Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel

A gentle, sulfate-free gel cleanser that combines mild amino acid surfactants with pineapple enzymes and rose water to purify and brighten the skin without disrupting the moisture barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This cleanser utilizes a sophisticated blend of mild surfactants (Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Coco-Betaine, and Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate) rather than harsh sulfates, ensuring it cleanses effectiveley without stripping the skin’s moisture barrier. The inclusion of Glycerin and Propanediol provides excellent hydration, while Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract adds a gentle enzymatic exfoliating benefit to brighten the complexion. It is an ideal formulation for a non-drying, refreshing cleanse.

Safety Rating: 4.8

The ingredient list is exceptionally clean. It is free from synthetic fragrances, sulfates (SLS/SLES), parabens, and harsh alcohols. The preservative system relies on gentle alternatives like Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate and Caprylhydroxamic Acid. Rosa Damascena Flower Water is included for its soothing properties, making this product highly suitable for sensitive or reactive skin.

Final Rating: 4.6

This is a top-tier formulation for a gentle facial cleanser. It balances cleansing efficacy with skin barrier protection perfectly. By combining soothing botanicals, hydrating humectants, and the mildest class of surfactants, it offers a luxurious and safe experience for almost all skin types, particularly those concerned with dehydration or sensitivity.

Verdict

This formulation represents a sophisticated and modern approach to cleansing, meticulously designed to clean the skin effectively while respecting its delicate physiological balance. The primary cleansing agents—Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Coco-Betaine, and Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate—are notably mild. Unlike harsh sulfates like SLS which can decimate the skin barrier, these surfactants lift impurities and excess sebum gently, ensuring the skin is not left feeling tight, stripped, or squeaky clean.

To counterbalance the cleansing action, the formula includes a significant amount of humectants such as Glycerin and Propanediol. These ingredients draw moisture into the stratum corneum, helping to maintain hydration levels during the wash. The inclusion of Rosa Damascena Flower Water adds a layer of sophistication; beyond potentially offering a subtle natural scent, rose water is renowned for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making this an excellent choice for those prone to redness.

The star active ingredient here is the Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract. Rich in the enzyme bromelain, this extract provides a very gentle form of enzymatic exfoliation. It works by dissolving the “glue” holding dead skin cells together, revealing a brighter complexion without the abrasion of physical scrubs or the stinging potential of strong acids. This makes it particularly suitable for daily use to tackle dullness and uneven texture.

The preservation system is equally gentle, utilizing Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate and Caprylhydroxamic Acid rather than parabens or formaldehyde releasers. While the formula is excellent for a morning cleanse or as a second step in a double cleanse, users should be aware that the mild surfactant profile might be insufficient to remove heavy, waterproof makeup or thick mineral sunscreen in a single pass. Overall, this is a thoughtfully constructed, barrier-supportive product suitable for a wide range of skin types.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Humectants / 溶剂与保湿剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base carrier for the formulation.

🧪 Propanediol / 1,3-丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent, Humectant

Concerns: Low risk

Notes: A corn-derived alternative to propylene glycol that increases skin hydration.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A classic moisturizer that draws moisture into the skin.

🧪 1,2-Hexanediol / 1,2-己二醇

Purpose: Solvent, Preservative Booster

Concerns: Low risk

Notes: Helps preserve the product while adding moisture.

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

🧪 Sodium Cocoamphoacetate / 椰油酰两性基乙酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant, Foam Booster

Concerns: Low risk

Notes: A very mild amphoteric surfactant suitable for sensitive skin.

🧪 Coco-Betaine / 椰油基甜菜碱

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: Potential impurities

Notes: Helps create foam and clean the skin; generally mild but impurities in manufacturing can cause irritation in rare cases.

🧪 Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate / 椰油酰谷氨酸二钠

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: A mild amino acid-based surfactant derived from coconut oil and fermented sugar.

🧪 Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate / 椰油酰谷氨酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: Similar to Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, a mild cleansing agent that protects the skin barrier.

🧪 Caprylyl Glyceryl Ether / 辛酰基甘油醚

Purpose: Surfactant, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: Low risk

Notes: Functions as a stabilizer and mild cleansing agent.

📁 Botanicals & Active Ingredients / 植物提取物与活性成分

🧪 Rosa Damascena Flower Water / 突厥蔷薇花水

Purpose: Soothing, Fragrance

Concerns: Potential allergen (fragrance)

Notes: Provides a pleasant scent and can have soothing antioxidant properties.

🧪 Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract / 菠萝果提取物

Purpose: Exfoliant, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: Potential irritation

Notes: Contains the enzyme bromelain which helps gently exfoliate dead skin cells.

📁 Texture Enhancers & Stabilizers / 质地调节剂与稳定剂

🧪 Dehydroxanthan Gum / 脱羟基黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener, Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: A modified gum used to thicken the texture and stabilize the formula.

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Viscosity Controller

Concerns: Drying (in high concentrations)

Notes: Common table salt, used to thicken the consistency of surfactants.

📁 Preservatives & pH Adjusters / 防腐剂与酸碱调节剂

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster, Exfoliant

Concerns: Irritation (concentration dependent)

Notes: Primarily used here to adjust the pH of the product to be skin-friendly.

🧪 Caprylhydroxamic Acid / 辛酰羟肟酸

Purpose: Chelating Agent, Preservative

Concerns: Low risk

Notes: A gentle alternative to parabens that prevents mold and bacterial growth.

🧪 Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate / 明串球菌/萝卜根发酵产物滤液

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: A natural antimicrobial peptide derived from fermented radishes.