Curel Foaming Facial Wash

A gentle, amino acid-based cleanser formulated with Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate to soothe inflammation and Glycerin to maintain essential skin hydration.

Performance Rating: 4.4

This formula relies on Amino Acid-based surfactants (Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate) and Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, creating a very gentle cleansing system that removes impurities without stripping natural oils. The inclusion of Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate provides significant anti-inflammatory benefits, reducing redness and irritation during washing. Glycerin and Maltitol serve as effective humectants, ensuring the skin feels hydrated and soft rather than tight after rinsing.

Safety Rating: 4.2

The product avoids harsh sulfates (SLS/SLES) and drying alcohols, relying instead on a mild surfactant profile suitable for sensitive skin. While it contains Parabens and Phenoxyethanol, these are effective, broad-spectrum preservatives considered safe by toxicologists, though some consumers prefer to avoid them. Propylene Glycol is used as a solvent and is generally safe, though it can occasionally cause sensitivity in hyper-reactive skin.

Final Rating: 4.3

This is an exemplary formulation for sensitive, dry, or barrier-compromised skin. It prioritizes skin health by combining soothing actives with gentle cleansing agents. While it may require a separate oil cleanser to remove heavy waterproof makeup, it excels as a daily face wash that maintains the skin’s moisture barrier.

Verdict

This facial cleanser presents itself as a thoughtfully formulated product designed to balance effective cleansing with skin barrier protection. At the heart of the formula lies Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, a derivative of licorice root known for its impressive anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. This key ingredient makes the product particularly well-suited for calming redness and reducing the irritation often associated with acne-prone or sensitive skin types. By prioritizing a soothing active, the cleanser moves beyond simple dirt removal to offer therapeutic benefits during the washing process.

The cleansing mechanism relies on a sophisticated blend of amino acid-based surfactants, specifically Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate and Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate. Unlike harsh sulfates that can strip the skin of its natural oils, these cleaning agents are renowned for their gentleness. They effectively remove impurities and excess sebum while respecting the skin’s acidic mantle. Supported by Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, an amphoteric surfactant, the formula produces a modest lather that cleanses without leaving the face feeling tight or ‘squeaky.’ The inclusion of PEG-6000 likely contributes to a cushiony texture, reducing friction on delicate skin during use.

To prevent the drying effect often caused by water and cleansing agents, the formulation includes robust humectants like Glycerin and Maltitol. These ingredients work to attract and retain moisture, ensuring that the skin remains hydrated and plump immediately after rinsing. Propylene Glycol (PG) further aids in moisture retention and penetration, acting as a functional backbone for the formula.

However, users should be aware of the preservative system. The inclusion of Parabens provides effective preservation against microbial growth, but it remains a controversial ingredient for those who strictly adhere to specific ‘clean beauty’ standards or have specific allergies. Additionally, while generally safe, Propylene Glycol can occasionally cause sensitivity in individuals with hyper-reactive skin.

Overall, this is an excellent option for those seeking a gentle, non-stripping daily wash. Its reliance on amino acid surfactants combined with the soothing power of licorice extract makes it a strong candidate for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. It effectively bridges the gap between deep cleansing and comforting skincare, making it suitable for morning or evening use.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Active Ingredients / 有效成分

🧪 Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate / 甘草酸二钾

Purpose: Soothing agent, Anti-inflammatory

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from licorice root; helps reduce redness and irritation, often found in products for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

📁 Cleansing Agents & Surfactants / 清洁成分与表面活性剂

🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate Solution / 月桂酰天冬氨酸钠溶液

Purpose: Surfactant, Cleansing agent

Concerns: None

Notes: An amino acid-based surfactant known for being mild and gentle on the skin.

🧪 Lauryl Hydroxysultaine Solution / 月桂基羟基磺基甜菜碱溶液

Purpose: Surfactant, Foam booster, Antistatic agent

Concerns: None

Notes: An amphoteric surfactant that helps improve foam quality and reduces the irritation potential of other surfactants.

🧪 Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate / 椰油酰谷氨酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant, Cleansing agent

Concerns: None

Notes: A very mild amino acid-based surfactant that leaves skin feeling soft.

🧪 POE Sorbitan Stearate / 聚氧乙烯失水山梨醇单硬脂酸酯 (聚山梨醇酯-60)

Purpose: Emulsifier, Solubilizer

Concerns: Low risk of contamination with 1,4-dioxane if not purified properly.

Notes: Also known as Polysorbate 60; helps mix oil and water.

📁 Moisturizers & Humectants / 保湿剂与吸湿剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant, Skin-identical ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin to keep it hydrated.

🧪 Maltitol / 麦芽糖醇

Purpose: Humectant, Moisturizer

Concerns: None

Notes: A sugar alcohol that helps retain moisture.

🧪 PG (Propylene Glycol) / 丙二醇

Purpose: Humectant, Solvent, Penetration enhancer

Concerns: Can cause contact dermatitis in some people with very sensitive skin or eczema.

Notes: Helps other ingredients penetrate the skin and maintains product texture.

🧪 PEG-6000 / 聚乙二醇-6000

Purpose: Binder, Solvent, Humectant

Concerns: Do not apply to broken skin.

Notes: A high molecular weight polyethylene glycol used to influence texture and viscosity.

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Purified Water / 纯净水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base carrier for the formulation.

📁 Preservatives, Stabilizers & pH Adjusters / 防腐剂、稳定剂与pH调节剂

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative booster, Skin conditioning agent

Concerns: Rare allergic reactions.

Notes: Often used as a safer alternative to parabens or to boost efficacy of other preservatives like phenoxyethanol.

🧪 Potassium Hydroxide Solution (A) / 氢氧化钾溶液

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Highly alkaline/caustic in raw form, but safe in reacted final product.

Notes: Used to neutralize fatty acids or adjust the pH of the cleanser.

🧪 Edetate (EDTA Salts) / 依地酸盐 (EDTA)

Purpose: Chelating agent

Concerns: None for skin, environmental concerns regarding biodegradability.

Notes: Binds to metal ions to prevent them from degrading the product formula.

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Safe in concentrations under 1%; rare irritation.

Notes: A common preservative used to prevent bacterial growth.

🧪 Paraben / 对羟基苯甲酸酯 (防腐剂)

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Controversial due to potential endocrine disruption debate, though safe in regulated cosmetic limits.

Notes: A class of preservatives used to prevent fungal and bacterial growth.