skinbetter science Cleansing Gel

A gentle, fragrance-free cleanser formulated with mild surfactants and soothing botanicals like Chamomile and Cucumber to cleanse without stripping the skin’s moisture barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formula utilizes a blend of high-quality, gentle surfactants (Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate) that effectively cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The inclusion of Glycerin and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice ensures the skin remains hydrated, while Chamomile and Cucumber Extract provide excellent soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits. It is likely to have a pleasant gel texture and foam moderately.

Safety Rating: 4.8

The safety profile is outstanding. It is sulfate-free, fragrance-free, and devoid of essential oils, minimizing the risk of irritation or allergic reactions. The preservative system (Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate) is mild and food-grade. There are no harsh alcohols or controversial chemicals like parabens or formaldehyde releasers, making it highly suitable for sensitive or reactive skin.

Final Rating: 4.6

This is a top-tier facial cleanser that perfectly balances effectiveness with mildness. By combining premium mild cleansing agents with calming botanicals and excluding common irritants like fragrance, it serves as an excellent daily cleanser for almost all skin types, particularly those concerned with maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

Verdict

This formula represents an excellent example of a modern, skin-barrier-friendly cleanser. The primary strength of this product lies in its sophisticated surfactant system. Instead of relying on harsh sulfates (like SLS or SLES) that can strip natural oils, it utilizes a blend of Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, and Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate. These are known to be incredibly mild cleansing agents derived from coconut and taurine, capable of producing a luxurious foam while respecting the skin’s natural pH balance.

Complementing the gentle cleansing base is a robust selection of soothing ingredients. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice serves as a hydrating foundation, helping to calm inflammation immediately upon application. This is further enhanced by Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract and Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract. Both of these botanicals are celebrated for their cooling, anti-inflammatory, and reparative properties, making this cleanser particularly well-suited for skin that feels heated, irritated, or reactive.

The formulation is notably clean regarding potential irritants. It completely omits synthetic fragrances, drying alcohols, and volatile essential oils, which are common triggers for contact dermatitis and sensitivity. Instead, it relies on Glycerin to ensure the skin remains hydrated during the wash process, preventing that tight, dry feeling often associated with face washing. The preservation system, utilizing Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate, is mild and food-grade, further emphasizing the safety profile of the product.

While this is a fantastic daily cleanser, users who wear heavy, waterproof makeup or thick mineral sunscreens might find it too gentle to be a standalone makeup remover. It functions best as a refreshing morning cleanser or as the second step in a double-cleansing routine. Overall, this is a thoughtfully constructed product that prioritizes skin health and hydration, making it a safe bet for almost any skin type, particularly those prone to redness or dehydration.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 Aqua/Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

📁 Surfactants (Cleansing Agents) / 表面活性剂(清洁剂)

🧪 Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate / 甲基椰油酰基牛磺酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant, Cleansing Agent

Concerns: Generally safe

Notes: A very mild, amino-acid based surfactant that creates a creamy foam.

🧪 Lauramidopropyl Betaine / 月桂酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Surfactant, Antistatic

Concerns: Low risk of irritation

Notes: A mild amphoteric surfactant that helps improve foam quality and conditions the skin.

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine / 椰油酰胺丙基羟基磺基甜菜碱

Purpose: Surfactant, Foam Booster, Antistatic

Concerns: Generally safe

Notes: A mild amphoteric surfactant often used in sensitive skin products; helps thicken the formula.

🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate / 月桂酰甲基羟乙基磺酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant, Cleansing Agent

Concerns: Generally safe

Notes: A water-soluble, sulfate-free surfactant derived from coconut; very mild on the skin.

🧪 Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate / 聚甘油-3 癸酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier, Surfactant, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps to thicken the product and refat the skin to prevent drying.

📁 Moisturizers & Soothing Agents / 保湿与舒缓成分

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Draws moisture into the skin to prevent dryness after washing.

🧪 Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice / 库拉索芦荟叶汁

Purpose: Soothing, Moisturizing

Concerns: None

Notes: Well-known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

🧪 Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract / 母菊花提取物

Purpose: Soothing, Anti-inflammatory

Concerns: Rare ragweed allergy cross-reaction

Notes: Commonly known as Chamomile; excellent for calming irritated skin.

🧪 Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract / 黄瓜果提取物

Purpose: Skin Conditioning, Soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a refreshing feel and has mild astringent properties.

📁 Texture & Viscosity Modifiers / 质地与粘度调节剂

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Viscosity Controlling

Concerns: None in wash-off products

Notes: Common table salt, used to thicken the texture of the cleanser.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster, Chelating Agent

Concerns: None at low concentrations

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

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Generally safe

Notes: A food-grade preservative often used in combination with Potassium Sorbate.

🧪 Potassium Sorbate / 山梨酸钾

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Rare skin irritation

Notes: A mild preservative that inhibits mold and yeast growth.

🧪 Phytic Acid / 植酸

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Plant-derived; helps stabilize the formula by neutralizing metal ions and boosting preservative efficacy.