Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body and Face Cleanser

A foaming facial cleanser utilizing Sodium Myreth Sulfate and gentle glucosides to remove impurities while maintaining a balance for normal to combination skin.

Performance Rating: 4.2

This formula utilizes a robust blend of surfactants. The primary cleansing agents include Sodium Myreth Sulfate (anionic) and Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (amphoteric), supported by mild non-ionic glucosides (Lauryl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside). This combination suggests excellent foaming and cleansing capability without being overly stripping. The addition of Glycerin provides hydration, while Polyquaternium-10 acts as a conditioning agent to leave the skin feeling soft rather than tight. The inclusion of Glycol Distearate gives the product a luxurious, pearlescent texture.

Safety Rating: 4.1

The profile is generally safe for most users. Notably, the product appears to be fragrance-free, which significantly reduces the risk of contact dermatitis and irritation. However, it contains Sodium Myreth Sulfate and several PEGs (PEG-40, PEG-200), which are ethoxylated ingredients; while safe in cosmetic concentrations, some consumers prefer to avoid them due to trace contamination concerns (1,4-dioxane). The preservative system uses Sodium Benzoate and Sodium Salicylate, which are milder alternatives to parabens, though salicylates should be noted for those with specific aspirin sensitivities.

Final Rating: 4.2

This is a solid, effectively formulated facial cleanser. It strikes a good balance between efficacy and gentleness by buffering the sulfate component with milder surfactants and conditioners. The lack of fragrance makes it a versatile choice for various skin types, including sensitive skin, although the presence of sulfates and PEGs keeps it from achieving a perfect ‘clean’ beauty score. It is a reliable, utilitarian product likely to perform well for normal to combination skin.

Verdict

This facial cleanser presents itself as a robust, standard-duty washing agent designed for effective daily cleansing. At the heart of the formula is Sodium Myreth Sulfate. This is an anionic surfactant chemically similar to the widely known Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). While it is excellent at emulsifying oils and creating a rich lather, it is still a sulfate, meaning it possesses a high cleaning potential that can sometimes disrupt the lipid barrier of very delicate skin types.

To counterbalance the strength of the primary surfactant, the formulators have included a supporting cast of milder cleansing agents: Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Lauryl Glucoside, and Coco-Glucoside. These are derived from renewable sources like coconut and fruit sugars. Their inclusion is a smart formulation choice, as they help to mitigate the potential harshness of the sulfate component. This creates a “mixed micelle” system that cleanses effectively without completely stripping the skin of its natural oils, providing a buffer that pure sulfate products often lack.

The texture and sensory experience are managed by Glycol Distearate and Polyquaternium-10. Glycol Distearate acts as a pearlizing agent, likely giving the product a creamy, opaque visual appeal rather than a clear gel look. Polyquaternium-10 is a cationic polymer that deposits a very fine, imperceptible film on the skin. This conditioning agent is crucial in a sulfate-based product, as it reduces the sensation of tightness or “squeaky” friction after rinsing, leaving the skin feeling softer and more manageable.

In terms of preservation and stability, the product utilizes a blend including Sodium Benzoate and Sodium Salicylate. It is worth noting that while Sodium Salicylate is a salt of salicylic acid, its presence here—grouped with other salts and preservatives—is likely primarily for keeping the formula fresh rather than serving as an active acne treatment, though it may offer negligible anti-inflammatory benefits. The formula relies on Glycerin for hydration, ensuring that the cleansing process is buffered by a classic humectant.

Overall, this is a straightforward, functional cleanser. It appears to be fragrance-free (based on the provided list), which is a significant positive for those prone to contact dermatitis. However, it is not strictly “sulfate-free.” It is best suited for those who need a deep clean to remove daily grime and sebum but do not suffer from excessive dryness.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

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

🧪 Sodium Cocoamphoacetate / 椰油酰两性基乙酸钠

Purpose: Amphoteric Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: A mild surfactant suitable for sensitive skin.

🧪 Sodium Myreth Sulfate / 肉豆蔻醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Anionic Surfactant

Concerns: Contamination (1,4-Dioxane)

Notes: Similar to SLES but derived from myristic acid; offers good foaming.

🧪 Lauryl Glucoside / 月桂基葡糖苷

Purpose: Non-ionic Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: A very gentle, plant-derived surfactant.

🧪 Coco-Glucoside / 椰油基葡糖苷

Purpose: Non-ionic Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: Gentle cleansing agent usually derived from coconut oil and fruit sugar.

📁 Moisturizers & Conditioners / 保湿与调理剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin to prevent drying.

🧪 Polyquaternium-10 / 聚季铵盐-10

Purpose: Antistatic/Film Forming

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides conditioning benefits to leave skin feeling soft.

📁 Texture Enhancers & Emulsifiers / 质地调节与乳化剂

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Viscosity Controlling

Concerns: Drying (in high concentrations)

Notes: Common table salt, used to thicken the surfactant mixture.

🧪 Glycol Distearate / 二硬脂酸乙二醇酯

Purpose: Opacifying Agent/Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Gives the product a pearlescent appearance.

🧪 PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil / PEG-40 氢化蓖麻油

Purpose: Solubilizer/Emulsifier

Concerns: Contamination (1,4-Dioxane)

Notes: Helps mix oil and water components.

🧪 PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate / PEG-200 氢化甘油棕榈酸酯

Purpose: Thickening Agent/Emulsifier

Concerns: Contamination (1,4-Dioxane)

Notes: Used to increase the viscosity of the formula.

📁 pH Adjusters & Buffers / pH调节剂与缓冲剂

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritation (if pH too low)

Notes: Used to optimize the pH of the product to be skin-friendly.

🧪 Diammonium Citrate / 柠檬酸二铵

Purpose: Buffering Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps maintain the pH balance of the formula.

🧪 Sodium Acetate / 乙酸钠

Purpose: Buffering Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Stabilizes the pH.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Effective against fungi and bacteria in acidic environments.

🧪 Sodium Salicylate / 水杨酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Sensitization

Notes: Salt of salicylic acid, acts as a preservative and has mild anti-inflammatory properties.