Amazon Essentials Total Moisturizing Body Wash

A richly moisturizing body wash that balances strong cleansers like Sodium Laureth Sulfate with a heavy dose of Soybean Oil and Shea Butter to soften skin.

Performance Rating: 4.3

This formula suggests a highly moisturizing body wash. The presence of Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil as the third ingredient indicates a significant oil content for hydration, supported by Shea Butter, Glycerin, and Panthenol. Sodium Laureth Sulfate provides a strong, satisfying lather, while conditioning agents like Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride help leave the skin feeling soft rather than stripped.

Safety Rating: 3.0

The safety score is impacted by the use of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, which are potent preservatives known to be common contact allergens and sensitizers, even in rinse-off products. Additionally, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) can be irritating to sensitive skin, and generic Fragrance is a potential allergen. Cocamide MEA is also scrutinized for potential impurities.

Final Rating: 3.6

This is a highly effective, mass-market formulation designed for intense moisturization while cleansing. It excels in performance for dry skin types due to the high oil and butter content. However, the reliance on potentially irritating preservatives (MCI/MI) and synthetic fragrance prevents a higher score, making it less suitable for those with sensitive or reactive skin.

Verdict

This body wash formulation presents an interesting dichotomy between aggressive cleansing and deep moisturization. At its core, the surfactant system relies on Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Cocamide MEA. SLES is a standard, high-foaming cleaning agent that removes dirt effectively but is known for potentially stripping the skin’s natural lipid barrier. However, the formulation immediately counters this with a very high concentration of Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, which appears as the third ingredient. This suggests that the product has a creamy, emulsion-like texture rather than a clear gel consistency. The inclusion of soybean oil, alongside Mineral Oil and Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, indicates a strong focus on leaving a protective, occlusive film on the skin after rinsing. This makes it a strong contender for combating winter dryness or rough skin texture. To further assist with skin conditioning, the formula includes Glycerin for hydration, as well as Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) and Panthenol, which are excellent for soothing and repairing the skin barrier. The addition of Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride acts as a cationic polymer that deposits on the skin, providing that slippery, silky feel often associated with moisturizing washes. However, consumers should be vigilant regarding the preservative system. The product utilizes Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. These two ingredients are potent preservatives often responsible for contact dermatitis and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Their presence makes this product risky for those with compromised skin barriers or history of eczema, despite the moisturizing oils included. Furthermore, the inclusion of Fragrance high up on the list adds another layer of potential irritation for sensitive users. In conclusion, this is a heavy-duty moisturizing cleanser best suited for individuals with resilient, dry skin who want a shower product that reduces the need for immediate body lotion application. It effectively cleanses while depositing significant moisture, but the choice of preservatives limits its suitability for the sensitive-skin demographic.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水

Purpose: Solvent base for the formula.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary ingredient in most liquid body washes.

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

🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Primary cleansing agent and foaming agent.

Concerns: Can be drying; potential for contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing (though usually monitored).

Notes: Milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).

🧪 Cocamide MEA / 椰油酰胺 MEA

Purpose: Foam booster and stabilizer.

Concerns: Potential for nitrosamine formation if not formulated correctly.

Notes: Derived from coconut oil fatty acids.

🧪 Sodium Lauroamphoacetate / 月桂酰两性基乙酸钠

Purpose: Mild secondary surfactant.

Concerns: Low risk.

Notes: Helps to mitigate irritation from stronger surfactants.

🧪 Lauric Acid / 月桂酸

Purpose: Fatty acid used as a cleanser and emulsifier.

Concerns: Can be comedogenic in high concentrations (less concern for body wash).

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

📁 Moisturizers & Emollients / 保湿剂和润肤剂

🧪 Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil / 野大豆油

Purpose: Emollient and skin conditioner.

Concerns: None generally.

Notes: Rich in antioxidants and replenishing fatty acids.

🧪 Mineral Oil / 矿油

Purpose: Occlusive emollient to lock in moisture.

Concerns: Petroleum-derived; some environmental concerns regarding biodegradability.

Notes: Highly effective at preventing water loss.

🧪 Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter / 牛油果树果脂

Purpose: Rich moisturizer.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Excellent for dry skin.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant that draws moisture to the skin.

Concerns: None.

Notes: One of the most effective and common moisturizing ingredients.

🧪 Tocopheryl Acetate / 生育酚乙酸酯

Purpose: Antioxidant (Vitamin E).

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps protect skin from free radical damage.

🧪 Panthenol / 泛醇

Purpose: Pro-Vitamin B5, soothing and moisturizing.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps improve skin barrier function.

📁 Thickeners & Texture Enhancers / 增稠剂和质地改良剂

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickener.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Common table salt, used to adjust viscosity.

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

Purpose: Conditioning agent and anti-static.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Derived from guar gum; leaves a soft feel on skin.

🧪 Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum / 瓜儿胶

Purpose: Thickener and stabilizer.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Natural gum derived from the guar plant.

🧪 PEG-90M / PEG-90M

Purpose: Binder, emulsion stabilizer, and viscosity controller.

Concerns: PEG compounds can be contaminated with impurities like 1,4-dioxane.

Notes: High molecular weight polymer.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂和稳定剂

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative (anti-fungal).

Concerns: Low risk, pH dependent.

Notes: Common food-grade preservative.

🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelating agent.

Concerns: Enhances skin absorption of other ingredients.

Notes: Binds to metal ions to maintain product stability and lather.

🧪 Methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative.

Concerns: Known skin sensitizer and allergen.

Notes: Often used in combination with Methylisothiazolinone (Kathon CG).

🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative.

Concerns: High rate of contact dermatitis; known allergen.

Notes: Usage is restricted in leave-on products, allowed in rinse-off products.

📁 pH Adjusters / pH调节剂

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Derived from citrus fruits.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH adjuster.

Concerns: Highly corrosive in pure form, but safe in small amounts used to neutralize formulas.

Notes: Used to ensure the product is not too acidic.

📁 Fragrance / 香精

🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精

Purpose: Scent.

Concerns: Common cause of skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Notes: Proprietary blend of chemicals.