Equate Beauty Total Moisturizing Body Wash with Shea Butter

A moisturizing body wash blending Soybean Oil and Shea Butter to combat dryness, though compromised by the inclusion of sulfates and allergenic preservatives.

Performance Rating: 4.2

This formula is designed for high moisturization, evidenced by Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil being the third ingredient, which suggests a creamy, lotion-like texture. The surfactant system (likely Sodium Trideceth Sulfate or SLES) is effective at cleansing but is well-buffered by the oils and Sodium Lauroamphoacetate to prevent stripping the skin. The inclusion of cationic polymers like Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride aids in depositing these moisturizers onto the skin, while Shea Butter, Glycerin, and Panthenol provide excellent hydration. It is highly effective for dry skin.

Safety Rating: 2.9

The safety score is impacted by the presence of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI). These are strong preservatives and known skin sensitizers that can cause contact dermatitis, leading many modern brands to phase them out. The formula also contains Fragrance (Parfum), a common allergen, and ethoxylated ingredients (SLES, PEG-90M) which can carry trace contaminants if not purified correctly. While legal and generally safe for rinse-off use in healthy skin, it poses risks for sensitive or compromised skin barriers.

Final Rating: 3.6

This is a product where performance outshines the ingredient purity. As a moisturizing body wash, it is likely very effective due to the heavy reliance on soybean oil and emollients, making it a great choice for combating winter dryness. However, the use of harsher preservatives and standard sulfates prevents it from achieving a top-tier rating. It is recommended for those with dry, non-sensitive skin.

Verdict

This body wash presents a dichotomy between heavy moisturization and robust, somewhat harsh synthetic cleansing agents. At its core, the formulation relies on Sodium Trideceth Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) as primary surfactants. These are standard, effective foaming agents found in many drugstore products, known for creating a rich lather but possessing the potential to strip natural oils from the skin if not properly balanced.

However, the manufacturer attempts to counterbalance this stripping effect immediately with a significant concentration of Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil. Appearing third on the ingredient list, this oil serves as a major emollient, working alongside Mineral Oil and Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter to coat the skin and mimic the natural lipid barrier. This suggests the product is designed to leave a silky, hydrated “after-feel” rather than a squeaky-clean sensation. The inclusion of Glycerin, Panthenol, and Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) further supports this goal, offering humectant properties to draw water into the skin and antioxidant benefits.

The texture is managed by ingredients like Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride and PEG-90M, which act as conditioning agents and slip modifiers, ensuring the wash glides smoothly over the body. This combination usually results in a creamy, opaque liquid that feels luxurious during application.

Despite the moisturizing benefits, there are significant red flags for reactive skin types. The presence of Fragrance (Parfum) is a non-specific entry that can hide numerous allergens. More concerning is the preservation system utilizing Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. Often referred to as “The Itchy M’s,” these widely used preservatives are potent sensitizers and serve as a common cause of contact dermatitis.

In summary, this is a utilitarian moisturizing wash suitable for individuals with resilient, dry skin who enjoy a heavy lather and a lingering conditioned feel. However, the reliance on sulfates paired with high-risk preservatives makes it a poor choice for anyone with compromised skin barriers or known sensitivities to synthetic additives.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水

Purpose: Base solvent for the formulation.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary ingredient in most liquid body washes.

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

🧪 Sodium Trideceth Sulfate / 十三烷醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: A mild surfactant used for cleansing and foaming.

Concerns: Low risk of irritation.

Notes: Often used in formulations for sensitive skin or baby products.

🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Primary cleansing agent that creates lather.

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

Notes: A very common surfactant, milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).

🧪 Cocamide MEA / 椰油酰胺 MEA

Purpose: Foam booster and thickener.

Concerns: Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Notes: Derived from coconut oil.

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

Purpose: A mild amphoteric surfactant that boosts foam and reduces irritation from other surfactants.

Concerns: None significantly.

Notes: Often found in gentle cleansers.

🧪 Lauric Acid / 月桂酸

Purpose: Fatty acid that acts as an emulsifier and cleanser.

Concerns: Comedogenic rating is high, but less relevant in wash-off products.

Notes: Natural component of coconut oil.

📁 Moisturizers and Emollients / 保湿剂与润肤剂

🧪 Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil / 野大豆油

Purpose: Emollient oil rich in antioxidants and fatty acids.

Concerns: None commonly.

Notes: Helps replenish skin lipids.

🧪 Mineral Oil / 矿油

Purpose: Occlusive agent that locks in moisture.

Concerns: Petrochemical derivation concerns some consumers; generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Notes: Highly effective at preventing water loss.

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

Purpose: Rich moisturizer and skin conditioner.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Excellent for dry skin.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant that draws moisture into the skin.

Concerns: None.

Notes: A standard and effective moisturizing ingredient.

📁 Skin Conditioning and Vitamins / 皮肤调理剂与维生素

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

Purpose: Conditioning agent that leaves a soft feel on skin.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Derived from Guar gum.

🧪 Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum / 瓜儿胶

Purpose: Thickener and skin conditioner.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Natural gum.

🧪 Tocopheryl Acetate / 生育酚乙酸酯

Purpose: Vitamin E derivative; antioxidant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps protect skin from free radical damage.

🧪 Panthenol / 泛醇

Purpose: Pro-Vitamin B5; soothing and moisturizing agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Good for soothing irritated skin.

📁 Preservatives and Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative to prevent fungal growth.

Concerns: Generally safe, but pH dependent.

Notes: Common food-grade preservative.

🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelating agent; binds metal ions to maintain stability and boost preservative efficacy.

Concerns: Environmental accumulation concerns.

Notes: Helps prevent the product from degrading.

🧪 Methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative against bacteria and fungi.

Concerns: Strong allergen/sensitizer; potential for skin irritation.

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

🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative.

Concerns: High sensitization potential; restricted in leave-on products.

Notes: Standard in rinse-off products but known to cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

📁 Texture, pH, and Others / 质地、pH及其他

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickener.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Table salt, used to adjust viscosity.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster.

Concerns: None.

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

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH adjuster.

Concerns: Highly corrosive in pure form, but safe when neutralized in formulation.

Notes: Used to neutralize fatty acids or adjust pH.

🧪 PEG-90M / PEG-90M

Purpose: Binder and emulsion stabilizer.

Concerns: Ethoxylated ingredient (trace contamination risk).

Notes: Helps maintain product texture.

🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精

Purpose: Scent.

Concerns: Common cause of skin sensitivity and allergic reactions.

Notes: Specific composition is usually proprietary.