Equate Cool Moisturizing Body Wash

A moisturizing body wash formulated with gentle surfactants and skin conditioners, though it relies on synthetic preservatives and fragrance that may irritate sensitive skin.

Performance Rating: 4.4

This formulation relies on a sulfate-free surfactant system dominated by Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine. These are known for being exceptionally gentle and non-stripping, making them superior to standard SLS/SLES cleansers for moisture retention. The inclusion of Glycerin acts as a humectant to draw moisture into the skin, while Cocamindopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate provides a conditioning feel. The copolymers suggest a luxurious, creamy texture and stable lather.

Safety Rating: 3.0

While the cleaning agents are very mild, the safety score is impacted by the preservation system. It uses Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (often called the ‘kathon’ blend), which are strong sensitizers and common causes of contact dermatitis; they are safe for rinse-off use but less ideal than modern alternatives. Furthermore, generic Fragrance (Parfum) is a potential irritant for sensitive users, and synthetic dyes (Blue 1, Yellow 5) are present.

Final Rating: 3.7

This body wash is an excellent performer regarding hydration and gentle cleansing, likely leaving the skin feeling soft rather than tight. It is a classic ‘moisturizing’ formula structure. However, the presence of allergenic preservatives limits its suitability for those with highly sensitive or reactive skin. It is a great choice for normal skin types looking for a creamy, lather-rich experience.

Verdict

This body wash formulation presents a dichotomy between high-quality cleansing agents and a somewhat dated preservation system. On the positive side, the primary surfactant used is Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate. This is a significant step up from traditional sulfates like SLS or SLES. It is known for being exceptionally mild on the skin barrier while still producing a rich, dense lather. Supporting this is Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, an amino acid-based cleanser. This trio suggests that the product is designed to clean effectively without stripping the skin of its natural oils, making it a strong contender for those looking to maintain skin hydration during a shower.

The moisturizing capabilities are further bolstered by Glycerin, a reliable humectant that draws moisture into the upper layers of the epidermis. The inclusion of Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate is an interesting addition; this phospholipid complex functions as a skin conditioner, likely providing a silky after-feel and preventing that ‘squeaky clean’ sensation that often indicates dehydration. The texture of the product is engineered to feel luxurious, with Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer serving as an opacifier to give the liquid a creamy, milky appearance.

However, the formulation loses points in its choice of preservatives and sensory additives. The product relies on a blend of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. While effective against bacteria and fungi, these ingredients are potent sensitizers and are frequent causes of allergic contact dermatitis. Their presence makes this product risky for anyone with a compromised skin barrier. Furthermore, the inclusion of unspecified Fragrance (Parfum) and artificial dyes like Blue 1 and Yellow 5 adds to the chemical load without providing skin benefits. While these additives create a pleasant sensory experience for the average user, they serve as potential triggers for irritation.

Ultimately, this is a well-cleansing product with a sophisticated surfactant system that mimics the skin’s natural biology. It is likely to perform very well for the average consumer with resilient skin. However, due to the specific preservatives and fragrances used, it cannot be classified as a truly ‘clean’ or hypoallergenic product.

Who Is This Product For?

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formula, acts as a carrier for other ingredients.

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

🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate / 月桂酰羟乙磺酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant, Cleansing Agent

Concerns: None generally

Notes: A very mild surfactant that is gentle on the skin barrier.

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Surfactant, Foam Booster

Concerns: Low risk of irritation due to impurities

Notes: An amphoteric surfactant used to boost foam and reduce irritation from other surfactants.

🧪 Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate / 椰油酰甘氨酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant, Cleansing Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: An amino-acid based surfactant that creates a creamy lather and is mild.

📁 Moisturizers & Conditioners / 保湿与调理剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Draws moisture from the air into the skin to keep it hydrated.

🧪 Cocamindopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate / 椰油酰胺丙基 PG-二甲基氯化铵磷酸酯

Purpose: Skin Conditioning, Anti-static

Concerns: Low

Notes: Provides a soft skin feel and mimics natural phospholipids.

📁 Texture Modifiers & Stabilizers / 质地调节与稳定剂

🧪 Acrylates Copolymer / 丙烯酸(酯)类共聚物

Purpose: Viscosity Controller, Stabilizer

Concerns: Low

Notes: Helps suspend particles and control the flow of the product.

🧪 Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer / 苯乙烯/丙烯酸(酯)类共聚物

Purpose: Opacifier

Concerns: Low

Notes: Makes the formula look milky or opaque.

🧪 Polysorbate 80 / 聚山梨醇酯-80

Purpose: Emulsifier, Solubilizer

Concerns: Low

Notes: Helps mix oil and water-based ingredients.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritant in high concentrations

Notes: Used in very small amounts to balance the pH of the product.

🧪 Tetrasodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸四钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: Low environmental concern

Notes: Binds to metal ions to prevent spoilage and improve foam in hard water.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: High potential for skin sensitization/allergy

Notes: Often used in combination with Methylisothiazolinone; effective against bacteria and fungi.

🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: High potential for skin sensitization/allergy

Notes: Can be irritating to sensitive skin; usually restricted to rinse-off products.

📁 Fragrance & Colorants / 香精与色素

🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common allergen

Notes: Provides the sensory smell experience; specific components are not listed.

🧪 Blue 1 (CI 42090) / 亮蓝 (CI 42090)

Purpose: Colorant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Synthetic blue dye.

🧪 Yellow 5 (CI 19140) / 柠檬黄 (CI 19140)

Purpose: Colorant

Concerns: Potential allergen for some

Notes: Synthetic yellow dye.