Trader Joe’s Marula Oil Cream Cleanser

A deeply hydrating, sulfate-free cleanser featuring Colloidal Oatmeal, Marula Oil, and a complex blend of Amino Acids designed to soothe and repair the skin barrier while gently removing impurities.

Performance Rating: 4.6

This formula utilizes a sophisticated blend of mild surfactants (including Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Coco-Glucoside) that cleanse effectively without disrupting the acid mantle. Performance is significantly boosted by the inclusion of Colloidal Oatmeal, a gold-standard ingredient for soothing irritation, and a comprehensive Amino Acid complex (Arginine, Glycine, etc.) that supports the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The addition of luxury emollients like Marula Oil and Evening Primrose Oil ensures a moisturizing finish that leaves skin soft rather than tight.

Safety Rating: 4.5

The safety profile is excellent, free from harsh sulfates (SLS/SLES), drying alcohols, and synthetic fragrances, making it highly suitable for sensitive skin. Preservatives used (Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin) are standard and effective. The inclusion of soothing botanicals mitigates irritation risks. The only minor note is the presence of Coconut Oil and Algae Extract, which can be potentially comedogenic (pore-clogging) for highly acne-prone skin, although this risk is minimal in a rinse-off product.

Final Rating: 4.6

This is a top-tier facial cleanser formulation. It strikes a perfect balance between cleansing power and barrier repair. By combining gentle cleansing agents with skin-identical ingredients (Sodium PCA, Amino Acids) and anti-inflammatory extracts (Oat, Marshmallow Root), it functions as both a cleanser and a soothing treatment. It is an ideal choice for dry, sensitive, or compromised skin barriers.

Verdict

This formulation represents a sophisticated approach to facial cleansing, prioritizing the preservation of the skin’s moisture barrier above all else. The surfactant system utilizes Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine, among others. These are exceptionally mild, sulfate-free cleansing agents often found in baby products, ensuring that the skin is cleaned without being stripped of its essential oils or subjected to the harsh, alkaline environment created by traditional soaps.

The star ingredient here is undoubtedly Colloidal Oatmeal, a clinically proven skin protectant known for its ability to soothe itchiness, redness, and irritation caused by eczema or dryness. This soothing action is synergistically boosted by Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract, which provides a softening, mucilaginous slip that reduces friction on the skin. The lipid profile is equally impressive, featuring a rich blend of Marula Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Chia Seed Oil, and Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter. These ingredients suggest a creamy, milky texture that leaves the skin feeling supple rather than tight.

Furthermore, the formula includes a robust profile of Amino Acids (such as Arginine, Glycine, and Proline) combined with Sodium PCA. These components mimic the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF), helping to retain water and strengthen the stratum corneum during the cleansing process. It is rare to see such a complete amino acid profile in a rinse-off product, highlighting the high quality of the formulation.

There are very few downsides, though the inclusion of Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil is worth noting. While excellent for dry skin, coconut oil can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals, although the risk is significantly mitigated in a wash-off product. Additionally, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract is present, likely adding a subtle scent; while natural, it is technically a fragrance component that extremely hypersensitive skins should be aware of. Overall, this is an exemplary cleanser for anyone struggling with dryness or sensitivity.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Surfactants & Cleansing Agents / 表面活性剂与清洁成分

🧪 COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Surfactant, foam booster

Concerns: None generally; rare sensitization

Notes: A mild amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil.

🧪 SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE / 椰油酰羟乙磺酸酯钠

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: Extremely mild surfactant, often called ‘baby foam’.

🧪 SODIUM LAUROYL METHYL ISETHIONATE / 月桂酰甲基羟乙磺酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: A water-soluble, sulfate-free surfactant derived from coconut.

🧪 COCO-GLUCOSIDE / 椰油基葡糖苷

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: Very gentle, biodegradable non-ionic surfactant.

🧪 SODIUM METHYL OLEOYL TAURATE / 甲基油酰基牛磺酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: Mild cleansing agent.

🧪 SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE / 甲基椰油酰基牛磺酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: Mild, coconut-derived alternative to harsh sulfates.

🧪 LAURYL GLUCOSIDE / 月桂基葡糖苷

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: Gentle cleaning agent derived from sugar and lipids.

📁 Moisturizers & Emollients / 保湿剂与润肤成分

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin.

🧪 CETEARYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient, Texture enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that is non-drying and conditions the skin.

🧪 SCLEROCARYA BIRREA (MARULA) KERNEL OIL / 伯尔硬胡桃(马鲁拉)籽油

Purpose: Emollient, Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants.

🧪 GLYCERYL STEARATE / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Softens and smooths the skin.

🧪 GLYCERYL OLEATE / 油酸甘油酯

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps maintain skin moisture.

