Equate Beauty Foaming Facial Cleanser

A gel-based foaming cleanser fortified with three essential ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to effectively remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup without disrupting the protective skin barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.6

This formula represents a gold standard for gentle yet effective cleansing. It utilizes a blend of mild surfactants, such as Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine and Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, which cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural oils. The inclusion of skin-restoring ingredients is exceptional: a complex of three Ceramides (NP, EOP, AP) and Phytosphingosine helps repair the barrier, Niacinamide soothes and balances oil production, and Sodium Hyaluronate provides hydration. It is designed to clean effectively while maintaining skin health.

Safety Rating: 3.9

The product is fragrance-free, which significantly reduces the risk of irritation for most users. However, the safety rating is impacted by the presence of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. While these are effective preservatives, they are known allergens and sensitizers that can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals, even in wash-off products. Additionally, the formula contains PEGs, which are safe for most but avoided by those seeking strictly ‘clean’ or natural formulations.

Final Rating: 4.4

This is a highly effective cleanser, likely suitable for normal to oily skin due to its foaming nature and oil-controlling Niacinamide. The formulation excels in performance by combining cleansing agents with high-quality barrier-repairing ingredients like Ceramides and Cholesterol. While the preservative system (Isothiazolinones) keeps it from a perfect safety score due to potential allergenicity, the overall benefit to the skin barrier makes it a top-tier product in its category.

Verdict

This formulation represents a masterclass in balancing effective cleansing with barrier support. At its core, the surfactant system relies on Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine and Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, alongside Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate. Unlike harsh sulfates such as SLS that can strip the skin of its natural oils, these cleaning agents create a satisfying foam that effectively removes dirt, makeup, and excess sebum while maintaining a gentle touch. This makes it particularly effective for those who enjoy the “squeaky clean” feeling without the subsequent tightness and irritation often associated with traditional foaming cleansers.

The inclusion of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a standout feature in this ingredient list. Niacinamide is a powerhouse ingredient known for its ability to regulate oil production, calm inflammation, and improve skin texture. For individuals struggling with acne-prone or oily skin, this addition transforms the product from a simple wash into a functional, soothing step in their skincare routine. Furthermore, the presence of Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate ensures that hydration is attracted to the skin surface during the cleansing process, preventing immediate dehydration upon rinsing.

True to the philosophy of barrier health, the formula is enriched with a specific lipid complex comprising Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Cholesterol, and Phytosphingosine. These lipids are identical to those found naturally in the skin’s barrier. By replenishing these essential fats, the cleanser helps to restore and maintain the skin’s protective function, which is often compromised in acne-prone or sensitive skin types. The delivery system involves Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, which aids in the emulsification and penetration of these beneficial ingredients.

However, potential users should be aware of the preservative system. The formula utilizes Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. While these are highly effective at preventing bacterial growth and ensuring product longevity, they are known contact allergens. In rinse-off products like this cleanser, the risk of reaction is significantly lower than in leave-on creams, but those with a known history of contact dermatitis or extreme sensitivity to preservatives should proceed with caution. Overall, this cleanser is an excellent, dermatologically sound choice for maintaining a healthy moisture balance while effectively managing oil.

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Ingredient Evaluation

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

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine / 椰油酰胺丙基羟基苏尔坦

Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant, foam booster, antistatic agent.

Concerns: Generally considered mild.

Notes: A mild surfactant that helps clean the skin and create foam.

🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate / 月桂酰肌氨酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant, foaming agent.

Concerns: Low risk of irritation; enhances penetration of other ingredients.

Notes: An amino acid-based surfactant that creates a rich foam.

🧪 Peg-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides / PEG-6 辛酸/癸酸甘油酯类

Purpose: Emulsifier, surfactant, skin-conditioning agent.

Concerns: PEG compounds can contain impurities (1,4-dioxane) if not purified properly, though usually safe in cosmetics.

Notes: Helps mix oil and water; provides a soft skin feel.

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

Purpose: Surfactant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: A mild, coconut-derived surfactant suitable for sensitive skin.

🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate / 月桂酰乳酰乳酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier, mild thickening agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Also has moisturizing properties and supports the delivery of ceramides.

📁 Moisturizers & Skin Barrier Repair / 保湿与皮肤屏障修复成分

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Draws moisture into the skin; a gold standard moisturizer.

🧪 Niacinamide / 烟酰胺

Purpose: Skin-restoring ingredient, soothing agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Vitamin B3; helps control oil, soothe redness, and improve skin barrier.

🧪 Ceramide Np / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Essential for a healthy skin barrier.

🧪 Ceramide Eop / 神经酰胺 EOP

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Works with other ceramides to protect the skin barrier.

🧪 Ceramide Ap / 神经酰胺 AP

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps retain moisture and fortify the protective layer of the skin.

🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Salt form of hyaluronic acid; holds massive amounts of water.

🧪 Cholesterol / 胆甾醇

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient, emulsifier.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Works synergistically with ceramides and fatty acids to maintain the barrier.

🧪 Phytosphingosine / 植物鞘氨醇

Purpose: Skin-conditioning agent, lipid.

Concerns: None.

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

🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Humectant, solvent, penetration enhancer.

Concerns: Can be irritating to a small percentage of people with sensitive skin.

Notes: Helps ingredients penetrate the skin and keeps the product from drying out.

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

🧪 Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate / PEG-150 季戊四醇四硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Thickening agent, emulsifier.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Often used to thicken surfactant systems.

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickening agent, binding agent.

Concerns: Can be drying if concentration is very high, but usually fine in cleansers.

Notes: Common table salt.

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener, texture enhancer.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps create a gel-like consistency.

🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener, stabilizer.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Natural sugar-derived thickener.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster, chelator.

Concerns: Can be an exfoliant at high concentrations, but used here likely for pH balance.

Notes: Ensures the cleanser is not too alkaline.

🧪 Disodium Edta / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelating agent.

Concerns: None for skin safety; environmental concerns regarding biodegradability.

Notes: Binds to metal ions to prevent product deterioration.

🧪 Methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative.

Concerns: Known sensitizer/allergen. Can cause contact dermatitis.

Notes: Often used in combination with Methylisothiazolinone. Safer in rinse-off products than leave-on.

🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative.

Concerns: High sensitization potential; known allergen.

Notes: Together with Methylchloroisothiazolinone, known as Kathon CG. Use cautiously if you have sensitive skin.

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水

Purpose: Solvent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The base of the formula.