Honest Gentle Gel Cleanser

A sulfate-free gel cleanser formulated with a mild surfactant blend, hydrating humectants, and a complex profile of soothing botanicals and aromatic essential oils.

Performance Rating: 4.4

This cleanser utilizes a sophisticated blend of mild surfactants (Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate) that effectively remove impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The inclusion of humectants like Glycerin and Sorbitol ensures the skin remains hydrated. Additionally, soothing botanical extracts like Calendula and Chamomile contribute to calming the skin during the cleansing process.

Safety Rating: 3.8

The surfactant and preservative system (using Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate) is gentle and generally recognized as safe. However, the formulation includes a significant number of essential oils (Lavender, Geranium, Patchouli, etc.) and naturally occurring fragrance allergens like Linalool. While natural, these are potential irritants and sensitizers, particularly for the delicate skin of the face or for individuals with reactive skin or rosacea.

Final Rating: 4.1

Overall, this is a high-quality botanical cleanser that excels in texture and gentle cleansing capability. It is likely to leave skin feeling soft and clean rather than tight. The rating is slightly adjusted due to the presence of potential allergens from the essential oil blend, limiting its universality for very sensitive skin types. It is an excellent choice for those who enjoy aromatherapeutic skincare and do not have fragrance sensitivities.

Verdict

This facial cleanser presents a formulation that strictly balances effective cleansing with skin-conditioning agents, though it leans heavily into botanical inclusions that may be polarizing depending on skin tolerance. At its core, the surfactant system is notably gentle and sophisticated. Instead of harsh sulfates like SLS or SLES, it relies on Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, and Lauryl Glucoside. These are mild cleansing agents that remove dirt and excess oil without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier or altering its pH drastically. This makes the base of the product suitable for daily use, even for those prone to dehydration or tightness. To support hydration during the cleansing process, the formula includes Glycerin and Sorbitol. These humectants serve to attract water to the skin, ensuring that the face does not feel stripped or “squeaky clean” after rinsing, which is a common pitfall of many gel-based cleansers. The inclusion of Calendula and Chamomile extracts is a thoughtful addition; both are well-regarded in dermatology for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, potentially helping to calm redness and irritation during the wash. However, the ingredient list reveals a significant concentration of essential oils, including Lavender, Geranium, Patchouli, and Siberian Fir. While these provide a luxurious, spa-like aromatic experience and offer some antimicrobial benefits, they are potent components. Essential oils contain volatile organic compounds—such as the listed Linalool and Linalyl Acetate—which are known contact allergens. For the average user with resilient skin, this blend offers a refreshing and therapeutic sensory experience that transforms a mundane routine into a ritual. However, for those with reactive skin, the sheer number of fragrant oils increases the risk of sensitization over time. The preservation system, utilizing Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate, is effective and generally milder than parabens or isothiazolinones. In summary, this is a well-engineered cleanser that excels in texture and cleansing capability. It is an excellent choice for those who desire a sensorial cleansing ritual and have skin that tolerates botanical fragrances well, effectively removing impurities while respecting the skin’s equilibrium.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 Water (Aqua/Eau) / 水

Purpose: Solvent base for the formula.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary component of the product.

📁 Surfactants & Cleansing Agents / 表面活性剂和清洁剂

🧪 Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate / 月桂基葡糖苷羟丙基磺酸钠

Purpose: Mild cleaning agent.

Concerns: Generally safe, eco-friendly.

Notes: A gentler alternative to harsh sulfates.

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine / 椰油酰胺丙基羟基磺基甜菜碱

Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant, foam booster, and static reducer.

Concerns: Low risk of irritation.

Notes: Increases foaming capacity and conditions the skin.

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

Purpose: Mild amino-acid based surfactant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Known for being gentle on the skin while effective at cleansing.

🧪 Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate / 月桂基葡糖苷羧酸钠

Purpose: Mild surfactant derived from sugar.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Often used in natural cosmetics.

🧪 Lauryl Glucoside / 月桂基葡糖苷

Purpose: Mild non-ionic surfactant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Derived from plant sugars; biodegradable.

🧪 Coconut Acid / 椰子酸

Purpose: Emollient and cleansing agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Fatty acids derived from coconut oil.

🧪 Sodium Methyl Taurate / 甲基牛磺酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Component usually associated with taurate surfactants.

📁 Humectants & Moisturizers / 保湿剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant that draws moisture to the skin.

Concerns: None.

Notes: A very common and effective moisturizing ingredient.

🧪 Sorbitol / 山梨(糖)醇

Purpose: Humectant and thickener.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps skin retain moisture and improves product texture.

📁 Botanical Extracts & Oils / 植物提取物与精油

🧪 Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract / 金盏花提取物

Purpose: Soothing and anti-inflammatory agent.

Concerns: Rarely causes allergy.

Notes: Great for calming irritated skin.

🧪 Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract / 母菊花提取物

Purpose: Soothing and anti-inflammatory.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Commonly used for sensitive skin.

🧪 Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil / 薰衣草油

Purpose: Fragrance and antimicrobial.

Concerns: Potential allergen/irritant for sensitive skin.

Notes: Provides a relaxing scent.

🧪 Lavandula Hybrida Oil / 杂薰衣草油

Purpose: Fragrance.

Concerns: Potential allergen.

Notes: A hybrid lavender variety.

🧪 Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil / 香叶天竺葵花油

Purpose: Fragrance and astringent.

Concerns: Essential oil sensitivity.

Notes: Also known as Geranium oil.

🧪 Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil / 广藿香叶油

Purpose: Fragrance.

Concerns: Sensitizing for some.

Notes: Patchouli oil.

🧪 Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil / 白花春黄菊花油

Purpose: Fragrance and soothing agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Roman Chamomile oil.

🧪 Cymbopogon Martini Oil / 玫瑰草油

Purpose: Fragrance and skin conditioning.

Concerns: Essential oil sensitivity.

Notes: Palmarosa oil.

🧪 Abies Sibirica Oil / 西伯利亚冷杉油

Purpose: Fragrance.

Concerns: Potential irritant in high concentrations.

Notes: Fir needle oil.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 Gluconolactone / 葡萄糖酸内酯

Purpose: Chelating agent and mild exfoliant (PHA).

Concerns: None.

Notes: Also hydrates the skin and improves barrier function.

🧪 Potassium Sorbate / 山梨酸钾

Purpose: Preservative.

Concerns: Generally safe.

Notes: Prevents mold and yeast growth.

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative.

Concerns: Can be sensitizing for very sensitive skin.

Notes: Common food-grade preservative.

🧪 Sorbic Acid / 山梨酸

Purpose: Preservative.

Concerns: Generally safe.

Notes: Derived from berries of the mountain ash tree or synthetic.

📁 pH Adjusters & Texture Modifiers / pH调节剂与质地调节剂

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickener.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Common table salt, increases viscosity.

🧪 Sodium Citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: pH buffer and chelating agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps maintain product stability.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Adjusts acidity to match skin pH.

📁 Fragrance Components / 香料成分

🧪 Linalool / 芳樟醇

Purpose: Fragrance component.

Concerns: Known EU 26 Allergen.

Notes: Naturally occurring in lavender and many other essential oils.

🧪 Linalyl Acetate / 乙酸芳樟酯

Purpose: Fragrance component.

Concerns: Can oxidize and become allergenic.

Notes: Major component of lavender and bergamot oils.