🧪 SODIUM PCA / PCA 钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A natural component of skin, very hydrating.

🧪 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE / 辛酸/癸酸甘油三酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin; excellent skin feel.

🧪 COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL / 椰子油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: Comedogenic (potential to clog pores)

Notes: Highly moisturizing, though can be heavy for acne-prone skin.

🧪 OENOTHERA BIENNIS (EVENING PRIMROSE) OIL / 月见草油

Purpose: Emollient, Soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid), good for calming skin.

🧪 SALVIA HISPANICA SEED OIL / 欧丹参(奇亚)籽油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.

🧪 SHOREA STENOPTERA SEED BUTTER / 婆罗双树籽脂

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides rich moisturization.

🧪 SODIUM LACTATE / 乳酸钠

Purpose: Humectant, pH adjuster

Concerns: Sun sensitivity (mild)

Notes: Part of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF).

🧪 ROSA CANINA FRUIT OIL / 狗牙蔷薇(玫瑰果)果油

Purpose: Emollient, Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: High in Vitamin C and fatty acids.

🧪 LINOLEIC ACID / 亚油酸

Purpose: Skin-restoring

Concerns: None

Notes: An Omega-6 fatty acid essential for barrier repair.

🧪 HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL / 向日葵籽油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Non-comedogenic oil rich in Vitamin E.

🧪 LINOLENIC ACID / 亚麻酸

Purpose: Skin-restoring

Concerns: None

Notes: An Omega-3 fatty acid.

📁 Soothing Agents & Plant Extracts / 舒缓成分与植物提取物

🧪 AVENA SATIVA (OAT) KERNEL COLLOIDAL OATMEAL / 燕麦仁粉(胶体燕麦)

Purpose: Soothing, Skin protectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Excellent for calming irritation and itchiness.

🧪 ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS ROOT EXTRACT / 药蜀葵根提取物

Purpose: Soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Known as Marshmallow root, provides soothing properties.

🧪 VANILLA PLANIFOLIA FRUIT EXTRACT / 香荚兰果提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Fragrance

Concerns: Potential sensitivity to fragrance

Notes: Provides a natural scent and antioxidant benefits.

🧪 ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT / 迷迭香叶提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps preserve the oils in the formula and soothes skin.

📁 Amino Acids (Skin Conditioning) / 氨基酸(皮肤调理)

🧪 ARGININE / 精氨酸

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps repair visible skin damage.

🧪 ASPARTIC ACID / 天冬氨酸

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Building block for skin proteins.

🧪 PCA / 吡咯烷酮羧酸

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Component of Natural Moisturizing Factor.

🧪 GLYCINE / 甘氨酸

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Key amino acid in collagen production.

🧪 ALANINE / 丙氨酸

Purpose: Hydration

Concerns: None

Notes: Maintains moisture balance.

🧪 SERINE / 丝氨酸

Purpose: Hydration

Concerns: None

Notes: Crucial for water retention.

🧪 VALINE / 缬氨酸

Purpose: Skin-conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Supports skin repair.

🧪 ISOLEUCINE / 异亮氨酸

Purpose: Skin-conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Supports skin barrier function.

🧪 PROLINE / 脯氨酸

Purpose: Skin-conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Improves skin texture.

🧪 THREONINE / 苏氨酸

Purpose: Skin-conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Supports protein formation.

🧪 HISTIDINE / 组氨酸

Purpose: Antioxidant, Soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Soothes skin.

🧪 PHENYLALANINE / 苯丙氨酸

Purpose: Skin-conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Building block for proteins.

📁 Solvents, Preservatives & Texture Modifiers / 溶剂、防腐剂与质地调节剂

🧪 WATER / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

🧪 PHENOXYETHANOL / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Potential irritant for very sensitive skin

Notes: Common safe preservative.

🧪 ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER / 丙烯酸(酯)类/C10-30 烷醇丙烯酸酯交联聚合物

Purpose: Texture enhancer, Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps stabilize the formula.

🧪 SODIUM HYDROXIDE / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritant in high concentrations

Notes: Used in tiny amounts to balance pH; safe in final product.

🧪 ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative booster, Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Often paired with phenoxyethanol.

🧪 TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE / 乙二胺二琥珀酸三钠

Purpose: Chelator

Concerns: None

Notes: Neutralizes metal ions in water to improve stability.

🧪 CHLORPHENESIN / 氯苯甘醚

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Antimicrobial agent.

🧪 CAPRYLYL GLYCOL / 辛甘醇

Purpose: Humectant, Preservative booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Conditions skin and boosts antimicrobial activity.

🧪 TOCOPHEROL / 生育酚 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Protects product from oxidation and benefits skin.