A non-foaming, lotion-based cleanser formulated with fatty alcohols and emollients to gently clean skin without stripping its natural moisture barrier.
This formulation represents a classic, non-foaming lotion-style cleanser. The high concentration of fatty alcohols (Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol) ensures the product is emollient and moisturizing, leaving a film that prevents the skin from feeling tight or stripped. It is excellent for sensitive or dry skin types. However, its cleaning power is relatively low; it may struggle to remove heavy makeup, water-resistant sunscreen, or excess oil compared to foaming cleansers.
The formula is generally safe but contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a surfactant known for being a potential irritant and drying agent, although its harshness is significantly mitigated here by the presence of fatty alcohols. Propylene Glycol and Benzyl Alcohol are included, which can occasionally act as sensitizers for individuals with hyper-reactive skin or compromised barriers. Phenoxyethanol serves as a reliable and widely accepted preservative.
This is a reliable, utilitarian cleanser that mirrors the profile of widely recognized ‘gentle skin cleansers’ (similar to classic Cetaphil). It is a safe bet for maintaining skin hydration during cleansing but lacks modern active ingredients (like ceramides, amino acids, or niacinamide) found in newer formulations. It is a solid, basic choice for minimalists or those strictly avoiding foam.
This product represents a classic, dermatological approach to skincare that prioritizes barrier preservation over deep degreasing. The formulation is distinctively non-foaming, relying on a lotion-like texture rather than suds to cleanse the face. At the heart of this formula are Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol. It is crucial to distinguish these from drying alcohols like denatured alcohol; these are fatty alcohols that act as emollients, providing a creamy slip that softens the skin while helping to lift impurities.
The presence of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) in the ingredient list is often a point of contention for skincare enthusiasts. SLS is a strong surfactant known for its potential to strip skin lipids. However, formulation context is paramount. In this specific suspension, the SLS is present in a relatively low concentration and is heavily buffered by the fatty alcohols. Instead of creating a harsh foam, it lowers the surface tension of the water, allowing the formula to slide across the skin and emulsify dirt without aggressively disrupting the acid mantle. While this makes it significantly gentler than foaming gels containing SLS, those with a strict philosophy against sulfates may still prefer to avoid it.
Propylene Glycol serves as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin to prevent the tight feeling that often follows cleansing. The product is preserved with Phenoxyethanol and Benzyl Alcohol, a standard and effective system, while Citric Acid ensures the pH remains skin-friendly.
In terms of user experience, this cleanser will feel slippery and mild. It is excellent for a morning cleanse or for removing light impurities, but it has limitations. Because it lacks strong solvents or oil-absorbing agents, it will likely struggle to remove waterproof makeup or heavy mineral sunscreens effectively. Furthermore, it tends to leave a moisturizing film behind. While beneficial for dry skin, this residue can feel occlusive or unclean to those with oily complexions. Overall, this is a functional, no-frills staple for those with compromised skin barriers who need a wash that is as gentle as possible.
🧪 WATER / 水
Purpose: Base solvent for the formulation.
Concerns: None.
Notes: The primary ingredient in most liquid skincare products.
🧪 CETYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡醇
Purpose: Fatty alcohol used as an emollient, thickener, and emulsifier.
Concerns: Generally considered safe, though rare allergies exist.
Notes: Unlike drying alcohols, this hydrates and conditions the skin.
🧪 GLYCERYL STEARATE / 甘油硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Emulsifier that helps blend water and oil; also softens the skin.
Concerns: None usually; considered safe.
Notes: Derived from palm kernel, vegetable, or soy oil and is also found naturally in the human body.
🧪 STEARYL ALCOHOL / 硬脂醇
Purpose: Fatty alcohol used to soothe skin and thicken the texture.
Concerns: Very low risk of irritation.
Notes: Works synergistically with Cetyl Alcohol to stabilize the product.
🧪 PROPYLENE GLYCOL / 丙二醇
Purpose: Attracts moisture to the skin and helps other ingredients penetrate.
Concerns: Can be a skin irritant for people with eczema or sensitive skin at high concentrations.
Notes: Also functions as a slip agent and solvent.
🧪 SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE / 十二烷基硫酸钠
Purpose: Strong cleansing agent and foaming agent.
Concerns: Known to be drying and potentially irritating to sensitive skin; strips natural oils.
Notes: Often avoided in gentle cleansers, though formulation balance can mitigate harshness.
🧪 PHENOXYETHANOL / 苯氧乙醇
Purpose: Prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold.
Concerns: Safe in concentrations under 1%; some concerns about sensitivity on damaged skin.
Notes: A common alternative to parabens.
🧪 BENZYL ALCOHOL / 苯甲醇
Purpose: Preservative and solvent; sometimes naturally occurring in essential oils.
Concerns: Can be an allergen or irritant for highly sensitive skin.
Notes: Also imparts a faint sweet scent.
🧪 CITRIC ACID / 柠檬酸
Purpose: Adjusts the pH of the product to match the skin’s natural acidity.
Concerns: Can be irritating in high concentrations, but usually negligible in cleansers.
Notes: An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), though used here primarily for stability.