wash presents a complex profile that marries an exceptionally gentle, sulfate-free cleansing base with a somewhat controversial preservation system. The primary cleansing agents—Cocamidopropyl betaine, Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, and Sodium lauroyl glycinate—are excellent choices for maintaining skin health. Unlike harsh traditional sulfates that can strip the skin of its natural oils, these surfactants provide a mild lather that cleanses effective without disrupting the delicate acid mantle. This makes the core of the formula highly attractive for those looking to move away from aggressive cleansers.

The moisturizing potential of this product is significant. The inclusion of Glycine soja (soybean) oil introduces beneficial antioxidants and fatty acids directly into the wash. This is supported by a rich blend of Hydrogenated castor oil, Lauric acid, and Stearic acid, which function as emollients and thickeners. This combination suggests that the product has a luxurious, creamy texture rather than a gel consistency, capable of leaving a conditioning film on the skin after rinsing. The addition of Glycerin further enhances this by acting as a humectant to bind moisture to the skin’s surface, while Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride provides a conditioning slip that improves the overall sensory experience.

However, the formulation is compromised by its choice of preservatives. The product utilizes Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, often grouped together as “Isothiazolinones.” While these are highly effective at preventing bacterial growth within the bottle, they are also potent sensitizers known to cause contact dermatitis and allergic reactions in a significant portion of the population. The presence of these preservatives, alongside added Fragrance (Parfum), makes the product unsuitable for anyone with a compromised skin barrier.

Ultimately, this body wash is a strong contender for individuals with normal to dry skin who do not suffer from allergies and enjoy a moisturizing, scented shower experience. However, it is a high-risk option for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, who should look for products with gentler preservative systems.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水

Purpose: Solvent base for the formulation.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary ingredient in most liquid body washes.

📁 Surfactants & Cleansing Agents / 表面活性剂和清洁剂

🧪 Cocamidopropyl betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant, foam booster, and mild cleanser.

Concerns: Generally mild, but impurities created during manufacturing can cause allergies.

Notes: Derived from coconut oil; helps reduce irritation from harsher surfactants.

🧪 Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate / 月桂酰甲基羟乙基磺酸钠

Purpose: Mild anionic surfactant that cleanses the skin.

Concerns: None widely reported; considered very mild.

Notes: A sulfate-free cleansing agent known for dense lather.

🧪 Sodium lauroyl glycinate / 月桂酰甘氨酸钠

Purpose: Amino acid-based surfactant for gentle cleansing.

Concerns: None widely reported.

Notes: Known for being skin-friendly and mild.

🧪 Lauric acid / 月桂酸

Purpose: Fatty acid used to create soap/lather or add hardness/opacity.

Concerns: Can be comedogenic, though less relevant in rinse-off products.

Notes: Naturally found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil.

🧪 Stearic acid / 硬脂酸

Purpose: Surfactant, emulsifier, and thickening agent.

Concerns: Low risk; generally safe.

Notes: Helps create a creamy texture.

📁 Moisturizers & Emollients / 保湿剂和润肤剂

🧪 Glycine soja (soybean) oil / 野大豆油

Purpose: Emollient and antioxidant.

Concerns: None for external use.

Notes: Rich in fatty acids and vitamins to replenish skin lipids.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant that attracts moisture to the skin.

Concerns: None.

Notes: A standard, effective moisturizing ingredient.

📁 Texture & Viscosity Modifiers / 质地和粘度以此剂

🧪 Sodium hydroxypropyl starch phosphate / 羟丙基淀粉磷酸酯钠

Purpose: Bulking agent and viscosity controller.

Concerns: None.

Notes: A starch-based ingredient used to stabilize the formula.

🧪 Hydrogenated castor oil / 氢化蓖麻油

Purpose: Emollient, emulsifier, and viscosity control.

Concerns: None widely reported.

Notes: A waxy derivative of castor oil used to thicken the product.

📁 Conditioning Agents / 调理剂

🧪 Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride / 瓜儿胶羟丙基三甲基氯化铵

Purpose: Cationic polymer that conditions skin and hair.

Concerns: None widely reported.

Notes: Derived from guar gum; helps deposit active ingredients on the skin.

📁 Fragrance / 香精

🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精

Purpose: Provides scent.

Concerns: Common cause of skin sensitization and allergic reactions.

Notes: Specific composition is usually proprietary.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂和稳定剂

🧪 Tetrasodium EDTA / EDTA 四钠

Purpose: Chelating agent; binds metal ions to prevent spoilage.

Concerns: Low toxicity in cosmetics, but biodegradable concerns exist.

Notes: Boosts the effectiveness of preservatives.

🧪 Methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative to prevent microbial growth.

Concerns: Known sensitizer and potential allergen.

Notes: Often used in combination with Methylisothiazolinone; mainly for rinse-off products.

🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative.

Concerns: Known sensitizer and potential allergen.

Notes: Effective against bacteria and fungi.