Equate Beauty Rainfall Bath Gel

A basic, high-foaming cleanser reliant on sulfates and strong fragrance for a deep clean, though significantly lacking in moisturizing agents and utilizing potentially irritating preservatives.

Performance Rating: 3.6

This formula utilizes a classic and effective surfactant system combining Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine, which ensures rich lather and thorough cleansing. The addition of PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate adds a degree of mildness often seen in gentle formulations. However, the product lacks significant conditioning agents or moisturizers (such as glycerin, oils, or polyquaterniums), meaning it provides a ‘squeaky clean’ feel rather than a hydrating one.

Safety Rating: 2.3

The primary safety concern stems from the preservative system: Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (often called the ‘Itchy Ms’). While safe in regulated rinse-off concentrations, these are potent sensitizers and common causes of contact dermatitis. Additionally, the inclusion of generic Fragrance and multiple synthetic dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1) increases the risk of irritation for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

Final Rating: 2.9

This is a utilitarian, budget-style formulation. It excels at its primary function—removing dirt and oil—thanks to a robust cleaning base. However, the reliance on older, potentially sensitizing preservatives and the absence of skin-nourishing ingredients make it a basic product that falls behind modern standards for skin health and hydration. It is suitable for normal, durable skin but generally not recommended for sensitive or dry skin types.

Verdict

This body wash formulation represents the archetype of a standard, mass-market cleanser. At its core, the formula relies on the industry-standard surfactant system: Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) paired with Cocamidopropyl Betaine. This combination is widely used for a reason; SLES provides strong cleansing power and significant foaming action, while the Betaine acts as a co-surfactant to slightly mitigate the harshness and boost the bubble stability. For the average user seeking a feeling of immediate cleanliness and a rich lather, this product delivers exactly that.

However, the formulation is strictly functional with very little emphasis on skin conditioning or health. The inclusion of Sodium Chloride (salt) acts as a thickener to give the gel a satisfying viscosity, but apart from the cleansing agents, there are virtually no emollients, natural oils, or humectants included to replenish the skin barrier. This means the product is designed to strip oils away rather than balance them. If you have oily skin or live in a humid climate, this deep-cleaning action might be desirable, leaving you feeling ‘squeaky’ clean. However, for dry skin types, this lack of conditioning agents can lead to tightness.

From a sensory perspective, the product leans heavily on aesthetics over substance. Fragrance appears fifth on the list, suggesting a high concentration and a potent scent profile that will linger on the skin. The addition of Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 indicates a specific color target designed to enhance shelf appeal, but these synthetic dyes offer no physiological benefit to the skin and can be an unnecessary chemical load.

The most significant point of caution lies in the preservative system. The use of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (often referred to as the ‘Itchy M’s’) is a controversial choice in modern skincare. While highly effective against bacteria and fungi, these ingredients are well-documented sensitizers and allergens. They are a frequent cause of contact dermatitis. While they are generally considered safe in rinse-off products at low concentrations, individuals with compromised skin barriers or a history of allergies should be very wary.

Ultimately, this is a no-frills detergent. It is not a skincare treatment; it is a cleaning agent. It is best suited for those with resilient skin who prioritize scent and lather over hydration. If you are prone to dryness or irritation, the combination of sulfates, high fragrance, and allergenic preservatives makes this a product to skip.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary base of the formulation.

📁 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: Surfactant, Foaming Agent

Concerns: Can be drying to the skin; potential for contamination with 1,4-dioxane (usually removed during manufacturing).

Notes: A very common detergent derived from coconut or palm kernel oil.

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Surfactant, Foam Booster

Concerns: Potential allergen if impurities remain.

Notes: A mild amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil, often used to reduce irritation from other surfactants.

🧪 Peg-80 Sorbitan Laurate / PEG-80 山梨坦月桂酸酯

Purpose: Surfactant, Solubilizer

Concerns: As a PEG derivative, there is a minor risk of contamination with impurities.

Notes: Often used in mild cleansing formulations.

📁 Texture & Stability Modifiers / 质地和稳定性调节剂

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None.

Notes: Common table salt, used to thicken the texture of surfactant-based formulas.

🧪 Polysorbate 20 / 聚山梨醇酯-20

Purpose: Emulsifier, Solubilizer

Concerns: Generally safe, but can contain trace impurities.

Notes: Helps mix fragrance oils and other ingredients into the water base.

📁 Preservatives & Chelators / 防腐剂和螯合剂

🧪 Tetrasodium Edta / EDTA 四钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: Environmental concerns regarding biodegradability.

Notes: Binds to metal ions to prevent spoilage and improve foam stability.

🧪 Methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Known skin sensitizer and allergen.

Notes: Part of the ‘Kathon CG’ blend, usually used in rinse-off products.

🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Known skin sensitizer and allergen.

Notes: Often paired with Methylchloroisothiazolinone to prevent bacterial growth.

📁 pH Adjusters / pH调节剂

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: None generally.

Notes: Derived from citrus fruits, used to lower pH to be skin-friendly.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Corrosive in pure form, but safe in small amounts used to neutralize pH.

Notes: Also known as lye.

📁 Fragrance & Colorants / 香精和色素

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common cause of contact dermatitis or sensitivity.

Notes: A proprietary blend of aromatic chemicals.

🧪 Red 40 (Ci 16035) / CI 16035 (红 40)

Purpose: Colorant

Concerns: Synthetic dye, generally safe for external use.

Notes: Provides red color.

🧪 Yellow 5 (Ci 19140) / CI 19140 (黄 5)

Purpose: Colorant

Concerns: Synthetic dye, can cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Notes: Provides yellow color (Tartrazine).

🧪 Blue 1 (Ci 42090) / CI 42090 (蓝 1)

Purpose: Colorant

Concerns: Synthetic dye, generally safe for external use.

Notes: Provides blue color (Brilliant Blue FCF).