Equate Beauty Hydrating Facial Cleanser

A non-foaming, lotion-based cleanser formulated with essential Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid precursors to hydrate and restore the protective skin barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formulation is designed as a non-foaming, hydrating cream cleanser. Instead of harsh anionic surfactants (like sulfates), it utilizes Behentrimonium Methosulfate, a mild cationic surfactant that cleanses without stripping natural oils. The inclusion of Glycerin, Ceramide NP, AP, and EOP, Cholesterol, and Phytosphingosine creates a robust profile that actually repairs and supports the skin barrier during the cleansing process. It is exceptional for dry, sensitive, or compromised skin, though it may be too gentle to remove heavy waterproof makeup or thick mineral sunscreen in a single pass.

Safety Rating: 4.8

The ingredient list is extremely clean and minimal regarding potential irritants. It is Fragrance-Free and contains no essential oils or drying alcohols. The preservative system (Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin) is standard and generally well-tolerated. The emulsifiers (Cetyl/Stearyl Alcohol) are safe, though rare individuals with specific fungal acne triggers might monitor reactions to fatty alcohols. Overall, it is highly suitable for reactive and sensitive skin types.

Final Rating: 4.6

This is a gold-standard formulation for gentle cleansing (highly likely the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser). It excels at maintaining skin hydration and structural integrity while removing daily impurities. Its reliance on skin-identical lipids makes it a therapeutic choice for those using harsh actives (like retinoids) or suffering from eczema. While it lacks the ‘squeaky clean’ feel preferred by oily skin types, its formulation quality and barrier-first approach earn it a top-tier rating.

Verdict

This facial cleanser formulation is a quintessential example of a modern, barrier-supportive hygiene product. Unlike traditional soaps that rely on harsh sulfates to strip oils, this formula utilizes a sophisticated blend of Emollients and mild surfactants to cleanse the skin while depositing moisture. The presence of Glycerin high in the ingredient list ensures immediate hydration, acting as a humectant to draw water into the outer layer of the skin.

The standout feature of this product is undeniably its inclusion of a multi-faceted lipid complex. It boasts three types of Ceramides (NP, AP, and EOP), along with Cholesterol and Phytosphingosine. These ingredients are identical to the lipids found naturally in the skin’s moisture barrier. When applied, they help restore protective function, making this an excellent choice for individuals dealing with eczema, rosacea, or general sensitivity. The delivery system relies on Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, which not only emulsifies dirt but also helps these ceramides penetrate effectively.

Texture-wise, users should expect a non-foaming, lotion-like consistency. This is largely due to the high concentration of fatty alcohols like Stearyl Alcohol and Cetyl Alcohol. While these ingredients provide a luxurious slip and prevent the “squeaky clean” feeling that indicates dehydration, they might be confusing for those accustomed to high-foaming gels. Because it contains Behentrimonium Methosulfate, a conditioning agent usually found in hair care, the skin is left feeling soft and conditioned rather than bare.

However, this gentle nature comes with limitations. The formula is likely too mild to break down heavy, long-wear makeup or waterproof sunscreen on its own. It performs best as a morning cleanser or as the second step in a double-cleansing routine. Additionally, while generally safe, the rich fatty alcohols could potentially feel heavy for those with extremely oily or congestion-prone skin. Ultimately, this is a minimalist, Fragrance-Free powerhouse for moisture retention, prioritizing skin health over sensory foam.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Humectants / 溶剂与保湿剂

🧪 WATER (AQUA) / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A skin-identical ingredient that attracts moisture to the skin.

🧪 ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative Booster / Humectant

Concerns: Low risk of irritation

Notes: Functions as a skin-conditioning agent and boosts the efficacy of preservatives.

📁 Emollients & Fatty Alcohols / 润肤剂与脂肪醇

🧪 STEARYL ALCOHOL / 硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient / Thickener

Concerns: Comedogenicity rating 2/5

Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens the skin; not drying like simple alcohols.

🧪 CETYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient / Thickener

Concerns: Comedogenicity rating 2/5

Notes: A fatty alcohol derived from plants or oils, helps stabilize the product.

🧪 GLYCERYL STEARATE / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emollient / Emulsifier

Concerns: Potential fungal acne trigger

Notes: Helps form a protective barrier on the skin.

📁 Skin-Identical Barrier Repair Ingredients / 皮肤屏障修复成分

🧪 CERAMIDE NP / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin-restoring

Concerns: None

Notes: Reinforces the skin’s natural lipid barrier.

🧪 CERAMIDE AP / 神经酰胺 AP

Purpose: Skin-restoring

Concerns: None

Notes: Works synergistically with other ceramides to retain moisture.

🧪 CERAMIDE EOP / 神经酰胺 EOP

Purpose: Skin-restoring

Concerns: None

Notes: Crucial for barrier function and hydration.

🧪 PHYTOSPHINGOSINE / 植物鞘氨醇

Purpose: Cell-communicating ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: A precursor to ceramides; has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

🧪 CHOLESTEROL / 胆固醇

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier function.

📁 Surfactants & Emulsifiers / 表面活性剂与乳化剂

🧪 PEG-100 STEARATE / PEG-100 硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: Fungal acne trigger; minimal contamination concerns in modern production

Notes: Keeps oil and water mixed.

🧪 SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE / 月桂酰乳酰乳酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier / Mild Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used to help solubilize ceramides.

🧪 BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE / 山嵛基三甲基硫酸甲酯

Purpose: Surfactant / Conditioning Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: A very mild, cationic surfactant that cleanses without stripping; common in gentle cleansers.

📁 Thickeners & Texture Enhancers / 增稠剂与质地调节剂

🧪 CARBOMER / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates a gel-like texture.

🧪 XANTHAN GUM / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener / Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural polysaccharide used to adjust viscosity.

📁 Antioxidants & Preservatives / 抗氧化剂与防腐剂

🧪 TOCOPHEROL / 生育酚 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: Comedogenicity rating 2/5 (depends on concentration)

Notes: Protects skin from free radicals and preserves fats in the formula.

🧪 PHENOXYETHANOL / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Rare irritation in very sensitive skin

Notes: Common alternative to parabens.

🧪 DISODIUM EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelator

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents minerals in water from degrading the formula.

📁 pH Adjusters / pH调节剂

🧪 POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE / 磷酸钾

Purpose: Buffering Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Maintains the pH balance of the product.

🧪 SODIUM HYDROXIDE / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritating in high concentration (safe in pH-balanced final product)

Notes: Used to neutralize thickeners like Carbomer.